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HISTORY
County of Middlesex,
CANADA.
From the Earliest Time to the Present ; Containing an Authentic Account
of Many Important Matters Relating to the Settlement, Progress
and General History of the County ; and Including a
Department Devoted to the Preservation of
Personal and Private Records, etc.
I LLUSTRATED.
& C. L. GOOnSPEED, PUBLISHERS.
PREFACE. ii7^':>rj
0,<rfO
After over ten months of labor, this volume is respectfully tendered
to our patrons. The design of the work was more to gather and pre-
serve in attractive form, while fresh with the evidences of truth, the
enormous fund of perishing occurrence, than to abstract from insuffi-
cient data remote, doubtful or incorrect philosophical conclusions. The
true perspective of the landscape of life can only be seen from the
distance that lends enchantment to the view. So short has been the
period since the settlement of the County of Middlesex, and so numer-
^ ous and heterogeneous the number of important events crowded into
^ the toiling years, that no general attempt was made to prepare a
^ critical or philosophical history. It is asserted that no person is
f\> competent to write a philosophical history of his own time ; that,
<: . owing to imperfect and conflicting circumstantial evidence that yet
conceals, instead of reveals, the truth, he cannot take that correct,
unprejudiced, logical, luminous and comprehensive view of passing
events that will enable him to draw accurate and enduring con-
clusions. The duty, then, of an historian of his own time is to
collect, classify and preserve the material for the Macaulay of the
future. The present historian deals in fact; the future historian,
in conclusion; the work of the former is statistical; of the latter,
philosophical.
This volume has been prepared under depressing obstacles, among
which a lack of paying patronage was chief In spite of this, the
Publishers have more than complied with their promises in the enor-
mous amount of fact crowded into the solid pages, and in nearly two
hundred pages more of matter than were promised. In addition to
this, a competent resident of the county was specially employed to
read the proofs of the book, that the number of mistakes might be
limited to the fewest. Much of the volume, in all departments, was
compiled by local writers, to whom credit is properly given.
THE PUBLISHEES.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Topography and Natural Histort 11
Soil 11
River Thames, The 11
Other Streams 13
Geologry 13
Building Stone 13
Sand and Gravel 14
OilWells 14
SaltWells 14
Fire Clay 15
Trees and Shrubs 15
CHAPTER II.
Indian Residents 16
Indians, The Earliest 16
Tribal Histoi-y 17
Indians of 1812 21
Border Incidents 21
Missions and Churches 25
Marriages Among Indians 25
Indian Orange Lodges 27
Race Statistics 27
Trails 28
CHAPTER III.
Occupation AND Settlement 29
First Settlers 29
Crown Land Entries 29
Other Settlers 30
Pioneer Mails . . 33
• London Vicinity in 1818 34
Wolf Story, A 35
Colored Inhabitants 36
"Old John Brown" 36
Marriage Laws 36
Pioneer Cabins 39
CHAPTER IV.
Establishment of Churches 41
Catholics, The 41
English Church, The 47
Presbyterians, The SI
Presbyterian Marriages 52
Baptist Church, The 53
Ministers and Marriages 55
Congregationalists, The 59
Marriages, etc 59
Methodist Church, The 60
Their Marriages 61
Bible Christians 65
Lutherans 66
Moravians 67
Other Religious Societies 66
CHAPTER V.
Organization of London District., fifl
Counties, The First 69
8uarter Sessions Court, The 70
ounty Council, The 74
Early Items 90
County Buildings 90
Page.
House of Refuge 92
Insane Asylum , 94
Scott Act, The 95
CHAPTER VI.
Politics from 178S to 1888 98
Districts Formed 98
Legislative Council, The 98
Assembly, The 99
Lieutenant Govenors 100
Crown Land Grants or Concessions.. 100
Political Aspect, Rebellion of 1837. . . 103
Execution of Rebels 106
Contemporary Memoranda 107
Leaders in 1837 108
Political Status 113
Elections, etc 115
CHAPTER VII.
Bench and Bab. The 118
Earliest Practitioners 118
Oldest Court Records 119
Execution of Burleigh 120
Execution of Sovereen 121
Execution of Jones 133
Execution of Pickard 122
Execution of Simmons 123
Miscellaneous Cases 124
OtherTrials 127
Judges and Counsel 133
Present Bar 140
Early Probate Business 142
CHAPTER VIII.
Military Affairs 143
Simcoe's Designs 143
Surrender of Detroit 143
Battle of the Thames 144
Battle of Lake Erie 144
Skirmish at Byron 146
Affair at Battle Hill 146
Other Military Movements 146
Pensioners of the War 147
Rebellion of 1837-8, The 149
Preparations to Invade the States. . . 153
Military Organizations. 153
Affairslnl865 155
Fenian Invasion, The U5
Red River Troubles, 1869-70 158
Militia, The 160
North-west Troubles, 18S5 161
Military School, The 163
CHAPTER IX.
The NEW.SPAPERS 165
Quebec Papers 165
Upper Canadian Papers 165
London District Papers 166
Modern Papers 168
Present Papers 171
Other Periodicals ....: 174
Printers' Union, The 175
Country Publications 176
CHAPTER X.
Page.
Growth of Schools 179
English School, The First 179
Amendment of School Acts 179
Common School System 180
Legal Teachers. 1842 180
Statistics 181
Superintendents . . . . 182
Expenditures. Isp
Institutes, Origin of 186
CHAPTER XI.
Roads and Bridges 187
Corduroy Koads 187
Koads Projected 188
Funds for Road Building 189
ToU Roads 190
Expenditure on County Roads 192
Early Bridges 194
Railroads 195
Railroad Accidents 197
CHAPTER XII.
Societies. Population, Etc 201
Fairs. The First 201
Fair of 1851, The 201
Fair Officers, etc 2(12
Provincial Exhibition, The 202
Old Grounds, The 203
Receipts 204
Western Fair Association 204
New Grounds, The 206
Farmers' Institute 207
Stock Breeders' Association — 207
Fish and Game Society 207
Population 208
County Finances 211
Statistics 212
CHAPTER XIII.
London City 213
The Forks 213
Earliest Inhabitants 2U
Business, The First 216
During the "Forties" 221
Business Houses and Men 223
Real Estate, 1852-7 234
Post-office 225
Custom House, The 228
Notable Buildinga 227
Village of London Council 231
Town of London Council 233
Parks 235
Exhibition Grounds, The 237
Bridges 238
Sidewalks and Laws 239
Cemeteries, Streets, etc 240
Incorporation 242
aty Officers and Laws 243
City Finances 244
Port Stanley Hailroad 246
Important Transactions 247-2.58
Fire Department 2.')8
Council and Fire Department 260
Conflagrations 282-268
Police Department 268
Water Supply 273
Analysis of Water 276
Victoria Disaster, The 277
Flood of 1883. 281
Street Lighting 281
Market, The Piiblic 282
Hospitals 284
Guthrie Home 287
Schools of London 288
Collegiate Institutes 292
Hellmuth College 294
Medical College, The 295
Law School, The 296
Art School 297
Separate Schools 297
English Church, The 297
Methodist Church, The 301
Methodist New Connexion Church... 305
Bible Christians. . 309
Methodist Episcopal Church 309
Catholic Church. The 310
Presbyterian Church, The 314
Congregational Church ,318
Baptist Church 319
Other Religious Bodies 321
Mechanics' Institute 321
Secret and Other Societies and
Clubs 322-359
Musical Organizations 360
Board of Trade .362
Chamber of Commerce 365
Trarellers' Association 367
Manufacturing Enterprises 368 380
Wholesale Houses 3^7
Taverns and Groceries 188
Banks and Bankers i!M
Loan Companies 397
Insurance Companies Vi
Miscellany 4fls
London East... 409
Statistics 412
CHAPTER \n
Strath ROY
Residents, The Tirst
Business, The First
Merchants and Customers
Charter and Officers
Schools
Fire Department
Fires
Accidents
Churches
Cemeteries —
Societies, etc. . .
Banks
Railroads
Manufacturing Enterprises
CHAPTER XV.
Adelaide Township
Boundary
Population... .
Settlers, The First
Prominent Citizens
Official History
Fires and Accidents
Adelaide Village
Schools and Churches
Kerwood
Keyser
CHAPTER WI
BiDDULPH Township
Boundary and Population
Pioneers, The
Colored Colony. The
Official Record
Granton
Clandebo\e
Ireland
Mooresvllle
Adare.
Churches
CHAPTER XVII.
Paae.
LucAN Town 461
OldName «1
Appearance, The First . . 461
Residents. The First 461
Lots. Sale of 463
Offioers, etc 463
Finances
465
467
Accidents 467
Commerce 467
Post-office and Banks 468
Societies, Clubs, etc 468
CHAPTER XVIII.
Caraboc Township 471
Boundary, etc 471
Old Records 471
Laud Patents, The First 471
Settlers, The First 473
Accidents 4i3
Mt. Brydges 474
Churches 474
CHAPTER XIX.
Delaware Township 476
Situation, etc 476
Lonffwoods Road 476
Land Grants 476
Settlers 478
Ai:ens,The 477
Officers, etc 479
Incidents 480
CHAPTER XX.
Delaware Village, Etc 482
F.arly Appearance 482
Business 483
Population 483
Kilworth 484
WoodhuU Settlement, The 484
Villase in 1851, The 484
Later Events 484
Churches 485
Lodges 485
CHAPTER XXI.
Dorchester Township
486
Official Record 486
Settlers, The First 487
Residents, Later 488
PutnamviUe 488
HarrietsviUe 489
Belmont 490
Dorchester Station 491
Nilestown 492
Avon 493
Crumlin 493
Gladstone 493
Mossley 493
CHAPTER XXII.
Ekfrid Township 494
Survey of Crown Lands 494
Boundary, etc 494
Pioneers, The 495
Records, The Oldest 495
Officers 496
Agricultural Society 497
Page.
Accidents 497
Ekfrid Village 497
Appin 498
Melbourne 499
Middlemiss 499
Strathbum 600
Maytair 600
Muncey 500
Christina 500
Knox Church 500
CHAPTER XXIII.
LOBO Township 502
Location 502
Population 602
Official History 502
Pioneers, The 504
Crown Land Entries 504
Komoka 606
Churches 507
Loho Village 507
Poplar Hill 608
Coldstream 508
FerahiU 608
Duncrief 508
Ivan 508
Amiens 509
SiddaUsville 509
CHAPTER XXIV.
London Township 510
Situation, Streams, etc 610
Records, The Early 510
Pioneers 511
Citizens, Prominent, Early 512
Events of Note 514
Churches 515
Arva, or St. Johns 517
Hyde Park Comer 618
London West 618
Birr 520
Elginfield ^
Denfield 521
Ilderton 521
Vanneck 521
Bryanston • 521
Kingston 622
CHAPTER XXV.
McGiLLivRAT Township 623
Situation, Streams, etc 5g
Official Matters 523
Settlers, etc 524
West McGillivray 625
Lieury ^5
Corbett ^
Moray 525
Brlnsley ^S
McGillivray 526
Churches, etc »»
Agricultural Society 527
CHAPTER XXVI,
Metcalfe Township 528
Location, Water Courses, etc 528
Crown Land Entries 628
Incidents 529
Settlers, The g«
Napier 5dU
Churches 6*J
Societies 6gl
Katesville 5dl
Wisbeach 533
Kilmartin 63-
CHAPTER XXVII.
Page.
MosA Township SSS
Sitoatlon. Creeks, etc 533
Settlers, The First. 533
Officers, etc 534
Aarricultural Society 534
Churches 535
Fires 535
loDgwood 535
Knapdale 536
Cashmere 536
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Newbtirt Village 637
Name, The First .537
Merchants, The First 5,37
Population .537
Incorporation, etc 6,38
Schools .63S
Fires ."iSg
Societies 539
Churches 54(1
MisceUany 541
CHAPTER XXIX.
■WARDSvn.tE 542
Earlv Appearance 543
Merchants, The First S43
Business Men, Later 543
Population, etc .^43
Official Matters .543
Fires 544
Societies 545
Churches 545
Schools 546
CHAPTER XXX.
Glencoe 548
Origin .548
Organization 548
Commerce 5.51
Buildings 551
Exports and Imports 553
Banks 553
Schools 553
Churches .654
Fire Department 556
Band 557
Rifle Association 557
Accidents 558
Societies, Clubs, etc .6.58
Cemetery 558
Salt Well 558
Mechanics' Institute 569
CHAPTER XXXI.
NissouRi West Township 661
Streams, Boundary, etc .661
Survey. Land Entries, etc 661
Settlers, The 5«1
Records, The 662
Thorndale 663
Wyton Village 564
St. Ives 664
Belton 586
Devizes 565
Rebecca 565
CHAPTER XXXII.
WEST.MrN8TER TOWNSHIP 666
Drainage, Location, etc. 666
Statisucs 566
Paoe.
Survey, Land Sales, etc 587
Pioneers, The 567
Organization, Officers, etc 568
Pioneer Incidents 569
Crown Lands Entered 57fl
Old Settlers Living 575
Westminster Insurance Company ... 575
Churches .576
Byron 577
Lambeth 578
HaU Mills 579
Pond Mills 579
Glanworth 580
Derwent .581
Maple Grove 581
Glendale 581
Maguire 581
Accidents 581
CHAPTER XXXIII.
London South 583
Leading Residents, Some 582
Churches 683
Statistics .582
Schools 584
CHAPTER XXXIV.
East Williams Township 586
Streams, etc.. 1 586
Canada Company, The 686
Living Old Settlers 587
Organization, Officers, etc 587
Churches 588
Springbank and Vicinity 589
Falkirk ,590
Nairn 590
CHAPTER XXXV.
AiLSA Craig Village 591
Settler, The First 591
Village in 1868, The 591
Business, The Early 591
Business, Later 592
Population 592
Incorporation 593
Lodges .594
Accidents 594
CHAPTER XXXVI.
West Williams Township 596
Water Courses, etc 596
Organization, etc 596
Settlement 598
Sylvan 698
Bornlsh 599
Agricultural Society 600
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Parkhill 601
Origin, The 601
Settlers, The First 601
Business 602
Manufactories 603
Banks 604
Organization 605
Schools 606
Fires 608
Accidents 609
Churches «09
Societies, etc 612
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Pnae.
Gbneb AL Items 615
Herbs and Weeds 615
Zoology 616
Storms 617
Hain and Snow 618
Duration ot Sunshine 619
Indian Summer 619
Archoeology 620
Miscellany 630
Statistics, Early 620
Indebtedness, etc 623
Statistics, Late 628
Population 632
CHAPTER XXXIX.
General Miscellany 6a5
Public Scliools 635
London South Schools 636
Art School 638
Aericultural Association 6.37
Ailsa Craig Mechanics' Institute 637
Spring Show 638
Scott Act Repealed 638
Sale of Fair Ground Lots 639
Assessment Roll, 1889 639
Liquor Licenses, 18S9 640
Western Congregational Association 643
Railway Subsidies 642
Asylum Improvements 643
Masonic Officers 643
Amalgamation ot London South 643
Law Candidates 645
Canal Comparisons 645
Imports 646
CHAPTER XL.
MisCELLANT— Continued 647
Board of Trade 647
Women's Christian Association 648
Knights of the Maccabees, etc 650
Piccadilly Lodge, Sons of England. . . 650
Court Defiance 660
London Lodge of Perfection 650
Local Poetry 651
Liberal Conservatives 652
London West Schools 653
Typographical Union . 653
Glencoe Mechanics' Institute 653
Strathroy Board of Trade 653
Banli Statement 653
Repeal of the Scott Act Kj4
Good Templars ..654
CHAPTER XLI.
Sdndry Historical Notes 656
Early Items 656
Small Towns 656
County Postmasters 657
Westminster Township Presbyterian
Church 657
Strathroy Spring Fair, 1889 657
Glencoe Statistics, 1889 659
Glencoe Presbyterian Church 659
Caradoc Spring Show 660
Protestant Home Board 6S0
St. George's Church 661
Mechanics' Institute, London 661
Hospital Trust, The 662
Mevill Masonic Report 663
Strathroy Finance Report 662
Page.
Criminal Statistics 665
Court Robin Hood 665
Railway Land Subsidies 666
Church Appointments 666
Glencoe Lacrosse Club 666
Entomology 666
Old Folks Concert 667
London Criclset Club 667
Insurance Abstract 668
Lawyers Banquet 668
Scott Act at Strathroy 668
. Glencoe Spring Fair, 1889 669
Independent Order of Foresters 669
Mortuary Statistics 670
Methodists, The 670
Dairying Interests 671
Oddfellows' Annual Statement 671
Public Revenue 672
Strathroy Mechanics' institute 672
A.O.U. W 674
Base Ball Association 674
Papal Aggression 674
Presbvterv of London 676
Canadian Pacific Railway 678
District Methodist Meeting 678
Loyal Orange Association 680
Sundrj; Notes 680
Physicians 683
Strathroy Methodists 684
West Middlesex Reform Association 685
Victoria Circle 686
Australian Population 686
Collegiate Institute Examinations,
1889 686
Scraps of Early History 688
Early Fair Premiums 691
Canadian Order of Foresters . . 693
CHAPTER XLII.
Exploration of Canada 695
Norse Discoverers, The 695
English Discoverers, The 695
French Settlements 696
Explorations by the French 697
Champlain 698
Treaties of Peace 700
Conquest by the English 702
Canadian Government, Early 703
Changes, etc 704
War of 1812, The 705
Confederation 706
Upper Canadian Rebellion 707
Biography 709-1076
VIEWS, ETC.
Tecumseh, the Shawanee Chief 26-27
Marquette's Map 43-44
Roman Catholic Cathedral 92-S3
View on Richmond Street, London.. 126-126
An Old Settler 190-191
London Water-worlis 271-272
Pheasant Hunting 353-353
London Medical School 401-402
Hellmuth Ladies' College 451-452
A Midsummer Scene 549-550
Masonic Temple, London 663-664
Site of an Early Log Cabin 761-762
A Midwinter Scene 837-828
George T. Hiscox 868-859
Bythe River 909-910
HISTORY
County of Middlesex
CHAPTER I.
rOPOGIlAPHY AND NA.TURAL HISTORY.
Location and Valuation. — Middlesex County may be said to be
the central tract of the Erie and Huron Peninsula of Ontario, in lati-
tude 42° 58' 20", and longitude 81° 14' 8". In 1827, and even later,
the County extended from Lake Erie to Lake Huron, and from the line
of Zone Township to the line of Burford, — a tract now embracing the
counties of Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Huron, Perth, and Bruce. In
1887 the total number of acres assessed was 758,571, exclusive of the
acreage within the boundaries of incorporated towns. Including the
town property, the total assessed value of real estate amounted to
$24,853,322 ; and the equalized value of all property — real and per-
sonal—was placed at $34,223,607, being about two-thirds of the true
value of the County, exclusive of London City.
Soil. — The valley of the Thames, together with the rich alluvial fiats
which extend from it northward to the north of the North Branch of Bear
Creek, and southward nearly to the shore of Lake Erie, is remarkable
for its great fertility and its luxuriant forest growth. The soil is
generally clay, with a covering of rich vegetable mould, and is clothed
in the natural state with oak, elm, black walnut, and white-wood trees
of large size, together with iine groves of sugar maple. Toward the
north of the Thames, and on the borders of Lake St. Clair, is an area
of natural prairie of about 30,000 acres.
The River Thames. — Among the reminiscences of the French
explorers of the 17th century, there is no distinction drawn between
the estuary of this river and the mouths of the various streams which
12 HISTOKY OF THE
flow into the waters connecting Lake Huron with Lake Eiie ; in
fact, those children of faith in religion, in adventure, and in commerce,
were not seeking anything diminutive in nature. The great lakes and
rivers, the distant Mississippi, the far-away " Mountains of the
Setting Sun," and the savage inhabitants of the unknown lands,
formed the objects of their search, so that it is not to l)e wondered at
that the pioneers of a new world left to men of later days the task of
exploring the smaller rivers, lakes and mountains of the continent. In
the archives of the Minister of Marine, at Paris, may be found the
first chart of tlie country, now known as the Valley of the Thames.
This chart and accompanying report was made to Louis XVs
Secretary in 1744, and both were printed the same year by N. Bellin,
the report going so far as to state that the river was withoiit a rapid
for eighty French leagues, and that for centuries it was known as
Askunesippi, or Antlered River. On this report being transmitted
to Canada, the trapper, the voyageur, and the adventurer directed
some of their attention to the beautiful valley, and in 174o-(i the river
is heard of as La Tranchee. In the latter half of the 18th Century it
is called La Tranche, and on July 16, 1792, the present name — The
Thames — was confen-ed upon it by the official act of Governor Sinicoe.
Shortly after the United States cast off the bondage of trans-atlantic
rule. Lord Edward Fitzgerald, one of the Irish Revolutionists of 1798,
traversed this valley, accompanied by the African who saved his life after
the battle of Eutaw Springs, S. C , Sept. 8, 1781, and b}' a few Mohawks
Tinder Brant. He it was who first described the Thames, and along its
banks dwelt on the cause of liberty, against which he so recently and
so gallantly fought. During the winter of 1792-3 Governor Simcoe,
Major Littlehales and Lieutenant Talbot, with four other army ofiicers,
came up from Navy Hall at Niagara, halting en. route at the Nelles'
House, on the Grand Rivei', and at the Village of the Mohawks, where
Brant and a crowd of his Indians joined them, and whence they set
out to La Tranche, a name hidden or stolen the year before by the
chief of that very party, who now came to admire the old river under
its new name In the early part of 1793 a surveyor named McNiff
was ordered to sound the river to the proposed town of Georgina-
upon-Thames. He reported that the erection of two locks would leave
the river a navigable one to the Upper Forks, and this report was
forwarded with all due .solemnity to the parties in interest, its principal
enthusiastic advocate recommending its acceptance, and suggesting the
promjtt imj)rovemcnt of the river. The subsequent troubles and
removal of Simcoe put a stop to public improvements, and so crippled
the Government, that the lulers were well pleased to be able to cut a
military road or trail to Chatham and Sandwicli along the river bank
or plateau, leaving the question of navigation seriously alone. The
Thames may be said to form the great drainage basin for Southern and
Central Middlesex, as well as for London City. The water is
impure from sources to estuary, owing to this being the case ; while, as
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 13
a navigable stream, it is only used within the county by a few pleasure
steamboats, which ply between London and the water-works at
Springbank, from June to September. In the early years of the
district, grist-mills were erected along its course, and to-day a few are
operated by this water-power.
Other Streams. — The Aux Sauble, in the northern and north-
western townships, has played an important part in the drama of
progress. This river drains an immense area, its head- waters spreading
out in every direction, affording water-power to many mills, and
drainage advantages to many sections.
Bear Creek, the Wye, the two forks of the Thames, and a hundred
minor creeks, give a stream to almost every farm, and, with the greater
river, contribute to render bridge and culvert construction a permanent
local industry of no small importance.
Geology. — Middlesex has never been made the field of extensive
geological exploration, although scientists have established the fact
that at about the same level are found nearly the same deposits as in
the country adjacent on the east and south — indicating that this section
of Canada has not undergone any modern geological disturbance. In
1861-5 the country suffered from an unhealthy oil fever; but soon
after men learned that this was not the region to find a great coal bed,
nor yet a great oil fountain. Director Selwyn, of the Canadian
Oeological Survey, writing under date of June 13, 1888, says : — "About
London the country is covered to a depth of more than 100 feet by
sand and clay, with pebbles and boulders. Beneath these surface
deposits, the whole area of the county is supposed to be imderlaid by
the Devonian formations — known as the Hamilton shales and the
Corniferous limestone. The greater part, if not all the oil and salt
wells of Ontario, are bored in these formations. At greater depths, the
formations which yield the large supplies of gas and oil in Ohio would
be found to underlie the whole of the County of Middlesex, and might
yield similar valuable deposits. The Trenton limestone, which crops
out along the north shore of Lake Ontario, from Kingston to Port
Newcastle and through to the Georgian Bay, yields the gas and oil in
Ohio, being reached at a depth of 2,L!00 feet from the surface."
Building Stone. — In November, 1843, Surveyor Cull deals very
fully with the building of the jail, introducing Tristram Coates, a
would-be contractor for lumber, and Garrison & Sifton, cut-stone
contractors. It appears that Cull managed to cut oft' these men, and
better still, to discover a quarry. Speaking of this quany. Cull says : —
" I stated to the Council that a valuable quarry had been discovered
on the banks of the North Eiver, about four miles from London.* That
quarry is believed to contain an almost inexhaustible supply. The
proprietor at first demanded as high as twelve shillings and sixpence
* F. B. Talbot thinks it is the present Barnes' quarry, six miles distant, while William
McClary thinks it was taken out of Gray's quarry, on the North Branch, two concessions
north of the Asylum.— Ed.
14 HISTORY OF THE
per cord. After some difficulty, an agreement was made with him for
seven shiUings and sixpence per cord, and five shillings per cord for
quarrying." This stone is very rough, but durable. A good limestone
is found in Westminster.
Sand and Gravel. — Throughout the county great sand and gravel
beds exist. At the beginning of the pike roads in this section of
Canada, County Engineer Talbot, unacquainted with these great
deposits, suggested the building of charcoal roads ; but his report to
the County Council brought out the fact that heavy gravel could be
found in every township. Subsequently the toll-road system was
introduced, and henceforth the gravel beds of the county offered a
wide field for development — particularly at Komoka, in Lobo ; and at
Putnam ville, in Dorchester.
Oil Wells. — The Indians, it is said, used to collect crude petroleum
along the Thames in early days and sell it to the pioneers, to be used
for lighting pui-poses as well as axle grease ; but Indian enterprise did
not seek below the surface for this very marketable commodity ; so,
that for half a century the so-called oil fountains were left unexplored.
During the year 1865, several oil prospectors were in the county, and
every day brought an account of some new well in Delaware, Williams,
Adelaide, and even London and eastern townships. In November, the
Hicks' oil well was bored — '266 feet — 86 through sand and gravel,
80 through white lime rock, 50 through sand, and 50 through soft lime
rock. At 15 feet in the white lime rock, a vein of black sulphur water
was struck. On the evening of November 10th, a crevice in the soft
lime rock was tapped when a flow of petroleum-impregnated water
was struck, yielding 1,000 barrels per day, of which there were about
three barrels of oil. In 1805, Professor Winchell denounced the
statement that oil existed in any paying quantities within Middlesex
County ; while T. M. Keynolds, then residing at London, stated that
" excellent oil springs existed above and below the Thames Forks."
Reynolds based his opinion on statements made by Professor Hall, at
the gi'eat oil meeting held at the City Hall, October 6th, 1865, who said
that in 1846 he saw two fossils taken from the Thames at London,
peculiar to the Hamilton group. The Professor was so earnest in this
opinion that he purchased an interest in tlie Hicks' well, then being
bored west of the city on the Thames. Previous to this, wild state-
ments were made at the oil men's banquet at the Tecumseh House,
which the Michigan geologist thought well to deny. At Cashmere, in
Mosa ; Sylvan, in West Williams, and on Poore's Farm, in McGilHvray,
small quantities of oil were produced.
Salt Wells. — The Onondaga rock enters Canada on the Niagara
River above the falls. In Middlesex County, it is represented in the
western townships— at Glencoe, Park Hill, and other places where the
salt rock has been penetrated. The salt rock at Warwick was struck
at a depth of 1,200 feet, and the salt stratum was pierced to a depth
of 100 feet. The rock at Warwick is only 90 feet below the level of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 15
that at Goderich, 80 miles north ; 300 feet below the rock at Kincardine,
30 miles north of Goderich, and 500 feet below the rock at Inverhuron.
The strata from Inverhuron to Warwick is almost identical, being
limestone, white flint rock, blue shale, salt rock, and, beneath, a spongy
sulphurous rock containing sulphur beds.
Fire Clay. — In almost every section of the county excellent
material for brick, tile and drain-pipe manufacture exists. From the
period when the first brickyard was opened on Con. 1, of Westminster,
by the Griffiths, or that on Bathurst street, between Talbot and Eidout,
to the present time, Middlesex cream bricks have attained celebrity ;
and since the introduction of the Michigan brick machine, have almost
approached in excellence the manufactures of the Milwaukee, (Wis.)
yards. Potter's clay is also found in some quantity, and the owners of
the London Pottery now propose to use it in some wares, in preference
to imported earth. The Tifiany brick machine was invented by Geo.
S. Tiffany, of Tecumseh, Mich., while the machine manufactured at
Park Hill, is the invention of another citizen.
Trees and Shrubs. — In the days of the pioneers, the plateau of the
Thames, the eastern and central ]iart of Dorchester and parts of Dela-
ware, formed the pine-district. The trees were known as white pine,
although in one case — Miles V. Jolly— the latter tried to set aside a
contract reserving the white pine on lands purchased from the former,
basing his case on the fact that the trees were not really white pine,
but of some other class of the pine family. In the northern part of
the county hemlock j^redominated ; but throughout the maple, oak,
elm, and all those hardwood giants of the Canadian forest attained a
heavy growth. In March, 1879, a white- wood tree was cut on Donald
McPherson's farm in East Williams, which yielded 6,000 feet of sawn
lumber — the butt alone yielding 1,200 feet. The product brought $120.
16 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTEE IT.
INDIAN RESIDENTS FROM 1580 TO 1888.
Earlisst Indian Residents. — The Indian, being without a litera-
ture, knows nothing of his origin. The Frenchman and Spaniard
found him here, and learning from him all he did know, gave the story
to civilization as an Indian legend, while treating the new-found race
historically as they found it.
The Hurons, originally the Wyandots, were at Quebec in 1534,
when Jagques Cartier arrived there. Later, they formed an alliance
with the Adirondacks, but when tlie latter joined the Southern Iroquois
Confederacy (about 1580j, the prestige of the Wyandots began to fade,
and the dispersion of the tribe over all Canada to Lake Huron followed.
Early in the 16th century, they, with some Mississaugas and members
of other tribes, formed a new confederacy with villages along the
Thames and Lake and River St Clair. In 1649, this new branch of
the tribe was dispersed by the Southern Confederacy. The name
originates in the phrase Quelles Hures (What Heads), applied by the
Erench of Marquette's time on first seeing them in their new western
home. During the winter of 1615-16, Champlain visited among the
tribes then inhabiting the Peninsula, formed by Lake Erie and St. Clair
river. The country was then inhabited by a tribe, to whom Champlain
gave the name Neutral Nation, or Nation de Truite ; while the whole
country west was called Conchradum, and after the Iroquois war,
Saguinan. The Hurons were, undoubtedly, a branch of the great
Algonquin race, which, under several names, owned Ontario from the
Ottawa to Lake Huron. To this Ontario division the general title of
Iroquois du Nord was given by the French lor military and political
purposes. After the great war of 1649, the Otchipwas and Mississ-
augas moved from the South into Canada, and the victorious Iroquois of
the South returned to their original homes.
The Mississaugas are first named by the French in 1620. Prior to
the Eevolution they moved from the Upper Lake region and Minnesota
to the country east of the Geoigian Bay, and in the Albany (N. Y.)
Council of 1746 they were taken into the Iroquois Confederacy as the
seventh nation. Charlevoix speaks of them as having villages at
Niagara, on the La Tranchee and on Lake St. Clair subsequent to 1649.
They were also known as Souters or Jumpers, and at the close of the
eighteenth century seemed to be the sole aboriginal occupiers of what
now constitutes the Province of Ontario.
Back in the beginning of the 15th century the Mohawks, Oneidas,
Cayugas, Ouondagas, and Senecas, inhabiting what is now the States
of New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and roaming at will over
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 17
adjacent territory, entered into a treaty of friendship, under the title
" Five Nations ;" and so, the Iroquois, with a few changes, such as
ousting the Oneidas and taking the Aucguagas, continued to live under
this treaty for nearly three hundred years, when, in 1712, the Tuscaroras
came from North Carolina to join the confederacy, and were admitted
as the sixth nation, since which time the name — Six Nations — has
been applied, with the exception of the short period, the Mississaugas
held a place in the Council. Their powerful opponents were the
Delawares, Cherokees, Mohicans, Adirondacks and Hurons. The
latter's power was broken about 1647 by the terrible Iroquois, while
in 1653 the Erie nation was almost wiped out of existence Ijy the
fierce warriors. The Iroquois on July 19, 1701, ceded to the British
all the following described tract : —
" That vast tract of land or colony called Canagaviavchio, beginning on the north-
west side of Cadavachijui (Ontario) Lake, and includes all the land lying between the
great lake of Ottawa (Huron), and the lake called by the natives Sahiquage, and by
the Christians the Lake of Sweege (Oswego for Lake Erie), and runs till it butts upon
the Twichtwichs, and is bounded westward by the Twichtwichs, on the eastward by a
place called Quadoge, containing in length about 800 miles, and breadth 400 miles,
including the country where beavers and all sorts of wild game keep, and the place
called Tjeughsaghrondie, alias Fort De Tret, or Wawyachttenock (Detroit), and so
runs round the Lake of Sweege till you come to a place called Oniardarundaquat."
Tribal and Individual History. — The Mohawks, one of the
tribes composing the Six Nations, were adherents of the British, and
in the British service during the American Revolution. They were
also known by the French as Agniers. After the war the Mohawks
crossed from their temporary home on the American side of the
Niagara, and ultimately settled on a tract of laud on the Bav of Quinte,
purchased from the Mississaugas by the British for them. The Senecas
desired that the Mohawks should live nearer to them, and on the
latter expressing a desire to accede to the wish of the Senecas, the
Government granted them six square miles on Grand River. Their
advent to Canada dates back to 1780-1, even before the down-
fall of the British force under Cornwallis. Brant commanded the
whole tribe, with his cousin, John Brant, an older man, second in
command. In 1783-4 the tribe wintered at Cataraqui.
Thayendinagea was the original Indian name of the chief, Joseph
Brant. He was born on the banks of the Ohio in 1742, where his
father, Tchowaghwengaraghkwin, a full-blooded JNIohawk of the Wolf
Tribe, held sway; but Soieugarahta — old King Hendrick — was the
gi'eat chief whom Joseph Brant succeeded. John Brant, chief of the
Six Nations, died of cholera, at Brantford, Aug. 27, 1832. He was
the son of the Indian Chief Brant, who died Nov. 24, 1807, while his
squaw retired to Grand River, where she also died. His annual pay
and perquisites, granted him by the British for his service against the
Americans, amounted to £500 annually.
John Smoke Johnson, a Mohawk chief, who aided the British in
1812-14, died in 1886, aged 94 years.
18 HISTORY OF THE
After a part of the Oneidas ceded their lands near Oneida Lake,
N. Y., in 1829 or 1830, they migi'ated westward in charge of two
Church of England missionaries — Davis and Williams. They settled
near Green Bay. In 1840, the remainder of their lands was sold, and
coming to Canada they purchased 5,000 acres in Delaware township,
where Moses Schuyler was a chief, and Taylor Dockstader, a large
farmer, in 1850. In 1871 this band numbered 641; in 1881, 688,
aud in 1887, 775. Their reservation compri-ses 5,000 acres in Dela-
ware Township, purchased by them about 1838, and held in trust for
them by the Government. Of their four schools, one is presided over
by a white female teacher, and the others by natives. The Oneidas
belong to the second division of the Western Superiatendency, of which
Thomas Gordon is agent.
The Munceys originally belonged to Pennsylvania, and were among
the tribes with whom Penn's memorable, though unwritten, treaty
was made. From this time until tlie year 1757 they lived quietly
under British rule. In the series of conflicts which then took place
between the English and French troops, the Munceys invariably fought
under the English flag despite all overtures made to them by the
French. By a treaty made between them and Sir William Johnston,
commander of the British forces at Fort Johnson in 1757, these Indians
were promised in return for their alliance, the protection of the
" Great King George the Third " against all their enemies ; that their
material interests should be contiuuou.sly looked after, and the pos-
session of their lands guaranteed to them. The Indians, on their part,
agreed to "rise up as one man, and assist His Majesty's arms in driving
the French out of the country." It is upon this treaty, and the pro-
mises it contained, the Munceys now rely. The Munceys kept their
promises, and when the Eevolutionary War broke out some years later
were moved by their allies to undisturljed British soil. Colonel Sir
William Butler, then commanding the Royal troops, having said to
them on that occasion, that King George III would replace their losses
in Canada. Grants of land were made to all the friendly Indians,
e.xcept to the Munceys and the Shawanees. The former ultimately
settled on the Grand River, till their services were called for on the
outbreak of the War of 1812, when they fought under Tecumseh.
When peace was proclaimed, the claims of the Munceys (now only a
remnant of a tribe) were again overlooked, but they were allowed to
wander at will. Finally they settled where they now are, on land
belonging to the Otchipwas, who allowed them to remain there tem-
porarily. Some years later the land was purchased of the Otchipwas
by the Canadian Government, but the Munceys have been in possession
down to the present time. The reservation is about seven miles in
length, forming an irregular square, and is now intercepted by two
railways — the main line of the Canada Southern, and a loop line of the
Grand' Trunk. In 1881-2 the question of evicting the whole tribe was
discussed by the Otchipwas and carried to such extremes that Half
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 19
Moon, an educated youth, was deputed to visit Philadelphia in search
-of evidence to sustain their claims, and the second chief of the tribe,
who was also tlieir schoolmaster, to go to England and urge them before
the Queen. Half Moon, however, died, but the Quakers of the city-
found the records, and the delegate, Wahbunahkee, who called him-
self Scebie Logan, was sent to England. He is a broad shouldered
fellow of five-and-twenty, a full-blooded Indian, having descended from
Muncey and Mohican parents. In appearance he possesses all the
most marked characteristics of the red race, including the heavy gait
which appears so prominent if European costume is worn, but ceases to
be apparent in Indian costume. He was educated at the Mohawk
Institute at Brantford, Ontario, and was elected second chief of the
Munceys in April, 1881, his selection being on account of his educa-
tion which was superior to that of most Indians, and of his being a total
abstainer from the destructive fire-water. Besides being a school-
master, he was a substantial farmer. The historic tomahawk, which
was carried by their chief through many a battle, and hung in the
Avigwam's smoke for many a year, was to be presented to the Queen.
InMarch, 1883, a deputation from the Munceys visited Ottawa, to ask
the Government's assistance in settling their dispute with the Otchipwas.
In 1S86, Inspector Dingmao suggested that the Munceys should be left
in possession of their lands, except 498 acres. This area was to be
detached in fifty acre tracts from the holdings of James Hull, Jacob
Dolson, Jacob, Joseph and Scebie Logan, Nellis, Timothy, the heirs of
widow Wilson, and \V. Waddilove, thirty-eight acres from the lands
of James Wolf, Sampson, .John, and Eichard Wilson, and seventy
acres from James Wolf The Indians protested. In 1871 the Mun-
ceys numbered 130; in 1881, 129, and in 1887, 125. Their single
school is presided over by a white teacher.
Six families of Pottawattamies, and three famiUes of half-breeds,
who live on this reserve, are not enumerated in the census and tabular
statement, as they do not belong to either of the bands owning it,
although they are located on the land they occupy. These families,
numbering twenty souls, make the number of Indians within the
agency 1,378.
The Otchipwas, or Chippewas, are, according to Bishop Baraga, a
branch of the Algonquin race. They were inhabitants of Nippissing and
Lake Superior region before the historic period, and have, since that time,
been associated with the Upper Lake country. The name was first given
to a band of Nippercineans, and ultimately was applied to all speakers of
the Nippercinean language, who, in 1649, fell back on Lake Superior
before the advancing Iroquois, just as the Bone Cave Builders fell back
before the Nippercineans. Their dialect was the most refined of all the
Indian tongues, and won the praise of the great French students who
visited their villages. Such historic names as Mudjekeewis, Wanbqjug,
Andaigweos, and Gitchee Waiskee were applied to the early chiefs,
Avho kept the tribal fire burning perpetually. The first war within the
20 HISTORY OF THE
historic period was waged against the Upper Nipperciueans by the
MSnominees, who dammed the mouth of Menominee River, and thus
abolished the upper sturgeon fisheries. The war raged from 1627 to
1648 without intermission, and the feud was carried down even to
1857. Their war against the Sauks began about 1519, and continued
until nearly the whole of Michigan and Canada, from Erie to Nippissing,
bore marks of the strife. Nawassiswanabi succeeded the first chief of
the Otchipwas of the Thames. Tomaco, the next chief of importance,
was an uncle of the present Nelson Beaver, on his father's side. In
1812, those Indians served with Tecumseh against the Americans.
Old Simon, Yahobance, Miskokoman, Jim Muskalonge, Kanotaing^
Jim Carey or Bakakadus, and other warriors, are well known names
connected with the war and with this tribe, the present Nelson Beaver
being born within a half mile of Lambetli, in 1819. At this time the
tribe was uncivilized, but believed in one ruling spirit who would take
them west to the happy lumting grounds, where huckleberries grew,
the bad Indians falling oil' a log into a deep river.
In 1851, the Otchipwas possessed 9,000 acres in Caradoc. At
Upper Muncey or Colborne, at Old Munceytown, and at Bear Creek,
on the north line of the reservation, were their settlements. The
Munceys settled among the Otchipwas since the beginning of the
present century, and shared in the presents annually made to the
Otchipwas, but not in the annual payment of £600. At Upper
Muncey, John Eiley was Chief and Peter Jones was Methodist
Missionary. In 1840, Rev. R. Flood was appointed Missionary at Old
Muncey, and later a church house was erected there. Logan was
Chief at this time.
The Otchipwas of the Thames, in 1871, numbered 470 ; in 1881,
483, and in 1887, 458. With the Munceys they occupy the Caradoc
Reserve. The reserve is composed of the best land in the Township of
Caradoc, and contains 12,095 acres. A very large proportion of the
waste land belonging to this band has been leased by the Department
to white farmers for a short term of years, under conditions of paying a
certain rental, and improving the land by clearing it, making good
fences and ditching. The work already done by these lessees has made
a marked improvement. Agent Gordon, in his report of 1887, states :
" There are three schools upon the reserve, all taught by Indian teachers.
The attendance at these schools is not so numerous as could be wished.
Indians are careless, and often indifferent in sending their children to
school. The teachers state that they have done all in their power to
get the children to attend, but with indifferent success. The three
Indian teachers are very exemplary men ; one of them is head chief of
the band, another is chief of the Indians of Ontario, chosen at the last
meeting of the Grand Council, and the third teacher was lately head
chief of the Munceys of the Thames. The new Council house upon
the Reserve is just finished, and appears to be a very fine building
indeed. It is built of brick with stone foundation, and is 60 by 3&
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 21
feet. Much credit is due to the contractor for the mauner in which
the work was done. The Church of England and the Methodist Church
of CaTiada have also each a mission ou this reserve. Dr. Sinclair, of
Melbourne, is their medical adviser, and appears to be very attentive
to them. The Mount Elgin Industrial Institution, under the able
management of the Eev. W. W. Shepherd, continues to do good work.
The children in school and in the workshops are making very good
progress."
Indians of 181:2. — The Council of Petagwauo, now Point Edward,
was held about 1775. The question which the British agents placed
before this Council, " Which should they help, American or British ?"
was discussed. They had been in council six days, but could not
agree, so that they sent for the great prophet and chief of the Hurons —
Wemekeuns. This chief was grimly grotesque. Large and power-
full as he was, Providence endowed him with three noses or sets of
nostrils — a small nose ou each side of the centre one. On arriving he
stepped into the centre of the Council, and, addressing the warriors,
said : — " My brothers, the Great Spirit tells me that we poor Indians
had best keep silence, for the Keshemokomon (Big Knife, or
American), will drive us away beyond the Pocky Mountains. These
beaiitiful forests will not be our home. It may be you and I will be
gone to the happy hunting grounds of our fathers, but these things
will surely come. The Americans fight for themselves aud the British
for their King. The Americans are few, but they can fight for them -
selves, aud have a great advantage ; they will drive the English back
over the great waters, and will fight to the last. So there is no hope
for us. Eemain in peace. The Great Spirit has siaoken." This chief
was known to the early settlers along the river. He reached the age
of 125 years and his wife 101 years, they being the parents of fifteen
children.
Border Incidents. — In ISl.i, the Indians of the Western and
London Districts held a great council on the St. Clair River, at which
it was decided to capture and kill all American sympathizers on each
side of the river. A friendly squaw gave the alarm, and the greater
number fled to Detroit; but King, an Englishman, who settled in
Canada, did not think they would harm him ; Ijut next day, he and a
man named Eodd, husband of old mother Eodd, were shot and killed
— the Indians uot approaching near enough to recognize them as
Englishmen. Among the savages engaged in this affair were Old Salt,
Black Foot, Wapoose (the medicine man), and Wawanosh, who died at
Sarnia about 1878. For those miscreants the British erected houses in
1828 near Sarnia, building material and shingles being purchased from
Burtch, of Port Huron. At Marine City, and, indeed, along the
American bank of the St. Clair Eiver, the settlers suffered much during
the War of 1812-14. Families were marked out for Indian vengeance
by the British on account of the older boys being in the American
Zli HISTORY OF THE
army, and it was common for a mother and her children to hide in the
willow groves for weeks. The tragedy at Bunee's Creek, a few miles
south of Port Huron, points out the manner in which this war was
conducted in Western Canada. A party of five soldiers started from
Fort Gratiot to row to Detroit. A company of Indians under Tawas,
a quarter-breed, was at this point awaiting them, and, when the soldiers
appeared, hoisted a white flag to decoy them. The troops, unfortu-
nately, rowed toward the creek ; but when close to the river bank, the
Indians opened fire, killing four of the men, leaving the fifth to sink or
swim in the river. He saved himself, however, and, after many hard-
sliips, returned to Fort Gratiot. The Indians made life along the border
so unendurable that all the families, except Mrs. Harrow's, moved to
Canada, and swore allegiance to the British ; but many returned after
the defeat of Proctor on the Thames.
The half-breed Magee commanded the Indians during Major
Mulir's occupation of Detroit, or from the surrender of Hull to the
arrival of Harrison. At times the Indian captain would be so drunk
regular troops would have to remove him. Whether drunk or sober
his power over his dusky command was remarliable, and it is said that
Magee's terrific yell (tie had a voice hke a lion,) would gatlier round
him all the savages, as a bugle call would gather the regular troops to
Mulir's quarters. During the year ending in October, 1813, a number
of Americans wcsre killed along the border, and it required the greatest
care and vigilance on the part of the British commanders to check the
Indians, as well as their own troops, in their murderous designs on
border women and children, who had moved into Canada, and taken the
required oath of allegiance. The original instruction to the savages to
annihilate the Americans was, however, cairied out by them, as far as
it was possible. In 1812, and for years before, the Shanaway Indians
resided on Big Bear Creek, making camps up that creek and the
Thames, from March to October, and spending the winters near Lake
St. Clair. There were five sons, who were all British warriors. One
of them named Megish was killed at Lundy's Lane by Capt. Chesby
O'Blake, who was mate of a brig lying at Newburyport, who, being
blocaded by the British, tied up his ship, and, with his men, joined
Scott's brigade.
Nimecance, or Lightning, a son of Kioscance, served under Patrick
Sinclair, commander of the British garrison at Pine River, now St.
Clair City, Mich. In 1817 this Indian was 105 years old, and still
attended to Ids corn fields, four miles south of the Port Huron Custom
House. He died about 1824, aged 112 years.
His father, Kioscance, was chief of the Otchipwas, in their wars
again.st the Wyandots and Six N.ations. His fleet was so extensive,
that it covered the old broad St. Clair from Point Edward to Walpole
Island. Nicholos Plane, chief of the Sarnia Indians, is a great
gi'andson of old Kioscance. His tribe was known as the Eapid Tribe,
whose village was about a mile north-east of the present town of Point
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 23
Edward, prior to their removal to Fort Gratiot, after their incursioo
into the Erie country.
Okemos, the nephew of Pontiac, and head chief of the Otchipwas,
was bom in Michigan in 1763. In later years he performed feats of
valor for the British at Sandusky, which won for him the name of being
the greatest warrior and chief of his tribe. He, with Manito Corbay
and sixteen other warriors, was afterwards sent out by the British
Commandant at Detroit to reconnoitre as far as the British rendezvous
at Sandusky. They ambushed a party of mounted American rifle-
men, but suffered so terribly from the charge which followed, that they
would not join Tecumseh in 1812. Okemos died in 1858, with a name
known from Sandusky to Niagara and Detroit.
The half-breed, John Eiley, who in early years resided at Port
Huron, but made his home along the Thames, Bear Creek, and Aux
Sauble, was a great hunter. One Sunday, while walking in the woods
with a boy, he discovered a large log in which some animal was living.
He said to the boy " Abscoin, hashapun " (John, a raccoon). The boy
entered, but came out with great speed, crying " Moguash, Moguash "
(a bear, a bear). Eiley drew his tomahawk, and when the bear's head
appeared buried the weapon in his brains, thus obtaining 400 pounds
of bear without intentionally breaking the Sabbath, of which he pre-
tended to be a strict observer.
Kumekumenon, or Macompte, although residing for years on the
western border of Lake St. Clair, exercised much influence over the
Indians of Western Canada until 1816, when death relieved him of
power. His sons — one bearing the same name, and one Francis —
moved to Lakeville, Mich, in 1830. The latter, with Truckatoe and
Kanobe, was subsequently an important man until tlie westward
movement of the tribes. Kanobe moved to Canada in ] 827.
Shignebeck, a son of Kioscance, was 109 years of age at his death
in the thirties. Ogotig, a daughter, lived to see 107 years; old
mother Piodd, who died in 1870, on the Sarnia reservation, was 104
years old, while Onsha, a third sou of the chief, reached a very old age.
Old Wittaniss was a sub-chief among the remnant of the Hurons
in 1776. About that time he assisted the British, and during the war
of 1812 was one of their Indian allies.
Tipsikaw. who left the St. Clair region for the west in 1837, was a
brave of great speed and a celebrated wrestler.
Negig, an Indian Chief, who died in 1807, was one of the best
known Indians in the St. Clair District.
Kishkawko, a desperate Otchipwa, served in the War of 1812.
Among the Indians who traversed this western section of Canada,
and, indeed, claimed parts of Michigan, were Black Snake and his son-
in-law Black Duck. Like the half-breed, John Riley, they con-
sidered themselves Americans, but were friendly to the British Indians.
On one occasion, the Canadian Indians visited what is now Port
Huron, to hold a feast or picnic. Whisky was plentiful, and with it
24 HISTORY OF THE
they were eloquent speakers. Among the Britishers was a brave from
the Aux Saubles, who boasted of his war career in 1812-13, and told
the number of American scalps he had taken during the war. Black
Duck listened, and when the speaker had finished, addressed him thus :
" You are a great brave ; you have killed many Americans ; you have
taken their scalps. The Americans you killed were my friends, and
you will kill no more." Black Duck buried his tomahawk in the
boaster's brain, and the feast ended. At this time and for years after,
the Indian wigwams were chinked with moss — some capable of shelter-
ing twenty persons. Deer was plenty : the present Nelson Beaver
killed over 2,000 in his younger days, and often furnished London
with venison to suppl}' all demands.
In March, 1828, a youth named Petit set out from Port Huron
to search for an Indian hunting party, under Tawas, who were in
Canada all winter. Others had set out before this, but tailed to meet
'Jawas. In this search he was accompanied by one armed Indian, who
had, some years before, murdered his squaw, where Sarnia now stands,
and hid the body in Black Iliver at Port Huron. The two proceeded
to Sebewaing, and, following the lake's Canadian shore, they reached
White Bock. Next day they discovered Tawas and his band in a
sugar camp, which they had selected on account of the stream close by
affording plenty of fish. The Indians had a number of brass kettles
of various sizes, which had been presented to them by the British
Government. He purchased from them 500 marten skins, at one dollar
each, but did not buy the large quantity of coarse furs which the band
had collected.
A young Indian named John Seneca, of the Muncey tribe, was
induced to go to the United States during the war. There he was
compelled to enter the armj', and was subsequently killed. His
father, Peter Seneca, believed a resident of Mt. Brydges guilty of
leading his son away, and treasuring up revenge, attacked the young
man in September, 1870.
In April, 1887, the Hallelujah Band, of Moraviantown, visited
Munceytown, and on the 23rd, a similar band was organized there,
with Chief W. J. Waddilove, captain of the men, and Phoebe
Waddilove, captain of the women, with Peter Jones, lieutenant of the
first, and Frances Wilson, of the second band.
Nelson Beaver, chief of the Caradoc Eeserve, was sixty years
connected with his tribe up to 1881. Among the agents of wliom he
speaks highly were Froonie Talford, who succeeded Col. Clinch ; Agent
McKenzie followed Clinch, and in 1878 Agent Gordon took charge.
In 1881, the " order system " was roundly denoimced, and ultimately
abolished.— n^K/r' Slrtrh of X,'I.s,>i> Bmvcr.)
When Robert Sunmicis w us iMcjiing the old McFadden House, at
London, about 1849, an liulinn iqijiroached from York street, while the
chief, Nelson Beaver, came down from Dundas street. The two Indians
met at the corner, but Nelson's salutation was not understood, as
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 25
Indian No. 1 proved to be an Oneida. Beaver said to him : — " What
are yon saying ? You're a blacker Indian than I am, and yet you can't
speak Indian. You're a fool. Can you talk anything ? " The query
led to a quarrel ; both Indians took oft' their blanket rolls or budgets,
but the moment the argumentum ad hominem was to be made,
Beaver picked up his roll, and, running over to the crowd on the hotel
piazza, cried out, " Didn't I fool that Indian, eh ? "
Indian Churches and Missions. — The Missions of the Canada
Wesleyan Conference among tlie Indians were instituted in 1822, two
years iDefore the Missionary Society was formed at Grand Kiver, Brant
County, Ont., with Eev. Alviu Tory, preacher. In 1828, a mission
among the Otchipwes, Oneidas and Munceys of Caradoc and Delaware
was commenced, the membership being 15, increased in 1873 to 123.
Thomas Hurlburt was preacher from 1828 to 1833 inclusive ; Ezra
Adams, 1833-4; Solomon Waldron, 1835-40,- Peter Jones, 1840-3;
with D. Hardie in 1843 ; C. Flumerfelt in 1844; Sol. Waldron, 1845 ;
Peter Jones, 1846-48; Abram Sickles being assistant from 1843 to
1870, with the exception of a few years; Samuel D. Eice, 1849;
Samuel Eose, 1850-3, with John Sunday and A, Sickles, assistants ;
James Musgrove, 1856-62, with Chase, Sickles and Matt. Whiting,
assistants; Francis Berry and Sickles served from 1864 to 1866. In
1860, the Mount Elgin school was placed in charge of Reuben E.
Tupper, and the mission in charge of Peter German, both of whom
served until 1870. A year latei-, the school and mission work were
reunited, with James Gray in charge. He was succeeded in ] 872 by
Ephraim Evans and Allan Salt, who were the preachers in 1873, the
membership being then 141. The Muncey Indian Mission of the
Methodist Church of Canada was presided over from 1874 to 1880 by
Thomas Cosford. Allan Salt assisted in 1874; Samuel Tucker, in
1875-7; Abel Edwards, in 1878-80; W. W. Shepherd and A.
Edwards, in 1881-3, while Abel Edwards and W. W. Shepherd served
in 18^4, at the time of the second Methodist union.
In early years the old Indians arranged many, if not all of the mar-
riages ; later the young warriors arranged matters with the girl, and
later still, even in this day, a system of promiscuous living together
was introduced, not over one half of the number at present availing
themselves of the marriage ceremony. In fact, in Nelson Beaver's
early years, girls did not run at large ; but the matter of inter-sexual
honor has now almost disappeared, and white children are also very
common.
Rev. Ezra Adams, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, joined the
following natives in marriage during the years 1834-5 :
Sept. 1, 1834 — James Thomas, to Peggy ; Seneca Jack, to Polly Beaver ; Henry
Maskaiioorgaand, to Eliza. Nov. 12 — Talhut Chief, to Margaret Wabesenasequa.
Dec. 2 — James Tunkey, to Margaret. Feb. l.^^, 1835 — George Peter, to Ohpetapowqua.
Feb. 1 — Jajnes Ejrg, to Matilda Qiiawi. Feb. 1 — James Kewaquam, to Polly Ohnahpe-
wanoqua. Sept. 1, 1834— John Maskanonge, to Jane Stagway.
26 HISTORY OF THE
The following record by Solomon Waldron, minister of the Wes-
leyan Methodist Church at Munceytowu, was made in 1836; David
Sawyer, being a wituess in each case :
Jan. 3 — John Tomico, to Elizabeth Half Moon ; Isaac Dolson, to Electa Tipic
Kises ; PoUy Quaitloop, to John Dolson. Feb. 10 — Joseph Deertail, to Nancy Loon.
May 3 — Waginge Bond, to Nancy Caleb ; John Beaver, to Hannah Elmore ; John
Beaver, 2nd, to Eliza Rishekains. July 17 — John Quaitloop, to Polly Bean.
Abram Sickles, an Indian minister, made the following returns
in October, 1850 :
May 14, 184S— David Lunduff, to Margaret Shallo, of Delaware. Deo. 21—
Daniel Ninham, to Margaret Doxdater, of Delaware. Jan. 21, 1849 — Nicholas Nich-
olas, to Mary Ann Williams, of Delaware. June 17— Bapdist Sumner, to Nelly
Schegler, of Delaware. June 17— Abram Schegler, to Susannah Williamn, of Dela-
ware. June 19— John Bread, to Mary Island, of Delaware. July 10 — Charles Bate-
man, to Mary A. Ewerren, of Caradoc. April 14, 1850— Peter Alvarn, to Margaret
Andone, of Delaware. Oct. 13— John Nicholas, to Margaret Elem, of Delaware.
His certificate reads as follows : — " I certify that the above mar-
riages were performed by me within the period included between the
first and last on the list ; and that my not having made the returns
within a year after the first was solemnized, arose from my ignorance
of the law — being an Indian and not long resident."
The principal Munceys, who were members of the English Church
in 1847, were Henry C. Hogg, catechist; Mrs. Hogg, J. Wampum
(Kachnakaish), interpreter; Mrs Wampum, Ann Johnston (Ainhah-
wooky), Capt. Wolfe (VVeirchawk), Phcebe Hank (Aishkunkg), Mary
Hank (Tahtapenawh), David Hank, Abram Hoff, Wm. Waddilove
(Shapaish), John Smith, Mary Delaware (Waimlaish), Moses Shuyler,
Mary Wilco.x (Papatahpahnelaiky), David Bear (Maquah), Thomas
and Nancy Wahcosh.
In 1851, Rev. K. Flood was ap])ointed to the Muncey Mission.
In 1859-60, Rev. A. Potts presided over the English Church at
Munceytown. H. C. Hogg's name apj)ears as an incorporated member
in 1857. In 1861-2, Rev. R. Flood took charge of this and the
Delaware Church. In 1865, Rev. H. P. Chase was appointed over
St. Paul'-s, at Muncey, and St. John's, at Chippewa. In 1869, Zion
Church, of the Oneidas, was established. In 1885, Rev. A. G. Smith
took charge of the three Indian Churches.
The Oneida Methodist Mission was part of Muncey until 1871,
when William Cross was appointed preacher. The Oneida Indian
Mission of the Methodist Church of Canada succeeded the Wesleyan
Mission in 1874, with William Cross preacher. In 1877, Elisha
Tennant took charge; in 1879, Benj. Sherlock; in 1880-3, Erastus
Hurlburt, with A. Sickles; in 1884, E. Hurlburt at Muncey, with
John Kirkland and Sam. G. Livingstone at the College.
Mount Elgin Industrial Institution may be said to date back to
1845, when Peter Jones collected moneys in England and Scotland,
TECUMSEH, THE SHAWAHEE CHIEF.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 27
and had his Indians contribute also. In 1847-8, the buildings were
erected, and in 1849 the Institution was opened, with Rev. Dr. Eice,
Superintendent. Since that time the names of Methodist ministers,
connected with the Institution and Mission, are named in the history
of the Mission. In June, ] 887, W. W. Shepherd, present Principal,
reported favorably of this school.
Loyal Orange Lodges. — In connection with the churches and
schools, there are a few Loyal Orange Lodges, the members of which
parade on every 12th of July with band and regalia. As a rule, fire-
water is freely used on the occasion ; but the Lodges, after all,
compare very favorably with those of their white brethren. The
tribes have also an agricultural organization and an annual fair.
Indian Statistics. — On June 10, 1857, an act was assented to
providing for the gradual civilization of the Indians and the removal
of all legal distinctions between them and other subjects. The
expenditures on account of Indians in 1886-7 amounted to $53,604.90
for Ontario and Quebec; §6,038.01 for Nova Scotia; $6,049.08 for
New Brunswick ; $2,135.26 for Prince Edward Island ; $61,076.40 for
British Columbia; $1,072,397.67 for Manitoba and the North-west.
The tribes represented now in Quebec and Ontario, with the receipts
credited up to June 30, 1886, are given as follows : Otchipwas of
Sarnia, $200,755.87 ; Otchipwas of Thames, $77,332.61 ; Munceys of
Thames, $2,805.09; Oneidas of Thames, $662.89; Moravians of
Thames, $167,018.70 ; Pottawattamies of Walpole Island, $6,806.90 ;
Otchipwas of Walpole Lsland, $74,648.60 ; Batchewana Indians,
$4,468.40 ; Otchipwas of Beausoleil, $59,748.80 ; Otchipwas of Nawash,
$367,753.08 ; Otchipwas of Hand, $54,895.44 ; Otchipwas of Saugeen,
$289,852.91 ; Otchipwas of Snake Island, $25,972.61 ; Fort Wilham
band, $14,148.28 ; French River band, $928.67 ; Garden Pdver Indians,
$36,761.85; Henvey's Inlet Indians, $7,561.05; Lake Nippissing
Indians, $29,829.50; Manitoulin Indians (unceded), $2,530.36;
Maganetewans, $582.57 ; Mississaugas of Alnwick, $80,033.84 ;
Mississaugas of Credit, $120,423.49; Mississaugas of Eice Lake,
$22,831.04 ; Mississaugas of Mud Lake, $38,231.38 ; Mississaugas of
Scugog, $11,895.69; Mississaugas of Bay of Quinte, $134,924.98;
Ojibbewas and Ottawas of Manitoulin, $117,794.94; Ojibbewas of
Lake Huron, $61,357.59; Ojibbewas of Lake Superior, $50,917.64;
Ojibbewas of the Mississauga Eiver, $4,695.49 ; Parry Island Indians,
$45,365.26 ; Serpent River Indians, $3,004 ; Six Nations, $915,988.30 ;
Shawanaga band, $8,691 ; Spanish Eiver Indians, $3,058; Thessalon
River Indians, $13,278.91 ; Tootoomenai and band, $963.30 ; White-
fish River Indians, $3,939.46; Wyandots of Anderdon, $24,969.17
Abenakis of St. Francis, $4,158.36; Abeuakis of Becancour, $1,279
Amalecites of Isle Vest and Viger, $5,799 ; Golden Lake Indians, $21
Hurons of Lorette, $26; Iroquois of Caughnawaga, $8,271 ; Iroquois of
St. Regis, $31,271 ; Lake St. John Indians, $1,397 ; Lake of Two
28 HISTORY OF THE
Mountains Indians, $1,260 ; Mississaugas of Upper Ottawa, S3, 041,
and Eiver Desert Indians, $40,379.
The territory over which the supervision of Indian affiiirs extended
in 1862, consisted of what is now embraced in the Provinces of Ontario
and Quebec, which then composed the old Province of Canada. The
Department now exercises control of Indian matters from the Pro-
vinces of Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, on the Atlantic, to
British Columbia, on the Pacific Ocean.
The number of Indians who, according to the Eeport for the year
1863, were then under the care of the Department, was 19,181. The
census returns pubhshed with this report show that the Indiaus of the
Dominion of Canada number approximately 128,000 souls. The
number of reserves occupied by the various bands of Indians of the
old Province of Canada in 1862 was fifty-six. In the seven pro-
vinces, and in the North-west Territories, and in the district of Kee-
watin, there are at the present time 1,147 Indian reserves ; while in
British Columbia additional reserves are being assigned to the Indians
of that province, as the work of the Commissioner appointed to allot
the same proceeds.
According to the report for the year 1863, there were thirty schools
in operation for the instruction of the Indian children. In 1887 there
were 198 schools in operation.
Indian Trails— In the days when Ontario was solely in pos-
session of the native tribes, well defined routes of travel existecj
between their several noted summer camps, as well as between their
winter towns. There were several practicable routes for the traders
to reach the upper lake region. The original and best known one was
by the Ottawa River, Nippissing and Georgian Bay, which, though
long and hazardous, was the principal channel of intercourse between
Western Canada and the Lower St. Lawrence; the second was by
the Trent River to Lake Simcoe ; the third was from the present site
of Toronto to Lake Simcoe ; the fourth was from the head of Lake
Ontario, the Grand River to Lake Erie and (La Tranchee) Thames
River to Lak-e St. Clair, and the fifth by Niagara. The latter route
was seldom chosen, owing to the savage character of the New York
Indians, as well as the rough character of the route. So soon as
Upper Canada was organized for the purposes of Government, two
great highways were established — Yonge and Dundas streets; and
from this beginning the modern system of roads spread out.
COtlNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 29
CHAPTER III.
OCCUPATION AND SETTLEMENT.
Retrospection. — When the pioneers came for the first time to the
Indian camp grounds along the Thames, they beheld spread out before
them, as far as their vision could reach, one of nature's most beautiful
panoramas — a land which gave promise, through the perfection of its
natural resources, of a future that some day would become excellent
in every detail of civilization, if not celebrated in the annals of
history. That condition, then so dimly foreshadowed, has at last
been realized. Scarcely eighty years have passed by, and the scenes
that then held the forms of the wilderness, now move onward to the
notes of the plowman's whistle, the faithful call of domestic animals,
the constant whirling sound of busy machinery, the shrill notes of the
locomotive, the laborer's song, and school children's happy shouts.
Less than eighty years ago wild flowers bloomed in countless
profusion and variety on these lands, and the sons of civilized life
had scarcely invaded the precincts of the great wilderness ; now
all is changed. The whole country teems with the fruits of industry
and peace, and thousands of happy families dwell in happy homes.
What a marvellous transformation! The country is aged already,
so precocious has been its development.
First Settlements in the County. — Who were those white
travellers who first entered the forests to carve out a home ? They
were Americans, driven from their country by the sentimental
grievance which the new Eepublic created. In the deep Canadian
woods they had time for reflection, and, within a decade after
settlement, their studies took shape, and again they are found
among the soldiers of the Union they once deserted.
Delaware is credited with the first settlements made, in what
now constitutes Middlesex County. Ethan Allan (son of Ebenezer),
and Jasper Crow (his brother-in-law), two Americans, who fled from
their country rather than serve it, located their gardens along the
Thames, and for some years resided there. During those years
the glory of the young Republic floated as a vision before them, so
that when the Union required new troops for a new war, Allan and
Crow were among the very first to answer the call. In 1812, Allan
bid farewell to his Canadian home forever, and was followed by
Crow, who left his wife and family the farm which he had improved. *
Ebenezer Allan, to whom Governor Simcoe granted 2,200 acres,
in Delaware, in 1793, for his services in leading the Indians
3U HISTORY OF THE
the Americans, in 1775-81, sold, within seven years, his grant for
£3,000, and Delaware entered on its career of prosperity. In 1797,
the Springers came, followed by the Woodhulls in 1798, and then a
steady tide of immigration filled tlie county.
The first settlement of the eastern townships was made in 1794,
the following letter giving the story of the pioneers : —
Ingek-soll, Nov. 5, ISSS.
Mr. William McClari/ : — Your card received, and in reply, as AVilliam is a noted
name, I will give you some facts. My grandfather's name was William Reynolds.
He and Major IngersoU, who was a resident of New York, came to Canada in 1773
(1793), and applied to Governor Simcoe, who resided at Niagara, for a grant of land in
the Township of Dorchester, to my grandfather, and in Oxford to Mr. IngersoU, pro-
viding each would cause fifty settlers to come into the township ; and the following
year moved into Dorchester, which would be 1774 (1794). He was not able to get the
required number of settlers. The Governor withdrew his offer and gave my grand-
father 1,000 acres, and each of his children 200 acres He then had five boys and two
daughters. The same year my father was married to Sarah Stevens, of Burford, and
settled in the township next his father, and helped to build a saw-mill near where a
flouring-mill (Cartwright's) now stands. At that time there was not a white man,
save his employes, in the township. My brother David, who now lives in Petrolea,
was the first white child born in Dorchester. Mr. Seth Putnam moved into the town-
ship six years later. It would take me several days to give a full history of the hard-
ships, they being surrounded by Indians camps ; would further say I now hold the
old crown deed to my grandfather, and I know these dates are true.
Yours, very truly,
J. S. REYNOLDS.
Other Prominent Settlers. — There is another pioneer of this
district whose name finds mention in almost every chapter of the
general history of Middlesex. His advent to, and life in, the Erie
country — mysterious and eccentric — seems like a provision of
Providence ; for it required just such a character to win from the
impoverished hearths of Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland, the
bone and sinew able to cope with the wild country, which he determined
to open up. Thomas Talbot, born at ilalahide, Dublin Co., Ireland,
in 1771, was Colonel in the 24th British Regiment at Quebec, in 1790,
and in 1791 was appointed aide-de-camp to Governor Simcoe. In the
latter's letter cif Feb. 11, 1803, he states that young Talbot accompanied
him into Upper Canada as his confidential secretary. Four years after
this (1795) he was ordered home to join the 5th Regiment in Flanders.
Simcoe recommended him to Lord Hobart, Secretary of the Colonies,
and begged for liim 5,000 acres of land, as a resident field officer, to be
located in Yarmouth Township, and the remainder of that township to
be reserved for him, and granted to him at the rate of 200 acres for each
family he may locate thereon — 50 acres to be given to such family,
and 150 acres held by himself The Governor stated that young
Talbot's plan was to introduce himself to the body of Welch and
Scotch, who arrived in New York in 1801, and win them over to
colonize Yarmouth, as well as to help him in the cultivation of hemp,
for which the township was so well adapted. The recommendations of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 31
Simcoe were carried out, and further grants of 618,000 acres made,
but South Yarmouth, having hitherto been purchased by Col. James
Baby, and the north part by the Canada Company, Talbot failed to
obtain his first selection. He came, nevertheless, and located at Port
Talbot, Dunwich Township, May 21, 1803, where he felled the first
tree that day. Long Point, 60 miles eastward, was the nearest settle-
ment. He was accompanied by George Crane ; six years later came
John Pearce, Backus or Backhouse, Mrs. Story, and Col. L. Patterson
(from Pennisylvania), who, in 1810, were joined by Wm. Davis, Daniel
Eapelge, Moses Eice, Benj. Wilson, John Mandeville, and in 1809 by
the Burwells. Col. Talbot observed the terms of his grant closely ;
but out of the 150 acres of every 200 granted as bonus for placing a
family on the quarter of 50 acres, he was willing to sell 100 acres for
£6 9s. 3d. The point chosen by him for a house is less than eight
miles westward of the heights at Port Stanley. As is related in the
history of London, he, next to Lord Edward Fitzgerald, was among the
first English-speaking explorers of the district, of which London is the
commercial centre.
In speaking of this location, and its most distinguished owner, Mr.
Grant says : — " From the lookout at Port Stanley we can discern, seven
or eight miles westward, Talbot Creek, and the spot where this military
hermit renounced the world of rank and fashion, and entered the
wilderness, there to abide with brief intermission for nearly 50 years ;
the spot also where, after a stormy life, he now peacefully hes. listening
to the lapping of the lake waves upon the shore. Talbot was two
years younger than Arthur Wellesly, the future Duke of Wellington,
and while still in their teens, the young officers were thrown much
together as aides to Talbot's next relative, the Marquis of Buckingham,
then Viceroy of Ireland. The warm friendship thus formed was kejit
up to the end of their lives by correspondence and by Col. Talbot's
secular visits to Apsley House, where he always found Wellington
ready to back him against the intrigues of the Canadian Executive.
Tlu'ough Simcoe's influence Talbot obtained, in 1803, a township on
the shore of Lake Erie ; the original demesne grew in half a century to
a principality of about 700,000 acres, with a population of 75,000 souls.
There was an arcadian simplicity about the life of these pioneers. The
title-deeds of the farms were mere pencil entries by the Colonel in
his township maps ; transfers were accomplished by a rubber and
more pencil entries. His word of honor was sufficient, and their con-
fidence was certainly never abused. The anniversary of his landing
at Port Talbot, the 21st of May, was erected by Dr. Eolph into a great
festival, which was long kept up in St. Thomas with all honor.
Immediately after this brief respite the hermit would return to his
desolation, in which there was an odd mixture of aristocratic hauteur
and savage wildness. The acquaintances of earlier life fell away one
by one, and there were none others to fill the vacancies. While cre-
ating thousands of happy firesides around him his own hearth remained
32 HISTORY OF THE
desolate. Compassion was often felt for his loneliness ; his nephews,
one of them afterwards General Lord Airey, of Crimean fame, attempted
to share his solitude, but in vain. Then his one faithful servant,
Jeffrey, died. The recluse had succeeded in creating around him an
absolute void, for no account is taken of the birds of prey that hovered
about. Wellington, his first companion and last of his friends, was
borne to his tomb in the crypt of St. Paul's, amid all the magnificent
woe of a State funeral. Three months later poor Talbot also died. It
was the depth of winter and bitterly cold. In the progress of the
remains from London, where he died, to the quiet nook by the lake-
shore, the deceased lay all night, neglected and forsaken, in the barn
of a roadside inn. * * * What was the mystery in this lonely
man's life ? * * * Charlevoix's description of this Erie shore had
cast a spell upon him."
During the Talbot era the ways of the country were primitive
indeed. He maintained a peculiar rule No one was considered by
him his equal, and the settlers who had gathered round his woodland
castle were as unfamiliar with him after forty years' acquaintanceship
as at its beginning. New men, however, came on the scene, and
innovations on feudal customs were spoken of. Men came to work
amid the forests — not to bow to another man. A new system was
gradually built up, and witliin a few years a body of independent
yeomen had their own society and constitutions without consulting the
hermit Colonel. Thomas Meek, the night turnkey of the county jail,
who came to reside in Port Stanley in 1818, relates " that during mid-
winter and Christmas time, he had often yoked in the oxen, and on a
rough ' bush-whacker ' sleigh, had taken half-a-dozen farmers' daugh-
ters and their sturdy sweethearts for a ride over the rough forest road.
These were occasions for the outburst of unusual hilarity, and the girls
laughed as loudly as their lungs permitted, without the slightest fear
of disturbing the nearest settler, several miles away. And if Jack
Chopper did squeeze Mary P)aker, and perhaps get a philopena on the
girl next to him, nobody talked about it, or thought any the less of
either John or Mary. In another cabin, that looked out upon nothing
but leafless trees, the old settler took down the thumb-marked family
Bible, and read the story of our Saviour's birth in the little Nazarene
village, but beyond this, necessity limited their festivities to the
minimum."
It is said that on account of the absence of the annual almanac,
some of the old settlers actually forgot the days of the month, and
either let Christmas slip by without knowing it, or celebrated the event
in the middle of December or away along in January. But who could
blame them if they did ? " Why, we didn't care a fig about the day
of the week or month," said this silver-locked old pioneer, " and the
wolves howled around the house as loudly on Christmas Eve as any
other night in the year. What we wanted was to get these big trees
out of the road, and then go in for fun and keeping track of dates
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 33
afterwards. When London, or 'The Forks,' as it was then called,
had assumed all the importance of a village, parents, bent on the pur-
chase of some toy to fill the home-made stocking of the little girls and
boys, thronged the corner store and the Court House square with the
same enthusiasm that they crowd Dundas and Eichmond streets to-day.
It was, in fact, a great night among the villagers, and, in Westminster
and London townships, was looked upon as the best time in the year
for a rollicking party. And those were parties of the real old brand,
too."
Squire Matthews, in his reference to London, states that Dennis
O'Brien kept a little low building where O'Mara Bros, had their pork
packery on West Dundas street, in 1881 ; while McGregor kept an
equally small tavern close by. Geo. Goodhue, about this time, had a
small store on the 1st Concession of Westminster ; and there was also
an ashery and dry goods store. Before those houses were established,
the settlers had to go to Five Stakes, near St. Thomas, to Hamilton's
store, on Kettle Creek, where he made them pay 75 cents per yard for
factory cloth. Wheat was only worth 37i cents per bushel, and for
it they would receive goods or black salt, but no cash ; there was no
cash. This black salt was made out of lye and ashes. Mr. Mat-
thews made tons of it, burning up log piles on purpose to obtain
ashes. This was hard work, but necessary to obtain cash, as cash was
necessary to buy leather and salt. When they had a barrel ready they
would start for Kettle Creek with wagon and oxen ; a trip that occupied
thirty hours then, if they did not camp out at night. Crossing the
Thames was a dangerous proceeding even then, and the Squire has
seen oxen, wagon, barrels and driver swimming that river.
Pioneer Mails. — Daniel Springer settled in Delaware in 1797,
and soon after was appointed postmaster, this being the only office
between Sandwich and Burford, or in a distance of 160 miles. In
1816, an office was established at McGregor's Creek, Chatham, with
Wm. McCrea, master. Two Frenchmen, the Souggnay brothers,
strong and very energetic men, carried the mail from Sandwich to
Toronto once a month, while Wm. McGuffin, a short Irishman,
carried the mail from Delaware to Burford. Mail for Westminster or
London had to be called for at Delaware; but about 1825 mail
(newspaper) was left at Nathan Griffith's Hotel, in Westminster.
Prior to the estabhshment of the London office, Capt. Thomas
Lawrason kept the office in his small store, 120 rods east of the
bridge, on the London and Byron road ; then came Ira Scofield, who
was the first postmaster at London. John Harris filled the office
later during Goodhue's suspension. In these old times a payment of
six shillings was often demanded for the delivery of some loving
message from beyond the ocean, while smaller sums were charged for
letters from America, as the settlers then styled the United States.
The postmasters in 1831 were Charles Berczy, at Amherstburg;
Joseph Defried, of Bayham; Geo. Goodhue, of London; John
34 HISTOUY OF THE
Bostwick, of Port Stanley ; F. L Walsh, of Vittoria, and R. iMcKenny,
of Yarmouth. The rates of postage were four and a-half pence, not
exceeding 60 miles ; sevenpence, not exceeding 100; ninepence, not
exceeding 200, and twopence for every additional 100 miles.
In 1839, J. P. Bellairs was postmaster at Amiens, where one mail
was received every week ; J. R. McKnight, at Bayham ; W. IMerigold,
at Beachville ; W. Whitehead, at Burford ; Wilson Mills, at Delaware ;
Wm. Sparling, at Ekfrid ; J. Matheson, at Embro ; R. Brown, at
Kateville ; G. J. Goodhue, at London ; I. Adamson, at McGilhvray ;
A. Meyer, at McKillop; N. Eagles, at Middletown; G. Gibbs, at
Mosa ; Thomas Wallace, at Norwich ; J. H. Cornell, at Otterville ; C.
Ingersoll, at Oxford ; John Burwell, at Port Burwell ; A. Jenkins, at
Port Dover; J. Bostwick, at Port Stanley; M. Burwell, at Port
Talbot ; J. Cowan, at Princeton ; E. Ermatinger, at St. Thomas ; D.
Campbell, at Simcoe ; J. N. Daly, at Stratford ; Joseph Patterson, at
Tyrconnell ; Thomas Jenkins, at Vienna ; S. McCall, at Vittoria ; A.
McClellan, at Walsingham ; C. E. Nixon, at Warwick ; T. S. Short, at
Woodstock.
London Neighborhood in 1818. — Thomas Webster, writing from
Newbury, Dec. 5, 1878, speaks of London as he saw it sixty years
before, thus : — " In the summer and fall of 1818 the people commenced
crossing the river a half-mile below the Forks, by means of a canoe
kept by one Montague, or by fording when the water was low. The
travellers would halt at Montague's Flats, afterwards called Kent's
Flats (west of the North Branch), to refresh themselves and their
cattle. The forest along the banks had a grand and imposing appear-
ance, and especially so on a fine evening when the setting sun cast its
mellow rays on the deep green fohage of the trees on the elevated
landscape, or on the tinted leaves of every hue, in the fall of the
year. At such times the scene was grand beyond the powers of des-
cription. The writer sat down at his first London camp fire in com-
pany with his father's family and Thomas Belton, March 18, 1819, on
the Towuline between the Gore of London and Dorchester, nor far
north of where the Grand Trunk R. R. crosses the bridge at the Town-
line road. I visited the Town plot in quest of game, and the Forks
in quest of fish. The gi-ound on which the city is now built, was then
covered with a dense, dark forest ; north of Dundas street, and in some
places south of it, was a thick pinery. Behind where the old barracks
were built, and on the rising land north of the old fair grounds, and otl'
the little stream, then called English's Creek, which runs into Lake
Horn, was a heavy gi'owth of oak, maple, and beech ; while down
in the direction of the railroad station was hard wood mixed with pine ;
more especially so to the east. In the vicinity of Strong's hotel was a
narrow, deep, swamp, running toward the old taimeries west of the
railroad station. In some pkces the small brush wood stood very
close and was covered with creepers and vines, often presenting a verj'
annoying obstruction to the eager hunter. Along the banks of both
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 35-
rivers the wild plum, hawthorn, crab-apple, and grape, grew in abund-
ance. The waters were literally swarming with fish, and the eddies
were often covered with wild ducks. In the brush might be heard
the drumming of the partridge, the calls of the magnificent wild turkey,
or low breathing of the timid deer or less welcome gi'owling of the
black bear, the screeching of the wild cat, the hooting of owls, and the
terrific howling of packs of ravenous wolves, whose unharmonious
chorus frequently made night hideous. The Indians in large numbers
used to encamp at the forks of the river. They navigated the rivers
with their bark canoes, and roamed through the forest. London and
its surroundings was then and had been for generations, the Indian's
favorite hunting ground ; but a change was at hand. The poor red-
man and his family had now about nine years grace. The white man
was to come with his axe, and the forest about the Forks, as well as
at other places, was to melt away like snow ; the game to depart, and
the whole scene to change. Long lines of buildings now raise their-
stately fronts where then stood the wigwam, and where the primeval
forest then towered ; busy men and women with pale faces now
traverse the streets. There the Indian then tracked his game through
the deep woods amid silence and solitude ; but now he, too, like the
deer, has nearly vanished from the land."
The Court House and Gaol, at Vittoria, near Long Point, having
been destroyed by fire, it was thought desirable that the new buildings
should be erected in a more central position. The district was very
large. London being nearly the central point between its eastern and
western bouudaries, a struggle for the location of the new buildings
here commenced. Mayor Schofied, Edward Allan, Talbot and others
pushed the claims of London, and won. A considerable portion of
the town plot, at the forks, was immediately surveyed into half acre
lots, to be granted free to all mechanics who would clear off the lot,
and erect thereon a frame house 18x24 feet, one and a-half story
high. Mr. McGregor put up the first house ; others followed, and
within a few weeks a small frame house was built, for court-room and
prison, and the first court held therein in January, 1827.
A Wolf Story. — In other pages reference is made to 1 he hunting
exploits of Abraham Patrick, and other pioneers, as well as to the
Indian hunters. Here, however, is given a quaint .story of an
adventure with a wolf, by men who were not hunters, and knew
comparatively little of the wild animals which then inhabited the
forests. Hiram Dell tells the following story : — " I caught another
very large wolf about half a mile back in the woods, and he brought
the trap clear up to the barn, but being unable to climb the fence, he
sought shelter under a log-heap, where I found him. I called to a
neighbor to bring his trap and dogs, as I had a wolf in a log-heap. He
and other neighbors, with their wives, were soon on the gi'ound to see-
the fun. One neighbor set his trap, and, crawling into the log heap,
placed it on one of the wolfs feet ; then the animal was drawn out.
1173267
36 HISTORY OF THE
The dogs attacked him, and it would have done you good to see the
fur fly. When the wolf had one dog down the other two were on his
back. He would then let the under dog go, and take another one
down ; still, the dogs had the advantage, as there were three of them,
and the wolf had two traps attached to him. After awhile the wolf
laid down, and when the dogs would come near he would snap at
them. My neighbor said, ' I will soon fix him so he cannot bite the
dogs !' and, getting a stick, jilaced it on the wolf's neck, so as to give
the dogs a chance to take him by the throat. In doing this the stick
broke, and the neighbor fell with his head on the wolfs head. Both
were terrified. The neighbor's wife's scream scared the wolf, and,
perhaps, the husband, for he made the fastest move in getting away
he was ever known to make in his life. I ultimately shot the
animal, which stood three feet high, and weighed over one hundred
pounds."
Colored Settlers and Visitors. — The Wilberforce Colored Colony
was located near Lucan, in the thirties, by friendly Quakers of Ohio,
and thenceforward Canada became the Mecca of the slaves. The settle-
ment of refugee slaves along the Thames, from London to Lake St. Clair,
dates back to 1849, when the underground railroad was first conceived in
the United States. Between the years 1856 and 1859, this remarkable
railroad, without rails, conducted large numbers of negroes into this
western district. It is related that in January, 1859, the famous John
Brown set out for Canada with twelve refugee slaves, and on March 12,
that year, arrived here with theiu, three or four of whom reside still
along the Thames. During the trip from Missouri, the famous
abolitionist had many adventures, one of which, known as "The
Battle of the Spurs," gave Brown a decisive victory.
A Eefugee Chapel and Alms House were established at London by
the Colonial Society, of which the Rev. I. Hellmuth had charge, and
by other methods the plan of driving the States to civil war was for-
warded here ; wliile the refugees were fairly treated.
John Broiun at London. — In May, 1858, John Brown, with his
abolition heutenants, T. H. Kagi and A. D. Stevens, resided in
Canada, passing their leisure hours at London or Hamilton, and their
working hours at Chatham,— drafting the constitution of their pro-
posed provisional government for the United States. Toward the
close of the month, an abolitionist, then in Congress, advised Brown
that his plans were all exposed, and he at once returned to Kansas.
About this fime, Pat Devlin, of Missouri, applied the term Jayhaivlcs
to Brown and his followers, and the name soon came into general use.
Early Marriage Laws. — Among the aborigines, prior to the
coming of the French, and among the tribes which did not at once
become associated with the religion of the great missionary fathers,
maniage was a simple affair — the dusky maiden flying to the wigwam
of her lover from her parent's lodge. Wherever the Eecollet or the
Jesuit had established a Mission, the case was changed, for both the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 37
red and white people withiu range felt the uecessity of religious
ceremony. In July, 1620, the first marriage ceremony, that of
Giullaume Couillard, to Guillmet Hebert, was recorded in the first
register of the first French Parish. On Oct. 7, 1 637, Jean Nicolet
married Marguerite Couillard, at Quebec, a daughter of said Guillaume
and Guillmet Couillard.
In later years, when the British obtained power here, the
regimental chaplain was looked upon by the troops and Protestant
settlers as the proper person to administer the ceremony ; but the
chaplain was not often present, and so the duty devolved on one of
the ofticers of the garrison. This was the rule at the Niagara Post,
and, indeed, wherever the British troops formed a garrison. Simcoe's
Parliament, held at Newark (Niagara), in 1793, took cognizance of
this state of affairs, and passed a law to vaUdate all such marriages.
At this time there was not one Protestant clergyman (in what is now
Ontario), so that this act confirmed all marriages performed by
magistrates, colonels, adjutants, or regimental surgeons. At this time,
also, persons living farther away than eighteen miles from a Church of
England minister, were permitted to apply to a neighboring Justice of
the Peace, who would, for a one shilling fee, give public notice of the
intended marriage, and then unite the couple according to Church of
England form. In 1798, ministers of the Church of Scotland,
Lutheran or Calvinist Church, were allowed to celebrate. Such
ministers were bound to appear before six magistrates to prove their
ordination, and take the oath of allegiance, before they could solemnize
marriage, and were further required to have one of the parties to the
marriage prove that he or she was a member of his particular church
for six months prior to date set for the marriage ceremony. This act,
as well as that of 1793, provided for the record of all mamages with
the Clerk of the Peace ; but evidently made the Church of England
its own recorder. In 1821, marrying without the pubhcation of
banns, was made a criminal offence.
In 1831 another act was approved, providing for the confirmation
of marriages performed up to that time by magistrates, military officers
or clergymen, who acted under authority of the former acts. The early
system is fairly exemplified by the following formal document, bearing
date April 8, 1823, which tells the interesting little legend : — " Whereas
Alphonso McKuight, of the Township of Woodham, and Margaret
Standon, of the Township of Middleton, are desirous of intermarrying
with each other, and there being no parson or minister of the church
within eighteen miles, &c., &c., I declare them legally joined, &c."
An account of the marriage of Thomas Carling, affords another
good example of the legal requirements of pioneer time. In October,
1820, this settler introduced to his new home, Margaret, daughter of
Thomas Eoutledge, of the same township as his wife. Previous to
the consummation of this interesting ceremony, notice of a novel
character had been given. There were no marriage licenses readily
38 HISTORY OF THE
obtainable iu these days, and the bond was written on paper and
tacked to a tree by the roadside. This was rendered necessary in
consequence of the absence of ministers of the Gospel, and the rite was
performed by Col. Burwell, J. P., and Squire Springer, of Delaware.
The marriage thus recorded is said to have been the first of any two
white persons in the Township of London, north of the Thames. The
identical beech tree on which the notice of the bond of union between
Thomas Carling and Margaret Routledge was tacked, still stands on
Lot 20, or what is generally known as Quaker Wright's Hill, in London
Township.
Prior to 1831, the Church of England and Church of Scotland
ministers, with Lutheran and Calvinist ministers (the latter only foi
a few years), were the only clergymen who could legally celebrate
marriage in Upper Canada. In that year the privilege was extended
to Presbyterians, Baptists, Congregationalists, Methodists, Menonites,
Tunkers, Moravians, and Independents, so that the great reservation
of the Church of England was, so to speak, parcelled out among dis-
senting bodies. It must be remembered, however, that under treaty
rights, the Catholic missionaries and secular priests could administer the
sacrament of matrimony in their districts. During the days of religious
intolerance, Elder Ryan, Eev. S. B. Smith, and Elder Sawyer, all
Methodists, were accused of marrying persons without legislative
authority, and so fled the country or were tried for the misdemeanor.
In July, 1818, a Methodist Irishman named Henry Ryan, was indicted
for marrying Benj. Davis and Hannah McPherson, without first having
obtained permission from the English Church authorities. This crime
was such a serious matter .seventy years ago, that the "gentlemen
magistrates " sent the unfortunate preacher to jail to await the judg-
ment of the Assize Court.
On May 31, 1814, five persons were appointed to issue marriage
licenses for Upper Canada. The agents for issuing marriage licenses
in 1839 in the We.stern Peninsula were John Harris, of London;
Wm. Cosgi-ove, of Chatham ; John Burwell, of Port Burwell ;
Murdock McKenzie, of St. Thomas, and Alex. Wilkinson, of Sandwich.
The Moravians of early days never selected a wife — no chance was
given them. God was their great designer, and to him they left the
choice. The manner in which their God made the selection was crude
indeed. One of the missionaries brought forth a cylindrical tin case ;
in this he placed bark or paper slips, with the names of all the male
candidates for matrimony. Another missionary brought forth a similar
tin case, in which were tickets, each bearing the name of a marriage-
able girl. Number one case would be thoroughly shaken up, when the
missionary would extract a ticket and read the name aloud. Number
two case was similarly treated and the girl's name called out ; both
tickets would then be examined and witnessed, the nuptials proclaimed,
and the wedding banquet spread.
The Roger Bates' memoir, in the Dominion Library, brings up
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 39
memories of old-time marriages. "The mode of courting in those
days," says he, " was a good deal of the Indian fashion. The buxom
daughter would run through the trees and bushes, and pretend to get
away from the lover ; but somehow or other he managed to catch her,
gave her a kiss; and they soon got married, I rather think, by a
magistrate. Time was too valuable to make a fuss about such matters.
In preparing for the journey to the magistrate's house or cabin, they
generally furnished themselves with tomahawks and implements to
defend themselves, and to camp out, if required. The ladies had no
white dresses to spoil, or fancy bonnets. With deer skin petticoats,
homespun gowns, and, perhaps, squu'rel skin bonnets, they looked
charming in the eyes of their lovers, who were rigged out in similar
materials. I have heard my mother say, that a magistrate, rather
than disappoint a happy couple who had walked twenty miles, made
search throughout the house, and luckily found a pair of old English
skates, to which was attached a ring. With this he proceeded, and
fixing the ring on the young woman's finger, reminded her, that,
though a homely substitute, she must continue to wear it, otherwise
the ceremony would be dissolved."
Pioneer Cabins. — The log cabins of the pioneers were designed by
circumstances. The first builders of such cabins in Ontario were exiles
from the New Eepublic, who knew all about such structures ; for then,
in the North Atlantic States, cabins were the rule rather than the
exception. They were raised by members of the family, and usually
all the adult males of a settlement would be present to assist in adding
another home to the few in the wilderness.
How natural to turn our thoughts back to the log-cabin days of
this section, and contrast with the present. Let us enter this cabin
dwelling. With reverence we bow the head in presence of this relic
of ancestral beginnings and pioneer battles with the wilderness There
is the wide hearth, with back-log remains, in whose deep recess a school
might play hide-and-go-seek and count the stars through a chimney, as
through a great telescope. Ah, long ago, how many sat 'round the
cheerful fire listening in awe to the communal story-teller as he spoke
of ghosts and giants, and wise-men and witches, and to the visiting
hunter, whose tales of wolf, and bear, and Indian, would make the
listening family hold their breath and their hair stand out like porcu-
pine quills. There, hanging on the old crane, is the tea kettle, and the
pot of all work. The shovel and tongs stand in their accustomed
places, and the andirons are still there ; above hangs the rifle ; here is
the spinning wheel ; there is the loom, a jaine table white as snow, a
dresser with rows of pewter plates, some wooden cups and relics of a
long list of china ware, strings of dried apples and poles of drying
pumpkins, with a few puncheon seats complete the main hall. In a
curtained corner is mother's bed ; while a rude ladder leads up to an
40
HISTORY OF THE
attic where the children sleep. Hail ! old cabin ; never again shall
such happiness exist as blessed your builders and sustained them in
the wilderness. Many of those spirits, who led the way to teeming
wealth and sunny prosperity, though dead, live again. Many of the
dramatis personce of the prelude have disappeared ; but the drama is
still on the stage, and will appear thereon until humanity ceases to
exist ; when the heavens refuse light. The actors, singers, columbines,
and spirits of the past are playing on far away boards ; but their songs
and acts are repeated by others, and out of the darkness new foot-lights
are advanced, new shades, new scenery, new dress — all things new.
But the hard hands that prepared the way for fruitful fields, for cities
and towns, and churches and schools, and all other evidences of pro-
nounced progress, are folded away in mother earth, leaving us in pos-
session of material wealth, and teaching us the lesson when, where and
how civilization was introduced into this wilderness.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
CHAPTER IV.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
In this chapter the story of the beginning of the various churches^
now represented in the county, is told, and their establishment
sketched, leaving the histoiy of their jjrogress to be given in that of
the townships, cities or incorporated towns, where such organizations
exist to-day. In a civilized country the Church is generally
contemporary with settlements, and for this reason the chapter holds
the next place to that dealing with the first occupation of this district
by white people.
The Catholic Church — The Catholic Church in Upper Canada dates
back to 1615, when four missionaries came with Champlain. One, at
least, was a Recollet priest, Rev. Joseph Le Caron, and he it was, who,
in 1615-16, accompanied the Governor in his tour round Canada, via
the Ottawa. Nippissing, Georgian Bay, and the chain of lakes and
rivers, from Lake Huron to the St. Lawrence, via Lake Simcoe. He
is said to have established a Mission near the foot of Lake Huron.
Eight years after. Father Nicholas Veil and Brother Gabriel Sagard
traversed the same district, and in 1634 the Jesuit fathers, Breboeuf
and Daniel, established a Mission on Lake Huron shore among the
Hurons, with whom they travelled from Quebec, where the Hures
were visiting. The Abbe D'Urfe and venerable DoUiere de Kleus, of
the Seminar)^ of St. Sulpice, established their Mission at the Bay of
Quinte about this time, and still later, the Chapel on Lake Huron,
where la Riviere Aux Saubles was founded, and, it is said, another at
the Straits, just north of Sarnia, about the time Fort St. Joseph was
established, where the village of Fort Gratiot now stands. In June,
1671, De Courcelles sent messages to the Indian Missions in Ontario
advising them of his approach, and in 1673, Frontenac was received
by the Abbe D'Urfe, and the chiefs of the Five Nations, at the Bay
of Quinte.
In the second decade of this country, Edourd Petit, of Black River,,
discovered the ruins of an ancient building on the Riviere Aux Saubles,
about forty miles from Sarnia. Pacing the size, he found it to have
been 40x24 feet on the ground. On the middle of the south or gable
end, was a chimney eighteen feet high, in excellent preservation, Ijuilt
of stone, with an open fire-place. The fire-place had sunk below the
surface. This ruin had a garden surrounding it, ten or twelve rods-
wide by twenty rods in length, marked by ditches and alleys Inside
the walls of the house a splendid oak had grown to be three feet in
diameter, with a stem sixty feet high to the first branch. It seemed
to be of second growth, and must have been 150 years reaching its
42 HISTORY OF THE
proportions, as seen in 1828-9. Onicknick, an aged Saguenay chief
(84 years old), told Petit that a white man built the house at the time
his great-great-great-great grandfather lived, and that white people
lived then in all the country around, who sold every article for a
peminick or dollar. Onicknick also stated that the men were not
French ; but beyond this, he could not give any testimony more than
the ruin conveyed.*
On the Wye Eiver, north of Penetanguishene, at old Michili-
mackinack and other places, permanent or temporary missions had
been established prior to the beginning of the eighteenth century ;
while the great mission at Ogdensburg or Soegasti was established in
1748 by Abbe Picquet, "The Apostle of the Iroquois."
Early in the eighteenth century can be found traces of regularly
appointed Catholic missioners among the Otchipwas and white settlers
along both banks of the St. Glair Eiver, over a century after the
Eeverends DoUier and Galivree visited the locality — 1670-1, who are
said to have made a stay at the Champlain Mission opposite Fort
Gratiot, or in that vicinity. In 1786, Nelson Eoberts, who visited the
Eed Eiver country that year, reported having seen a priest among the
Indians of the Black Eiver and St. Clair, and recorded this report on
his return to Montreal. Assistant Surgeon Taylor, U. S. A., writing
in 1871, from Fort Gratiot, says: — "The location of the EecoUet
mission in this vicinity is uncertain. According to Bell's History of
Canada, it was an important one, and known as Ste. Marie. As the
Jesuits had one also of the same name located among the Hurons at
the head of Georgian Bay, it would seem that some confusion has
arisen in relation to these missions, both as to their importance and
position. Judge Campbell is of the opinion that the Eecollet mission
was located on the present site of Sarnia."
In 1728, the Mission at Pointe de Montreal was founded by Pere
de la Eichardie. Prior to this date, for twenty-six years, the Mission
of St. Anne, at Detroit, existed. In 1733, a church building was
erected at Sandwich, but within the succeeding decade another house
was erected on Bois Blanc, sixteen miles down the river, with Pere
Potier in charge; but in 1747, the founder of the Mission, at Pointe
de Montreal, returned, and rebuilt the Church of 1733. In 1757, he
accompanied a band of Hurons to their selected hunting gi'ounds, in
the neighborhood of where Tiffin, 0., now stands ; but the following
year settled among the Illinois, in whicli nation he died in 1758. The
])resent church of Sandwich dates bade to 1760, when the Mission was
established. Father Potier, who resumed charge in 1757 of the
Huron Church, continued pa.stor there until his death in 1781. Father
Hubert succeeded, who served this Parish and that of St. Anne's until
1788, with Father Frechette assisting. About 1789, Eev. F. X.
• Of course, a statement of this kind should be taken with dueallowanoe for error. The
huildine could not have been erected so far back by any whitemen, except French mis-
sionaries or adventurers. Onicknick vfas mistaken as to the lapse of time.
MARQUETTE'S MAP.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 45
Dufaux was appointed pastor, and served imtil his death, Sept. 12,
1796. Other priests succeeded. In 1803, the Parish of St. Peter, on
the Thames, and one at Maiden, were established, with which the
names of Kev. T. B. Marchant and his assistant priests, with those
of Pere Badin and Father Angus MacDonnell, were connected for
many years. In 1820, Father Besrinquet arrived from Quebec, and
erected a small church building on Walpole Island. On his leaving
for the Lake Superior county. Father Sagelle was appointed, and in
1833, the celebrated Austrian, Father Vizoiski, took his place.
The founder of the English-speaking congi'egations in Ontario was
-a man of rare power, physically and mentally. His life is a part of
the history of the Dominion, and for that reason a synopsis of it is
given here. Bishop Alexander McDonnell was born in Glengary,
Scotland, in 1760. In his youth it was a penal offence to attend a
Catholic school, even as it was to preside over or support one, so that
his classical education had to be obtained at Valladolid, Spain. In
1790, he returned to his native country with the order of priesthood,
and went to work to re-establish the proscribed religion among his
people in the northern Parish of Badenoch, and in the city of Glasgow.
That the law and narrow bigotry of those days countenanced this
action, is the gi'eatest testimonial to his zeal and accomplishments.
This Scottish priest joined Lord McDonnell's regiment of Glengary
Fencibles, and served against the patriots, winning victories by
Christian methods, and saving the desperate people from cruelties,
such as other regiments inflicted. Through his influence this Catholic
regiment was recruited in Scotland, and the second Glengary Fencible
Eegiment was raised in Canada to repel the American invasion in
1812. Bishop McDonnell came to Canada as a priest in 1804, was
consecrated Bishop of Kingston in 1822, and died in Dumfriesshire,
Scotland, in 1840. His body laid in St. Mary's Church, Edinburgh,
xiutil 1862, when it was brought to Kingston, where it rests in the
Cathedral. In 1804, there were only two Catholic priests in Ontario,
one of whom deserted his mission that year, and the other would not
leave his district of Sandwich, so that, in fact, the great Bishop at one
time travelled throughout Ontario visiting his co-religionists, among
whom were many U. E. Loyalists.
The Catholic Church clergy of 1831, were Eev. Joseph Fluett, of
Amherstburg, and Eev. Joseph Crevier, of Sandwich and Eochester.
The venerable Bishop McDonnell, of Glengary, is said to have visited
the London district once or twice during this year. The Catholic clergy
in London and Western district in 1839, were Eev. M. E. Mills, of
London; Edmund Yvelin, of Sandwich, and Auguistin Vervais, of
Amherstburg. In 1843-56 the Jesuit fathers. Point, Choue, Duvan-
quet, Chazelle, Jaffre, Menet, Tevard, Grunot, Mainguy, and Conil-
leau, attended this large mission field, and after them came the bishops
and priests who have built up a great diocese of over one hundred
churches.
46 HISTORY OF THE
The history of the Church within the County of Middlesex dates
back to 1833-4, when the old log house of worship was erected on the
corner of Eichmoud and Maple streets, and dedicated by Father
Downie, of St. Thomas, in 1834. For a decade the Catholic people of
Loudon were visited by priests from Toronto, St. Peter or Sandwich,
such as Father Schneider, the Apostle of the Huron nation.
Eev. M. E. Mills was aj^pointed pastor of St. Thomas, June 6, 1843,
his district embracing the townships of Yarmouth, Southwold, Mala-
liide, and ten-itory adjacent on the east as well as other parts of the
Diocese of Toronto, to which pastors were not appointed. In September
Bishop Power visited St. Thomas and London, and on the 20th extended
the former mission so as to include concessions 7, 8, and 9, of West-
minster. In December, 1844 Father Mills was appointed to attend the
townships of Westminster and London, this appointment being made
about one year after the Bishop's visit. In 1847 is found the name
of Eev. P. O'Dwyer; in 1849 that of Eev. John Carroll, and on April
19, 1849, of Eev. Thadeus Kirwau. On June 29, 18.51, Bishop De
Charbonnel, of Toronto, confii-med 130 persons at London, and 85 at
the church of St. Lawrence. In 1854, Eev. P. Crinnou presided over
the parish. Eev. Mr. Carroll, named above, was, in 1885, the oldest
priest in the United States. He was born in Maryborough, Ireland,
June 30, 1798 ; came to America in 1817 ; was ordained at Quebec
by Bishop Edmund Burke, June 29, 1820, and served the Church
in Canada until 1869, when he was removed to Chicago, 111.
The Diocese of London was erected February 21, 1856, and on the
29th day of that month the Papal Bulls were addressed to the Eev.
Peter Adolphus Piusonneault, Prie.st of the Society of St. Sulpice,
Montreal, naming him first Bishop of the new See. Bishop Piusonneault
was born in the year 1815, and made his studies in the College of
Montreal. There also he took the ecclesiastical habit, but proceeded to
Paris to complete his theological studies. It was in that city that he
was raised to the priesthood in 1840. Eeturning to Anrerica soon
after his ordination, he served the Church for many j'ears in Montreal,
and was consecrated there May 18th, Trinity Sunday, 1856, and was
installed Bishojj of London June 29th following, the record being
signed by Armandus, F. M, Bishop of Toronto ; John, Bishop of
Hamilton ; T. T. Kirwan ; Edward Bayard ; Louis Musard.
The new bishop found little in the London Town of 1856 wath
which to be satisfied, and so urged the Church authorities to transfer
the Episcopal See to Sandwich, and a brief agreeable to his views was
issued February 2, 1859. For some months prior to this date Bishop
Piusonneault was visiting in Europe — Bishop Farrell, of Hamilton,
being Administrator from September 19, 1858, to the spring of 1859.
In May, 1857, the title of Vicar-General was conferred on Eev. P.
Point, Superior of the Jesuits of Sandwich, and on Eevs. J. M.
Soulerin and J. M. Bruyere, of Toronto. When Bishop Pinsonneault
retired in 1867, the latter was appointed Administrator of the Diocese,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 47
which position he filled until the installation of Bishoj) Walsh at
Sandwich, November 14, that year. The otKcial record of that cere-
mony of installation bears the signatures of the Bishops of Hamilton
and Kingston, and of Geo. Baby, Mayor of Sandwich, besides those of
the following clergy : — J. M. Bruyere, V. G , Sandwich ; J. F. Jamot,
V. G., Toronto ; Conilleau, S. J. ; Michel, S. J. ; Dean Crinnon, P. D.
Laurent, Amherstburg ; B. G. Soflers, St. Anne's, Detroit ; G. Limpens,
Detroit ; E. Ouellette, Director College of St. Hyacinthe ; E. B. Kilroy,
Sarnia ; James Farrelly, Belleville ; F. P. Eooney, Toronto, and Jos.
Bayard, of Sandwich.
In January, 1868, the new bishop removed the Episcopal resi-
dence from Sandwich to London, and on the 15th of November,
1869, procured from the Propaganda a decree making London once
more the Episcopal See of the Diocese. Bishop Walsh was on his
accession to the See of Sandwich confronted with many grave diffi-
culties. The Diocese was involved in debt to the extent of $40,000,
for which enormous liability little or nothing could be shown. What
resulted ? From 1867 to 1885 no less a sum than $952,798 was
raised for Diocesan purposes ; since increased to over $1,500,000.
Throughout the Diocese church buildings, worthy of Him to Whom
they are dedicated, are to be seen on every side ; while in the centre
rises a temple that would do credit to a city of one million of people.
Referring to Father Cofley's sketch of the Catholic Church of London,
published in 1885, Rev. E. R. Stimson, of the English Church of
Toronto, in his " History of the Separation of Church and State in
Canada," says : — " From it can be obtained a very fair apprehension of
the progress made by Catholics in this part of Canada, unaided by any-
thing but fidelity to their cause, and willing, faithful hearts. Contrast
the past with the present — voluntaryism, with the endowed pulpit from
which have proceeded warnings since it first received preachers!" The
history of the churches, orphanages, hospitals, convent schools and
colleges of this Diocese would make a large volume, reading like
romance, while real beyond measure.
English Church in Canada. — The first clergyman of the English
Church was Rev. John Ogilvie, D. D., a British army chaplain, who
accompanied his regiment to Fort Niagara in 1759, when the French
lost that position. He died in 1774 while pastor of Trinity Church,
N. Y., and was followed in Canada by Rev. John Doughty, in 1777,
immediately after the English Churches in the American colonies were
closed by the American authorities. He was missionary at Sorel in
1784, having previously served in Canada as Chaplain of the King's
Royal Regiment of New York.
The first Protestant clergyman, who can lay claim to the title of
being a resident pastor, was the Rev. John Stuart, a son of one of the
early Irish settlers, of Harrisburg, Pa. Although his two brothers
joined the American army, Mr. Stuart sympathized with the British,
and so thought it prudent to leave the States. In September, 1781,
48 HISTORY OF THE
he was iu New Brunswick, and in 1783, at Montreal, and in 17Sr>, at
Cataraqui. In 1789 he was appointed Bishop's Commissionary, for
what is now Ontario. His death took place in 1811, at Kingston,
Canada.
Rev. Eobert Addison came in 1790, as a missionary from the
Society for Propagating the Gospel. He was army chaplain for a
short time at Niagara, and a visitor among the Grand Eiver Indians.
Added to this, he speculated in lands, and for thirty years, prior to
1823, was Chaplain of Parliament. Eev. Mr. Pollard came in 1791,
and later, Eev. J. Langhorn, who returned to England at the beginning
of the troubles of 1812, so as to escape the Americans, of whose
" blood-thirsty disposition " he entertained strange ideas. The first
English Protestant Church was erected at Kingston in 1793. In
1792, however, the Protestants and Catholics worshipped in turn in
Navy Hall, or the Council Chamber there. The second English
Church building in Ontario was that at Belleville, 1819-20, presided
over by Mr. Campbell, which was iised up to 1858. Eev. John
Cochrane and Eev. John Grier may be named among the old pastors
of that old church. In 1793, Eev. Dr. Jehosaphat Mountain was
sent out from England as first Protestant Bishop of all Canada, with
his See at Quebec. At that time his church claimed but five
clergymen in the whole of British North America.
The ministers of the Church of England, iu London district, in
1831, were Eev. M. Burnham, St. Thomas; Eev. F. Evans, Wood-
house, and Eev. E. J. Boswell, London. In the Western District were
Eev. E. Eolph, of Amherstburg ; Wm. Johnson, of Sandwich, and T.
Morley of Chatham. In 1832, Eev. Benj. Cronyn was appointed
Eector of St. Paul's, London, while Eev. D. E. Blake was placed in
charge of the Adelaide Church, the congi-egation there being formed
that year. On July 12, 1836, a letter from the Governor's Secretary
informed the magistrates that five ministers of the Church were then
established iu the district.
Eev. Mr. Macintosh, the first English Church minister in tliis
vicinity, presided at Kettle Creek or St. Thomas, and, in early years,
held services in Wm. Geary's barn on Lot 14, Con. 5, London, whose
wife. Miss Jones, herself the daughter of an Irish Protestant minister,
was always ready to welcome such gospel messengers. In 1829, Eev.
E. N. Boswell came to take charge of London, and established St.
Paul's parish.
Under date January 16, 1830, Mahlon Burwell writes to Eev.
Edward J. Boswell, minister of London : — " The receipt of your favor
respecting the want of a house in which to perform Divine service,
and requesting permission to use the Court-room, is acknowledged.
The magistrates instruct me to inform you that, as the Court-house is
the property of the district, erected for the only pui-jjose of accommo-
dating His Majesty's Courts of Law in the administration of justice,
they do not conceive that they jjossess the right of granting you your
reijuest."
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 49
lu April, 1831, the Court granted permission to Rev. Mr. Boswell
to hold Divine service in the house intended for a public school house
at London ; later the order was rescinded. In 1832, Eev. Benj.
Cronyu was appointed Rector, and in 1835 a small frame church was
built near the present custom-house. This was burned in 1844, and a
new building soon took its place.
The ministers of the Church of England in London District, in
1839, were Wm. Betteridge, of Woodstock; D. Blake, of Adelaide;
M. Burnham, of St. Thomas ; Benj. Cronyn, of London ; Richard
Hood, of Caradoc ; T. Petrie, travelling missionary ; John Radcliffe,
of Warwick ; J. Rothwell, of Ingersoll. In the Western District were
J. O'Meara, of Sault Ste. Marie ; Hugh H. O'Neil, travelling
missionary ; T. B. Fuller, Chatham ; Fred. Mack, Amherstburgh.
The Anglican Churches of 1842-3 were St. Anne's Kateville, and
tenth concession buildings in Adelaide, the Caradoc Church, the
Delaware Church, St. Paul's at London, St. John's in London Town-
ship at Arva, and the church at Strathroy.
In the report of the Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto,
made in 1842-3, it is written that the donations of land in the London
District to the Chin'ch amounted to 1,877 acres, of which J. B. Askin
gave 46; H. L. Askin, 35; Col. M. Burwell, 1,096; Rev. Benja-
min Cronyn, James Givens, G. J. Goodhue, L. Lawrason and John
Williams, 100 acres each, and T. Phillips, 200 acres. Penny's grant
of 100 acres to the Church at Wardsville and smaller grants in West-
minster and London Townships are unnoticed.
Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, speaking July 17, 1851, on the prosperity
of holding land for church purposes, said : — " It did not send him into
a man's vineyard to steal his grapes, or a man's farmyard to milk his
cows." Rev. J. Winterbotham, in reply, pointed out that church lands
were not always used for the purposes granted, and said : — " I refer
now to my brother from London, who managed to get an act passed
through the Provincial Parliament for the sale of his glebe there. I
asked him whether $2,500 was not realized by the sale of that glebe.
When a transaction of this nature is seen to take place openly, * * *
is thus made a matter of speculative sale to feed the grasping avarice
of those who claim credit for great disinterestedness, then it is time for
Parliament to interpose." In 1853 the British Parliament authorized
the Canadian Parliament to vary, or repeal the provisions of the Reserve
Fund, and apply the proceeds to any pui-pose, but not to reduce the
annual salaries, then paid to ministers of the English and Scotch
churches, during their lives. This permission drew from " The Lord
Bishop, Clergy and Lay Delegates of the Uuited (Jhurch of England
and Ireland, in the Province of Canada West, in Synod assembled at
Toronto, Oct. 26, 1854," a strong protest, but the Canadians over-
looked this and an act was passed in accordance with the British act,
and, in 1855, the Lord Bishop Strachan asked his ministers to com-
mit their claims to the Clergy Reserve Funds. John Hillyard Cameron
50 HISTORY OF THE
was given power of attorney, by several of such clergymen, to commit
their claims, and in March, 1855, his list of clergy and amount to be
paid each was approved by Bishop Strachan. In this list the names
of Eevs. D. E. Blake, Michael Boomer, C. C. Brough, A. St. G. Caul-
field, H. G. Cooper, Ben. Cronyn, E. Flood, John Kennedy, W. Logan,
J. W. Marsh, T." W. Marsh, A. Mortimer, A. Lampman, all connected
with Middlesex, occur. The commutation moneys paid to the clergy
of the Diocese of Huron in 1855, exclusive of Messrs Blake and others
who were not here then, amounted to $219,685.52, and this payment,
did not incapacitate any of them from earning the same, or large annual
salary, fi'om their congi-egations.
The first report of the Incorporated Church Society of the Diocese
of Huron, was presented June 22, 1859. In 1857 the western division
of the Diocese of Toronto was so far endowed and preparations for the
organization of a new diocese so far proceeded with, that the Governor-
General ajiproved the election of a Bishop ; and in July of that year,
liev. Benj. Cronyn was chosen and consecrated October 28, 1857. In
1858, Hon. M. Foley, M. P., was entrusted with the Bill of Incor-
poration, to carry it through the House of the Assembly ; while (t. J.
Goodhue introduced it in the Legislative Council. Success waited on
their efforts, and on July 24, 1858, the Diocese was incorporated.
Bishop Benj. Cronyn, son of John Cronyn, of Kilkenny City, Ireland,
was born there in 1802 ; he won the degree of B. A. at Trinity College,
Dublin, in 1821, and of M. A. in 1824, together with the Regius Pro-
fessors' prize of that year. In 1825 he was created Deacon, and in
1826 was ordained at Quam, Ireland. After a six 3'ears' curacy in
Longford County, where he married Miss Bickerslatf, of Lislea, he
came to Canada in 1832, and was appointed Eector of St. Paul's,
London. In 1857, Huron Diocese was established with Eev. Mr.
Cronyn, first Bishop. His death took place here September 22, 1871.
Among the clergy of 1878, who were in the Diocese at that time,
were the following named, the date of their connection with church
work in the old Diocese of Toronto, and their stations being given : —
Wm. Bettridge, B.D. (Canon), 1834, Strathroy; M. "Boomer,
LL.D. (Dean), 1840, London; St. G. Caulfield, LLD. (Canon), 1848,
Windsor; F. Gore Elliott, 1837, Sandwich; E. L. Elwood, A.M.
(Archdeacon), 1849, Goderich; E. Grasett, M.A. (Canon), 1848,
Simcoe; Andrew Jamieson, 1842, Walpole Island; John Kennedy,
M.A., 1848, Adelaide; F. Mack, 1839, St. Catharines; J. W. Marsh,
M.A. (Archdeacon), 1849, London; A. H. E. Mulholland (R. D.I,
1849, Owen Sound; A. Nelles (Canon, E D.), 1829, Brantford; J.
Padficld (superainiuated), 1833, Burford ; E. Patterson, M.A. (R. D.),
1849, Stratford; F. W. Sandys, D.D. (Archdeacon), 1845, Chatham;
G. J, E. Salter, M.A. (Canon), 1847, Brantford ; J. Smythe, M.A.,
1854, Shelburne; A. Townley, D.D. (Canon), 1840, Hamilton.
Among the members at this time were H. C. E. Becher, G. J.
Goodhue, L. Lawrason, C. MonseiTat, John Wilson, Dr. H. Going,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 51
Eev. K. Gordon, Dr. A. Harpur, Rev. T. Hughes, Dr. Phillips, James
Stephenson, Eev. J. McLean (curate), W. Watson, S. Peters and J.
Hamilton. Eev. E. Gordon, named above, presided over the Fugitive
Mission, in London City, on the Colored People's Mission in 1858 ;
but he was not here twenty years later when the above list of clergy
was compiled.
Bishop Hellmuth was ordained a minister in 1846, created Arch-
deacon of Huron in 1861, Dean in 1867, Coadjutor-Bishop . of Norfollc
in 1871, and Bishop of Huron the same year, to succeed Bishop
Cronyn.
On November 30, 1883, Very Eev. Maurice S. Baldwin, Dean of
Montreal, was consecrated Bishop of Huron.
The Diocese comprises 235 congregations, attended by 123 min-
isters. Of the numbers given 42 and 25 are respectively credited to
Middlesex County.
Presbyterian Church. — Eev. John Bethune, a native of Scotland,
and a minister of the Church of Scotland, who settled at Cornwall,
Can., about 1780-1, was the second legal clergyman of any Protestant
denomination who settled in Canada. He died at Williamstown,
September 23, 1815. Eev. Mr. McDowell succeeded him in the
active work of the mission in 1799 or 1800, or about the time his
co-religionist, Dr. Strachan, came hither. Eev. Mr. Smart came in
1811 ; but by this time Dr. Strachan had joined the English Chvirch,
so that the field of Presbyterianism was cultivated by Messrs. Bethune
and McDowell, the latter of whom asked Mr. Smart to assist in the
work. On May 24, 1888, the celebration of the one-hundredth anni-
versary of the adoption by New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia or
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolina Synods of the Presbyterian
Congregation of the resolutions for the formation of the first Presby-
terian General Assembly in America, was held at Philadelphia. As
early as 1695 the Presbyterians and Baptists began to flourish in
Philadelphia. Their interests were then so far united that they met
for worship in the same small building, known as the " Barbadoes Lot
Store." This fellowship lasted till 1698-99, when the Presbyterians
imported a permanent minister, the Eev. Jedediah Andrews, from
New England, and he actually took possession of the pulpit in the
store to the exclusion of any Baptist minister who might happen to
come along. By this act it was evident to the Baptists that the
Presbyterians wanted the store for themselves, because of their
unwillingness to give up the pulpit to Baptist preachers. Or, in
modern slang, the Presbyterians " froze out " the Baptists — a process
more recently known nearer home.
Among the early ministers of the Church of Scotland in Middlesex
were Alex. Eoss, who took the oath of allegiance in January, 1830,
and Donald Mackenzie, who also took the oath. In 1833 other
branches of the Church were formed, and from the latter years dates
the progressive Presbyterianism of the present time. Among the
52 HISTORY OF THE
of early Presbyterian preachers are : — Alex. Mackenzie, of
Goderich, 1837 ; Wm. R. Sutherland, now residing in Ekfrid, 1848 ;
Lachlin McPherson, of Ekfrid and Williams, 1846 ; John Scott, Wm.
Proudfoot, James Skinner ; and of the Scotch congregation, W.
McKeUican, 1833 ; Daniel Allen, 1838 ; Duncan McMillan, of
Williams, and Dugald McKellar, of Lobo, 1839.
Presbyterian Marriages. — The following marriage contracts were
recorded by William Proudfoot, a Presbyterian minister of the
Secession Church : —
Aug. 6, 1833 — Neil Ross to Margaret Ross, of London.
Oct. 1, " AVilliam Bell to Matilda Smith, of Stanley.
Nov. 12, " Charles Grant to Eliza McDonald, of London.
Nov. 14, " Hugh Fraser to Margaret McGregor, of London.
Nov. 27, " Charles W. White to Sarah A. Munro, of Loudon.
Dec. 11, " Alex. Moince (or Mounts) to Christian Clubb, of Westminster.
Feb. 15, 1834— Edward Dunn to Elizabeth Grieve, of Lobo.
Jan. 29, " E. A. Thompson to Salina Chisholm, of London.
Mar. 17, " John Sinclair to Eliza Donaldson, of London.
May 13, " Archibald Graham to Flora Graham, of Lobo.
May 27, " Andrew Beattie te Isabella Boston, of Lobo.
July 7, " Andrew Kernahan to Eleanor Wilson, of London.
July 11, " George Laidlaw to Christian Grieve, of Westminster.
Aug. 1, " James Jackson to Isabella Nichol, of Westminster.
Sept. 30, " Donald Fraser to Isabella Ross, of Williams.
Oct. 29, " William Quinn to Jane Weir, of Dorchester.
Nov. 20, " James McDonald to Janet Anderson, of Williams.
Nov. 27, " Edward McDonald to Betsy McDonald, of London.
Mar. 17, 1835 — John Quite to Anne Needham, of Nissouri.
Mar. 27, " John Hope to Nancy Lynn, of Southwold.
April 2, " Hugh Barclay to Janet McDonald, of London.
April 3, " Jennetis Nichol to Nancy Laidlaw, of Westminster.
April 23, " John McDonald to Hannah McMillan, of London.
April 29, " John WUson to Eliza A. Clark, of London.
He made record, also, of the following mareiages solemnized by him
in 1835-7:—
May 7, 1835 — David Jackson to Ann Grieve, of Westminster.
Aug. 10, " Robert Smith to Margaret Lomie, of London.
Sept. 1, " John Norval to Eliza A. Proudfoot, of London,
Oct. 12, " Israel Malton to Elizabeth Thompson, of London.
Oct. 19, " Adam Murray to Jane Beattie, of London.
Nov. 20, " Robert Smith to Ann Graham, of Tilbury East,
Nov. 20, " Robert Smith to Elsphet Graham, of Tibury East.
Dec. 15, " Donald Cameron to Janet Ramsay, of London.
Jan. 7, 1836— David Hughes to Charlotte Mathews, of London.
Jan. 17, " Hugh Mclntyre to Sarah McNeill, of Williams.
Jan. 18, " Alexander Campbell to Janet Moore, of Williams.
Jan. 23, " George Smith to Christina Brown, of London.
Feb. 9, " Roderick McKay to Margaret Cameron, of Williams.
April 12, " Samuel Lynn to Nancy Clark, of London.
May 25, " Robert Freeman to Mary A. McKenzie, of Zorra.
June 14, " Willini Nagle to Rebecca Hart, of Delaware.
July 1, " Lewis Holman to Jane Bailey, of Stephens.
Aug. 9, " John McDonald to Christie Bain, of London.
Aug. 10, •' Henry Davis to Annie J. McSpadden, London.
Sept. 8, " William Grieve to Margaret Beattie, of Westminster.
Sept. 8, " Thomas Caverhill to Cecilia Herdman, of Westminster.
Nov. 11, " Robert Jardine to Mary Beaden, of Westminster.
Nov. 20, " Levi S. Blackman to Susan P. Parker, of London.
Jan.
22,
1835-
Feb.
4,
"
Mar.
26,
"
April
9,
May
7,
May
18,
"
Dec.
24,
"
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 53^
In 1837 he recorded the following contracts : —
Feb. 17, 1837— Charles Lackey to Elizabeth Middleton, of Westminster.
Mar. 21, " John Stillson to Elizabeth Scott, of London.
April 18, " John Diamond to Janet Bremner, of London.
May 25, " Abuer Wilson to Margaret Drummond, of Westminster.
June 17, " Robert Craig to Melissa Hall, of Nissouri.
June 29, " Joseph Goodhand to Sarah Craig, of London.
Aug. 9, " Andrew Allen to Isabella Fraser, of London.
Nov. 16, " John Barclay to JIary McBain, of London.
Dec. 8, " John Oliver to Isabella Beattie, of Westminster.
Eev. James Skinner, of the United Secession Church of Scotland,,
recorded the following marriages in 1835 : —
-John Meek to Catherine Campbell, of Southwold.
Lot Wyllie to Catherine McPherson, of Westminster.
Henry Berry to Susan Burwell, of Southwold.
Robert G. Eunson to Hannah Cress, of St. Thomas.
Wm. Buchanan to Mary Sinclair, of Westminster.
Kenneth Juner to Ann Frazer, of St. Thomas.
James Ferguson to Janet Jardine, of St. Thomas.
With the above he solemnized four other marriages at South-
wold : —
Feb. 2, 1836— John Campbell to Catherine Stewart, of Ekfrid.
Aug. 18, " Robert McCIatchey, of Caradoc, to Mary Storie.
Aug. 18, " John Law, of Adelaide, to Bridget Holleserae.
Feb. 15, 1837— John B. Olds, of Brock, to Elizabeth Preston, of Adelaide.
In 1835, Rev. Wm. Fraser, of the United Associate Secession
Presbyterian Church, certified the following contracts : —
June 22 — Julia N. Raman to Sarah Manning, of Dorchester.
July 9 — Rupert McDonald to Isabella McDonald, of Stanley.
Eev. D. McKenzie, of the Scotch Presljyterian Church, united
the following in marriage : —
Sept. 3, 1834— Joseph Pool to Bethia Witt, of Westminster.
Feb. " Donald Fraser to Janet Ross, of Williams.
Feb. 4, " John Mcintosh to Isabella Munro, both of Williams.
Dec. 28, 1837— Robert McDonald, of Oxford, to Kate McKay, of Nissouri.
He also joined six couples in matrimony in 1835.
Baptist Church. — Eevs. Joseph Wiem, Turner, Wyner and Elder
Holts introduced Baptist services into Canada about 1794.
In April, 1821, a number of families emigrated from South Wales,
to what was then known as Upper Canada. They crossed the channel
from Swansea to Bristol, where they waited for the sailing of the
vessel which was to carry them across the Atlantic to such a home as
they might be able to make for themselves in the New World. A six
weeks' voyage landed them in Quebec about the middle of June ; but
the most difficult, tedious and toilsome part of their journey was yet
54 HISTORY OF THE
before them. The appUances of the times for navigating the inland
waters of Canada were meagre. Steamboats there were, but they
were few and slow, and the accommodation they furnished was of a
rude description. They made tedious voyages on the river from
Quebec to Montreal, and on Lake Ontario as far as Little York and
Hamilton. Engineers had not taught navigators how the difficulties
of the St Lawrence rapids could be surmounted by canals and locks.
Hence these Welsh families came from Quebec to Montreal by steam-
boat, from Montreal to Prescott by Durham boat, and from Prescott to
Little York by steamer ; and reached St. Thomas about the end of the
first week in July. After a brief rest in St. Thomas, a few of the
men travelled through the woods to the rear of the Township of
London, where they secured land, and began to prepare such accom-
modation for their families as circumstances permitted, and to which
they brought them shortly afterward. The heads of some of these
families were godly people, Calvanistic Methodists, or followers of
Whitfield, as distinguished from followers of Wesley. As soon as theii'
families reached their new home, on the very first Sabbath, a prayer
meeting and Sabbath School were arranged, which, without any pro-
longed interruption, have, through all the changes of sixty-seven years,
continued to the present. But there were none to preach to them the
Word of Life, or take pastoral observation of these few sheep in the
wilderness. Still, they had their Welsh Bibles, of which they were
diligent students, and the Chief Shepherd himself watched over and fed
them in the green pastures of His grace. Those who had spiritual life
encouraged and helped each other, and used all the means at thek
disposal to extend it to those who had none. After a time they were
visited by some Wesleyan ministers, but their teaching was not that
to which they had been accustomed in Wales ; nor did it agree with
their conceptions of Bible truth, hence their visits, though welcome,
made little impression.
In the spring of 1829 the Kev. Wm. McDermond, a Baptist minister,
preached. The people received him gladly. His teaching called the
attention of both the older Christians and young converts to the much-
controverted subject of baptism. A diligent search of the New
Testament, to ascertain what Christ commanded, and what His
Apostles taught and practiced, resulted in a radical change of their
views on the subject, act and designs of that ordinance. Pliilip
llosser, an earnest, devoted Christian, and, from the early days of the
settlement, one of the leaders of the devotions of the people, was the
first person baptized, and his baptism was soon followed by that
of others. In the same year, 1829, a Baptist Church was formed
in the Township of Lobo, now known as the First Lobo Church, of
which the Baptists in the Welsh settlement became a branch, a
comiection which continued nearly five years.
During this time, and for several years afterward, a number of
Baptist ministers visited the settlement, and preached the Word as
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 55
o]3poitunity offered. Among these were McDermond, Vining, Slaught,*
Finch, Gaul, Mabee and Elliott. The occasional visits of these
servants of the Lord were much appreciated, and, through the Divine
blessing, resulted in a considerable increase in the number of believers.
But the inconvenience of being a part of a church so far distant as
Lobo began to be felt. The want of passable roads, joined to incon-
venient facilities for travel, made it difficult for them to attend
with sufficient frequency ; and the propriety of getting a dismissal
from Lobo and forming a church in the settlement was seriously
discussed, and the church at Denfield resulted. From the beginning
the Baptist Church spread out through the country. The act of 1831
bestowed certain liberty on dissenters, and Baptists were not slow to
avail themselves of the privileges offei'ed.
Early Ministers. — On Jan. 12, 1830, John Harris' application for
license " to celebrate matrimony " was received. Geo. J. Eyerson's
application was made two days later. In April the petitions of Geo.
J. Ryerson and others was considered. The magistrates refused to
grant license to celebrate marriage to ministers of the Calvinistic
Baptist Society, believing that such societies did not come within the
statutes. On Jan 12, 1831, Geo. J. Eyerson presented another
petition asking leave to celebrate marriage, and setting forth the names
of the Calvinist Baptist Community to which he belonged, as follows :
Joseph Kitchen, Benj. Palmerston, Nelson Vail, Gabriel Mabee, Nelson
Montross, Eobert Young, and David Shearer.
The regular Baptist Ministers were : — Francis Pickle, 1837,
Blenheim; Joseph Merrill, 1838, Bavham ; Salmon Vining, 1838,
Nissouri; Gilbert Harris, 1838, Oxford; W. H. Landon, 1838,
Blenheim ; Samuel Baker, 1838, Malahide ; Dugald Campbell, 1838,
Aldborough; Abraham Sloot, 1838, Westminster ; Isaac Elliott, 1839,
Oxford; Salmon Vining, 1839, Lobo; Shook McConnell, 1839,
Townsend ; Eichard Andrews, 1840, Yarmouth ; Dugald Sinclair,
1839, Lobo; Thomas Mills, 1843, Yarmouth; Eeuben Crandell, 1843,
Malahide; Wm. Wilkinson, 1845, Malahide; George Wilson, 1840,
Malahide; N. Eastwood, 1846, London; D. W.Eowland, 1848, South -
wold; Jonathan Williams, 1848, Dorchester ; John Bray, 1847, South-
wold ; Mark W. Hopkins, 1849, Goshen; Israel Marsh, 1849, Dor-
chester; Eobert Boyd, 1850, London; Simeon Eouse, 1850, Bayham,
and Alfred Chute, 1851, Lobo.
Early Baptist Marriages. — The marriages celebrated by Eev.
Abraham Sloot, in 1832-8, are recorded as follows, the parties being
of the Calvinist Baptist Church : —
WITNESSED BY
Sept. 12, 1832— Joseph Elliott to Sarah Glynn, T. Glynn and P. Campbell.
Sept. 16, " Victor Button to Mary Norton, G. Norton and G. Sloot.
Sept. 24, " Justus M. Videto to Amanda Hart, John Hart and B. Curtis.
Oct. 10, " Daniel Corson to Zelimla Wells, J. Wells and T. Olds.
Oct. 16, " Wm. Whitehead to Emiline Curtis, J. M. Videto and S. L. Sumner.
* This may be intended tor Abraham Sloot, as the name is spelled differently by writers.
WITNESSED HY
D. Stockton and T. Huff.
John Grieve to Jane JIurray, E. Grieve and N. Elliott.
Edmund Burtch to Sarah Smith, H. T. Shaver and John Cort.
Andrew Elsou to Charlotte Dyer, \V. Blinn and Joseph Elson.
Isaac Vansickle to Mary A. McClain, A. Montross and J. McClain.
-rhilo Jackson to Sarah Hill, Tilly Hubbard and N. Griffith.
Wm. Wells to Elizabeth Johnson, Geo. Sloot and Win. Libby.
Cornelius Willson to Suffrona Cutler, H. Jones and D. Browne.
Oliver Strowback to Mary Jackson, Eli Griffith and Philo Jackson.
Peter Sinclair to Nancy Sinclair, W. Elliott and L Gambo.
Philip Brooks to Prudence Warner, Zachariah and L. Warner.
Joseph Lown to Sarah Griffith, F. and Sam. Lown.
John Wells to Mary Brown, Alexander, JIary and A. Weir.
Oct. 22, 1832— Wm. Leeper, to Cynthia Osborne,
Oct. 25, " - - - -
Oct. 29, "
Nov. 27, "
Dec. 9, "
Jan. 24, 1833-
Feb. 15, "
Feb. 28, "
Mar. 9, "
Mar. 23, "
April 2, "
April 29, "
April 30, "
The above named were residents, in the order of entry of the fol-
lowing townships : — Caradoc, Westminster, Loudon, Malahide, London >
Yarmouth, Westminster, Lobo, London, Yarmouth, Westminster, Lon-
don, London, Westminster, Caradoc, Dunwich, Westminster, and Lon-
don.
July 28, 1833 — Ensign Hill to Diana Carney, of Westminster.
Aug. 19, " John Kitchen to Nancy King, of Southwold.
Aug. 19, ' ■ James King to Marietta Bartlett, of Caradoc.
Aug. 24, " James Siddal to Violet Young, of Dunwich.
Aug. 2(), " John Whiting to Wealthy Degraw, of Caradoc.
Aug. 31, " Timothy Simonds to Ruth Webster, of Westminster.
Sept. 3, " James Jlontague to Lora Hungerford, of Westminster.
Sept. 19, " Joseph Siddal to Eliza Brooks, of Dunwich.
Oct. 15, " Swain Corliss to Eliza Williams, of Lobo.
Oct. 15, " Joseph Lyon to Juliana Moore, of Southwold.
Oct. 17, " Wm. Routledge to Jennet Bailee, of AVestminster.
Oct. 27, " Zeras Myric to Juliana Odle, of London.
Oct. 28, " Zerah Gilbert to Mary A. Baker, of Southwold.
Oct. 28, " Jonah Clarke to Mary Lumley. of Dunwich.
Oct. 29, " Hiram Perkins to Harriet McNames, of Westminster.
Deo. 24, " Duncan McDugald to Mary McKiller, of Lobo.
Jan. 13, 1834 — Jacob Cooley to Dorka Reynolds, of Dorchester,
Feb. 10, " Malcolm Smith to Mary McFarlin, of Lobo.
Feb. 14, " Angus Graham to Cristy Smith, of Lobo.
Feb. 23, " Henry Stringer to Derinaan Elliott, of Westminster.
June 9, " Richard Patrick to Hannah Simmons, of Westminster.
June 19, " Andrew Carl to Lucretia Clarke, of Westminster.
Aug. 7, " John Patrick to Roxena Thorp, of Westminster.
Sept. 30, " Patrick Walker to Mary Beach, of London.
Nov. 9, " John H. Campbell to Annie Quick, of Caradoc.
Nov. 12, " John McKey to Isabella McCormick, of Williams.
Jan. 8, 1835— Andrew McClure to Samantha A. Crandle, of Southwold.
Jan. 15, " James Mclntire to Jane Mcintosh, of Ekfrid.
Feb. 18, " Armon Barrett to Susan Little, of Southwold.
Feb. 23, " Charles Moice to Elissa Burger, of Southwold.
Mar. 2, " John Kizier to Elmira Dell, of Westminster.
Mar. 17, " Henry Cook to Nancy Harrison, of London.
Mar. 25, " Jacob Dale to Eliza Hansel, of Westminster.
April 11, " George Shaver to Rebecca Hart, of Westminster.
July 8, " Hiram B. Mann to Margaret Stringer, of Westminster.
Aug. 9, " Francis Jarvis to Ounda Perkins, of Westminster.
Nov. 10, " Daniel Squers to Lois Burnam, of Westminster.
Dec. 9, " Daniel Whitehead to Lovina Wilkins, of Westminster.
Dec. 13, " George Hollis to Harriett Leahy, of Southwold.
Dec. 25, " Kenedy Creighton to Laura S. Hart, of London.
Dec. 30. " Wm. Foster to Sarah Woodhull, of Lobo.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 57
Oct. 31, 1836 — Robert Kilbouine to Susannah Roberts, of Westminster.
Nov. 24, " Robert Patton to Emelia Davis, of Westminster.
May 14, 1837— Armon Barrett to Nancy McFall, of Ekfrid.
June 24, " Alexander Thomas to Juliana Clark, of London.
July 1, " Henry Wilson to Eliza A. O'Neil, of Dorchester.
Aug. 5, " John Ellis to Rosilla Fletcher, of London.
Sept. 12, " Henry Weller to Esther A. Jackson, of Southwold.
Sept. 20, " Benj. Doyle to Derindia C. Adair, of Westminster.
Oct. 19, " Jacob H. Kyser to Margaret McStay, of Delaware.
Nov. 4, " Henry Plank to Mary A. Salinton, of Westminster.
Nov. 9, " Mahon Boding to Ro.xeana Wade, of Southwold.
Dec. 14, " John Elson to Mary Bioito, of London.
Dec. 18, " Samuel L. Sumner to Caziah Sohns, of London.
Dec. 18, " Benj. Sumner to Mary Piatt, of London.
Jan. 18, 1838— Wm. McKay to Sally A. Cutler, of Westminster.
May 15, " Peter Beach to Nancy Seaton, of Delaware.
June 5, " Benjamin Schram to Jane Tigner, of Delaware.
July 3, " John E. Sloot to Esther Hart, of London.
The marriages by Rev. Dugald Campbell, of the Baptist Church, of
Aldborough, iu 1833-7, are as follows : —
Nov. 26, 1833— John McCallum to Mary McKellar, of Ekfrid.
Dec. 24, " Angus McLean to Sarah McPhail, of Dunwich.
Jan. 21, 1834- Lachlin McLachlin to Mary McCallum, of Ekfrid.
Jan. 21, " Hugh Leitch to Catherine McLachlin, of Eklrid.
Feb. 11, " John McTavish to Flory Stewart, of Oxford.
Feb. 13, " John Munro to Mary ^Iurray, of Ekfrid.
April 1, " John McCallum to Nancy McKellar, of Mosa.
July 22, " Arch. Campbell to Margaret Johnston, of Lobo.
Feb. 3, 1835— Arch. McLachlin to Catharine McLellan, of Ekfrid.
Feb. 3, " Arch. McLellan to Elizabeth Walker, ol Mosa.
Feb. 19, " Duncan Campbell to Mary McAlpin, of Aldborough.
Mar. 5, " Lachlin Haggard to Catherine Gidham, of Mosa.
Mar. 17, " Duncan Black to Sarah McCallum, of Dunwich.
Feb. 9, 1837 — Alexander McAlpine to Christy Brown, of Aldborough.
Mar. 14, " Edward McCallum to Nancy Mitchell, of Ekfrid.
Mar. 30, " Wm. Room to Catherine McLean, of Dunwich.
June 1, " Henry Eirot to Letitia Elliott, of Ekfrid.
June 29, " Malcolm McAlpine to Nancy McAlpine, of Ekfrid.
Solomon Viiiing, of the Eegular Baptist Church, of Nissouri,
solemnized the following marriages : —
Oct. 20, 1833— Francis German to Eliza Gleason, of Nissouri.
Nov. 14, " Charles Harris to Abagail Mabee, of Oxford.
May 19, 1835— John McDiarmid to Mary Burgess, of Nissouri.
July 6, " Thpmas Morgan to Rachel Rosser, of London.
Got. 29, " Varnum German to Betsey Murray, of Nissouri.
Dec. 24, " William Piokart to Marv A. Pickel, of Nissouri.
Jan. 14, 1837 — Thomas Rosser to Ann Bell, of London.
Jan. 21, " Josiah D. Burgess to Jemima Near, of Nissouri.
July 1, " Henry Edwards to Eleanor Simons, of Lobo.
May 1, " John C. Holding to Esther Markham, of Nissouri.
Aug. 30, " John Rohner to Mary A, Edwards, of Dorchester.
Dec. 2, " Jeremiah Dorman to Catherine Matthews, of London.
Deo. 6, " James G. Barnes to Sarah J. Withers, of Nissouri.
Dec. 28, " Thomas Badygood to Marilla Finch.
Jan. 18, 1838 — Casper Near to Sarah Garner, of Nissouri.
Mar. 18, " Sylvester Dupee to Susannah Stanton, of Nissouri.
At this time, Eev. Davis Cross, of the Free Communion Baptist
Church at Zorra, solemnized eight marriages, among them being
Joseph Alwood and Christen McKay, of Nissouri.
t)S HISTORY OF THE
Dugald Sinclair, a Baptist minister, recorded the following certifi-
cates : —
Mch. 2, 1835— John McKellar to Sarah Livingstone, of Mosa.
Apr. 28, " Colquhoun Campbell to Catharine Sinclair, of Adelaide.
July 9, " Alex. Campbell to Jannet McArthur, of Caradoc.
Aug. 25, " John McGugan to Sarah McTaggart, of Williams.
Dec. 3, " Donald McDonald to Mary McTaggart, of Lobo.
Feb. 9, 1836 — Adonija Degraw to Isabella JIcNeil, of Caradoe.
Eev, Dugald Sinclair, of tlie Baptist Society, also registered the fol-
lowing marriages : —
Jan. n, 1S36 — Donald Campbell to Margaret Brown, of Williams.
Nov. 24, " Alex. Graham to Ann Stuart, of Lobo.
Dec. 11, " Duncan McLean to Catherine McKinley, of Lobo.
Eev. Samuel Baker, of the Regular Baptist Church, of Malahide,
registered the following : —
Feb. 5, 1836 — John McLachlin to Catherine McKenzie, of Williamstown.
Mar. 26, " George Sloot to Sarah Best, of Westminster.
July 10, 1837 — William F. Curry to Susannah Moses, of Mosa.
Eev. David Wright, of the W. M. Church, united in matrimony,
Jan. 17, 1838— John Frank and Hester Walters, of Westminster.
Eev. Wm. McDermond, a Calvinist Baptist, united,
May 6, 1835- Phillip Rosser and Maria Edwards, of London.
Eev. Joseph Merrill, of the Bayham Baptist Cliurch, united.
Sept. 26, 1835 — James B. Stephenson to Eliza Dunmead, of Dorchester.
Eev. Nichols French, of West Oxford Eegular Baptist Church,
united : —
Sept. 30, 1834— Hiram German to Sarah Brigham, of]
Oct. 11, 1835 — Samuel Herrin to Mary Whiting, of Dorchester.
June 17, 1837 — Thomas Squires, of Dorchester, to Catherine Bentley.
Eev. J. E. Lavelle, a Universalist minister, made the first marriage
record of his church at London, as follows : —
April 25, 1850 — Bartholomew Swartz to Sylvanie Shotwell, of Westminster.
The marriages solemnized by Eev. Thomas Huckins, of the Free
Will Baptist Church, of London, are as follows : —
Feb. 4, 1833 — Joseph Miller to Susannah Hampton, of London.
April 15, " Hugh Stevenson to Catherine Donaldson, of London.
July 16, " Peter Sarvis to Sarah A. Phroman, of London.
Aug. 28, " Charles Mann to Sarah Jaynes, of London.
Oct. 10, " David Duke to Maria Whitehead, of Biddulph.
Dec. 31, " Wm. Patterson to Jane Mankel, of London.
Jan. 13, 1834— John W. White to Elizabeth Buchner, of London.
Jan. 21, " Edward P. Godfrey to Mary Moore, of Southwold.
Mar. 16, ' John Frasier to Almeda Gilbert, of Southwold.
April 8, " Jacob Eberly to Sarah Mills, of Oxford.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 5»
May 4, 1834— Daniel Root to Rhoda Fuller, of Warwick.
May 13, '• Stephen Griffin to Elizabeth McPherson, of Southwold.
June 26, " George W. Ross to Diadema Paul, of Biddulph.
Aug. 10, " John Fralick to Annis Pierce, ol London,
Nov. 11, " Albert EUice to Jane A. Reynolds, of London.
Nov. 16, " Ralph Little to Maranda Purchase, of London.
Dec. 24, " Levi Vaughan to Mary Scott, of London.
Dec. 30, " Robert Holmes to Margaret Reckord. of Dunwich.
Jan. 13, 1835 — Azarah W. Clark to Ann Sarvis, of London.
Jan. 16, " Archibald Price to Ann Monaghan, of London.
Sept. 15, " Cornelius Williams to Elizabeth Defields, of Mosa.
Jan. 26,1836 — Samuel Munro to Eleanor Banghart, of Westminster.
Mar. 29, " Robert Brown to Sarah Attwood, ot Dunwich.
May 23, " Alexander Wear to Jane Hodgins, of London.
May 24, " James P. Harris to Martha Jackson, of Dereham.
June 19, " William Snelgrove to Eleanor Adkins, of Caradoc.
Aug. 8, " Caleb Willcox to Jane Bartlett, of Mosa.
Aug. 9, " Horace Cooley to Zelpha Moses, of Mosa.
Aug. 31, " Cornelius Jones to Harriet Abry, of London.
Sept. 18, " Alonzo Smith to Lucy Hubbard, of Mosa.
Nov. 12, " F. Finley, of Plympton, to Ann Sharp, of London.
In 1847, Eev. D. Stephenson Star was preacher iu this district.
Congregational Church. — The Congregational Church was repre-
sented in the London District in 1835, for on Oct. 15 that year Eev.
Wm. Lyall took the oath and was authorized to celebrate marriage.
To Eev. William Clarke, however, the credit is given of establishing
this form of worship in 1838. The ministers who succeeded him or
filled the pulpit within the old county during the following years are
named as follows :— W. P. Wastell, Southwold, 18-43 ; Joseph Silcox,
Southwold, 1845-50; Edward Ebbs, London, 1846; John Durrant,
London, 1847 ; W. H. Al worth, Port Stanley, 1848 ; W. F. Clarke,
London, 1849.
Early Congregational Marnages. — The first record made by a
Congregational minister was that made by Eev. William Clarke, as
follows : —
Jan. 15, 1838— John Dent to Ellen Delaney, of Zorra.
May 25, " Edward Watson to Elizabeth Woods, of London.
June 1, " John Clegg to Letitia Feret, of London.
.Tune 7, " Samuel Stansfield to Mary A. James, of London,
June 9, " Robert Thompson to Martha MeCadden, of Adelaide.
June 11, " Thomas Warner to Jemima Smith, of Amherstburg.
July 23, " John Marshall to Catherine Atkinson, of London.
Sept. 3, " Merrill S. Ayres to Martha E. Burch, of London.
Dec. 18, " John F. O'Neill to Phebe Sweet, of London.
Jan. 10, 1839— Wm. .Jackson to Rhoda Siddal, of Mosa.
Jan. 30, " John Henderson to Rachel A. 0' Dell, of Westminster.
Feb. 13, " John L. Swart to Martha Manning, of Westminster.
Mar. 6, " Robert Kearns to Ann Candless, of London.
Mar. 6, " Elijah Payne to Margaret Wheaton, of London.
Mar. 13, " Peter Ross to Louisa Elliott, of Ekfrid
Mar. 27, " John Beattie to Elizabeth Elliott, of Westminster.
Apr. 28, " Thomas Boston to Mary A. Jones, of Lobo.
May 3, " Samuel Bond to Mary A. Campbell, of London.
May 8, " William Young to Mary Parker, of London.
May 11, " John Gubbins to Sophia Reynolds, of London.
May 13, " Porter Stevens to Hannah Eldridge, of Westminster.
■60 HISTOUY OF THE
May 23, 1839 — Caleb Griffith to Caroline Morris, of London.
June 12, " John Wootingtou to Ann Weir, of London.
June 13, " Eleazer McCarthy to Mary A. Bevens, of Dorchester.
Sept. 19, " Thomas Dark to Grace Rottenbury, of London.
Oct. 18, " Nathaniel Lawson to Ann Thomas, of London.
Oct. 30, " Ralph Smith to Mary Davison, of London.
Oct. 31, " \Vm. Dickson to Margaret Auld, of Warwick.
Nov. 1, " John Clarke to Prudence Bailey, of Nissouri.
Nov. 4, " Neil Munroe to Flora Hare, of Westminster.
Nov. 28, " Joseph Mowrey to Mary A. Gnffin, of London.
Dec. 7, " Lorenzo D. Cook to Mary Steinhoff, of London
Dec. 25, " James S. Steinhoff to Mary Cook, of London.
Jan. 11, 1840 — Henry Palmer to Mahala Carter, of London.
Jan. 13, " John Lodge to Eleanor Foote, of Southwold.
Methodist Church. — Wesleyan Methodism in Canada dates back to
Oct. 7, 1786, when George Neal, an Irishman, who settled on the
Canadian side of the Niagara, preached the doctrine of John Wesley.
During the Eevolution he was a major in the British cavalry. Prior to
this, however, Capt. Webb and Commissary Tuffey, of the 44th
Infantry, preached the same doctrine to the garrisons. In 1788,
Exhorter Lyons preached at Adolphustown, and James McCarthy, an
Irishman, at Earnesttown. In 1790, Wm. Lossee, the first regular
Methodist preacher, came. He was a U. E. Loyalist, who managed to
stay in the States until that year. In 1791, however, he appeared in
the role of a Jlethodist Episcopalian. In 1805, the first camp meeting
was held on the south shore of Hay Bay. Among the preachers were
Eevs. Henry Ryan, an Irishman ; Wm. Case, Madden, Bangs, Keeler
and Pickett. Ryan was known from Montreal to Sandwich, having
travelled the entire district on regular circuit work. The first Methodist
church was built at Adolphustown, in 1792, in which year a second
house was erected at Earnesttown. In 1816, Westminster was set oft"
as a Methodist circuit, as related in the history of that township, and
from this beginning spread out the many Methodist circuits and appoint-
ments of Middlesex, the history of which is told in the sketches of the
municipalities.
In 1826, Henry Ryan raised the cry, "Loyal Methodism vs.
Republican Methodism." This cry was countenanced and paid for by
Dr. Strachan, of the English Church, on behalf of his government, and
carried out so practically by Ryan, that the Canadian Wesleyan
Methodist Church became a name in the history of the Dominion in
1827. He was quick at repartee. On one occasion a village wag, one
of a crowd, asked him if he had heard the news ? " What news ?"
"Why," said the wag, "that the devil is dead." "Ah, well," re-
sponded Ryan, looking around the crowd, " he has, indeed, left a great
many fatherless children."
In 1874, the Methodist New Connexion Church, and some other
forms of Christianity, entered the Canadian Wesleyan body, and all
assumed the name, Methodist Church of Canada. In 1884, the
Episcopal Methodists and Bible Christians entered the Union, so it
may be said that to-day Henry Ryan's idea of 1826 is an accomplished
fact.
COUNTY OF MIDDI.ESF.X. 61
Early Methodist Marriages. — Eev. John Beatty, a Wesleyau
Methodist minister, recorded the following certificates of marriage : —
J^ov. 20, 1833 — John Nixon to Jane Jackson, of London.
Dec. 1, " William Wheeler to Melinda Flanigan, of London.
Dec. 18, " Ira Allen to Jane Getliy, of Lobo.
Jan. 13, 1834— Yunel May to Mary Browne, of Nissouri.
Jan. 21, " Andrew Yerex to Mary Summer, ot Westminster.
Rev. James Jackson, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, of the
London District, solemnized these maniages : —
Nov. 18, 1834 — John Lambert to Mary Ann Smith, of Lobo.
Feb. 12, 1835 — James C. Smith, of London, to Lucy McDougal, of Southwold.
Rev. Isaac Newton Diigan West, of the Wesleyan Methodist
Church, performed the marriage ceremony in the following instances :—
Oct. 14, 1834 — John Stanley to Eliza Atkinson, of London.
Dec. 3, " Warren Young to Susan Besstidds, of London.
Dec. 31, " Hiram Dell to Anne Frank, of Westminster.
Jan. 1, 1835 — William Wilson to Elizabeth Bevans, of Nissouri.
Jan. 1, " Joel Moriarity to Lucy A. Bevans, of Nissouri.
Jan. 28, " Roswell Forbes to Eliza Lamoure, of London.
Jan. 29, " William Stinoif to Eliza Holt, of Yarmouth.
April 3, " Henry McKay to Rebecca Patrick, of London.
April 19, " Alexander Bane to Mary Lewis, of Zorra.
April 28, " Augustus Hicks to Alvira Barnes, of London.
Rev. Wniiam Griftis, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, joined
the following named persons in matrimony : —
Sept. 4, 1834— Daniel Freeman to Isabella Bailey, of Nissouri.
Oct. 29, " Joseph Barnes to Eleanor Williams, of London.
Jan. 13, 1835 — James N. Holmes to Margaret Sutton, of Westminster.
Mar. 18,
April 7,
Aprilll,
May 19,
May 20,
May 21,
May 26,
Nov.
William Patterson to Eliza Brethwait, of London.
William Ross to Amanda Bentley, of London.
Jacob Wilsie to Eleanor Manning, of Westminster.
Wm. McFadden to Luoinda Walcot, of London.
James Thompson to Catherine Murphy, of London.
Wra. Jackson to Margaret Webster, of London.
Charles G. Bostwick to Evis Manning, of Westminster.
Nov. 4, 1835 — John Jones to Ann Jane Curry, of Mo
George Curry to Elizabeth Jones, of Mo
Feb. 24, 1836— James Gardiner to Rebecca Flemon, of Mosa.
Rev. John S. Atwood, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, married
this couple : —
Oct. 4, 1835— Silas R. Ball to Jane S. Hyde, both of Dorchester.
Rev. Dugald Campbell, of the Baptist Church, of Aldborough,
recorded the following certificates : —
Feb. 2, 1836— Robert McAlpine to Betty McLachlin, of Mosa.
Feb. 25, " Duncan McPhail to Mary McCallum, of Zone.
Mar. 1, " Archibald Murray to Flora McAlpine, of Ekfrid.
Mar. 29, " Donald Smith to Isabella Mitchell, of Ekfrid.
Mar 31, " Duncan McCall to Sarah Haggart, of Lobo.
April 4, " John McCall to Catherine McCall, of Lobo.
June 14, " D. McCallum to Mary Black, of Dunwich.
62 HISTORY OF THE
Eev. C. Vanderson, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, united the
following couples : —
Dec. 12, 1836— Nathan Choat to Caroline Gibbs, of St. Thomas.
Feb., " Thomas Alien to Melissa Gregory, of St. Thomas.
Rev. David Wright, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, recorded
the following marriages: —
Dec. 10, 1835 — Simeon Morrell to Eleanor Beach, of Oxford.
Deo. 31, " Robert Barrie to Maria Vandeburgh, of London.
Feb. 18, 1836— John Taylor to Martha Willis, of London.
Feb. 18, " George Menelly to Eliza A. Manning, of Westminster.
Feb. 29, " George Sweeten to Mary Gardner, of Adelaide.
Aprilll, " Alexander Cameron to Mary Westby, of Tuckersmith.
April 24, " William Jackson to Elizabeth Chalraon, of London.
June 29, " John Armstrong to Sarah Young, of Tuckersmith.
Sep. 8, " Henry H. Corustock to Lucretia Strowbridge, of Westminster.
Oct. 9, " Edward Button to Ann Reynolds, of London.
Nov. 27, " James Stewins to Ann Swart, of London.
Dec. 15, " Welsie Manning to Amanda Simson, of Westminster.
Jan. 25, 1837 — Benjamin WoodhuU to Lucinda Miner, of Delaware.
Mar. 10, " Thomas Guest to Mary McRobert, of London.
Feb. 24, " John Kearns to Purlina Schram, of London.
April 5, " James Mcllmurray to Ann Johnston, of Adelaide.
May 3, " James Bryant to Elizabeth Ayers, of Westminster.
May 24, " Andrew Yaks to Wealthy Grouse, of Westminster.
Aug. 16, " Rev. J. K. Williston to Eleanor Morden, of Westminster.
Oct. 6, " George McConnell to Eliza Willis, of London.
Nov. 9, " George W. Albee to Hannah Vail, of London.
Eev. J. Flanagan, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, solemnized
follows : —
1837 — Ira M. Sumner and Elizabeth Merrill, of London.
" Charles Hoag and Hannah J. Day, of Hipun.
Rev. Edmund Stouey, a Wesleyan minister, made the following
record : —
Sept. 17, 1837— William H. V. Hill to Mary Stevens, of London.
Oct. 3, " Leonard O'Dell to Rachel Norton, of Dorchester.
Mar. 27, 1838 — Simeon Sanborn to Mahala Hartshorn, of London.
April 23, " John Willis to Susan Shaw, of London.
May 30, " Geo. Alway to Jane Armstrong, of Lobo.
Aug. 29, " Daniel Morden to Eliza J. Robison, of London.
Sept. 11, " Gabriel Willcia to Catherine O'Dell, of Westminster.
Sept. 19, " Geo. Oliver to Mary A. Percival, of Loudon.
Sept. 20, " Arthur McGcrry to Charlotte Towe, of London.
Thomas Fawcett, of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, recorded the
following marriage certificate : —
Feb. 28, 1838— Ezekial Caldwell to Sarah Sutton, both of Westminster.
Rev. Caleb Burdick, of the B. N.A. Methodist Church, united
these couples : —
Aug. 15, 1833 — Adoram Frank to Eliza Hodgson, of Westminster.
Jan. 19, 1835— Wm. Conly to Mary Walker, of Dorchester.
Jan. 21, " Truman Burgess to Caroline Furry.
Aug. 17, " Amos Ferrin to Anna Cornwall, of Dorchester.
Mar. 22, 1836 — John McLarity, of Yarmouth, to Anna McArthur, of Dorchester.
June 29, 1837 — Jacob Stover, of Dorchester, to Ann Froman, of Maladide.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 63
Eev. Eobert Earl, a Wesleyan, joined in matrimony : —
Oct. 2, 1837 — John Morgan, of Warwick, to Elizabeth Hughes, of London,
Nov. 8, " Reuben Adams, of Malahide, to Mary Jane Little, of Westminster.
Eev. John Shilton, of the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Chnrch,
made the following recovd : —
Jan. 6, 1837 — Benjamin Shilton to Hannah Chapman, of Raleigh.
Mar. 9, " John Clandening to Sarah Clement, of Mosa.
Mar. 13, " Howard Allen to Catherine Drake of Mosa.
Mar. 13, " Thomas Drake to Mary J. Eveland, of Mosa.
April 18, " AVilliam Wilson to Elizabeth Huff, of Zone.
. Eev. James Bell, a Canadian Wesleyan Methodist preacher, made
the following record : —
Jan. 2, 1838 — John Little to Mary A. Patterson, of Westminster.
April 10, " Thomas Orr to Abigail Tyrrell, of Westminster.
May 17, " James Owry to Eliza Orr, of Westminster.
Sept. 26, " Abram Lewis to Charlotte Patterson, of Westminster.
Oct. 17, " Benjamin Bentley to Christian Stringer, of Bayham.
Nov. 27, " Jared Elwood to Rosanna Talmon, of Westminster.
Methodist Church continued. — The Methodist Episcopal Church
was contemporary with, if not part of, the Wesleyan Society. In
1827-8 the Henry Eyan religious rebellion closed off the American
form, aud from that period to 1884 Episcopal Methodism was known
here. In the early marriage record — relating to dissenters from the
English Church — many of the early ministers are named ; while, in
the history of the circuits of Middlesex from 1816 to 1828, the pioneer
preachers all find mention. In April, 1831, Eev. Samuel Bolton, of
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Yarmouth, applied for permit to
perform the marriage ceremony, and took the oath of allegiance.
Thomas Harmon, of Westminster, and Caleb Burdick, of Malahide,
also took the oath, with Abner Matthews, Matthew Whiting, Thomas
Whitehead and Asahel Hulbert. Eev. John Bailey, of Nissouri, took
the oath of allegiance in October, 1835, and was authorized to perform
the marriage ceremony.
Prior to and immediately after the troubles of 1837-8, Methodist
Episcopal preachers were looked upon with some pohtical suspicion ;
but they rushed forward in numbers to take the oath of allegiance.
Among the leading ministers from 1839 to 1851 were : — John H.
Houston, 1839, Norwich ; James Mitchell, 1840, London ; George
Turner, 1839, London ; Charles Pettys, 1840, London ; David GriflBn,
1840, Bavham; Thomas Webster, 1840, London; Bernard Markle,
1844, Mosa; Benson Smith, 1843, London; W. D. Hughes, 1843,
Westminster; James Nixon, 1843, Malahide; Nathan Parke, 1845,
Mosa; Samuel Dunnett, 1846, Delaware; Eansom Dexter, 1845,
Malahide; Henry Gilmore, 1846, Malahide; John Gibson, 1840,
London; Abram E. Eoy, 1847, Malahide; Nathan Parke, 1847,
Chatham ; Hiram A. Eraser, 1848, Caradoc ; Matthew McGill, 1849^
Caradoc ; Schuyler Stewart, 1848, Malahide ; Wm. Cope, 1849|
64 HISTORY OF THE
Caradoc; George P. Harris, 1849, Dorchester; J. W. Jacobs, 1851,
Yarmouth; Sylvester L. Kerr, 1851, London; Thomas Davis, 1851,
Ekfrid.
Many of the above-named, such as Dr. Webster, have served the
district up to the union with the Canadian Methodists in 1884.
London District, in 1880, claimed the following ministers : — Rev. E.
Lounsbury, Presiding Elder ; London City, M. Dimmick, 0. G. CoUa-
more ; London Circuit, John Lay cock ; St. Mary's, Nissouri, J. B.
Cutler, J. Bloodsworth ; Thamesford, C. M. Thompson ; St. Thomas,
E. C. Parsons; Southwold, S. Knott, C. W. Bristol; Dorchester, N.
Dickie ; Springfield, A. Kennedy ; Parkhill. M. Griffin ; Thedford, E.
G. Pelley; Goderich, G. A. Francis; Seaforth, C. W. VoUick ;
Brussels, D. Ecker ; Ingersoll, W. H. Shaw ; Embro, M. H. Bartram ;
Stanley, R. A. Howey ; Maitland, W. N. Vallick ; Westminster, J. T.
Davis, T. B. Brown ; Aylmer, J. Ferguson ; Malahide, W. Fansher,
W. M. Teeple ; Tilsonburg, J. Rose ; Norwich, W. Benson, W. E.
Gifford ; Mt. Elgin, J. Gardiner, D. C. L. ; Vienna, W. A. Shaw ;
Walsingham, Thos. Graham ; Sweaborg, A. Scratch.
In 1881 the following named presided over the several circuits : —
London, M. Dimmick ; Loudon Circuit, B. C. Moore ; Ingersoll, W.
H. Shaw, B. Laurence (superannuated) ; St. Mary's and Nissouri, C.
M. Thompson, J. Mitchell; Thamesford, M. H. Bartram, R. Service
(superannuated) ; Embro, R. J. Warner, B. A. ; Sweaborg, John Wood ;
Dorchester, M. Griffin ; Westminster, J. T. Davis, J. Bloodworth ; St.
Thomas, W. G. Brown, B. B Rogers, A. A. C. ; Southwold, VV. Fan-
sher, T. J. Brown; Parkhill, J. Laycock ; Goderich, G. A. Francis;
Bosanquet, S. Knott; Seaforth, C. W. VoUick; Maitland, W. N. Vol-
lick ; Stanley, N. Dickie, F. Ling ; Norwich, 0. G. Collaraore, C. A.
Moore; Aylmer, J. Ferguson; Springfield, A. Kennedy; Malahide,
J. Rose,T. J.Smith; Tilsonburg, G. A. Filcher; Mt. Elgin, J. Gardiner;
Vienna, A. Scratch, D. Griffin ; Walsingham, W. Scurr.
In 1882, Rev. J. Gardiner presided over the district with M. H.
Bartram and B. C. Moore, of London; J. Ferguson and C. A. Moore,
of Mt. Elgin ; W. N. Vollick, of Nissouri ; A. Scratch, of Embro ;
John Wood, of Sweaborg ; M. Griffin, of Dorchester ; W. H. Shaw
and T. J. Smith, of Westminster, and J. Laycock, Parkhill. Strathroy
and other circuits, such as Newbury, belonged to other districts ; Dr.
Webster, of the latter place, being a resident worker of the church in
this county for almost half a century. In 1884 the union of this
church with the Methodist Church of Canada was effected.
Early Methodist Episcopal Man'iages — The earliest record of
marriages dates back to 18;]1, when Ephraim Smith, a minister of the
Gospel, sent to the Clerk the following certificates : —
April 24, 1831— Lorenzo D. Bates to Mary Earl.
May 4, " Jehu Sharp to Martha Smith.
Oct. 30, " Samuel Healy to Christiana Howell.
Jan. 26, 1832— Eli Cross to Anna Smith.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 65
Feb. 16, 1832— John Maher to Lodice Smith.
Mar. 16, " David T. Duncan to Mary Gillett.
Mar. 24, " Chris. L. Barnes to Amy Otis.
The gi'eater number of above resided in Norwich Township.
The following recorded marriages were solemnized by Rev. Thos.
Wliitehead, of the Methodist Ej^iscopal Church : —
Oct. 14, 1832 — Jasper H. Gooding to Mary Good, of Goderich.
Nov. 5, " Thomas B. Hale to Jane Willson, of Goderich.
Nov. 14, " William Holland to Eliza Hicks, of Goderich.
April 17, 1833 — Thomas Webster to Mary Bailey, of Nissouri.
July 10, " Arthur Squires to Lydia Carter, of Stanley.
The maniages solemnized by Eev. Ezra Adams, of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, of the London District, are recorded as follows : —
July 5, 1832— Thomas Hurlburt to Betsy A. Adams, of Caradoc
Oct. 2, " Jackson Stafford to Isabella Nickald, of Southwold.
Oct. 25, " Carroll to Lydia Kelly, of Mosa.
Nov. 13, " John Philips to Harriet Caswell, of Westminster.
Nov. 20, " James Nash to Keziah Lockwood, of Caradoc.
Jan. 31, 1833 — Seneca Edwards to Mary Curry, of Mosa.
Feb. 20, " Wra. Provost to Sally Siddal, of Dunwich.
Feb. 20, ' ' Horace Kelly to Nancy Provost, of Mosa.
Dec. 3, 1834— Colvin Davison to Jane Nichols, of Ekfrid.
Feb. 4, 1835— John Coyne to Elizabeth Neal.
Eev. Jesse Owen, of the Methodist Episcopal Chui'ch, performed
the ceremony of maniage in the following cases : —
-William Hodgman to Ann McGogan, of Caradoc.
James Clarke to Harriet Ramsay, of Caradoc.
Allen Fox to Jane Hunt, of London.
Belah King to Maria Dickison, of London.
Charles Dickison to Elizabeth Neadham, of London.
Cyrus Hawley to Eliza Smith, of London.
John Geary to Eliza Hasket, of London.
Moses Willson to Eliza Bailey, of Nissouri.
John Jackson to Nancy Sawtle, of London.
John Wheaton to Jane Clark, of London.
Eev. John Bailey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, united : —
July 4, 1837 — Charles Pettys to Mary Nixon, of Nissouri.
Eev. Charles Pettys, of the same denomination, manied the
following : —
Sept. 20, 1837- Cyrus P. Meriam to Margaret McBean, of Ekfrid.
Oct. 19, 1838 — Alonzo Charles to Lucy Blackmore, of Mosa.
Daniel Picket, a Methodist Episcopal preacher, united:
Oct. 8, 1834 — James Nixon to Annie Nichols, of London Township.*
Bible Chnstians. — The Bible Christian Church may be said to
have been established at London in 1869. In that circuit in 1871
there were two itinerant and nine local preachers, four places of wor-
♦ These marriage notices are copied from old and imperfect records, and, doubtless,
contain errors, for which, owing to the care employed In these pages, the publishers are not
accountable.
Jan.
1,
Jan.
7,
Jan.
28,
Feb.
10,
Apr.
15,
May
«,
May
8>
May
8,
July
29,
Aug.
28,
66 HISTORY OF THE
ship, aud 179 members. Eev. W. Jolliffe and J. Collins were
In 1873 W. Keener was at London. J. J. Eice came in 1875. and in
1876 he, with F. M. Whitlock were ministers. In 1877 S. J. AUin
assisted Mr. Eice, and the latter in 1878 took charge of the two cir-
cuits, London East and South; but in 1879 the circuit was divided, as
shown in the local history of this society. The 12th annual meeting
was held in ]\Iay, 1880; within their church at London South, when
the following named ministers and laymen were present : — Eevs. W.
Hooper (Superintendent), T. E. Hull, W. Ayers, W. Quauce, J. Archer,
G. H. Copeland, E. Mallett, B. A , T. Mason, W. EoUins and S. J.
Cunnings ; Messrs. J. Isaac, J. Cole, W. Gerry, W. Field, J. Small,
W. J eunings, E. Johnson and E. Kennedy. The officers appointed
were Eev. W. Eollins, Secretary ; Eev. E. Mallett, Journal Secretary ;
Eev. G. H. Copeland, Eeporter for the Observer ; and the ministers : —
London Centre, Eev. \V. Quance ; London East, Eev. G. H. Copeland ;
London South, Eev. W. Eollins ; Lambeth, Eev. T. Mason ; Dereham,
Eev. T. E Hull; Ingersoll, Eev. J. Archer; St. Thomas, Eev. W.
Hooper. Appointments continued to be made annually until the
union of 1884, when the Bible Christians lost their distinctive title
and became a part of the Methodist Church of Canada. In the
chapters devoted to local history the several churches of this society
are noticed.
Lutlieraiis. — The Lutheran Church in Canada dates back to 1790,
when a building, known .as Zion Church, was erected east of Kingston,
aud Eev. Schwerfeyer, of Albany, N". Y., called as pastor. About this
time a Mr. Myers, of Philadelphia, resided in Marysburgh Township,
where a large number of Palatinates and other German loyalists had
sought refuge. His mission was not successful, so that in 1807 he
returned to Pennsylvania. Eev. Mr. Weant, who preached at Ernest-
town, and in 1808, at Matilda, found but poor support, and in 1811
joined the English Church clandestinely at Quebec. Eeturuing, he
continued to jireach to his people, who found him using the Book of
Common Prayer, and wearing a surplice — cause sufficient for his
dismissal. In 1814, Mr. Myers was recalled, but finding that Weant
had possession of the building, had to resort to diplomacy to obtain its
use for worship. In 1817, Myers also joined the English Church.
Both were addicted to brandy-drinking and consequent drunkenness,
Myers dying from the effects of a fall.
Miscellaneous Societies. — The Quakers or Society of Friends,
introduced their faith in 1700, when David Sand aud Elijah Hick held
services at James Noxen's house, Adolphustown. They had a house
of worship erected there, the first in Canada; the second being at
Sophiasburg. Joseph Leavens, who died in 1844, in his 92nd year,
was one of the leading preachers of the society.
The Mennonites claim to be direct descendants of the Vandois or
Waldenses, who, during the latter part of the twelfth century, were
driven by oppression into Holland, and who lived there a scattered
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 67
sect until the sixteenth century, when Menno Simon, a refonned
priest, gathered them together and organized them into a compact
religious body, to which he gave his name. Because of the principles
they held they still suffered persecution, even to the extent of martyr-
dom, and finally a large body of Mennonites emigrated from Holland
to the United States and settled in and around Pennsylvania, about
the close of the seventeenth century. Here they found the freedom
of worship from which they had been so long debarred, and flourished,
a prosperous community. But after a century of peace the war of
the American Independence overshadowed the land, and, among many
others, a few of these people, preferring to remain under British rule,
left their pleasant homesteads to travel northward. Over the extensive
uncultivated spaces between Pennsylvania and the border line they
journeyed, nor paused until they settled once again with others of our
old Loyalist forefathers upon Canadian shores, where they began to
form new homes among the pathless woods of Niagara peninsula,
bringing with them a loyalty that has clung to creed as firmly as to
crown in each succeeding generation.
The New Jerusalem Church dates back to 1861 for its organization
in Canada. In June of every year conference is held, and executive
and ecclesiastical committees appointed, One of the great meetings
of this association was held at Strathroy in 1876, when four ministers
and an average number of delegates and visitors were present from the
following places: — Berlin, Toronto, Wellesley, Stratford, Caledonia,
Chatham, Conestoga, Watford, Waterloo, and Yorkville. Letters were
received from members in London, St. Catharines, Hamilton, New
Brunswick, Ottawa, Lisbon, Mt. Brydges, Parkhill, IngersoU, and
other places.
Moravians. — The history of the Moravians begins in 1457, nearly
a century before England accepted the teachings of Luther. Toward
the close of the fifteenth century there were 200 societies in Moravia
and Bohemia, and at this time their bible was issued. During the
succeeding 300 years the new church died out in its cradle ; but, in
1749, the British Parliament acknowledged them a part of the Protes-
tant Episcopal Church, and encouraged their settlement in North
America. In 1741, a few Moravians met for worship in New York.
During 1749, a number of Moravians established a mission in Tuscar-
awas County, Ohio, and here, in 1781, 100 of their number were killed
under the auspices of the very people who patronized them and sent
them to the colonies. The survivors of the massacre moved to Detroit
that year, and settled at New Gnadenhutten, near Mount Clemens, on
the Clinton Eiver of Lake St. Clair. During their term there fourteen
members died. They were hated by the Otchipwas on account of their
newly formed friendships for the Americans, and as that part of
Michigan was infested by Indians, the mission dissolved itself, the
gi'eater number seeking a home on the Thames (La Tranche), near the
scene of Proctor's defeat, from which David Zeisherger wrote July 20,
bS HISTORY OF THE
1794 : " Captain Pike was instructed by De Peyster, the British Com-
mandant at Detroit, in 1781, to make a bouilli of the Moravians, but
they outlived persecution."
Mormonism, which earned off many from Lambton, Middlesex and
adjoining counties into the polygamous aims of Utah in the sixties, is
still represented in the county and city. The Mormon temple on
Maitlaud street is the monument which this Church has raised to the
zeal of its members. In 1875 Mormonism was flourishing at London,
under the administration of Elders Leverton and Davis In Novem-
ber, 1875, a clieeky Gentile stood up in the Maitland Street Church
and asked Elder Davis, " Did he really believe in the Mormon Bible ?"
Of course, the answer was general, and a challenge to discuss the
matter came from a dozen of throats.
The Salvation Army — sometimes called General Booth's Church —
is one of the latest additions to religious forms. Only a few years ago
the members were buffetted about or imprisoned, but their perseverance
won for them tolerance, and to-day the Army preach and sing in the
market place as well as in their barracks — the members pleased with
their worship and the people amused with it.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX,
CHAPTER V.
ORGANIZATION OF LONDON DISTRICT.
July 16, 1792, Governor Simcoe declared the Province to be
divided into nineteen counties, the last being the County of Kent,
comprising all the country outside the boundaries of the first named
eighteen counties, as well as of the Indian lauds, extending northward
to the boundary line of Hudson Bay, including all the territory west
and south of such line known as Canada. Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex
were the neighboring counties bordering on the river La Tranche, or
Thames. The act of 1799, to which royal assent was given Jan. 1,
1800, provided for the estabhshment of eighteen counties, a number
of townships and a few districts. Among the counties then set off
was Middlesex, comprising the Townships of London, Westminster,,
Dorchester, Yaimouth, Southwold, Dunwich, Aldborough and Delaware.
London District, as then constituted, comprised the counties of Nor-
folk, Oxford and Middlesex, with the country westward of the Home
and Niagara districts, southward of Lake Huron, and between them
and a line drawn due north from a fixed boundary (where the easter-
most limit of Orford Township intersects the river Thames), until it
arrives at Lake Huron.
The act of April 14, 1821, provided that the Townships of Lobo,
Mosa, Ekfrid and Caradoc should be attached to Middlesex; that a
gore of land on the east side of Norwich and a gore on the east side of
Dorchester be attached to the respective townships, and that the
Townships of Zorra and Nissouri be added to Oxford County. At this
time the new Townships of Zone, Dawn, Sombra and St. Clair were
attached to Kent County.
In 1835 James IngersoU qualified at London as Registrar of the
County of Oxford.
The act of 1837, setting off Oxford County as the District of
Brock, required the Quarter Sessions of London to declare the pro-
portion of district expenses to be apportioned to Oxford, pending the
issue of proclamation.
Brock District was set off from London March 4, 1837. The
proportion of moneys due the new district by the old for wild land
tax, received by the Treasurer of London up to December, 1839, when
the new district was proclaimed, amounted to £41 16s. 8d.; but at the
settlement of July, 1841, £37 12s. Id. were deducted as the proportion
of general expenses incurred by London District.
In 1837 the magistrates of the new District of Talbot were author-
ized to sell the brick and stone in the old jail and court house at Vittoria,
the proceeds to be used in building their new court house and jail.
70 mSTOKY OF THE
In April, 1839, the question of apportioning the expenses of the
County of Huron was before the court.
In 1854 the town of London was incorporated as a city and
detached from the county.
The townships of Bayham, Malahide, South Dorchester, Southwold,
Aldborough and Yarmouth were detached in 1852 from Middlesex
and formed into the County of Elgin. In 1865 McGillivray and
Biddulph were detached from Huron and attached to Middlesex,
As related in the history of Biddulph and McGillivray, both town-
ships petitioned for annexation to Middlesex, and were detached from
Huron. With the exception of exemption from paying any part of
the debenture debt of the county, the townships became at once part
and parcel of Middlesex, and were first represented in the Council of
1863.
What changes future years may bring round in the present
boundaries of the county cannot be stated. A contributor to the Age,
Grand-Pa, writing in September, 1871, proposed that West Middlesex
be set oft' as a new county. He dealt with general expenditures back
to 1854, and showed very plainly that the western township paid
much more than a just share of expenses. He also referred to the
movement of 1861-2 for the establishment of a registry office at
Glencoe, and the revival of the question in 1870-1.
Quarter Sessions' Court, 18:27-Jf2. — The first Quarter Sessions
ever held at London was that of Tuesday, January 9, in the seventh
year of the reign of George IV. Joseph Eyerson was chairman.
In 1828, L. P. Sherwood was Circuit Judge. In July of this year
a resident of London was fined £5 " for deceitfully obtaining from
Eobert Summers one silver watch." In August, 1829, J. B. Ma-
caulay was Justice of the King's Bench. In January, 1839, Mahlon
Burwell was temporary chairman, with Peter Teeple, John Scatcherd,
Charles Ingersoll, Ira Scofield, Leslie Patterson, Edward Allen Talbot,
John Bostwick, and other justices present Michael McLaughlin, of
Westminster, was fined 25 shillings for beating Catherine Southerland.
John Matthews, Jr., of Lobo, was fined £2 foi- beating LawTence
Lawrason, of London, and James V. Ryan, of London, was fined 10
shilUngs for obtaining deceitfully from Robert Caldwell a silver watch.
In April, 1829, George Coleman, of Oxford East, was fined £1 for
beating constable John Phelan. Samuel Weir, of Burford, was fined
£10 for beating Rapelje Weir, then under ten years. Josejih Lyons,
John Davis, Elijah Davis, Christopher Williams, Thomas Fortner, all
farmers, and Cadnueil Moore, blacksmith, all of London, were fined £9
for assaulting James Williams in July 1829. In October, Isaac
Waters, of Westminster, paid £1 4s., for beating John Hunt.
In January, 1830, Henry Reynolds, of Dorchester, paid £2 for
beating Jesse Beverly. About this time the names of Benj. Willsou
and John G. Lessee, appear among the magistrates In April, 1830,
William B. Lee, of London, an innkeeper, and William Haskett, a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 71
painter, were bondsmen for Isaac Waters. John Ward, of Mosa, was
indicted for assaulting Michael Harder Joseph Ward, a pensioner, of
Mosa, and Geo. Lee, of Ekfi-id, were his bondsmen.
The Grand Jury in April, 1830, comprised Walter Chase, Benj.
Chadwick, Samuel Mason, Hugh O'Brien, Jacob Zavitz, John T.
Doan, Samuel Minai-d, Asa Fordice, Thomas Sprague, Thomas Hardi-
son, John Brazey, Durcomb Simons, Ira Whitcomb and Lawrence
Doyle. During the trial of James Meek vs. Duncan Campell, Duncan
McKenzie was sworn as interpreter for Malcolm Mclntyre, one of the
witnesses. At this time the serious charge against Ira Scofield,
Duncan McKenzie and James Parkinson for conspiracy, to charge
George J. Goodhue with forging a note against WilKam Fuller, was
made, and they were held in £200 bail. John O'Neil was appointed
High Constable.
In July, 1830, Henry Cook, innkeeper, of Westminster, paid
twenty-five shillings for assaulting Thomas Burns. In the case
against Michael Beach, of Oakland, Justus WiUcox, of Mosa, and
Wm. Paul, of Yarmouth, were his bondsmen.
The charge of assault, with evil intentions, against Esban Gregory
by Mrs. Mary Graham, and a similar charge against Shadrack Jones,
were entertained. Phoebe and Abigail McNeal were witnesses
against Jones, who was found guilty, and sentenced to prison for
three months, and to pay costs.
In 1831, Levins P. Sherwood presided over the circuit, while the
magistrates hitherto named, with J. Parkinson, James Racey, Andrew
Dobie and Duncan McKenzie, were active in Quarter Sessions work.
In the fall of 1830, Whiting Barnes, of London, was fined five shillings
for beating Edward Green. In January, 1831, Wm. Eldridge, of
Mosa, was fined only one shilHng for beating two of the Aldgeo
women of that township. Henry Cook was fined for assaulting Thos.
Orr, of Westminster. Gregory Allen, of Delaware, who assaulted
Ben Myers, was bailed out by Peter Schram, a farmer, and Charles
Eeeves, an innkeeper, both of Westminster. In 1830, A. A. Rapelje,
was still Sheriff".
In October, 1830, Henry White appears as a magistrate. At that
time the sum of £20 per annum was granted to High Constable
O'Neil, and William Putman was given £25 on account of labor on the
North Branch of the Thames.
In January, 1831, John Bostwick was chosen Chairman of Quarter
Sessions. The other magistrates present being Duncan McKenzie,
Henry Warren, Solomon Lossing, Edward A. Talbot, James MitcheU,
James Parkinson and Ira Scofield. One of the questious before the
Court was the expulsion of John Armitage from a lot of laud in London.
At this time Stephen and James Howell, Jacob Best, Henry Belts,
Adam Miller, Reuben Clark and Wra. Smith were tried for assault on
Isaac Hartwick, but acquitted. Gideon G. Bostwick, Crier of the
Court in 1831, was granted an annual salary of £20.
72 HISTOKY OF THE
In April, 1831, one Charles Mcintosh, a servant, sued his master,
Duncan McKenzie. This servant, or apprentice, brought no witnesses,
while his master brought forward Betsy McAdain, Amy and Levi
Blackman, Allen and Thomas Routledge, Daniel Barclay, Sarah
McLoughlin, and Freeman Hull as witnesses. The Court gave judg-
ment against Mcintosh for £7 15s. and costs.
In January, 1832, Hiram D. Lee, of London ; Nathan Griffith, of
Westminster ; Ira Whitcomb, of Port Stanley ; Geo. W. Whitehead,
of Burford ; James Young and Philip Henry, of Dunwich ; Jacob
McQueen, of South wold; Wm. Putnam, of Dorchester, and Samuel
Smith, of Orford, paid each £3 and were granted tavern licenses.
In January, 1832, Samuel Park, of London, was appointed Inspector
of Weights and Measures for the district, vice John Harris resigned.
At this time the name of Isaac Draper appears, and that of John
Scatcherd reappears among the magistrates, very few changes being
made within the preceding decade.
During the year 1832, a large number of itoales and a few female
residents took the oath of allegiance.
In October, 1833, Eliakim Malcolm's name appears as a magistrate.
In January, 1834, John Lamb, Alex. Murray and F. Shaunesson
were sentenced to terms of solitary confinement, with bread and water,
for larceny.
On May 18, 1831, the commission of Coroner was issued to
Jonathan Austin, Elam Stinson and David Bowman. The great seal
is four inches in diameter and bears the British arms of George IV.
In 1834 this commission was reissued.
In July, 1832, only eleven gi-and jurors remained for duty, the
others having fled from London owing to the prevalence of cholera.
In tliis year Dr. Donnelly, a pioneer physician, was stricken by the
In January, 1833, the first seals were ordered, one for the Court of
Quarter Sessions and one for the District Coiut.
In April, 1834, Mahlon Burwell was elected Chairman of Quarter
Sessions by the following named magistrates elect : — Joseph B. Clench,
Wm. Young, James Ingersoll, Peter Carroll, John Scatcherd, Ira
Scofield, Thomas Horner, William Robertson, Christopher Beer, John
Bostwick, CoHn McMilledge, Eliakim Malcolm, John G. Lossee,
Edward Ermatinger, Thomas Eadcliff, John Philpot Curran, Duncan
McKenzie, Philip Graham, Andrew Dobie and John Burwell. John
B. Askin was still Clerk of the Peace, M'hile A. A. Bapalje was
Sheriff and V. A. Rapal.je Deputy. B. B. Brigham was appointed
road surveyor for Middlesex County, rdce Roswell Mount deceased.
George Moore was then coroner.
In October, 1834, Wm. Young was temporary Chairman of Quar-
ter Sessions. The names of Thomas Eadclitfe and John Boys appear
as new magistrates. In January, 1835, Wm. Young was elected
Chairman, James Ingersoll still being a member of the Court, like
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 73
John Bostwick, and the name of James C. Crysler appears. Among
the magistrates in April, 1835, the new names of James Barwick,
Colonel Light, Wm. Gordon, Capt. Robert Johnson, and Edward
Buller appear. At this time it was resolved to elect a Chairman who
would be conversant with law, and pay him £10 for each session. This
order was repealed in 1837. In April, 1835, Dr. James Corbin was
fined £10 for practicing medicine illegally. In October, 1835, the
names of Henry Warren, Doyle McKenney, Benj. Willson, Geo. W.
Whitehead, Philhp Hodgkinson, Wilson Mills and Lawrence Lawi-asoii
appear among the magistrates. In January, 1836, Hamilton H.
Killally, John Weir and Peter Carroll appear on the Bench.
The Grand Jury of January, 1836, comprised twenty well-known
names: — John O'Neil, Foreman; Thomas Gibbous, Joshua Putnam,
Wm. Niles, Levi Myrick, Simeon Morrill, John Jennings, Eichard
Smith, Silas E. Curtiss, F. G. Warren, Dennis O'Brien, Edward Mat-
thews, Joseph L. O'Dell, Albert S. O'Dell, Robert Fennell, Joseph B.
Flaunagan, Elisha S. Lvman, Robert Souter, H. Van Buskirk and Wm.
O'Dell.
Edward Grattau, a printer, of London, in 1836, was held on bonds
to give evidence against Thomas Cronyn, indicted for assault.
The celebrated motion presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions,
July 12, 1836, by Edward Allen Talbot, one of the magistrates, was
as follows : — " I protest against the payment of any sum or sums of
money being paid to any magistrate acting as Chairman for the
District of London, who accepts of any sum or sums of money in lieu
of such services, and on the following grounds : — First, I consider it
contrary to law; and secondly, I regard it as derogatory to the
character of the magistracy of the district, even if they had a law for
so doing, to pay their Chairman the paltry sum of £40 per annum ;
and thereby I regard it as an infringement of the rights of the people
for the magistrates to appropriate any part of the district funds for
any purpose whatever, unless authorized by law so to do."
In April, 1836, the action which gave rise to this motion was the
re-election of Wm. Young as Chairman on the following vote : — John
Burwell, Harvey Cook, Capt. Dunlop, G. W. Whitehead, Duncan
McKenzie, Robert Riddle, John Philpot Curran, Alex. W. Light, Wm.
Hentiliny, Henry Hyndman, Wm. Dunlap, Wm. B. Rich, Phihp
Graham and R. R. Hunt for Young, and E. A. Talbot voted contrary.
Mahlon Burwell, then Chairman, while he moved the re-election of
Young, was not called upon to vote.
In April, 1837, Mahlou Burwell was elected Chairman of Ses-
sions. Among the magistrates present were Peter Carroll, John
Carroll, John Kitson Woodward, John Weir, A. Dobie, J. Bostwick,
J. Burwell, J. C. Crysler, Doyle McKenny, Geo. W. Whitehead, John
S. Buchanan, Duncan McKenzie, Thomas Wade, Andrew Drew, John
Arnold, Edmund Deeds, Samuel Eccles, Thomas H. Ball, L. Lawrason,
Edward Ermatinger, J. G. Lessee, B. George Eonviere, John Brown,
James Graham.
74 HISTORY OF THE
On July 12, 1837, James Hamilton, of Sterling, qualified as
Sheriff of the District of London, Dr. Joseph Hamilton and Hon.
John Hamilton being his bondsmen. At this time the first notice of
the existence of an insane and destitute person in the District is given.
The sum of £25 was advanced to John Barclay for the maintenance
of Janet McBean.
The magistrates presiding in October, 1837, were John Burwell,
James Mitchell, Doyle McKenny, Wilson Mills, Ephraim Tisdale,
Purley, Gyrenius Hall, John Shore, L. Lawrason, J. S. Buchanan and
J. E. Brown. In January, 1838, the names of Thomas H. Ball,
Harry Cook, Eobert Johnston and Wm Robertson appear.
In January, 1838, the following licenses were issued to keep
■houses of entertainment, the fee in towns being £7 lOs. Od., and in
small settlements £3 : — John O'Neil, Geo. T. Glaus, John Talbot,
Bemis Pixley, James Jackson (in township), Amy Wood, and Henry
Humphreys, of London ; Geo. Miller, Atkins & Taylor, Thomas
Pettifer, of St. Thomas ; Henry Purdy, of Vienna ; George Dingman,
William Sage, of Westminster ; John Bolton and J. Whitcomb, of
Port Stanley ; Mrs. Westlake, Patrick Mee, George Ivor and Richard
Brennan, of Adelaide ; Alexander Ward and John Ward, of Mosa ;
Abraham Van Norman, of Delaware ; Amos Wheeler, of Dorchester ;
Archibald Miller and Jonathan Miller, of Ekfrid. On April 11, 1838,
a tavern license was granted to William Balkwill on payment of
£7 lOe. Od. At this time John McDonald, a grocer, of London, was
before the Court. Patrick Deveney was licensed to keep an inn at
London in 1839.
In January, 1839, the following named newly-elected magistrates
were present : — John Douglas, John G. Bridges, John Jackson, John
Burne, Richard Webb, John Arnold, W. P. Gooding, Peter CaiToll,
Alex. Sinclair, Henry Carroll, Philip Hodgkinson. In April, 1839,
the following tavern licenses were issued : — Gideon Bostwick, of
Westminster ; Wm. Marvin, of Dorchester ; Geo. J. Smith, of Ekfrid ;
Sam. Sewell, of Adelaide ; James Fisher, of Caradoc ; Anson Strong,
of London Town. In April, 1839, the petition of John Burwell was
reported unfavorably by H. Hyndman, Chairman of Committee.
In October, 1840, Charles Prior appears among the magistrates; J.
B. Clench being Chairman. In 1841, Thomas Cronyn was a magis-
trate, and Adam Hope in 1842. In 1843, Henry Allen was Chairman
(commonly known as Judge), while Alexander Strathy, Geo. J, Good-
hue, Simeon IMorrill and Hugh Carmichael, are among the magistrates.
In 1845 the name of Alexander Anderson appears.
County Council, 18^2-88. — The Councillors of London District in
1842 are named as follows : — Lawrence Lawrason and John Geary, of
London ; Andrew Moore and John Burwell, of Bayham ; Daniel Abel
and James Brown, of Malahide ; Thomas Hutchison and John Oil, of
Yarmouth ; George Elliot and Levi Fowler, of Southwold ; Thomas
Coyne, of Dunwicli ; Thomas Duncan, of Aldborough ; William Niles,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 75
of Dorchester ; John D. Anderson, of Mosa ; John Parker, of Caradoc ;
Francis King Carey, of Delaware ; Archibald Miller, of Ekfrid ; Isaac
Campbell and Hiram Crawford, of Westminster; John Edwards, of
Lobo ; and John S. Buchanan, of Adelaide.
A statement presented to this Council for January 1, 1842, shows
the liabilities of the district to be £1,405 3s. 6d., and the assets to be
£322 12s. 6d. W. W. Street and Daniel Harvey being auditors.
Daniel Abel, Chairman of a committee on law books and jail and court
house property, reported twenty volumes in the library, with the jail,
debtors' room and county offices plainly but fully furnished. The
return of lands, under patent, in the District show 638,914^ acres
valued at £2,662 2s. lOid.
On Feb. 11, 1842, John Wilson, then Warden, signed a petition,
"To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty," congratulating her "on the
birth of a prince and heir apparent to the throne of that mighty
empire."
On August 9, 1842, Wm. Niles, Chairman of a Committee to enquire
into receipts and expenditures of the office of Clerk of the Peace for
the years 1838 to 1841, reported a draft of a communication from the
Council to the magistrates in session for their consideration. This com-
munication was brought before the magistrates, who declined to con-
sider it, and this refusal was followed by other petitions for redress to
the Governor-General. The petition to Governor- General Bagot, of
August 10, 1842, set forth that, the right of the Council to audit and
pay accounts was denied by the Justices of Quarter Sessions, and this
denial was sustained by the Court of Queen's Bench in the order of
that Court to the Justices to audit and pay. The petition asked that
the salaries of all officers should be regulated by the Legislature, and a
table of fees established for unknown or uncertain services. The
petition further asked that powers be conferred on the Council to
compel the attendance of witnesses in road cases. The act of October
12, 1842, provided for the transfer of the Eegistry office from Dun-
wich township to the town of London, such transfer to be made May
1, 1843.
In 1843, Thomas Graham replaced Moore as Councillor, of
Bayham ; James Murray replaced Buchanan, of Adelaide, and Samuel
Kirkpatrick replaced Thomas Dimcan, of Aldborough, and Daniel Abel
took the place of James Brown. These were the only changes from
the Board of 1842.
In May, 1843, there were £800 in the District treasury above all
expenditures. At this time John Burwell presided over the committee
which reported in favor of distributing this surplus among the town-
ships. The District Councillors for 1844 were Alex. Love and Benj.
Willson, of Yarmouth ; Samuel Eccles took the place of Levi Fowler,
in Southwold; Samuel Kirkpatrick took the place of Duncan, of
Aldborough. Otherwise the Council of 1843 was unchanged.
76 HISTOUY OF THK
The Council of 1845 comprised the followiug new members : —
Eichard Webb, of Delaware, vice Carey; Andrew McGregor, of
Dorchester, being the first Second Councillor from the township ; Robert
A damson, of Lobo, vice John Edwards ; Thomas Baty, of Westminster,
vice H. Crawford ; Wilson Mills, of Caradoc, vice John Parker, with
E. W. Brennon, of the new Township of Metcalfe, and Donald
Mcintosh, of the new Township of Williams.
In December, 1845, tavern licenses were issued to William Smith.
•John NeUis, William McBean, William Franks and William Gain, of
London Township ; Schubal Nicol, Isaac Jlott, Peter iMcGregor, Henry
Palmer and William Hood, of Westminster; W. F. BuUen, of
Delaware ; Thomas and George Putnam, and Jonathan Hale, of
Dorchester South; Duncan Brown, of Lobo; Samuel Fleming and
Peter Fields, of Mosa ; James Adair, of Caradoc
The only changes in the Council of 184G, from that of 1845, were :
Benjamin Cutler, the first Second Councillor, from Lobo ; Andrew
McCausland replaced Brown, of Malahide ; Leonidas Burwell replaced
Graham, of Bayhani ; Thomas Duncan, of Aldborough, took Kirk-
patrick's place, and Joseph Sifton, of London, occupied the chair so
long held by L. Lawrason.
In December, 1846, licenses were issued as follows, exclusive of
the renewals of those issued in 1845 : — John Stone, Lobo ; W. A.
Warren, Delaware ; Wm. Robinson, John H. Young, Roland Robinson,
John Scott, Jonas W. Garrison, John ]\IcDowall, Finlay McFee, Wm.
Harris, Thomas Hiscox, John Smith, Alex. Forbes, Martin Rickard,
John Matthews, Peter Burke, Charles Lindsay, Robert Carfrae, Richard
Grover, John Walsh, Sol Scheuick, Wm. Burne, Paul & Bennett, John
O'Neil, Thomas Beckett, Peter McCann, of London ; James Fisher, of
Caradoc ; Henry Rawlins, of Delaware ; Charles Patton, of Adelaide ;
Leonard Bisbee, at plank road junction, toward St, Thomas; John
O'Dell, Westminster ; Arch. Miller, Ekfrid.
The changes in the Council of 1847 from 1846 were Jacob Cline,
vice McGregor, of Dorchester ; Wm. Neal, vice Anderson, of Mosa ;
L. Lawrason, vice Geary, of London; Randolph Johnstone, vice
Wilson, of Yarmouth; Levi Fowler, vice Eccles, of South wold, and
James McKirdy, first second councillor from Caradoc.
The Council of 1848 was made up of the following members, the
Reeves being named in the first column : —
Aldborough D. McDiarmid London.... Joseph Sifton.. L. Lawrason
Adelaide . . Jas. Murray Malahide . . A. McCausland Daniel Abel
Bayham . . Loon. Burwell. Jno. Burwell Metcalfe. . . K. W. Breunan
Caradoc... Jas. McKirdy. John Parker Mosa Wm. Neal A.D.Ward
Delaware . Richard Webb Southwold . Colin Munroe. . Levi Fowler
Dorchester. Wm. Nilea... Jacob Cline Westmins'r Isaac Campbell Cal'n Burch
Duuwioh . . Thos. G. Coyne WUliams . . Don. Mcintosh
Ekfrid Arch. Miller Yarmouth.. Alex. Love... R.Johnstone
Lobo Robt.Adamson Ben. Cutler
COUNT i' OF MIDDLESEX. 77
The changes in 1849 were, Patrick Mee and J. A. Scoone elected
for Adelaide ; Dr. E. Dancey vice McCauslaud, for Malahide ; John
McBride, for Aldborough ; St. John Skinner vice L. Burwell, for Bay-
ham, and Malcolm McAlpin vice Miller, for Ekfrid.
In December,- 1847, tavern licenses were granted to Tunis Swarts,
John Matthews, Jerry H. Joyce, Edward Stanley, M. S. Smith, James
Dagg, Wm. Blackwell, Hopkins & Abell, Ben. Higgins, Charles B.
Rudd, Thomas O'Mara, James Mason, Alex. Forbes, Maurice Keley,
Robert Wyatt or Wyall.
On February 9, 1849, Chairman Munro, of the Committee on
Schools, presented a lengthy report suggesting changes in old districts,
and recommending the establishment of new ones throughout the
District.
Wm. W. Street and John McKay, auditors of the District, reported
October 9, 1849, that Col. Talbot, flios. C. Street and a few others,
I'efused to pay tax on their wild lands, and suggested an amicable suit
at law to test the legality of the by-law imposing such tax.
In March, 1849, John B. Askin, Clerk of the District Court, wrote
to J. Leslie, Secretary to the Governor, stating that in consequence of
the position assumed by John Harris and John S. Buchanan, each
claiming to be legally elected Treasurer of the District by the District
Council in October, 1846, " the offices are painfully situated." At
the date of writing John HaiTis held the office, but the claims of
Buchanan were then being presented to the Court of Queen's Bench.
It appears that Harris was appointed by the Government ; but, under
the new municipal law, the magistrates thought they had the right of
appointment.
The Council of 1850 presents eleven new names : — Sylvester Cook
and L. Burwell, vice Skinner and J. Burwell, for Bayham ; Col.
Dixon, for Caradoc ; John Clark, for Dunwich ; Donald McFarlane,
for Ekfrid ; Freeman Talbot and Wm. McMillan, for Loudon Township ;
Mun-ay Anderson and Benj Nash, for the new town of London ; F. H.
Wright, vice Abel, for Malahide ; Richard Frank, vice Burch, for
Westminster; Donald Eraser, for Williams. In 1851 Messrs. Adam-
son, Anderson, Allworth, BurweU, Clark, Craig, Dixon, Douglas, R.
Johnstou, Locker, Mee, McMillan, McBride, Moyle, Rae, Robson,
Shipley, Geo. Smith (Ekfrid), Thomson, Wilks, Willey, Willson, Frank,
Barker and H. Johnstone formed the Council, William Niles being
re-elected Warden. In May, 1851, R. Frank, Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Clergy Reserves, recommeuded that in view of the sale of
such reserves by the Province, the Legislature be petitioned to appro-
priate proceeds for the uses of general education.
During the years just preceding and in this year the question of
constructing gravel or toll roads throughout the county occupied much
attention ; but as the subject is transferred to the cliapter ou roads and
bridges, the doings of the Council in the matter bear only tlais
reference here.
78 HISTOliY OF THE
A committee, of which Freeman Talbot was chairman, reported
May 16, 1850, in favor of amending the municipal and other acts, so
far as they affect the liberties or interests of the county. Among the
recommendations was one relating to Coroner, as follows : — " Your
committee think proper to draw your attention to tire impropriety of
holding a Coroner's inquest in all cases of sudden deatli, and would
therefore suggest the necessity of an immediate alteration of the
system, it being unnecessarily expensive and revolting to the better
feelings of humanity."
L. Burwell, chairman of a committee on the division of the
county, reported as follows, jMay 7, 1851: — "Understanding that the
Government intend, during the ensuing session, to introduce a bill for
the purpose of dividing the larger counties, your committee have given
attention to that portion referring to Middlesex. Your committee are
of the opinion that the division line proposed, running east and west,
embracing the six frontier townships, and portions of Delaware, West-
minster and Dorchester, will be opposed by a majority of the inhabitants
of this county, and that a division for other than electoral purposes is
unnecessary ; and that for electoral purposes the line should run north
and south, embracing Dunwich, Aldborongh, Mosa, Ekfrid, Caradoc,
Metcalfe, Lobo, Adelaide and Williams, as the new county, and that
the same be called the County of Elgin. This committee further
reported in favor of giving Bayham to Oxford County in lieu of a
portion of Nissouri to be attached to Middlesex.
The Council of 1852 was composed as follows: —
London Town M. Anderson, Wm. Barker.. Adelaide Hiram Dell
London Wm. Moore, Hy. Collins. . Metcalfe Thos. Jloyle
Lobo R. AdamsoQ, Delaware .... H. Johustone
Carodoc H.Clinch Nissouri J. Scatcherd
Ekfrid G.J.Smith DorchesterN. Wm. Niles
Mosa Neil Munro " S. Jacob Cline
Williams Geo. Shipley Westminster. Rich. Frank, P. McClary.
This list does not include the names of representatives from the
County of Elgin.
The members of the Council of the united Counties of Middlesex
and Elgin in 1853 are named as follows : — Wm. Barker and Tliomas
Holmes, of the Town of London ; W. Moore and Henry Collins,
London; Garner Ellwood and Peter McClary, Westminster; Wm.
Niles, Dorchester ; Thomas Kirkpatrick, Mosa ; Donald Eraser,
Williams ; Kobert Pegley, Adelaide ; Ambrose Willson and Weaver,
Bayham ; David Hanvey and Hugh Mclntyre, Yarmouth ; Levi
Eowler and Nichol McCall, Southwold; Moses Willey and John
Clark, Dunwich, John McBride, Aldborough ; Edmund McCready,
Dorchester South, and J ohn Elliott, of the new town of Vienna. In
1854 the changes were : — Murray Anderson replaced Holmes for the
Town of London ; Wm. Elliott replaced Collins for London ; Eli
Griffith replaced Ellwood for Westminster in June, 1853; Kobert
Craik, with W. H. Niles, represented Dorchester N. ; John McKellar,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 79
Lobo ; S. M. Fowle, Delaware; J. SparKng, Mosa ; Louis Mott was
the first Second Councillor from Williams ; Hiram Dell replaced
Pegley, of Adelaide, while John Scatcherd, then Warden, represented
Nissouri W. This Council of 1854 represented Middlesex ex-
clusively.
In September, 185o, Councillors Clinch and McClary moved that
the Warden call a general meeting to consider the by-law granting aid
to the Port Stanley Railroad.
In November, 1853, Councillor Ivirkpatrick moved to appropriate
£100 to carry out the ceremony of opening the G. W. Eailroad.
On September 23, 1853, By-law 22, authorizing the issue of £20,000
debentures for the improvement of roads, was passed. Thomas
Moyle, Chairman of the Finance Committee, in his report of January
27, 1854, suggested the advertisement of a by-law for raising £25,000
for stock in the London and Port Stanley Eailroad.
The Eailroad Committee of the Council, reporting in May, 1854,
through Holcroft Church, favored the purchase of the Ontario and
Erie Eailroad and of two steamers, so as to prevent the building of a
southern line, and thus build up the stock of the Great Western Eailroad,
in which the county was interested. The question of consolidating
this Great Western road with the Grand Trunk road was decried, the
Committee stating plainly that such a deal would create a monopoly
and should not be entertained. In December, 1854, a memorial to
Samuel Laing, of the English stockholders in the G. W. Eailroad, set
forth the pleasure which the completion of the road, nearly twelve
months before, gave the people of Middlesex, and the pain which
numerous accidents, delays in shipment of freight, and other failures,
caused since the opening of the road; asked the co-operation of the
British stockholders in obtaining a new management. The accident
at Baptiste Creek in 1854 caused the death of more than fifty per-
sons, and many more maimed for life.
In December, 1855, the city and county arbitration meeting was
held, Thomas Moyle representing the county, Wm. Barker the city,
with Thomas Shenston, of Woodstock, the third arbitrator. The result
of this method of settling disagreements is given in the history of
London City.
The Council of 1855 comprised William Fitzgerald and William
Shoebottom, of London ; Eichard Frank and Benjamin Cook, of West-
minster ; Geo. S. Eogers, of Delaware ; Hugh Carmichael, of Lobo ;
H. Clinch and Arch. Campbell, of Caradoc ; John Mclntyre, of Ekfrid ;
Donald Waters and Hugh Fraser, of Williams ; Henry E. Archer, of
Mosa; William Miller, of Adelaide; William Moore, of Nissouri
West ; Thomas Moyle, of Metcalfe ; Eobert Craik and Donald
McFarlane, of Dorchester North.
In January, 1856, Councilmen Keefer, Bateman, Hunter, Eogers,
Craik, Cartwright, Mclntyre, Fitzgerald, O'Neil, Moyle, Archer,
Edwards, Woodward, Burch, Cook, Waters, Fraser, and Moore quahfied.
80 HISTORY OF THE
The Council of 1857, was made up as follows : Robert Adamson,
John Bateniau, Robert Craik, Benjamin Cook, Thomas Cuddy, Hugh
Eraser, James Gardiner, David Hunter, William Moore, Thomas
Moyle, William McKinley, William McMillan, John Mclntyi'e, Wm.
Shoebottom, R. M. Varnam, Donald Waters and Jacob Weylor. Robt.
Craik was elected Warden.
The Reeves and Deputy-Reeves of 1858 is given by Townships: —
Adelaide. . Thomas Cuddy, Jas. Keefer, Caradoc Arch. Campbell, I. B. Biirwell
Delaware".. Jacob Weylor Dorchester.. R. M. Varnum, B. V.Demaray
Ekfrid John Mclntyre Lobo Robt. Adamson, John Edwards
Loudon. . . . W. Shoebottom, R.H. O'Neil. Metcalfe. . . . Thomas Moyle
Mosa Charles Rolls. . . T. Robinson. Nissouri \V. R. "\'iniug
Westm'str.. Benj. Cook. . . . John Nixon. Williams.. . . John Topping. . A. Elliot
The municipal election for 1859 returned to the Council R. P.
Tooth, Reeve, and William Thorpe, Deputy, from Adelaide; John
McDougal vice Edwards, of Lobo ; John Marshall vice Varnum, of
Dorchester ; Thomas Hughes vice M oyle, of Metcalfe ; R. H. O'Neil
and C. Coombs, of London; Charles Scott, Deputy, of Nissouri;
Malcolm Campbell vice Mclntyre, of Ekfrid ; Alex, Levie, of Wil-
liams, vice Topi)ing ; Neil Munro, of Mosa, vice Rolls, with Charles
Armstrong vice Robinson. In the other cases, the old members were
re-elected.
The members of the Council of 1860 were M. S. Ayer.s, Alex.
Levie, John H. M^inroe, W. R. Vining, Robert Dreaney, John Irvine,
R. H. O'Neil, Thomas Hughes, J. Weylor, M. Campbell, Wm. Wells,
of Williams E., Arch, Campbell, R. P. Tooth with James Keefer,
Reeve of Strathroy, Reeves, and Alex. Kerr, James Gardiner. Charles
Scott, John McArthur, W. R, Thorpe, Wm. McPee, Arthur Seabrook
and C. Coombs, Deputy-Reeves, Archibald Campbell was elected
Warden and re-elected in 1861 and also in 1862.
On Jan. 26, 1861, a letter from the Clerk of Biddulph, relating to
running trains on the Sabbath, was read, and immediately Councillors
D. Waters and J, Levie moved and seconded a resolution that the
Council petition the Dominion Parliament to amend Chapter 104 of
the Consolidated Statutes of Upper Canada, so as to prevent the
irunning of trains on Sunday.
The Council of 1861 comprised Neil Munro, Reeve, and John H,
Munroe, Deputy, of Jlosa ; A, Campbell and I. R. Burwell, of
Caradoc; Wm, Rapley, of Stiuthroy ; Alexander Levie, of Williams
W. ; WiUiam Wells, of Williams E ; Thomas Hughes, of Metcalfe ;
Robert Dreaney and James Craig, of Dorchester ; Thomas Curdy, of
Adelaide; M. S. Ayers and A. Kerr, of ^Vestminster ; .M. Campbell,
•of Ekfrid ; W. R. Vining and Charles Scott, of North Nissouri ; John
McDougal and L. K. Shipley, of Lobo
The Council of 1862 was made up as follows: — Adelaide, Wm.
Murdock; Caradoc, A. Campbell and John Thompson; Delaware,
Thomas Heveridge ; Dorchester, Wm. McKee and R. Dreaney ; Ekfrid,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 'SI
Malcolm Campbell ; Lobo, John Mc Arthur and E. Adamson ; London,
Hamilton Dunlap and C. C. Coombs; Metcalfe, Thomas Hughes;
Mosa, J. H. Muin-oe and Nathaniel Currie ; Nissouri, James Evans
and Moses Wilson; Williams W., Alex. Levis; Williams E., A. C.
Stewart ; Westminster, Merrill S. Ayers and John Nixou, and Strath-
roy, Wm. Eapley.
In 1863 the members of the Council were Messrs. Ayers, Bate-
man, Dreaney, Dunlap, Hughes, Levie, Moore, N. Munro, Mclntyre,
McArthur, O'Neil, Eapley, Smith, Stewart and Weylor, Eeeves ; with
James Banning, Coombs, Dobie, Evans, Faulds, Hodgins, McDougal,
McKee, Nixon and Eobinson, Deputies. C. C. Coombs was elected
Warden. At this session Biddulph and McGillivray were represented,
the first by Smith and Eobinson, the second by O'Neil and Hodgins.
The act relating to the admission of the Townships of Biddulph
and McGillivray contains the following paragraph : — " Neither of the
said townships shall be liable for any debt contracted by the County of
Middlesex for the constructing or gravelling of roads outside of the
said townships, or which may at any time within the next twenty-one
years be constructed by such county for the purpose aforesaid."
The Council of 1864 comprised the following members : —
Adelaide T. Cuddy Metcalfe . . . T. Moyle
Biddulph ... R. H. O'Neil. Tim. Toohey. Mosa J. H. Munroe A. Armstrong
Caradoc T. Northcott J. Thompson McGillivray. not recorded
Delaware.. . . J. Weylor ... Nis.souri .. . . J. Evans. . . . M. Wilson. . .
Dorchester. . R. Dreaney. . W.Thompson Strathroy . . W. Rapley ...
Ekfrid J. Mclntyre.. J. D. Corneil Westminster M.S. Ayers.. Abel Cooper..
Lobo J. McArthur. L. Shipley. . . Williams E.. not recorded
London H. Dunlap.. T. Routledge. Williams W. R. Mclntyre
The Council of 1865 comprised the following members: — Wm.
Miller, Eeeve, and John Iver, Deputy, of Adelaide ; E. H. O'Neil and
John McFalls, of Biddulph ; John Bateman and Alex. Campbell, of
Caradoc; Colin Campbell, of Delaware; Eobert Dreaney and Wm.
Thompson, of Dorchester; John Mclntyre and i^). Taylor, of Ekfrid;
John McArthur and John Scott, of Lobo; Thomas Eoutledge and W.
H. Eyan, of London ; Thomas Moyle, of Metcalfe ; John H. Munroe
and Nathaniel Cume, of Mosa; James S. Smith and Andrew
Eobinson, of McGillivray; James Evans and Moses Wilson, of
Nissouri ; Wm. Eapley, of Strathroy ; M. S. Ayers and John Nixon,
of Westminster; John Levie and Alex. Stewart, of Williams E., and
E. E. Dobie, of Williams W. John H. Munroe was elected Warden.
The report of the Finance Committee made in December, 1865,
points out an item of $2,970.10 paid during the year, for building and
furnishing the County Clerk's and other offices, and the Council
Chamber.
TowNsHii's. Reeves— 1866. Deputie,s— 1S66. Reeves— 1S67. Deputies— 1867
Adelaide W. Murdock . . Wm. Miller John Iver L. Cleverdon.
Biddulph R.H. O'Neil.. Chas. Gowan. . . . R.H. O'Neil.. Thos. Hodgins.
Caradoc John Bateman. J.Thompson J.Thompson.. J. B. Burwell.
82 HISTORY OF THE
Townships. Reeves— 1866. Deputies— 1S66. Reeves— 1867. Deputies— 1867.
Delaware Colin Campbell H. Johnson . . . none.
Dorchester N. R. Dreaney. . . R. Tooley R. Dreaney.. . . R. Tooley.
Ekfrid M.Campbell... D. Dobie M.Campbell.. A.Campbell.
Lobo L. E. Shipley.. M. McArthur. ... D. McAnhur.. JI. McArthur.
I" James Bell .
London T. Routledge . . James Bell T. Routledgc . j g 'RoWnso "°'"'
',T. Langford.
Metcalfe Thos. Moyle Thos. Moyle. . none.
Mosa N. Currie A. Armstrong ... N. Currie M. G. Munroe.
McGillivray .. J. S. Smith.. . . Robert Fisher.. . . John Corbett. . A. Robinson.
Nissouri W . . J. Henderson . . W. Bell Jas. Evans ... A. W. Browne.
Strathroy Alex. Robbs R.Nicholson . none.
Williams E. . . John Topping.. John Levie John Levie Ale.x. C. Stewart.
Williams W.. S. McLeod.... David Brock ... . S. McLeod . . . . Richard Peck.
Westminster.. M. S. Ayers. . . John Nixon John Nixon .. . j ^- ^'^^grjon
The county officials in 1866 were J. E. Small, Judge ; Wm. Glass,
Shei'ilT; John McBeth, Clerk of County Court; James Ferguson,
Eegistrar ; M. S. Ayers, Warden ; Adam Murray, Ti'easurer ; C. W.
Connor, Engineer ; James Keefer, Clerk, and Sam. Stansfield, Janitor.
In June, 18G7, the Council wa.s asked to petition the Government
for a prohibitory duty on hops imported from the United States ; but
the committee reported in favor of deferring such petition. Sub-
sequently a motion to forward such petition was lost.
In December, 1867, the Council petitioned the Legislature to em-
jiower a tax of six cents per acre on all unoccupied wild lands, for the
.special puipose of being applied on the improvement of roads and
bridges in the vicinity of such lands.
In 1868, Eoger Hediey was Reeve of Lobo; Thomas Northcott,
Deputy of Caradoc. Geo. Eobson and John Kearns replaced Bell and
Shoebottom, of London. John Waterworth, Eeeve of Mosa, with D.
Mclntyre, Deputy ; Wm. Wright, Deputy Eeeve of McGillivray ; W.
E. Vining, Eeeve of Nissouri, with A. W. Browne, Deputy ; James D.
Dewan was Eeeve of Strathroy ; John Waters, of Williams E., with
John Levie, Deputy; while William Neal was Eeeve of the new
Town of Wardsville.
The Treasurer's office was robbed on the night of Feb. 8, 1868. On
March 31 the Council exonerated Treasurer Murray, as the loss,
$1,203.75, had been trebly saved to the county previously by his ex-
cellent silver deal.
The Council of 1869 was made up as follows — the Eeeve and
Deputy Eeeve being named in the above order of townships : —
Lawrence Cleverdon and John Wyley ; E. H. O'Neil and John
Hodgins ; Thomas Northcott and Thomas Faulds : Henrv Johnson, no
deputy; L'ichard Tooley and James B. Lane; Hector McFarlane and
George E. EUiott ; Malcolm McArthur and Alex McKellar ; Thomas
Eoutledge with Deputy Eeeves Thomas Langford, Edward Kobinson,
John Kearns and William H. Evan : Eobert Brown and George
Lamon ; John Watterworth and Alex. Armstrong ; John Corbett and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 83
William Wright; Alex. W. Browne and R W. Giffin ; James D.
Dewan and John Frank ; John Waters and John Levie ; Simon
McLeod and John Dawson; John Nixon with William McKerlie and
Henry Anderson, Deputies of Westminster, and William Veal, of
Wardsville.
The Council of 1870 comprised 17 Reeves and 19 Deputy-Reeves.
The roll in the order of townships is as follows : — William Murdock
and John Wyley ; R. H. O'Neil and John Hodgins ; Thomas Northcott
and Godfrey McGugan ; Thomas H. Brettle, no deputy ; Richard
Tooley and James B. Lane ; H. McFarlane and G. J. Coulthard ; A.
McKellar and Alex. Gray ; W. H. Ryan with Deputies James Bell,
John Kearns, John Jackson and F. Lewis ; Robert Brown, of Metcalfe,
and Arch. Munroe ; John Watterworth and David Gibb ; William
Wright and John Rosser ; A. W. Browne and R. W. Giffin ; James D.
Dewan and J. Wilson ; John Waters and John Levie ; Simon McLeod
and John Dawson ; John Nixon with John S. Little and Eli S. Jarvis ;
Henry Henderson, of Wardsville.
The changes in the County Council of 1871 were as follows : —
Arthur Seabrook, qualified as Reeve of Delaware ; Robert Dreaney,
of Dorchester N. ; A. Mclntyre, as Deputy of Ekfrid, vice Coulthard ;
L. E. Shipley, vice Gray, of Lobo ; Wm. Kernohan and Wm. Shoe-
bottom, Deputies of London, vice Jackson and Lewis ; A. Armstrong,
vice D. Gibb; John Corbett and Andrew Erskine, of McGillivray;
A. W. Browne and Wm. Moore ; Joseph Wilson and C. G. Scott,
representing Strathroy ; Thomas Elliott, vice John Dawson, Deputy of
Williams West, and Malcolm G. Munroe, Reeve of Wardsville. The
other townships holding their representatives of 1870.
The changes in the Council of 1871 for 1872 show John Hodgins,
Reeve, and John Dagg, Deputy of Biddulph ; W. H. Niles, Deputy of
Dorchester ; C. J. Campbell, of Ekfrid ; Wm. Shoebottom, Reeve, with
S. T. Shoebottom, jr., Wm. Patrick, Wm. Kernohan and Thomas
Greene, Deputies of London; R H. O'Neil, Reeve of Lucan ; R.
Brown, Reeve, and R. Moyle, Deputy of Metcalfe ; J. S. Walker and
James Banning, of Mosa ; J. B. Fram, Deputy of Nissouri W. ; Alex.
Robb, Reeve of Strathroy; Thomas Elliott, Reeve, and D. Brock,
Deputy of West Williams ; James Armstrong, Reeve of Westminster,
and S. McLeod, of Parkhill. Messrs. Murdock, Northcott, Seabrooke,
Dreaney, McFarlane, McKellar, Corbett, Brown, Waters and Munroe,
Reeves, with Wyley, McGugan, Shipley, Erskine, Scott, Levie, Little
and Jarvis, Deputies, holding over.
The County Council of 1873 and 1874 comprised the following
representatives : —
TowNSHir. Reeves. Deputies.
Adelaide John Morgan John Wyley.
Biddulph John Hodgins John Dagg.
Caradoc G. McGugan Andrew McEvoy.
Delaware T. C. Rodgers
HISTORY OF THE
Deputies.
Dorchester, N Robert Dreaney Richard Venning.
Kklrid Hector McFarlane C. J. Campbell.
rw. Shoebottom, jr..
London W. Shoebottom, sr \T. Greene, J. M. O'Neil,
{"W. Kernohan.
Lucan R. H. O'NeU
McGillivray Andrew Erskine J. Marr, J. Robinson.
Metcalfe Same as 1872
ilosa B. Watterworth ... A. Armstrong.
Nissouri, W A. W. Browne ... . ... James McLeod.
Newbury Thomas Robinson
Parkhill Wm. Shoults
Strathroy Alex. Robb Thomas Fawcett.
Williams, E John Waters D. C. Mclntyre.
Williams, W Andrew Elliott David Brock.
Wardsville M. G. Munroe
Westminster James Armstrong E. S. Jaryis, J. McGregor.
Township. Reeves — 1874. Deputies — 1S74.
Adelaide John Morgan John Wyley.
Biddulph John Hodgins John Dagg.
Caradoc Andrew McEvoy Eli Griffith.
Delaware F.C.Rogers
Dorchester, N James B. Lane W. H. Niles.
Ekfrid Geo. J. Coulthard J. W. Campbell.
T A Ti, p n ^™ ( W'"- Kernohan, J. O'Neil,
L°"'^°° Thomas Routledge j j p^^^^^^ ^ ^^' ^.^^^
Lucau Thomas Dight
Lobo Alex. McKellar ...L. E. Shipley.
Metcalfe Robert Brown .... Thomas Lightfoot.
Mosa. . Ben. Watterworth Alex. Armstrong.
McGillivray .Andrew Erskine James Marr, J. Robinson.
Nissouri, W A. W. Browne James McLeod.
Newbury Wm. Clements
ParkhUl Simon McLeod
Strathroy Charles Murray Alex. Robb.
Williams, E . . John Waters John Levie.
Williams, W Andrew Elliott
Wardsville W. D. Hammond
Westminster James Armstrong E. S. Jarvis, J. McGregor.
Lionel E. Shipley was elected Warden, succeeded in 1875 by John
Waters.
In 1875 Gilbert Ham.s was elected Reeve of Delaware; Geo. C.
Elliot, of Ekfrid ; John M. O'Neil, of London ; John Corbett, of l\Ic-
Gillivray ; William Kapley, of Strathroy ; E. R. Dobie, of Williain.s
W., Thomas English, of Wardsville ; John W. Campbell, of the new
town of Glencoe ; A. M. Ross, of the new town of London East ; J .
D. Saunby, of the new town of Petersville, and Skackelton Hay, of
the new town of Ailsa Craig.
The Deputies were James Gilmour, of Dorchester ; H. Stevenson,
Ekfrid; A. D. Osborne, (.'. Guest, C. W. Sifton and John Peters,
London ; J. W. Rosser and Wm. Dixon, of McGillivray ; G. W.
Keast, of Nissouri; Chester G. Scott, of Strathroy; J. Mathers, with
McGregor, of Westminster, and Peter Allister, of London East. In
the other townships the Reeves and Deputies of 1874 were returned.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 85-
The Reeves of the Council of 1876 were : — John Morgan, John
Hedging, A. M. McEvoy, Andrew Sharpe, J. B. Lane, Geo. C. Elliott,
J. M. O'Neil, A. McKellar, R Brown, B. Watterworth, John Corbett,
J. B. Fram, of Westminster ; John Levie, East Williams ; Thomas
Elliott, West Williams ; Wm. Ripley, Strathroy ; Thomas English,
Wardsville ; Thomas Robinson, Newbury ; Thomas Dight, Lucan ; W.
Shoults, Parkhill ; J. W. Campbell, Glencoe ; Murray Anderson,
London East ; J. D. Saunby, Petersville, and J. H. Priestly, Ailsa
Craig. The Deputy of Strathroy was : — F. J. Craig, and of London
East, Thomas Muir. Wm. Brock, John Dagg and Eli Griffith, were
Deputies of Adelaide, Biddulph, and Caradoc, respectively ; James
Gilmour, of Dorchester ; A. Stevens, of Ekfrid, A. D. Osborne, C. W.
Sifton, C. Guest, and W. Elliott, of London; while C. M. Simmons,
T. Lightfoot, A. Armstrong, J. W. Rosser, Wm. Dixon, John H.
Haynes, James Mathers, John Nixon, George Routledge, and Peter
Gordon, representing the other townships as Deputy-Reeves. James
Armstrong was elected Warden.
The changes in the Board of 1876 were : — Wm. Murdock vice
Morgan ; W. H. Ryan vice John Hodgins, with W. S. Stanley vice
Deputy Dagg ; T. Northcott vice A. M. McEvoy, with James Gamble
and Thomas Nagle, Deputies ; C. J. Campbell vice Elliott, of Ekfrid,
with James Pole, Deputy ; A. D. Osborne, of London, with J. M.
O'Neil, Charles Guest, R. Geary, and D. McMillan, Deputies ; Michael
Beckett vice Deputy Lightfoot, of Metcalfe ; J. Robinson vice John
Corbett, with James MaiT, Deputy of McGillivray. James Armstrong
was still Reeve of London, with J. Nixon, John McGregor, and G.
Routledge, Deputies. Trafford Campbell replaced Peter Gordon as
Deputy of Williams East ; W. H. Hutcliins represented Parkhill ;
Nathaniel Currie, Glencoe ; T. G. S. Nevilles, Ailsa Craig, and Isaac
Waterman, of London East, with William Stanfield, Deputy. The
other townships and villages were represented as in 1876.
Township. Reeve.s— 1878. Dki'UTies— 1878.
Adelaide John Wylev James Thompson.
Biddulph W. H. Ryaii W. D. Stanley.
Caradoc Eli Griffith. D. Leitch and M. McGugan.
Delaware Bruin Cornell
Dorchester North J. B. Lane James Gilmour.
Ekfrid C. J. Campbell Daniel lIcDougal.
Lobo Alex. McKellar C. M. Simmons.
T„„i„„ A n n v. fJ. M. O'Neil, C. Guest,
^""•^o" A. D. Osbourne |p^ ^^^^.^^ D. McMillan^
Metcalfe Thomas Hughes Michael Beckett.
Mosa B. Watterworth AIpx. Armstrong.
McGillivray John Robinson J. Marr, W. H. Taylor.
Nissouri West J. B. Fram J. H. Haynes.
Westminster James Armstrong {I; Sd'ge.*'"'''""''''
East Williams John Levie Trafford Campbell.
West Williams Thomas Elliott ,Tohn Barrett.
Strathroy Wm. Rapley D. M. Cameron.
«b HISTORY OF THE
ViLLAOBs. Reeves — 1878. Deputies — 1878.
London East Isaac Waterman T. W. Bartlett.
Petersville A. J. B. Macdonald
Wardsville Thomas English
Newbury Alex. Graham
Glencoe N. Currie
ParkhiU W. Shoults
Ailsa Craig T. G. S. Nevilles
Lucan W. H. Hutchins
The Reeves of the Council of 1 879 were, in the alphabetical order
of townships; — John Morgan, W. H. Ryan, Malcolm McGugan,
Andrew Sharps, James Gilmour, Allen Stevenson, L. E. Shipley,
Donald McMillan, succeeded by Thomas Routledge, B. Watterworth,
Mosa ; Thomas Hughes, Metcalfe ; John Robinson, McGillivray ; J.
B. Fram, Nissouri; James Armstrong, Thomas Shipley and Peter
Stewart. The village Reeves were F. J. Craig, Strathroy ; I. Water-
man, London E. ; Thomas English, Wardsville, succeeded by Wilham
Shepherd, N. Currie, Glencoe; Wm. Shoults, Parkhill; W. K.
Atkinson, Ailsa Craig ; W. S. Hutchinson, Lucan, succeeded by W.
Stanley, A. J. B. ]\IcDonald, Petersville, and Thomas Robinson,
Newbur}'. The Deputy-Reeves, in alphabetical order of townships,
were T 0. Curry, Wm. D. Stanley, Dugald Leitch, Henry Sutherland,
not represented, John Durand, John A. Dobie, Robert Boston, of
Lobo ; Edward Robinson, Thomas Langford, R. W. Jackson and Joseph
Marshall, of London ; H. Gough, Metcalfe ; A. Armstrong, Mosa ;
James Marr and W. H. Taylor, McGillivray ; Charles Fitzgerald,
Nissouri; Geo. Routledge, John Nixon and John McGregor, West-
minster; Arch. Campbell, Williams E., and John Barrett, Williams
W. D. M. Cameron was Deputy from Strathroy; J. W. Bartlett
and J. Wright from London East. The latter was succeeded by S. A.
Adams. James Gilmour was elected Warden.
The Council of 1880 was made up as follows : —
Township. Reeve. Deputy. Villacb. Reeve.
Adelaide J. Morgan T. 0. Curry. Strathroy F. J. Craig.
Biddulph.... W.H.Ryan... "W.D.Stanley. " .... D. M. Cameron, dep.
rt J nr If /> f D. Leitch. London E Isaac Waterman.
^^'^^°'' ^- McGugan. . . [^ ^ade. " Chas. Lilley, dep.
Delaware A. Sharpe " Wm. Belton, dep.
Dorchester.. J. Durand R.Venning. Wardsville W. Shepherd.
Ekfrid .Tames Pole J. A. Dobie. Newbury Dr. Graham.
Lobo CM. Simmons Robert Boston. Glencoe Nathaniel Currie.
rE Robinson. Parkhill W. Shoults.
London T. Routledge . . \l ^^^f^ton. ^'^^*^-::: W.'^t:^ey.
{i. Marshall. Petersville W. H. Bartrain.
Mosa B. Watterworth G. Mclntyre.
Metcalfe Robert Brown . . Henry Gough.
McGillivray .1. Robinson |.yy H^Xaylor.
Nissouri ... .T. B. Fram G. W. Keast.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
87
Westminster J. Arnistioug .
Deputy.
fj. Nixon.
I G. Routledge.
1 J. McGregor.
U- Mills.
A. Campbell.
John Barrett.
John Morgan was elected Warden, his vote being 25, against 19
for Watterworth and 5 for Craig.
The changes in the Council for 1881 are thus given: — Wm. D.
Stanley, Reeve, with Samuel R. Hodgins, Deputy, of Biddulph;
Malcolm McGregor, Henry Sutherland and Thomas Nagle, of Cara-
doc; James H. Eouse, Deputy of Dorchester; John Mclntyre,
Deputy of Ekfrid; Alex. McKeller, Reeve of Lobo; Duncan Camp-
bell, Deputy of Mosa ; James Bennett, Deputy of Metcalfe ; Andrew
Robinson, Deputy of W. McGillivray ; A. W. Browne, Reeve, and
Alex. McMartin, Deputy of Nissouri; John McEwen, Deputy of
Williams E. ; John Barrett, Reeve, and Angus McLachlin, Deputy of
Williams W. ; D. M. Cameron, Reeve, and James H. English, Deputy
of Strathroy ; Charles Lilley and Peter Toll, of London East ; Henry
Henderson, of Wardsville ; John B. Anderson, of Newbury ; Isaac
Rathburn, of Glencoe ; and Deputy John Piatt, of Petersville. With
the above exceptions, the municipalities were represented as in 1880.
James Armstrong was elected Warden by a vote of 27, to 23 for
Routledge. In September, Daniel Black was elected Deputy of Lon-
don, vice Beltou, deceased, and Kenneth Goodman, Reeve of Parkhill,
vice Shoults, resigned.
The Council of 1882 was composed of the following-
Reeves and Deputy-Reeves : —
TowN-suip. Reeve. Deputy.
Adelaide. . . . T. 0. Curry.. . . Henry Dale.
Biddulph... W. D. Stanley. S. R. Hodgins.
Village.
Strathroy . . .
(D. Leitoh.
\T. Nagle.
(Y. H. Rouse
\W. Watcher.
J. A. Dobie.
R. Boston.
r Peter Elson.
Jos. Marshall... ' i^" ^''^i^'^^- ,
1 . A. Langford.
Ir W. Jackson.
B. Watterworth D. Campbell.
Caradoc M. McGngan.
Delaware. ... A. Sharpe
Dorchester . . John Durand .
Ekfrid James Pole ...
Lobo A. McKellar . .
London W .
Wardsville .
Newbury.. .
Glencoe
Parkhill . . .
Ailsa Craig. .
Reeve.
D. M. Cameron.
J. H. English, dep.
W. Rapley, dep.
J. W. Bartlett
Daniel Black, dep.
James Legg, dep.
John Piatt.
W. Spencer, dep.
Thomas English.
J. B. Anderson.
Nathaniel Currie.
Kenneth Goodman,
eph Ros:
Metcalfe Robert Brown ,
McGillivray W. H. Taylor.
Nissonri E. Fitzgerald .
Westminster J. Armstrong .
Williams E. T. G. Shipley. ,
Williams W. Peter Stewart .
James Bennett.
/H. Darling.
iA. Robinson.
A. McMartin.
j'J. McGregor.
I J. Nixon.
1 G. Routledge.
U. Mills.
J. S. McEwen.
A. McLachlin.
Lucan Wm. Stanley.
«» HISTORY OF THE
The Council of 1883 presents 26 new names and 24 names of the
Councillors of 1882. The new Eeeves are named as follows : — James
Gilmour, Dorchester ; Robert Boston, Lobo ; Richard Movie, Metcalfe ;
Duncan Campbell, Mosa ; James Marr, McGillivray ; John T.
Coughlin, Westminster ; John S. McEwen, Williams E. ; Simon
McLeod, Williams W. ; W. H. Bartram, London West ; J. H.
McRoberts, Lucan ; and Isaac Rathburn, Glencoe. The new Deputy
Reeves were William Turner, of Biddulph ; Dugald Campbell, of
Caradoc, vice T. Nagle ; Wm. Turribull, of Dorchester ; Zachariah
McCallum, of Ekfrid ; B. B. Harris, of Lobo ; Edward K. Sale, Robert
Dreaney and Thomas Robson, of London, Peter Elson being re elected ;
Singleton Gibb, of Mosa ; John Patching, of McGillivray, vice Darling;
Robert Summers and Wm. H. Odell, of Westminster, vice McGregor
and Routledge ; D. A. Gillies, of WilUams E. ; N. D. Wyley, of
Williams W. D. M. Cameron was elected Warden by a vote of 25,
against 23 recorded for Stanley.
The roll of the Council of 1884 by townships and villages, presents
the following names : —
Adelaide Duncan A. Campbell Patrick Murray.
Biddulph W. D. Stanley Thomas E. Hodgins.
Caradoc Malcolm McGugan {s.TcCra^ken!'"
Delaware Andrew Sharpe
Dorchester James Gilmour John McFarlane
Ekfrid John Mclntyre J. A. Dobie.
Lobo Robert Boston B. B. Harris.
^-^ou Peter Elson U] ^pT;, ^J.^^
Mosa Duncan Campbell Singleton Gibb.
Metcalfe James Bennett T. F. Hawken.
McGillivray James Marr A. Robinson, J. Patchen.
Nissouri J. B. Fram Thomas Chalmers.
^o^t-'i-^ter John T. Coughlin {w.''H."odeil,'B!'skuse.
Williams East . .D. A. Gillies , . . J. McArthur.
Williams West . .Simon McLeod Angus McLeish.
Village. Rkeves. Deputies.
Strathroy Lawrence Cleverdon D. W. Vary, R. P. Smith.
London East J. W. Bartlett D. Black, t). R. Winnett.
London West John Piatt H. Johnstone.
Parkhill R. Shoults
Ailsa Craig D. F. Stewart
Lucan Wm. Elwood
Glencoe L Rathburn
Newbury J. B. Anderson
Wardsville E. Lilley
In the Council of 1885 were fourteen Reeves and sixteen Deputy-
Reeves who .served the previous year. The Reeves elected in 18s5
were James Pole, of Ekfrid ; B. Watterworth, of Mosa ; Henry Gough,
of Metcalfe ; Andrew Robinson, of McGillivray ; W. H. Odell, of
Westminster ; Dr. J. H. Gardiner, of London E. ; W. W. Fitzgerald,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 89
of London W. ; Joseph Rosser, of Ailsa Craig ; Nathaniel Currie, of
Glencoe, and William Shephard, of VVardsville. Of the new Deputy-
lieeves, C. C. Hodgins represented Biddulph ; T. B. Wan-en, Metcalfe ;
John Bradley, vice A. Kobinsou, McGillivray ; James Henderson,
Nissonri; Francis Elliott, vice Odell, Westminster; D. McKenzie,
Williams E. ; Wm. Eapley and James Bowley, Strathroy ; Peter Toll
and Geo. Heaman, London E., and Wm. Spence, London West.
The Council of 1886 comprised Duncan A. Campbell, Wm. D.
Stanley, Malcolm McGngan, Andrew Sharpe, James Gilmour, James
Pole, Robert Boston, Peter Elson, Benjamin Watterworth, Henry
Goiigh, Wm. H. Taylor, J. B. Fram, Wm. H. Odell, Trafiord Campbell,
Simon McLeod, L. Cleverdon, W. W. Fitzgerald, Richard Shoults,
Joseph Rosser, Wm. Ehvood, Nathaniel Currie, Dr. Graham, John Heath,
Reeves ; and Patrick IVIurray, C. C. Hodgins, Dugald Leitch, Samuel
McCracken, Duncan McLaughlin, Bray Willey, Charles Simmons,
Robert Dreaney, Thomas E. Robson, Richard A. Powell, James Bell,
William Webster, WiUiam S. Calvert, John Patchen, John Bradley,
James Henderson, John Nixon, James Mills, Francis Elliott, Barnabas
Skuse. David McKenzie, John G. James, Wm. Rapley, James Bowley,
R. F. Lacey, Deputy-Reeves.
The Council of 1S87 comprised Duncan A. Campbell, C C. Hodgins,
Samuel McCracken, John Johnston, James Gilmour, John A. Dobie,
Peter Elson, Robert Boston, Henry Gough, Benjamin Watterworth,
Wm. H. Taylor, Edward Fitzgerald, John T. Conghlin, Traffbrd Camp-
bell, Simon McLeod, Lawrence Cleverdon, James Campbell, Robert
White, Nathaniel Currie, Joseph Rosser, Alex. Graham, M D., Wm.
Elwood, John Heath, Reeves ; with Duncan Robertson, P. J. Dewan,
James Gamble, Henry Hardy, James H^ Rouse, Bray Willey, Robert
Dieaney, Thomas E. Robson, Richard A. Powell, Richard Ardiel, C. M.
Simmons, Wm. S Calvert, Singleton Gibb, John Patchen, John Bradley,
Thomas Duffin, John Nixon, John Mills, Francis Elliott, Wm. Gerry,
Daniel A. Gillies, A. W. Augustine, Hector Urquhart, F. L. Harrison,
Thomas McGoey, Deputy-Reeves.
The members of the Council of 1888 are named in the sketches of
the several municipalities.
In January, 1887, B. Watterworth, seconded by D. A. Campbell,
moved that the Petitioning Committee draft a petition to the
Legislature pi'aying them to so amend the act relating to the franchise
and representation of the people, namely, chapter 2 of 48 Victoria,
section 7, so as to extend the ]irivilege to wage earners of voting at
municipal elections as well as parliamentary.
On June 9, 1887, R. Boston, seconded by C. M. Simmons, moved
that the following members of this Council be a committee to draft an
address to Mr. Murray on his retirement from the Treasurership of this
County, and to report to this Council the best means of showing our
good will to Mr. Murray in some tangible form for his long and faith-
lul services, viz.: — Messrs. S. McLeod, James Gilmour, B. Watter-
aU HISTORY OF THE
worth, John T. Coughlin, Peter Elson, Trafford Campbell and the
mover.
On the same date the following applications for the situation of
County Ti'easurer were read : — James Grant, Lionel E. Shipley, Wm.
H. Odell, Alex. McKellar, Wm. D. Stanley, A. M. McEvoy, D. L.
Leitch, Francis Parker, and W. King Dixon
A special meeting was held September 8, 1887, in answer to a
uotice sent to each member by the Clerk, informing them that the
vacancy in the Municipal Council of Strathroy, by the continued
absence of Mr. Cleverdon, had been filled by the election of D. W.
Vary as Reeve, which caused a vacancy in the Wardenship of the
County, necessitating a meeting of the Council to elect a Warden. D.
A. Campbell, seconded by John Nixon, proposed that Simon McLeod,
Reeve of the Township of West Williams, be Warden of the County
for the remainder of the year in the room and stead of L, Cleverdon,
whose seat has been declared vacant by the Council of the local
municipality of Strathroy. In 1888 Warden McLeod was re-elected.
The salaries of the county officials, appointed by Council, as fixed
in 1887, are as follows :— Warden, $300; Jail Physician, $250;
Manager House of Refuge, $350; Matron, $150; Engineer, $400;
Janitor Court House and County Buildings, $450 ; County Treasurer,
$1,600; County Clerk, $700; Inspector House of Refuge, $200;
Physician House of Refuge, $200. The County Commissioner, for
actual service, $3.50 per day, and members of Council and auditors of
criminal justice accounts, .$2 per day and mileage.
Early Items. — In 1842, John Wilson, Q. C, was elected first
Warden. John S. Buchanan succeeded him in 1845, and he was
succeeded by Wm. Niles, who held the position from 1847 until
1853, when John Scatcherd was chosen. Halcroft Church was
Warden in 1855 ; Thos. Moyle, in 1856 ; Robert Craik, 1857 ; Benj.
Cook, 1858-9 ; Arch. Campbell, 1860-2 ; Christopher Coombs, 1863 ;
M. S. Ayer.s, 1864; John H, Munro, 1865. M. S. Ayers was
elected Warden in January. 1866 ; R. Dreaney, in 1867 ; Thomas
Moyle, 1868 ; Thos. Routledge, 1869 ; Richard Tooley, 1870 ; John
Watterworth, 1871; Malcolm G. Munroe, 1872 (re-elected in 1873);
Lionel E. Shipley, 1874 ; John Waters, 1875 ; James Armstrong, 1876 ;
John Le vie, 1877; James Gilmour, 1879; Johu Morgan, 1880; Jas.
Arm.strong, 1881; Joseph Marshall, 1882; D. M. Cameron, 1883;
W. D. Stanley, 1884; Malcolm McGugan, 1885, B. Watterworth,
1886; Lawrence Cleverdon, 1887. In September, 1887, Simon
McLeod was elected, vice Cleverdon.
County Buildinga.— On October 15, 1792, an act for building a
jail and court-house in every district of Upper Canada, and for alter-
ing the name of such districts was passed. Later, when the District of
London was organized, a building was erected in Charlettetown, and in
October, 1816, Thomas Talbot, Robert Nichol, and John Backhouse,
were authorized to enclose and paint this building, known as the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 91
" Jail and Court-house," and to procure funds to pay for same. On
March 19, 1823, the magistrates of the district were authorized to
raise £1,000 to aid in finishing this jail and court-house, which was
used until partially destroyed by fire. Contemporary with the Distiict
Court-house, there were several Magistrates' Courts scattered through-
out the district, and among the number was the Westminster Court-
house— a log building at Springbank, where Squires Springer and
IngersoU dispensed justice in 1825.
Under a special act of January 30, 1826, a town was ordered to be
surveyed at the forks of the Thames, of which four acres were to be
reserved for a jail and court-house. Thomas Talbot, Mahlon Bur-
well, James Hamilton, Charles IngersoU, and John Matthews, of Lobo,
were appointed Commissioners to erect a jail and court house ; to
raise funds by taxation, and to borrow £4,000. The Commissioners
were ordered to meet at St. Thomas and organize in March, 1826.
St. Thomas was then a pretentious settlement, and made a determined
effort to secure the seat of justice ; but O'Brien's settlement won, and
the work of building commenced in 1826-7. The first court-house
stood upon the same square whereon the present one stands, but was
located closer to the street ; and after the construction of the new
building the old one was moved to the bank of the hill by the con-
tractor. It was a two-story frame building, and in one end were placed
two cells, these being rendered more secure by placing logs around the
cells, from which the building acquired the distinctive title of the
"Old Log Court-house."
On January 14, 1830, bills aggregating £1,114 l-5s. Od, were
approved for work done on the court-house at London. An order was
issued to the Treasurer to insure both jail and court-house for £4,000.
John Evart agreed to complete furnishing the court-house.
In January, 1830, the magistrates issued the following order to
the Jailor : — " That the Jailor do furnish to the prisoners confined in
the London District Jail the following quantity and quality of pro-
visions, namely, of meat one pound each person per day, of bread one
and a-half pounds to each, with potatoes and other vegetables in
season, and in such quantities as may be judged wholesome by the
Jailor of said District"
In April, 1830, the Court ordered " that the jail limits do extend
to Dundas street, and include the lots on each side of said street from
Lots 16 to 24 inclusive, the whole of the public square, the street
between the public square and McGregor's westward to the end of the
square, Kidout street from Dundas to southern boundary of McGregor's
lot, and the lots on each side of Kidout street as far as McGregor's lot
extends — containing 16 acres."
John Harris, Treasurer of the District, was granted £50 for his
services in procuring moneys for building jail and court-house, and
purchasing books for accounts against the lands of absentees.
■92 HISTORY OF THE
In this month also a painter, named Craig, was allowed £11 15s. Od.
for painting the coat-of-arms for the court room. In July, a short
time before the opening of the assizes, two pine tables, three octagon
tables and thirty common chairs were ordered for the the court-room.
James Hamilton, one of the Commissioners to York in 1830 to negotiate
a loan, asked remuneration, but the magistrates denied the request.
In Ajiril, 1831, John Ewart was allowed £237 for re-building the
house hitherto erected as the temporary jail on the town- plot of
London.
In 1835, it was ordered that the two rooms in the basement story
of the Court-house be cleaned, one to be occupied by the Sherilf, and
that the Sheriff's room adjoining the Clerk's office, formerly occupied
by the Treasurer, be set off as the office of the District Court Clerk.
On July 13, 1838, a survey of the site for the proposed new jail on
the John Kent grounds was ordered. In April, 1839, the Government
was petitioned to grant a site. In April, 1839, a Committee of the
Court reported in favor of locating the new jail on lots 1 , 2, 3, 4 and
5, on the north side of East North street, and on lots 2, 3, 4 and 5, on
the south side of Duke street, comprising the elevated gi-ounds south
of the artillery barracks. The acquisition of this property was ordered
by purchase or otherwise, but never carried out.
On November, 1843, the Jail Committee reported £2,024 7s. Od.
paid out on account of the new jail, leaving £1,009 2s. 7d. due on
estimates. In February, 1844, Chairman Lawrason presented a report
from his Committee, showing that the total expenditure was £5,504-
11s. 4d. for giving to the District an odd feudal structure resembling
the Castle of Malahide, near Dublin. The idea was to please Col.
Talbot, and it had jilenty of followers, for notwithstanding the lessons
of the Eebellion, class idolatry still existed. In November, 1847, Dr.
McKenzie was appointed Surgeon of the jail, vice Dr. Lee, deceased.
Dr. Phillips, his opponent, received twelve of the thirty votes cast.
From 1861 to 1867 the Government paid into the Treasury of Middle-
sex $3,663.53 for court-house and jail purposes, out of the Building
Fund. In June, 1868, a petition from the City of London asking per-
mission to ornament tlie court-house grounds was granted, and tlie
fence and other incumbrances ordered to be removed before November
1, that year. To this date the people look back for tiie limited, but
neat groimds, which lay before the court-house. From January 1, to
November 25, 1868, there were 372 city prisoners, and 154 coimty
prisoners. The various improvements made in the County buildings,
such as that made under the Broadbent and Overell contract, of
January 25, 1878, are noted in the history of London,
The UiJiis)' (if Ixr/uije. — In the earlier years of this District public
charity cxislcd in ;i xevy rude form. Even poor widows were publicly
sold to tlic hi.ulirst bidder, the proceeds of the sale entering the District
Trea.sury, while the unfortunate wliite slaves had to work for their
white masters wKliont Imiie of lav. The imbecile or others unable to
ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 93
support themselves were placed in charge of some person who would
be willing to give them food and clothes for a nominal sum ; but as
civilization advanced a methodical system of relief was provided ; and
later still a better system was instituted. On Oct. 5, 1847, a com-
mittee, of which John Burwell was Chairman, reported in favor of
building a House of Industry under the power by Statute of Seventh
William IV., Chap. 24. Many looked upon this proposition favorably ;
but remembering the old immigi'ant hospitals on the Hamilton Road
and at Wardsville, the majority voted contra.
On Jan. 25, 1867, another report on the expediency of erecting a
House of Refuge was presented ; but treated with a coldness that
destroyed the hopes of its supporters. In 1875 the cost of maintaining
the indigent was $1,177.52; in 1S76, $1,127.75, and in 1877-8,
when there were 110 resident indigents and a number of stragglers,
$5,249.22. In June, 1878, a committee of the Council was appointed
to examine the question of supporting the poor, and this one, like its
predecessors, reported in favor of building and maintaining a Poor
House. The Council ultimately decided on building, with the result
of giving to the county the excellent institution just west of Strathroy.
The expenditures, too, have grown, for in 1886 there were 128
inmates, including the keeper, matron and family, who cost the county
$31,775; and in 1887, 133 inmates, costing .S32,104. The house may
be said to be governed by a board of visitors, one of whom. County
Clerk McKenzie, gives the Institution much time and attention.
In December, 1871, the question of establishing a hospital in
connection with the House of Refuge, according to the will of the
deceased William Lambert, was before the Council.
In June, 1880, the new building at Strathroy, known as the
House of Refuge, was reported almost complete, according to the plans
made by T. H. Tracy. The committee recommended that Arch.
Ballantyne and his wife Agnes be appointed keeper and matron
respectively, the former at $200 and the latter at $100 per annum ;
that Dr. Robert A. Stevenson, of Strathroy, be physician, at a salary of
.$110, and Dr. D. G. McKenzie inspector, at $100. J. Baskerville was
appointed engineer. The cost of the 46i acres purchased from James
Holden was $3,300 ; to W. J. Fawcett, for main building, $17,562 ; to
L. G. Joliffe, for steam heating, $3,300, and to Isaiah Ellis, C. J.
Frank, John Newton, James D. Bowlby, for sundry work, $1,041 ; or
a total, exclusive of furniture, amounting to $25,203.
In December, 1880, John Morgan, Warden, and D. G. McKenzie,
County Clerk, signed By-law No. 341, for governing the House.
The construction and operating expenses up to November 18, 1881,
amounted to $34,413.96. There were 108 admissions, including 13
from Lambton County. The value of farm products was $1,007.65,
of which $18.38 worth was sold.
During the year 1882 there were 94 inmates in the House of
Refuge from this county, and 20 from Lambton County, of whom 15
7
94 HISTORY OF THE
died, 19 absconded, 15 were discharged and 65 remained. The
mainteuance account was $7,529.74, of which, products of fai'in yielded
$1,627.49.
Asylum for the Insane. — This institution was taken possession
of and occupied on the 18th November, 1870. The transfer of the
])atients from the Orilha Asylum, comprising 46 men and 73 women,
was safely accomplished on that day by steamer to Belle Ewart,
Northern Railway to Toronto, and Grand Trunk Railway to London.
On the 23rd November, the Maiden patients, consisting of 120 men
and 123 women, arrived per steam transport to Windsor, and thence
by Great Western Railway to London. Tiie total number of patients
transferred from Maiden and Orillia to tlie London Asylum was
therefore 363, viz.: — 166 men and 197 women. The officers in
charge were Dr. Henry Landor, Superintendent ; Dr. Stephen Lett,
Assistant, and Miss Warren, Matron. At this time, J. W. Laugmuir
was Government In-spector. In 1871 the refuge for adult idiots was
established, the Government appropriating $10,liOO for buildings. The
original house was begun in June, 1869. The location is admirable in
every respect. A little over two miles distant from the city post office,
with a street railroad reaching within easy walking distance, it is con-
venient. The site is 117 feet above the river, sloping to the east and to
the west. Toward both points the rainwater flows, and toward both,
portions of the sewage are directed. The southern slope is, at the
Lodge 1,200 feet distant, seven feet lower than at the building ; sew-
age, however, cannot be applied by gravitation to the land, as the
inclination of the land is not sufficient for that purpose. There are no
nuisances of any description near the site, nor is it offensively over-
looked by roads or footpaths, so that the privacy essential to the
comfort of the insane can be maintained.
Dr. Landor, who for three years had charge of the Asylum at
Maiden and for nine years of that at London, died in 1877, when Dr.
Lett was appointed temporary Superintendent. Dr. R. M. Bucke was
installed in that position Feb. 15, that year, and for over a decade has
managed the institution with rare ability. When he took charge
there were 598 patients actually in the house. W. G. Metcalfe was
Assistant Superintendent ; T. J. W. Burgess, Assistant Physician ;
R. Mathison, Bursar ; R. Hardy, Steward, and Mrs. Pope, Matron In
1878, Dr. N. H. Beemer was appointed second Physician, and T. Shoit,
Bursar. In 1879, Dr. Burgess was Assistant Superintendent, with Dr.
Beemer first and Dr. T. Millman second Physician The important
changes in the stall' since that date include Uie appointment of Dr.
Sippi, liursar; Dr. Robinson, first, Dr. Beemer, second, and Dr. Foster,
third Assistant; Mr. Wanless, Storekeeper, Dr. O'Rielly being In-
spector of Asylums.
The total admissions to Provincial Asylums, since the institution of
the first one in 1841, including the admissions of 1885, numbered
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 95
12,055. Of this total, the following table gives the social state,
nationality, and of religious profession : —
SOCIAL STATE.
Married 5,998
Unmarried 6,057
12,055
NATIONALITIES.
Canadian 5,062
English 1,694
Irish 2,986
Scotch 1,280
United States 386
Other countries and unknown 647
12,055
UELIG10U.S DENOMINATIONS.
Church of England 2,997
Roman Catholic 2.669
Presbyterian 2, 506
Methodist 2,223
Other denominations or unknown 1,660
12,055
The total nnmber of inmates at London, in this year, was 1,031,
although the statistics for September give 907. This last nnmber may
be considered the average annual insane population of the London
District, down to the close of 1888.
The present system, which generally ignores the use of mechani-
cal restraints and banishes alcohol, was introduced by Dr. Bucke,
eight years ago. Its results are shown by figures. During the five
years succeeding the establishment of the asylum here, only 37 per
cent, of the patients were discharged as cured ; the following five
years the percentage reached 41, and under the salutary system of the
present superintendency, the percentage is 45. For the same periods,
the death rate was 5.50 per cent., 4.50 per cent., and 4.35 per cent,
respectively. A portion of the asylum buildings was destroyed by
fire, December 2, 1887, entailing a loss of about S60,000. In 1888,
the work of re-building was carried out, and the erection of the Bursar's
residence completed.
Scott Act — The petition that the Scott Act be submitted to the
voters of Middlesex was signed by 5,671 persons, and presented to
Sheriff Glass by D. H. Williams and Rev. G. H. Henderson, Novem-
ber 5, 1884. The Council lost little time in granting this petition,
and in appointing James Grant Eeturning Ofticer for the election,
which was ordered to be held in June, 1885. This election was held.
A summarized table of the voting in the county is subjoined, giving
the number of votes polled for and against, and the number of
votes rejected : —
HISTOKY OF THE
For
238
Against.
62
206
145
168
98
86
74
353
29
71
136
101
234
21
29
109
175
73
24
56
16
8
45
51
Rejec
North Dorchester
Delaware
324
153
Ekfrid
239
350
London
718
16
McGillivray
West Nissouri
393
348
2
3
736
East Williams
West Williams
204
150
0
0
London East
London West
Ailsa Craig
264
124
84
0
4
1
Parkhill
117
4
Lunan
52
0
RECAPITULATION.
For.
West Middlesex 1,041
North Middlesex 922
East Middlesex 1,388
Total majority 3,351
London city had nothing whatever to do in this transaction, and it
is remarkable that a greater number of staggering libels on humanity
may be seen in any of the incorporated towns of the county where the
act is in force, than in the city where the old law is well observed.
Under the former Tavern and Shop License Act, the amount
received for licenses, transfers, removals and fines in the City of Lon-
don from May Lst to December 31st, 1881, was $8,541.68: London
Township, $1,500; North Dorchester, i?420 ; London West, $540
Westminster, $1,320; London East, $1,375; West Nissouri, $300
East Williams, $180; McGillivi-ay, $105.81; Adelaide, $180; Bid
dulph, $300; Ailsa Craig, $423.75; Lobo, $240; Parkhill, $780
Lucan, $480 ; West Williams, $120 ; Ekfrid, $240 ; Strathroy, $1,400
Wardsville, $225 ; Metcalfe, $240; Delaware, $180; Caradoc, $300
Olencoe, $360 ; Mosa, $60 ; Newbury, $255.
Of these amounts the following sums were paid to municipalities :
London city, $5,266.68 ; London Township, $817.21 ; North Dorchester,
$225.19; London West. $403.43; Westminster, $719.14; London
East, $1,019.93; West Nissouri, $163.43; East Williams, $86.16;
McGillivray, $88.55 ; Adelaide, $86.16 ; Biddulph; $143 60 ; Ailsa
Craig, $259.53 ; Lobo, $114.88; Parkhill, $558.44; Lucan, $292.32;
West Williams, $57.44; Ekfrid, $118.40 ; Strathroy, $954.13 ; Wards-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 97
ville, $133.80 ; Metcalfe, S118.40 ; Delaware, $88.80 ; Caradoc, $148 ;
Glencoe, $238.40; Mosa, $29.60; Newbury, $163.80,
The fines collected for breaches of the law for 1880-81 were: —
London city, $1,010, against $538.25 in 1879-80 ; East Middlesex,
$520, against $340 in 1879-80 ; North Middlesex, $60 against $220 in
1879-80 ; West Middlesex, $140, against $20 in 1879-80.
The number of persons committed to the county jail for drunken-
ness were :— In 1876. 155; 1877, 106; 1878, 211; 1879,193; 1880,
335; 1881, 210.
For the year 1880-81, the London Inspector received $800 salary.
The amounts paid in respect of Commissioner's expenses and salaries of
Inspectors in the three license districts of the county were : — East
Middlesex, $734.49; North Middlesex, $520.68; West Middlesex,
$577.44.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER VI.
POLITICS FROM 1788 TO 1888.
On July 24, 1788, Upper Canada was set oft' into four Districts, by
order of Lord Dorchester, issued at St. Louis Castle, Quebec : — Lunen-
burg, the first, extended from the Ottawa to the Gauanoque, later known
as the Thames; Mecklinburg comprised the territory between the
Gananoque and the Trent rivers ; Nassau embraced the country
between the Trent and Long Point, on Lake Erie, while Hesse was the
name extended over the remainder of Western Canada, and the country
around Detroit. Eichard Duncan was Judge of the first; Richard
Cartwright, vice Stewart, of the second ; Robert Hamilton of the third,
and, it is alleged, William Robertson, of Detroit, was commissioned
Judge of Hesse. In naming these Districts, it was Dorchester's
intention to place the Palatines (who were refugees in Limerick
County, Ireland,) in all judicial and executive offices ; but wiser
counsel prevailed, and the men named were given the positions of
District Judges.
Governor John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant-Governor of
Ontario, was installed July 8, 1792, at Kingston, when James Baby,
William Osgood, WiUiam Robertson, Alex. Grant and Peter Russell
were named as the first Executive Council. On July 17, that year,
Robert Hamilton and Richard Cartwright, jr, one of them a former
District Judge, with Richard Duncan, also a Judge, John Munroe nnd
Thomas Eraser, were summoned, in addition to the Executive Council,
to form the Legislative Council. About this time Duncan was guilty
of some fraudulent transaction, and fleeing to Schenectady, N. Y ,
never returned to share legislative honors. About this time, also,
Robertson moved out of Detroit, and started his store at Sandwich ;
and the honor of making money at that point he esteemed higher than
any legislative favor. Four days after the opening of the Council the
first Governor set out toward Niagara ; but prior to leaving Kingston,
in fact, before he convened the Legislative Council, lie divided the
new Province into counties, for legislative purposes or representation.
At Newark, the new capital at the mouth of the Niagara, he pre-
sided over the Executive Council, September 29, 1792. At this time
Major Littlehales was his Military Secretary ; Lieut. Thomas Talbot,
Provincial Aide-de-Camp ; Gray, Solicitor-General; Small. Clerk of
the Executive Council ; Wm. Jarvil, Civil Secretary ; Peter Russell,
Receiver-(ieneral; D. W. Smith, Surveyor-General, witii Thomas
Ridout and Wm. Chewitt, Assistant Surveyors.
The Legislative Council was convened Oct 9, 1792, and continued
the meeting until the 15th in the building used at periods by
Catholics and Protestants as a place of worship, with Peter Clark,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 99
Secretary ; John G. Law, Usher of the Black Rod ; Col. John Butler,
of the Eangers, Superintendent of the Indian Department ; and John
White, Attorney-General. This Parliament was a strange mixture of
pure, unadulturated democracy and aristocracy. The people, at the
August elections, refused to select half-pay officers, choosing men
instead who dined at the same table with their employes. The names
of the first elected members of this Niagara Parliament are as follows :
— John McDonnell, of Glengary, Speaker; James Baby, Joshua
Booth, Alexander Campbell, Jerry French, Ephraim Jones, Hugh
McDonnell, Wm. Macomb, Ben. Pawling, Nathaniel Pettit, David
William Smith, Hazleton Spencer, John Young, Isaac Swazy, John
White and Philip Dorlaud. The last named being a Quaker, refused
to take the oath. His seat was declared vacant, when Peter Van
Alstine was elected. Angus McDonnell was Clerk and Rev. Robert
Addison, Chaplain.
The members above named represented the following nineteen
counties established by Governor Simcoe's proclamation of July 16,
1792 : — Glengary, Stormont, Dundas, Greenville, Leeds, Frontenac,
Ontario, Addington, Lenox, Prince Edward, Hastings, Northumberland,
Durham, York, Lincoln, Norfolk. Suffolk, Essex and Kent. Glengary
was entitled to two members ; Kent, which comprised all the country
to the Hudson Bay, two members ; Suffolk and Essex one member,
and so on, all claiming sixteen members, only a few of whom attended.
This democratic assembly made short work of Dorchester's Dutch
nomenclature. The last of the eight acts passed and approved pro-
vided for building a jail in each of the four IJistricts, and for changing
the names of such Districts — Lunenburg to be known as the Eastern
District, Mecklenburg as the Midland, Nassau as the Home, and Hesse
as the Western. The five sessions of this Parliament were held at
Newark, or Niagara.
The second Parliament opened at York (Toronto), May 16th, 1797,
with Peter Russell presiding. During the second session, opened in
July, 1798, the re-districting of the Province was effected. Eight
Districts of 23 counties and 158 townships were set off. The Districts
were named Eastern, Johnson, Midland, Newcastle, Home, Niagara,
London, and Western.
In the days of Pitt and Castlereagh the home Government looked
westward across the Atlantic and formed up in imagination a Canada
with hereditary dukes, marquises, lords, earls, knights, merchants,
traders, peasants and paupers. Dorchester had tried a German
nomenclature in Upper Canada before this, with the object of giving a
ducal house to each of the four Districts. Simcoe anglicized the plan
so as to enlarge the number of ducal houses and create a number of
counts, or baronial lords, but each disappeared. Rochefaucault, the
French economist, visited Niagara during the days of Simcoe's legis-
lature, and, while amused at many things, could not fail to express his
approval of the Governor's ideas of government. He says : — " The
100 HISTORY OF THE
maxims of governmeut professed by General Simcoe are very liberal
and fair ; he detests all arbitrary and military government without the
walls of the fort, and desires liberty in its utmost latitude, so far as is
consistent with the constitution and law of the land. He is, therefore,
by no means ambitious of investing all power and authority in his
own hands, but consents to the Lieutenants, whom he nominates for
each county the right of appointing the justices of the peace and
officers of the militia."
The Lieutenant Governors, Presidents or Administrators of Upper
Canada, from its establishment as a Province in 1792 to the Union
with Lower Canada in 1841, aro named as follows: — Lord John
Graves Simcoe, 1792 ; Lieutenant Governor Peter Eussell, Pres?ident
of Council, 1796 ; Gen. Peter Hunter, L. G., 1799 ; Alexander Grant,
P. C, 1805 ; Lord Francis Gore, L. G , 1806 ; Sir Isaac Brock, P. C,
1811; Sir R Halesheaf, P. C, 1812; Baron de Rottenburg, P. C,
1813; Sir G. Drummond, L. G. 1813; Sir George Murray, L G.,
1815; Sir F. P. Eobinson, L. G, 1815; Lord Gore, L G., 1815;
Samuel Smith, Administrator, 1817 ; Sir Peregrine Maitland. L. G.,
1818; Samuel Smith, Administrator, 1820; Sir Peregrine Maitland,
L. G., 1820 ; Sir John Colborne, L. G., 1828 ; Sir F. B. Head, L. G.,
1836; Sir John Colbome, Administrator, 1838; Sir George Arthur,
L. G., 1838 ; and Baron Sydenham and Toronto, Oct. 1839. The
latter was appointed Governor of the United Provinces, Feb. 10, 1841.
During all the years from 1792 to 1841, the political history of
Canada does not show one act of the governing classes which resulted
in public good, if such special legislation as that of 1831 be excepted.
Many of the men sent here to govern came to gratify a craving for
travel, or to serve some private end. Simcoe appears to be
enthusiastic and earnest in his intentions, until he learned how im-
practicable they were. The others were baby statesmen, having but
one idea, that of sustaining the few in luxury at the expense of the
many in want. The act abolishing slavery in 1793-4 was a senti-
mental one, as there were not fifty slaves in Upper Canada to be set
free, and they had to remain with their masters under specified condi-
tions. The land grants were gigantic swindles, from which the
country took many years to recover. In military atlairs the capture
of Detroit and other posts, referred to in the military chapter, brought
glory to the British Governor ; but this glory disappeared in smoke in
1813, near Moravian Town, on the Thames.
Concessions or Land (h-ants — Tlie term concession dates back to
1665, when the 2,200 French residents along the St. Lawrence were
supplemented by 800 troops or De Carignan's famous infantry. After
the defeat of the Iroquois was accomplished by this commander, per-
mits were issued to them to retire from service, on condition that they
would settle in New France, and to both men and officers lands were
granted, and sums of money bestowed to assist in clearing and culti-
vating their grants. In addition to this paternal act of the French
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 101
King, a number of intelligent girls, with some of their male relatives,
were induced to visit Canada with the object of man'iage and house-
keeping. From the original population of 2,200 or 2,500, the military,
and the immigrants, the great race known to-day as French Canadians
sprung, and from the gi-ants of 1667-9, the title "concession" came
into general use.
The first grant of land in Upper Canada was granted on petition to
Robert Chevalier de La Salle, in 1674. The grant included all the
country round Fort Frontenac, of Kingston or Cataraqui ; one of the
conditions Iseing that he should build a church at any time the popu-
lation will reach 100 persons, and then entertain one or two Recollet
priests to perform Divine service and administer the sacraments.
This condition was suggested by La Salle himself and carried out
religiously, even before he built Fort Niagara. This grant was four
leagues square, and included the islands along its whole front. The
last concession or seigniory in Quebec was made to Chevalier de
Longeuil, at New Longeuil, near the western boundary of that province
in April, 1734.
In 1817 the legislative body of Upper Canada entered on an
investigation of the relation of Crown and clergy reserves to the
welfare of the Province ; but, at the moment when this investigation
had reached the point of usefulness, the Governor's order proroguing
Parliament took effect. There were several land deals too patent,
however, to be hidden from the people, and the question whether the
authorities intended to benefit the people or a few favorites held
possession of the public mind until most of the unjust discriminations
against the great majority of inhabitants in land matters were removed.
In 1791 Sir William Pulleney purchased 1,500,000 acres at one
shilling, or about 25 cents per acre, the cash payment being nominal.
Before Governor Simcoe's administration ended he sold about one-half
of this immense estate at eight shillings, or $2, per acre, but the grant
was not made during Simcoe's time. At this time the surveyed lands
of Upper Canada approximated 17,000,000 acres, and of this great
area there were scarcely 1,600,000 acres open to actual settlers and
for roads. Of this small remainder 1,150.000 for 450,000 acres were
for roads. Acting Surveyor-General Radenhurst solemnly declared
that 650,000 acres were inferior in quality of soil or in situation, and
that other Government grants would swallow up the remaining half
million of acres.
How were the 17,000,000 of acres disposed of? In 1791 the
Constitutional Act created the " Clergy Reserves." This granted to
the Established Church over 3,000,000 acres of selected land in 200-
acre tracts, or about one-seventh of all Crown gi-ants, or, to make it
clearer, one-eighth of every township. This act in practice gave
one-sixth of all the lands to the clergy, or 300,000 acres more than
the legal quantity, which yielded £317,000 sterling, or £45,000 over
the value of the legal allotment. All this was done under the rules of
the Land Office Department, dated February 17, 1789.
102 HISTORY OF THE
To discharged soldiers and sailors 450,000 acres were granted ; to
militia, 730,000 acres ; to magistrates and Ijarristers, 225,000 acres ; to
executive councillors, their wives and children, 136,000 acres ; to five
legislative councillors, their wives and children, 50,000 acres ; to
clergymen, 36,900 acres for private use ; to survey contractors, 264,000
acres ; to army and navy officers, 92,526 acres ; to Col. Talbot, 48,520
acres (ultimately swelled to 700,000 acres) ; to the heirs of General
Brock (who fell at Queenstown Heights, Oct. 12, 1812), 12 acres ;* to
Dr. Mountain, late English Church Bishop at Quebec, 12,000 acres.
The Canada Company, owners of a large area in Middlesex in 1831,
comprised Charles Eosanquet, Governor; Edward Ellice, M. P.,
Deputy-Governor; Robert Biddulph, Robert Downie, M.P., John
Easthope, M.P., John Fullerton, Wm. T. Hibbert, John Hullett, Hart
Logan, James McKiUop, M.P., Martin T. Smith, M.P., Henry Usborne
and Charles Franks. Their agent at Aldborough was T. G. Bethune.
In this manner the grants were made, the greater part falUng into the
hands of speculators by transfer of certificate, or held by men who
would neither cultivate nor sell. Indeed, it was one of Pitt's wild
schemes to estaljlish a nobility and lauded aristocracy in a laud
destined for a pure democracy.
To the United Empire Loyalists, who made their homes in
Ontario prior to 1787, and to their children, 3,200,000 acres were
granted. This was done under the resolution of 1783. These forests
were surveyed, but the lots were not numbered, and in the summer
aud fall of 1784 the whole lake front was alive with refugees and
others, each waiting to fill his location ticket or tickets.
Even Arnold, known as "The Traitor," received a grant of 18,000
acres and £10,000, and in 1804 the whole Township of Tyendinaga
was purchased from the Mississaugas, and in 1804 deeded to John
Deserontyon, Chief, for the use of the Mohawks, or Six Nations.
The first surveys in Upper Canada were begun by Deputy Sur-
veyor John Collins in 1783 along the St. Lawrence, in the Cataraqui
neighborhood. The lots in general were twenty chains in width, but a
few were only 19, so that some lots had to be given a greater depth, thus
necessitating a greater width for concessions. At that time, Samuel
Holland was Surveyor-General. Collins and others held responsible
positions, while under the deputies were other dejiuties, who would
survey a township with as little physical or mental labor as it was
" lie for him to expend without the risk of losing his position.
In 1793, large grants were made to Squire IngersoU in Oxford, to
Wm. Reynolds in Dorchester, and to Ebenezer Allen in Delaware,
references to which are made in the chapter on pioneers and in the
sketches of Dorchester and Delaware.
Rebellion 1837-8. — Of the men who first came here in adventurous
youth, but few remain to tell the tales of living in a cabin or lying
I granted to Gen. Brook's heirs is
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. lOS
down to sleep with Heaven's canopy for a covering, and the howls of
wolves for a lullaby. All the past seems but a phantom of the mind
— a creation of some idle moment — when compared with the realities
of to-day ; yet such is the history of this progress, and of this civiliza-
tion. The scenes of the past eight decades are but a repetition in the
main, of the vast work of development that has been going on for
hundreds of years, and which, during the last century turned its course
toward the mighty West. The French, of course, led civilization's
warfare ; then came the United Empire Loyalists — a branch of the
Yankee people — who are forever fond of change and new scenes, and
for whom a pioneer life was replete in a certain wild enjoyment ;
next came the Irish and Scotch Celts, followed by the Norman and
Anglo-Saxon. The Celts were driven hither by the legalized restraints
and incumbrances which obstructed progress at home, and came with
the object of perpetuating the Celtic idea of liberty, as their friends
did in the old Dominion ; but they were followed by the Teutons, who
were not slow to establish the Teutonic method of Government. Soon
the French and Yankee elements of this part of Canada were merged
into the Celtic, and with that element fought Liberty's battle up to
1838, when it was forced to succumb in the field to the superior organi-
zation and power of the Teuton ; only to succeed a few years later by
the power of moral force, and win for Canada the laws in which
Canadians take such pride.
Li the fall of 1837 a jiolitical meeting was held across the river,
at Nathan Griffith's, in Westminster, to protest against the action of
the Tories and Orangemen in breaking up the Reform meeting at
Bayham, on September 28th, that year. The Eadicals came prepared
to resist any such procedure, for, when the Orange legions, led by
John Jennings, swept down toward the head meeting, about seventy
of this crowdheld a meeting first ; but as the Reformers appeared the
Tories fled, and the Liberals claimed that the day brought victory to
them. The enemy disi^ersed ; the meeting discussed not one, but two
attacks upon public freedom. A few days later a petition was
presented to Sheritf Hamilton by Doyle McKenny and others, asking
that officer to take such steps as may be considered necessary to stop
all future public (Refomi) meetings. The old Liberal, then published
at St. Thomas, by John Talbot, in an editorial speaks of this petition
as follows : — " While the Tories could keep down the Reformers with
their war clubs, all was well, no SheriH' was called upon to protect the
Radicals; but when the brave men of Middlesex determined upon
defending themselves, then the Tory cry was raised ' The constitution
is in danger.' " A facetious description of the Westminster meeting
follows, wherein it is stated that Mahlon of the Basket, and Larry, of
of the Tribe of Lawrence, fought and ran away.
Many such meetings were held throughout Canada ; but, as a rule,
the forces of the dominant party caused disturbance enough to break
up the meeting, and, when safe, deliberately scattered the people with
batons or arms.
104 HISTOKY OF THE
During the winter of 1837-8 the political disability under which
the people of Canada labored urged a few nobler than the rest to rush
to arms and abolish the wrong. The leader of the men of Upper
Canada was William Lyon Mackenzie, and of Lower Canada M.
Papineau. They were undeniably honest, and each had worked him-
self into a just rage over the evils which suiTounded the people and
the state of serfdom to which the secret society known as " The Family
Compact " had subjected them.
A mile below Prescott is an old windmill, a round stone tower, with
loopholes in the walls, which is now used as a lighthouse. Fifty-one
years ago, in November, it was occupied by a party of Patriots. Under
the leadership of Von Schultz, a Polish soldier, the Patriots held the
mill for several days against the British force, commanded by Colonel
Dundas. During the assault the opposite shore was lined with
sympathizing spectators, who cheered when the military were repulsed.
But the windmill was captured, and ten of the hundred and ten
prisoners taken were court-martialled and hanged ; among them was
their leader. Von Schultz. He was given a sham trial, during which
the present Premier of the Dominion (L888) defended the leader.
On December 4, 1837, the Patriots descended on Toronto, but they
were defeated on the 7th at Montgomery's tavern. This house is said
to have been burned by his nephew, Alfred, who afterwards kept
tavern at Delaware. The Americau tug Caroline was destroyed by a
Canadian force under Commodore Drew, December 29th, and in this
capture Captain McCormick, a commuted pensioner of Adelaide, had
his arm cut by a sabre. On January 10, 1838, the Patriots abandoned
Navy Island, two days after the capture of Theller and Dodge. In
June the Americans destroyed the British steamer Sir Robert Peel,
and the " affair of the Short Hills," Niagara, took place that month.
Dr. Charles Duncombe commanded the Patriots of Oxford, Nor-
folk and Middlesex. In November, 1837, a number of Radicals
assembled at Oakland Village, and under Joshua G. Doan, Robert
Anderson and Henry Fisher, the Yarmouth and Bayham men marched
to join him. The London, Woodstock and Simcoe militia and all the
militia of the Province were sent forward against them, so that at
Scotland Village Duncombe disbanded, and each member of his force
fled to the United States or returned home. The men who returned
to tlieir homes were arrested and lodged in jail at London, Simcoe or
Hamilton, to await trial. It is related by Robert Summers that, in a
fight in London Township, east of the Proof Line, a family of San-
borns attacked a Waterloo soldier named William Tweedy, and in the
scuffle one of the Sauborns bit off the whole of his under lip. He
wrapped the piece in paper and went to Dr. Duncombe, who was then
staying with his brother-in-law, Henry Schenick. The Doctor caught
a rooster, cut out of its breast a piece to correspond with that taken
out of Tweedy's lip, and stitched it in, and with the exception of no
beard growing there and a little stiflhess and swelling, it appeared as
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 105
good as the original lip ; but did not prove so useful, as Tweedy never
afterwards could play the fife.
When the false reports of Mackenzie's success drew forth to arms
the Reformers of the London District, Duncombe summoned the volun-
teers to meet him at Scotland village, and two days later, when he
learned of Mackenzie's defeat, asked them to disband and disperse.
Sackrider, a veteran of 1812, opposed this proposition, and suggested
that the men of Middlesex, Oxford, Brant, and adjoining counties,
should withdraw to the pine forests of Dorchester and Burford, and
there make a stand against Col. MacNab's militia. This proposition
was also voted down and the last hope of the Patriots disappeared ; for
was Sackrider's advice taken the splendid yeomanry of all the country
would flock to Liberty's standard and win against all odds. In the
dispersion that followed, Duncombe was not the least to suffer. For a
month he was concealed in Mrs. Schenick's house, near London. She
was his sister, and made every eflbrt to secure his safety from the
]3olitical bloodhounds who were seeking for him. His final escape was
due to Charles Tilden, then residing near Amherstburg. He went to
see his friend in the winter of 1838, and found him hid in a hay-loft ;
a suggestion to escape was received coldly, but on Tilden pointing out
the Doctor's round face and showing how easily he could escape in
woman's costume ; he accepted the plan. All the forces of the Tory
party, aided by the Grand River Indians, were hunting for him, and
reward offered for his head, so that great care had to be exercised.
Duncombe dressed himself in his sister's clothes and sitting beside her
in Tilden's wagon, was driven by the owner into Michigan, where he
stood a freeman on a free soil. At Marine City the people soon
learned that another refugee was among them, and with all the good
intentions of the Americans, they urged him to address the crowd
before taking off his female apparel. This he acceded to, and there-
after became a favorite physician wherever he located in the States.
Col. L. A. Norton, speaking of the affairs of 1837-8, and of the
times in which he and other Westminster men were captured by the
English party, says : — " I learned that Col. Maitland, of the 32nd
Infantry, then guarding London, was to march down to Delaware,
while another command, with military stores, was to reach London
next morning. He learned, that after Col. Maitland would leave, only
thirty raw recruits would hold the village, and devised the plan of
having his uncle David assemble the Scotch on Westminster street,
make a night attack, and release the prisoners and capture
London. At this time his uncles were at the head of four hundred
Patriots, but they could not do anything toward carrying out the plans.
The village was in a fever. Scouts were sent out, but were afraid to
go out of sight of the settlement. They would retire to some secluded
place, and ride their horses until they would get them in a perfect
foam; then come rushing in and report the rebels surrounding all
sides of the Union. Another would come in and report them nearer.
106 HISTORY OF THE
At last they got them within three miles of the town, when Hughey
(or Howey), the Turnkey, came into the room where the prisoners were,
saying, ' 1 would give $100 for an axe to cut down the bridge.' The
rebels had taken or hidden all the axes. People were hastily packing
up and leaving. The Tory magistrates iiad left, and it was reported
that should the prisoners be blown up, as the magistrates had ordered
them to be, not a man, woman or child in London would be left alive
by the Patriots. Citizens were appointed to call on the English officer
commanding to revoke the blowing-up order, and he acquiesced in
their prayer. During the excitement, Mrs. O'Brien rushed in, saying
'They are coming! They are coming! and they dare not blow you up.
I heard them say so.' The whole fact was, that a number of Indians
advanced from Maiden, and exaggeration converted them into a large
rebel army. Mrs Anna Burch was the great rebel spy, and their
doctress." Col. Norton was taken down with fever while in prison,
and sent to the hospital, where Dr. Thomas Moore, the tall Irishman,
attended him, and saved him. James Watson died. The jail then
was in a fearful condition, but the excitement which seized on
magistrates, officials and soldiery, added to the threats of blowing up
the jail and prisoners, withdrew much attention from the state of
the rooms, and kept men in health, who, without this excitement,
would die there. On Nov. 12, 1837, L. A. Norton joined Joshua
Doane's Spartan Eangers, at Sparta, in Yarmouth. A little skirmish
ensued, in which Norton was wounded, and next morning he found
that his friends had disappeared, except Benj. T. Smith. Near Durham
Forge, both were arrested and brought to Sinicoe jaii, where Harring-
ton and Sturge were imprisoned by John Burwell, whose escape he
aided in. On being re-aiTested, he was imprisoned at London, where
Mrs. Parks, the jailor's wife, Mrs. Dennis O'Brien and Mrs. Alvero
Ladd, sisters, were friends to him, Ladd being then in prison.
Ti-ial and Execution of Patriots. — On January 9, 1838, the
Grand Jury of the District was discharged owing to the progress of the
rebellion. On April 10, 1838, the Quarter Sessions Court was held in
the school house, owing to the fact that the trial of persons charged
with high treason was being carried on. This school-house now
stands in the Court House Square, just west of the Registry Office.
Dr. E. A. Theller, commander of the Patriot schooner Anne, was
taken prisoner, tried, sentenced to transportation for life, but escaping,
returned to serve the cause in which he first embarked. On his second
capture he was cairied to London, Canada, where he was hanged in
1838, with Henry Anderson, who claimed to be an American. While
W. W. Dodge, a third of Theller's party, is said to have been hanged
subsequently in 1838, but there is no record to point out such execu-
tion.
In September, 1838, Samuel H. Parke took from the jail, of
which he then had charge, Cornelius Cunningham, Joshua Gillean
Doane, Amos Pearley and Albert Clark, and placed them in the dock
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 107
for trial on the charge of high treason. John Wilson, subsequently
Judge, was appointed to defend them, a task very obnoxious to him,
as he wanted all rebels hanged. He defended them in a very formal
manner ; had not one word to say in extenuation of the charge against
them. They were sentenced to be hanged, and on January 14, 1839,
this sentence was carried out, the scattbld being the same as the one
from which Jones was hanged in 1868. At the Fall Assizes of 1838,
Job and Enos Scott were also sentenced to be hanged on October 27th,
but there is no account of this sentence being carried into effect.
Prior to that time a detachment of the London militia, of which Dr.
Salter was a member, took a number of prisoners before the Governor
and executive officers. Among the men in jail was Wm. Hale, who
built the court-house. He relates that the military guard occupied
the room below where some of the prisoners were confined, and would
amuse themselves by firing bullets up through the floor. Another
prisoner was John Grieve. Among the Government scouts were
Crazy Cy, Philo Bennett, a retired Methodist preacher, and Cyrus
Curtiss, who, while ransacking the county for rebels, did some acts not
entirely of a legal character.
Dr. Eolph, Dr. Duncombe and David Gibson were expelled from
the House for the part they had taken in the troubles of 1837-8,
while Elias JMoore, a Quaker member from Middlesex, Eobert Alway,
from Oxford, and Dr. Morrison were put in prison.
Samuel Lount and Peter Matthews were tried at Toronto, Marcli
26, 1838, before Justice Eobinson, and were sentenced to be hanged
April 12, 1838, which sentence was carried out. John Montgomery
was also sentenced to death, but escaped. Dr. Morrison was found
not guilty. Elias Moore and Eobert Alway were released under bonds.
The trouble of 1837 ended with the execution of many noble-
minded men, the banishment of others to Bermuda and the exile of a
greater number to the United States, but in 1849 amnesty was offered
by Lord Durham and several returned ; Durham making the statement
that the people called rebels were the most loyal in Canada, and that
were he here he would be a rebel.
Contemporm-y Memoranda. — On July 11, 12 and 14, 1838, £16-
2s. 6d. are charged for bringing up prisoners for trial and sentence, for
five days' attendance on Court, summoning jury, advertising Court and
drawing calendar. The names of the defendants as given are: —
McNutty, Phipps, Wright, Donnelly, and others.
In September, 1838, the Clerk's expenses incurred in the trial of
P. McManus, not guilty ; P. Acres, not guilty ; D. S. Cummings, not
guilty ; amounted to £3 2s. 6d. His expenses on the trial of Jacob
Schemagin, Peter Mishler, Hamilton, Job and Enos Scott, David
King, a colored boy, amounted to £4 10s. Od. Job and Enos Scott
■were sentenced to be executed October 27, 1838; but they were
not hanged. David King to three months in jail ; Jacob Schemagin,
Allen Hamilton and Peter Mishler to one year in Penitentiary. Ben.
108 HISTOKY OF THE
West and Wm. Gibson were discharged, and James Woods allowed
out on bail. Many of the men named were held for the political crime
of the period — seeking responsible government.
Leading Men in the Drama of 1S37. — John Rolph, born in
England in 1793, came to Canada with his father, Dr. Thomas Rolph,
about 1811, and served against the Americans during the war of 1812
until taken prisoner to Batavia, N.Y. On his release, he returned to
England and studied law and medicine. Rejoining his parents in
(Canada, he soon settled in Charlotteville Township, near Vittoria, and
in 1821 was admitted to the Primitive Law Circle of the Province ;
became Col. Talbot's lawyer, and later the founder of the Talbot
Anniversary of Settlement, the first reunion being held in 1817.
Notwithstanding his English sympathies, common justice urged him to
cast oH' Talbot's patronage and turn towai'd the cause of the people.
In 1824 he and Captain John Matthews were returned to Parliament
on the Reform ticket. The latter was a retired artillery officer of
twenty-seven years standing, who had also been a convert to Reform.
In 1836 Rolph delivered his celebrated speech against the English
Church reserves ; but when the hour came when men should face the
cannon for justice' sake, Mr. Rolph appears to have deserted the
physical force men and allied himself to the moral force army and
held aloof from the meeting of Oct. 10, 1837, as held seven miles out
on Yonge street.
Allan MacNab (baronet), born at Niagara in 1798, where his father
was attached to Simcoe's staff, began the study of law in 1817 and
admitted to the Bar in 1825. He was appointed the first Queen's
Counsel in Upper Canada shortly after, and in 1829 he and John
Wilson were elected members for Wentworth, MacNab holding the
]iosition for three parliaments. He was a harsh opponent of the
Patriots in 1837-8 ; was Speaker in the first Parliament after the
Union, and Premier from 1854 to 1856. In October, 1857, he retired,
having been dropped by the astute John A. Macdonald.
William Lyon Mackenzie, born in Scotland in 1795, came to
Canada in 1820. On May 19, 1824, appeared the Colonial Advocate,
at Niagara. This took the bull by the horns and swung liim around so
unmercifully that the compact men destroyed the office in 1826 at
Toronto, to which place the office was removed. This act won new
supporters, and the Advocate continued until 1853, when the new
press and type were sold to Dr. O'Grady. In 1828 Mackenzie was
elected by York to the Canadian Parhament. He was expelled, but
elected and re-elected, until his power gave him a place. When the
rebellion of 1837-8 did not succeed, he fled from his enemies, who
were hungry for his blood. On his return he was coldly received. In
1S51 he defeated Geo. Brown, who ran on what was termed the
Protestant ticket, in Haldimand, held this seat until 1858, and died in
comparatively wretched circumstances at Toronto in August, 1861.
George Brown entered Parliament for Haldimand County in 1852,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 109
■defeating Wm. Lyon Mackenzie. In the days of the Double Shuffle
he and Dorion formed a Ministry which had a four-days' hfe, when
the Conservatives returned to power. He entered the Coalition
Government, made up for the purposes of Confederation, but later
resigned. In 1873 he was called to the Senate, in which he served
until shot by Bennett in March, 1880. He was a powerful figure in
local politics, politically broad, and, as his star was ambition, he was
•equally narrow in other affairs. Many of the privileges which
1837-8 did not scare away he had removed.
Robert Baldwin, son of Dr. W. W. Baldwin, of Cork Co., Ireland
(who came to Canada and studied law, and who died in 1844), began
the study of law at Toronto. In 1829 he was elected Liberal member
ot the Upper Canada House, he being supported by Wm. Lyon Mac-
kenzie. His voice was always heard against the Compact and the
system of government. In 1836 he became an E.xecutive Councillor;
in 1840, Solicitor- General in Draper's Government, and in 1842,
leader of the Baldwin-Lafontaine Government, but in 1843 retired,
■owing to the rupture with Lord Metcalfe. He resumed office in 1848 ;
saw the Compact partially broken before his retirement in 1851, and
died in 1858.
Francis Hincks, a native of Cork, Ireland, who settled in Canada
in 1832, established the Examiner at Toronto, and in 1841 was
elected to the first Parliament from Oxford County after the union
of the Upper and Lower Provinces. In ]S44, when Metcalfe dis-
solved the Canadian Parliament, Hincks was defeated by Robert
Riddle, but was returned in 1848. Through a technicality, Mr. Car-
roll was given the seat ; but Hincks was subsequently elected, and,
on the retirement of Baldwin, served as Prime Minister until 1854.
He visited Ireland ; was appointed Governor of Barbadoes ; later of
British Guiana, and in 1869 became Finance Minister, vice John Rose,
resigned, by John A. Macdonald. He resigned in 1873, and died in
1885.
Malcolm Cameron, the son of a hospital sergeant of a Highland
regiment, who came to Canada in 1806, was born at Three Rivers in
1808. His father's regiment was disbanded in 1816, and removing to
Perth, the old sergeant opened a tavern there. Later we find the son
at Montreal; next he is opposing Sii' Francis Bond Head's strut
through Upper Canada; in 1836 he is member from Lanark, in the
Upper Canada Assembly; in 1851 he is the President of the Council;
in 1850, member from Lambton ; in 1874, from South Ontario, which
seat he held until his death in 1876.
John Sandfield Macdonald, son of Alexander, was born at St.
Raphael, in 1812, studied law in McLean's office at Cornwall, and in
Draper's office. In March, 1841, after the union, he was elected. He
opposed Family-Compact toryism. In 1848 to 1852 and 1854 he was
elected without opposition by Glengary. In 1849 he was Solicitor-
General in the Lafontaine- Bald win Government; speaker at Quebec in
8
110 HISTORY OF THE
1852-4; Solicitor in the Dorion-Brown Government in 1858 ; member
for Cornwall in 1857, his brother D. A., succeeding him as member for
Glengavy. Later he opposed Separate Schools, although a Catholic,
but still was elected by that great Scotch Catholic constituency, and in
1862 was called at head of the new administration on the defeat of
the Cartier-Macdonald Government. He opposed Confederation, and
in 1864 resigned, but was called upon to organize the Government of
Ontario. In 1871 he retired from politics, and died in 1872.
John Alexander Macdonald, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1815,
was brought to Canada by his parents in 1820. Before 1837 he was a
lawyer, and appointed to defend Shoultz, the Pole, who led the
Hunters from the American side to take Prescott, where he was
captured. In 1844 he was elected member for Kingston. Prior to
1849 he held the offices of Pieceiver-General. During Lafontaine-Bald-
win regime, in 1849, he was in opposition, on the fall of the Hiucks-
Morin Cabinet, he became Attorney- General under Allan McNab's
regime ; again out, he returned as leader, but not until the Brown-
Mowat-McDougall coalition did he assume great importance. In
1873 the Parliament held him guilty of collusion with (Sir) Hugh
Allan. In 187 8 he recovered from this attack, and returned to office
as leader of the Conservative party in Canada.
Edmund Walker Head (Baronet), born in England in 1805, suc-
ceeded Lord Elgin in 1854, as Governor-General. At this time the
Liberal party under the lead of Brown, was opposed by the Conserva-
tives under John A. Macdonald and George E. Cartier. The Tories
were beaten in the strife, but Head would not dissolve Parliament, so
that the measures taken to defeat the Liberals were named Tlie
Double Shuffle; it being alleged that a Tory judge espoused the wrong-
doing. However, Brown was called upon to form a governmeut, and
the Dorion-Browu administration resulted. Mr. Langevin and John
B. Eobinson moved and seconded the Double Shuffle resolution, which
ended Brown's Parliament.
George E. Cartier, a descendant of the discoverer hi Canada, was
born in 1814. In 1835 he commenced law practice, and up to 1837
was an adherent of M. Papineau, but refused to support his rebellion.
From 1848 to 1861 he represented .Vercheres County, meantime
holding many ministerial positions. In 1858 he became the head of
the Cartier-Macdonald ministry, and was instrumental in effecting
the confederation of the provinces.
Oliver Mowat, son of a soldier in the British army, was born at
Kingston in 1820; served with the Compact forces in 1837-8; was
admitted to the bar in 1841 ; was elected to the House of Assembly in
1857. In the Four Days' Administration of 1858 he was Secretary.
In 1861 he was elected by South Ontario, but did not succeed in
defeating John A. Macdonald in Kingston. In 1863 he became Post-
master-General under Sandfield Macdonald and Dorion's administra-
tion. In 1872 he succeeded Blake and Mackenzie as Liberal leader
for Ontario, a position he still holds.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. Ill
Edward Blake, sou of William Hume Blake, was bom in the Bear
Creek settlement (now known as Katesville, Cairngorm and Mt. Hope),
October 13, 1833. Within a few months his father moved away, so
as to escape the privations of the backwoods, and, casting his fortunes
at Toronto, had his son educated there. In 1856 Edward was admitted
to the bar. Two years later he man-ied Margaret, daughter of Bishop
Cronyn, of London. In 1867 he entered the jjolitical field, was elected
member for West Durham (the same which he represented in 1886),
while South Bruce sent him to the Local Parliament, where, in 1869,
he succeeded Archibald McKellar as leader of the Provincial Opposi-
tion. In 1871, when Sandfield Macdonald's Coalition Government
was overthrown on Mackenzie and Blake's resolution of want of
confidence, Mr. Blake was appointed President of the Reform Council.
When dual representation was abolished he held his seat in the
Canadian House and aided in the downfall of Sir John Macdonald's
Ministry, being rewarded by a membership in Mackenzie's Cabinet.
From 1875 to J 877 he was Minister of Justice, and in the latter year
became President of the Council. After Mackenzie's defeat he was
leader of the Opposition. In 1878 he was defeated in South Bruce,,
but in 1879 elected by West Durham.
Alexander Mackenzie, born in Scotland in 1822, came to Canada
in 1842, when, for some years, he worked at his trade of stone-mason,
and established the Lamhton Shield in 1852, which he conducted for
two years. In 1861 he was elected by Lambton County ; and, from
the Union of 1867 until 1873, he was the leader of the Reform party
in the House of Comrqpns. In 1873 he was called by Lord Dutferin
to form a Government. From December, 1871, to October, 1872, he
was Treasurer in Blake's Ontario JMinistry, meanwhile taking a full
part in military and business affau-s.
The constitution of the Legislative Council of Canada, prior to the
approval of the 19 and 20 Vict., Cap. 140, comprising Crown-nominated
members solely, was changed by that act, so that the Council would
consist of the existing Councillors, who would be Ufe members, and
forty-eight elective members, the term for each being eight years,
candidates being British subjects of the age of thirty years or more,
residents of Canada, and possessors of £2,000 worth of real property.
Of the forty-eight Council Districts, twenty-four were apportioned to
Upper Canada. Lambton County and the West Riding of Middlesex
formed the St. Clair Electoral IDivision or Council District, and the
East and West Ridings of Elgin, the City of London and the East
Riding of Middlesex, the Malahide District. The plan of election of
Councillors by Districts was a peculiar one. A drawing of places by
lot was an-anged, and on July 15, 1856, tliis drawing placed St. Clair
Electoral Division in the third gi'oup, and Malahide in the fourth
group — the former electing in 1860, and the latter 1862, under the
act as proclaimed July 16, 1856.
Geo. T. Goodhue was not a candidate for Parliament; but, in 1846,
112 HISTORY OF THE
was appointed by the Government at Kingston to a seat in the
Legislative Council. In politics he was a follower of Baldwin and
Lafontaine, and in those days called a Keformer. His appointment
was due as much to his prominence as an old resident and a man of
means as to any previous connection with political atlairs ; for in such
matters he had never shown any especial interest, or taken any active
part. One anecdote of his appointment is worth relating. It is a
httle incident which transpired at a missionary meeting, and wliich
brought him in very much favor with the Wesleyan ilethodists, a
bodj' in strong numbers at London at the time. The occasion was an
extraordinary one in the church, and distinguished speakers from
Toronto and other parts were present, among them Eev. Wm. Ryerson
and Peter Jones, the Indian missionary of the Mohawks. Mr.
Goodhue consented to preside over the meeting, and during an appeal
made by Peter Jones, who was eloquent and witty, he emptied the
contents of a well-Uned purse upon the table. Tliis act of generosity
was so much appreciated by the people assembled, and the heads of the
meeting, that the next morning they drew up a formal petition to the
Government, asking for Mr. Goodhue's appointment to the office of
Councillor, and his nomination was confirmed over ^Messrs. Keefer, of
Niagara, and Simeon Washburne, of Hallowell, whose names were
also brought forward. Mr. Goodhue retained his seat in the Legisla-
tive Council until the passage of the Act of Confederation, at which
time, and for four years previously, his gi-o^Wng infirmities prevented
his attendance at the House. During his parliamentary career he was
never distinguished as a speaker, yet his counsel was always sought
and valued, as being that of a man of sound judgment and consistent
views.
Ehjah Leonard, a native of New York State, and one of the most
useful residents of Canada, established a foundry at St. Thomas in
1834, and one at London in 1838. He represented the Malahide
division in the Legislative Council from 1862 to 1867, defeating H.
C. E. Becher. In the latter year he was commissioned a Domiixion
Senator, under the B. N. A. Act.
In March, 1874, Nathaniel Currie introduced a bill into the
Legislature which provided for female suffrage and the representation
of property according to its value. The main clauses were : — 1st.
That in municipal elections and votes on by-laws creating debts real
property shall be the basis of the franchise, and parties shall have dual
or plural votes according to the value of their property. 2nd. Women
of full age, .subjects of Her Majesty, with the proper property quah-
fication, shall have a right to vote at such elections The Farmers'
Sons Franchise Act was passed by the Ontario Assembly in IS77. In
May, 1885, the question of giving the Indians of Upper and Lower
Canada and the Maritime Provinces the right of voting was endorsed
by Dr. Oronhyatekha, of London, himself an Indian. Each of these
important questions were discussed both in and out of Parliament, and
COTOJTY OF MDDLESEX. US
with the original bills subjected to some material amendments, were
placed on the statute books of the Dominion.
The Eedistribution Bill of 1882 provided that the County of
Middlesex be divided into four Eidings, each of which to return a
member to the House of Commons ; that the South Eiding of the County
of Middlesex shall consist of the townships of Westminster, Caradoc
and Lobo ; that the East Eiding of the County of Middlesex shall consist
of the townships of London, West Nissouri, Xorth Dorchester, South
Dorchester, and the town of London East and the villages of London
W^est and Springfield ; that the West Eiding of the County of Middlesex
shall consist of the townships of Adelaide, ^Metcalfe, Mosa, Euphemia
and Ekfrid, and the villages of Glencoe, Newbury and Wardsville, and
the town of Strathroy ; that the North Eiding of the County of Middle-
sex shall consist of the townships of East Williams, West WilL'ams,
McGiILi\Tay, Biddulph and Stephen, and the villages of Ailsa Craig,
Lucan and Parkhill.
Taking the general election of September 17, 1878, as a basis, the
political status of the new Electoral Divisions would be as follows.
The figures denote the respective majorities in each precinct : —
WEST MIDDLESEX. NORTH MIDDLESEX.
(Conservative. Eeform. (Conservative. Heform.
Euphemia 30 .. Stephen 73
Adelaide 95 MeGUlivray 12S
Mosa 18 Biddulph 211
Ekfrid 53 West WiUiams . . . . 4
Metcalfe. BS . . East WUliami 77
Strathroy 51 ParkhUl 31
Glencoe .54 Ailsa Craig 8
Wardsville 14 .. Lucan. 102
Newbury 16
479 158
177 217
SOUTH MIDDLESEX. EAST MIDDLESEX.
Reform. Conservative. Eeform.
Westminster 23S London Township . . 268
Lobo -251 West Nissouri 61
Delaware.. 12 North Dorchester. . 33
Caradoc 61 South Dorchester . . .. 6
London East . . 7
Reform majority 562 London West 11
362 24
Tlie bill provided for the establishment of the South Eiding, but
did not deal with London City.
The first representatives, of what now constitutes Middlesex
District, in the old Parliament of 1816, were Messrs. Wilcox and
Beagley. Col. Mahlon Burwell and John Bostwick served in two
Parliaments, 1820 to 1824, and in 1825-6 the London District was
represented. Dr. John Eolph, Capt. John Matthews, Francis L.
Walsh, Duncan McColl, Thomas Horner and Charles Ingersoll, the two
114 HISTOKY OF THE
first named representing Middlesex. In 1828 Rolph and Matthews
were re-elected. Mahlon Burwell opposing, his platform being to
remove the court-house to St. Thomas. Capt. ]\Iatthews, who in
1830, went to England to lay the state of the country before Parlia-
ment, asserted that no one who did not endure it could understand the
rascality of the Government. Prior to 1830, Capt. Matthews visited
Toronto. He found a band there who could neither play God Save
the King nor Ptule Britannia, but could play Yankee Doodle. On
striking this air one man called for hats off, but Van Conant would
not respond, Matthews advanced and knocked the hat across the room.
He was tried for treason, but let oft'.
The members of the House of Assembly from Middlesex and
adjoining counties in 1831, were Mahlon Burwell and Roswell Mount,
Middlesex; Wm. Berczy, Kent County; Wm. Elliott and Jean B.
]Macon, Essex County ; Charles Ingersoll and Charles Buncombe,
Oxford ; D. McCoU and ^Vm. Wilson, Norfolk. In 1832 Ehas Moore
and Thomas Parke were chosen to represent Middlesex, and re-elected
in 1836. At this time a party fight took place at London, Levi
Men-ick, a reformer, flying from the Orangemen headed by Matt.
Coughlin and John O'Neil. Michael Shoff, Robert Summers, jr., and
other reformers carried their points. The members of the House of
Assembly from Middlesex in' 1839 were Thomas Parke and Elias
Moore ; from London, ]\Iahlon Burwell ; from Kent, Wm. McCrae
and N. Cornwall ; from Essex, John Prince and Francis Caldwell.
Thomas Parke, of Wicklow County, Ireland, who settled at Toronto
in 1820, and represented jMiddlesex in the last two Parliaments of
Upper Canada, in 183-1, and on the first Parliament of the Province of
Canada, in 1841, was the father of E. Jones Parke, of London. He
died at St. Catharines in 1864.
The election of 1841 was warmly contested, and party feeling ran
so high, that on January 23 a violent attack on the houses of Col.
Witherell, of the Royal Fusiliers, and John Givens, a lawyer, was
made — rocks and bricks being freely used. In February the Magis-
trates oH'ered £40 for information which would lead to the conviction
of the guilty parties In 1842, Ermatinger, of St. Thomas, was
selected, but his opponent, Wm Notman* petitioned against his
methods, unseated him, and was himself elected. He was re-elected
*The Convention of Oct. 2, 1851, was organized with Adamson, of Lobo. presiding, and
Holcroft Clencli, Secretary. The delegates present were :— Township of London— Wm.
Hale, James Ferguson and Nathan .laoobs. Dunwlch— Moses Willey. Southwold— Robert
Thomson and Colin .Munro. Baybam— John Elliott, John Skinner and Wm. Hatch. Yar-
mouth—Hugh Douglas. Lindley Moore and M. T. Moore. Malahide— W. Campbell, Dr.
Ogden and J. W. Beemer. S. and N. Dorchester— W. H. Niles and Wellington Crouse.
Caradoc— Holcroft Clench and Hugh Anderson. Delaware— Henry Rawlings. Metcalfe-
Thomas Gately. Adelaide— Patrick Mee. Lobo— R. Adamson and John Edwards. West-
minster-Thomas Baty, Joseph L. Odell and D. M. Hyniall. There were no delegates
present from the townships of Aldborough, Ekfrid, Mosa and Williams. It was moved by
J. Elliott, and seconded Dy Patrick Mee, that Wm. Notman be the Reform candidate to
represent this County at the next general election. In amendment it was moved that Dr.
John Rolph be the candidate. The vote was then taken; ten voting for the amendment,
and sixteen for the original motion. The formal meeting to call the Convention was held
at the Junction in September, 1851.
COUNTY OF MIDD1,ESKX. 115
in 1847 ; but in 1851 was defeated by Crowell Wilson, who repre-
sented the united Counties of Elgin and Middlesex until 1854.
In 1853 Middlesex proper was divided into two representative
districts, and in the elections of 1854 William Niles was elected for
the East Biding over his opponent, Wni. Horton, while John
Scatcherd was chosen for the West Eiding over James Ferguson. In
1857 Scatcherd was re-elected, but Marcus Talbot took Niles' place.
It appears that shortly after the election of Marcus Talbot, in 1857,
he visited Ireland and there was married. In returning, he was
drowned on the ship Hungarian ; so that an election to fill the
vacancy thus created in the East Riding was held, which resulted in
sending Robert Craik to Parliament. M. B. Portman followed Craik,
a Reformer, and served until 1862-3, when Crowell Wilson was
selected to represent the division — being elected and re-elected until
187-!. In 1872, on the retirement of Crowell Wilson, David Glass,
C, and James Evans, R., contested the East Riding, when the former
was elected. In November, 1873, Mr. Glass opposed the leader of his
party, and went before his constituency as an adherent of the Mac-
kenzie-Scott or Reform party. He was defeated by Crowell Wilson
in 1874. On his seat being declared vacant, owing to the questionable
methods used to secure his election, Duncan Macmillan, C, was chosen,
he being opposed by the Reformer James Armstrong
Ou the death of John Scatcherd, A. P. Macdonald was cho.sen and
he represented the Western Ridiug in the two Parliaments, when in
1861 his successor, Thomas Scatcherd, took his seat and served until
Confederation. On the re-subdivision of the county for electoral pur-
poses imder the Act of Confederation into three divisions, he was
elected to represent North Middlesex, and this position he held until
his death, April 15, 1876, when his brother, R. C. Scatcherd, succeeded
him, defeating John Levie at the polls. In 1867 the Western Division
was carried by A. P. Macdonald over Dr. Billington — Alfred Mont-
gomery's tavern and another one being open free to all comers. In
1872 Geo. W. Ross defeated Macdonald, and in 1874 also carried this
district by acclamation; again in 1878 and 1882. In 1883 liis seat
was declared vacant by reason of bribery by agents. In November,
1883, he was appointed Minister of Education, and in December, 1883,
elected to the Legislative Assembly for West Middlesex.
James Evans represented the East Riding in the Ontario House
from 1867 to 1871, when Richard Tooley was elected, defeating the
Reform candidate. James Evans.
J. S. Smith, Liberal, was elected member of the Ontario House from
the North Riding in 1867, which he represented until 1875, when J.
McDougall was chosen representative.
Nicholas Currie was elected to represent the West Riding in the
Ontario Assembly in 1867, but gave way to Alexander Mackenzie, the
Premier, in 1871. In 1872 J. Watterworth was elected, defeating
Dewau by 98 votes.
116 HISTOUY OF THE
The elections of March, 1871 resulted in the choice of John Car-
ling. Conservative, for London ; Eichard Tooley, Conservative, for East
Middlesex; J. S. Smith, Liberal, for North Middlesex: Alex. Mac-
kenzie, Liberal, for West Middlesex.
The returns of the West Middlesex election of August, 1872, show :
1,322 votes for G. W. Eoss, Liberal, and 1,266 for A. P. Macdonald,
Conservative. In the North Riding, Scatcherd, Liberal, and in the
East Riding, D. Glass, Conservative, were elected. John Carling,
Conservative, was elected for London. In September, West Middlesex
gave J. Watterworth, Liberal, 1,311, and J. Dewan, Conservative, 1,213
votes.
In 1874, Major Walker was elected to represent London, receiving
1,270 votes, while John Carling received 1,208, but was unseated by
petition. Messrs. Scatcherd, Eoss, and Wilson, were elected for North,
West, and East Middlesex respectively.
The election of 1875 resulted in the return of W. R. Meredith for
London ; Richard Tooley, J. McDougall and J. Watterworth for East,
North and West Middlesex respectively.
The elections for the Ontario House, held in June, 1879, resulted
as follows: — West Middlesex — Richardson (Conservative), 1,524;
Watterworth, 1,575. North Middlesex— McDougall, 1,685 ; Waters;
1,917. East Middlesex— E. Tooley, 526; Daniel Mackenzie, 340.
London — W. R. Meredith (Conservative), was elected, the city being
contested by Magee. W. R. Meredith was chosen Conservative
leader in the Ontario Parliament January 9, 1879.
The elections of February, 1883, resulted in the choice of W. R.
Meredith, Conservative, for London; A. Johnston, Conservative, for
West Middlesex ; John Waters, Liberal, for North, and Dan. Mackenzie,
Liberal, for East Middlesex, defeating Thomas Routledge, West
Middlesex being won from the Liberals. The trial of the election
case, E. Scatcherd representing the cause of Watterworth vs. Alex.
Johnston, M. P. P., was heard November 9, 1883, before Justice
Cameron. James Bethune, Wm. Johnston and John Cameron re-
presented the petitioner; Dalton McCarthy, W. P. R. Street and E.
R. Cameron the respondent. Johnston was declared unseated. In
August, 1884, the trial of the petition against the return of Geo.
W. Ross, as member for West Middlesex, was opened at Strathroy.
Justices Gait and Ferguson presided. Dr. McMichael and H. Becher
represented the petitioners, while B. B. Osier, W. Johnston, Petersou
and Cameron represented Mr. Ross. The petition contained 125
charges, not one of which was sustained.
In December, 1886, Geo. W. Ross was elected for West, John
Waters for North, and R. Tooley for East Middlesex ; while W. R.
Meredith was chosen to represent London, his majority being 213.
In 1879 he was elected by a majority of 447, and in 1883 without
opposition.
Justice Falconbridge unseated Dr. Roome, elected member for
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. IIT
West Middlesex, in February, 1888. No charge existed against the
doctor, but the fact of George Wilkins volunteering transportation
was sufficient to invalidate the election.
The North Middlesex election of June, 1876, resulted in 1,380
votes for John Levie and 1,576 for E. C. Scatcherd.
The elections of September, 1878, resulted in the return of John
Carling for Loudon, Timothy Coughlin for North, Macmillan for East,
and Geo. W. Eoss for West Middlesex.
The elections of June, 1882, resulted as follows : — Member for
London — John Carling, C, 1,485; John Campbell, L., 1,238; majority,
247. Member for East Middlesex— E. Macmillan, C, 1,998; I.
Langford, L., 1,431. Member for North Middlesex — Timothy Cough-
lin, 1,741 ; L. E. Shipley, 1,632. Member for West Middlesex— G.
W. Eoss, 1,651 ; N. Currie, 1,597. Member for South Middlesex— J.
Armstrong, L, 1,678 ; J. Eayner, C, 812.
London was established a separate representative district in 1835,
when Col. Mahlon Burwell was elected its first member of Parliament.
Hamilton H. Killally was next accorded the honor; then Lawrence
Lawi'ason, in 1844, followed by William H. Draper, who resigned to
accept a Judgeship ; John Wilson, who was subsequently appointed
Judge ; Thomas C. Dickson, who was defeated at the next election by
John Wilson, and in 1857 by John Carling, who represented the city
until 1874, when John Walker, now Eegistrar, was elected. Col.
Walker was imseated on a petition, and James H. Eraser was chosen
to represent London. John Carling was elected member of Parliament
for London City in 1857, and continued representative until 1S74,
when he was defeated by Col., then Major Walker, who was, however,
unseated. In 1862 he was Eeceiver-General, but owing to the defeat
of his party in Parliament in 1874 that position was transferred to a
Liberal within a few mouths. In 1867 he represented the city in
the Ontario Parliament ; was Commissioner of PubUc Works, Agricul-
ture and Immigration until 1871, when the Macdonald party was
defeated. During his term the Insane Asylums at London and
Belleville, and the Asylum for the Blind at Brantford, were estab-
lished. In 1872 he resigned his seat in the Assembly, having
accomplished or aided in accomphshing almost everything his consti-
tuents called for, meanwhile being a member of the Dominion House.
118 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER VII.
THE BENCH AND B,
From the earliest period in the history of the world, the advocate
has existed and made his presence known where men of other trades
or professions were silent or unfelt. Milton, in the days when religious
revolution reduced the human mind to a state of skepticism and left
the public conscience uncontrolled, declared that " most men are
allured to the trade of law, grounding their purposes not on the pru-
dent and heavenly contemplation of justice and equity, which was
never taught them, but on the promising and pleasing thoughts of
litigious terms, fat contentions and flowing fees." Later the advocate
assumed the form of a student, and with this form grew up a thousand
ambitions, and with the ambitions came the original trades' union,
which prompted the old bar to circumscribe its circle and surround
itself with certain ceremonies and insignia. Law became a great
study, and thus in Johnson's time the bar embraced
" Men of that large profession, who can speak
To every cause, and tilings indeed contraries,
Till they are hoarse again, yet all be law :
That with most quick agility can turn,
And return, make knots and undo them,
Give forked counsel, take provoking gold
From either side and put it up."
One of the first criminal cases tried in London may be taken as
evidence that the lawyer of Johnson's time had not passed away in
1832 ; for here we find the pioneer advocate, Michael Tenbroeck,
defending Sovereen with an earnestness worthy of a good cause ; and
later, when his wretched cUent is on the scaftbld, the same Michael
Tenbroeck cries out to the criminal to confess his crime as he con-
fessed it to him. Justice was easily dispensed. There was no law
and very little trouble. Squire Matthews remembers Tenbroeck, the
London lawyer, because he was the first he had ever seen and " was a
square kind of man." "If there were any bit of a quarrel," says the
Squire, "or injury or trespass inflicted, the one on the other, the
plaintiff got one man and tlie defendant another, and if they couldn't
settle it all up, as they generally did, why, they called on a third man,
and the whole business was done in a jiffy without pen or ink,
Testament, paper, costs or anything else. Maybe the court would be
held on a log or across a stump. The first magistrate I remember was
Squire Mackenzie; but we never troubled him." In 1827 all this, or
much of this happy state of affairs, was changed, and the Quarter
Sessions Court had for some years afterwards extensive dealings in
settling up old feuds. Indeed, prior to 1827 the old method of friendly
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 119
arbitration began to wane; for in 1825 a log court-house or town
meeting-house M'as erected at Springbank, and in it Squires Springer
and Ingersoll, and sometimes Col. Talbot and Capt. Matthews, held
regular court.
In the transactions of the Quarter Sessions Court of London
District, a close summary of its proceedings from 1813 to 1842 is
given. In fact, all the petty trials from 1813 to 1827, when the
court was removed from Long Point or Vittoria to London, are given.
The early records of the Assize Court are very irregular, and with few
exceptions are of little use for historical purposes, up to the period
when Col. Macbeth took possession of the Crown office here. It is a
fact that of all the documents, which must have existed in 1838-9
relating to the trial of the Patriots, very few are to be found to-day.
It might not be an exaggeration to assert that such records were
intentionally destroyed or carelessly given away.
The oldest record of the London District Court deals with the case
of Alex. Eoss vs. Robert Hindman, in which a capias ad responden-
dum was issued, Feb. 3, 1823, for £13 currency. On March 24 the
process was returned, when bail was entered. On March 27 an
affidavit was filed, and motion and order withdrawn ; on the 29th, a
declaration was filed, and a motion for the discharge of the defendant,
on filing a common appeal and the bail bond to be delivered up, was
granted. On March 31, a demurrer and notice of set-off was filed by
J. Tenbroeck, plaintiff's attorney. The case of Eichard L. Corkcroft
vs. James Bell was presented by Attorney John Rolph, who found that
the parties had settled the claim for £3. The claim of Frederick
Smith V. Samuel Mowrey was presented by Attorney Tenbroeck, but
the only result shown is the payment of two shillings and sixpence to
Judge Mitchell. Luke Teeple, by his attorney, John Eolph, prose-
cuted Peter Massap, as bondsman. The case of John Earle v. James
Cowan was presented by Eolph; also that of Geo. C. Salmon v.
Eichard Massap ; also of Milton Gregory v. Chandler C. Haskill ; John
J. Harris v. Gatieu Lizer; Smith and Williams v. James Nevilles;
Jacob Patrick v. Cowan & Walker ; Alauson Allen v. Silas Harris ;
George Boyington v. George Coughall ; James Bell v. Jeremiah Moor ;
Josiah C. Goodhue v. George Teeple ; Joseph Defulds v. James Hayes ;
Eeuben Morrison v. Horatio Nelson Franklin ; John Islik v. Thomas
Finch; J. C. Goodhue v. David Graham; same v. Isaac Ostrander;
same v. John Elwood ; same v. Philip Beringer ; same v. W. H. Lee ;
same v. Daniel Springer; same v. Winslow Thayer, and sixteen other
cases. Eolph may be said to have been attorney for plaintiff in all the
above cases, Tenbroeck being driven to defend. In a few cases juries
were sworn to aid the District Judge, James Mitchell.
The June session of 1823 opened with Tenbroeck leading. Of
the 39 cases brought before the District Court, Attorney Eolph repre-
sented the plaintiff in 37. In September and December, 1823, Ten-
broeck again leads the Court with two cases, Eolph representing the
120 HISTORY OF THE
plaintiff in all the others, except the 48th and 49th, when Tenbroeck
presented plaintiffs' claims. A musty pasteboard-bound book in Col.
John Macbeth's office, bearing the simple legend " 1823 " on the back,
tells hundreds of painful stories concerning the old debtors' prison.
One example will suffice. In October, 1822, Eichard W. Drake threw
John Anderson into jail for a debt of £6 5s., bail being refused. In
March, 1823, he was tried, and the following jury returned a verdict
for plaintiff : — Wm Havens, Wm. Potts, Wm. White, Nathaniel
White, Eichard Marr, Cortlands Olds, Benjamin Bawn, Asa Stevens,
Levi Douglass, John B. Wheeler, Peter Wyckoff and Charles Gustin.
On the 6th day of March, 1825, he was released, after a new trial,
before another jury of " twelve good men and true." To those who
can recollect the old vermin -haunted log jail nothing need be said of
what the unfortunate Anderson must have suH'ered for this simple
debt. The old jailor, long since gone to his eternal rest, saw many a
wife shed tears at the cell door of an unhappy husband as he kissed
the child he could not support, and would gladly have set him tree,
but the stern law forbade.
Among the important cases brought before the first Assize Court
at London, was the charge of horse stealing against Sovereign or
Sovereen, in 1827 or 1828. Judge Macaulay sentenced him to death ;
but the old law which would give the insulter of women only a few
days or a few months in the common jail, while sentencing the horse
thief to death, was falling gradually into disrepute, and so executive
clemency was extended to this terribly vicious pioneer.
The first murder case before the Quarter Sessious here was on April
14, 1831, when a bench warrant was issued to the High Constable for
the arrest of Jared Sealey for murder. John Phelan, of Oxford East,
blacksmith; Joshua H. Corbin, of Norwich, and Wm. Haskel, of
London, were witnesses. The man murdered was Jonathan Kipp.
Owing to the fact that Sealey had friends on the bench, the prosecution
of the charges was carried on without spirit, and there is no record
whatever to show that the case was ever presented to the Judge of
Assize.
In Api-il, 1831, £100 were paid Geo. Henry, Leslie Pearce and
Henry Fox, for arresting C. A. Burleigh for the murder of T. C.
Pomeroy.
Execution of Burleigh. — The first execution at London was that
of Cornelius A. Burley or Burleigh, of Long Point. In 1830, as
related in another chapter, he was charged with larceny. The war-
rant for his arrest was placed in Constable T. C. Pomeroy's hands.
The constable moved down on the home of Burleigh in Bayham, and
wfth rough words and rougher gestures sought to scare Burleigh into
instant surrender. Burleigh's guilt was questionable, and this feeling
with the irritation which an ignorant officer can sometimes cause, led
to the act which culminated in Pomeroy's death. Burleigh shot and
kiUed him. At that time men did not wait to consider what provoca-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 121
tion meant, but rushed forward blindly to aiTest the murderer. With
him they took two men and lodged all in the old jail for a year. In
the meantime, all the j^risoners (eight in number) escaped, except
Burleigh, as the unfortunate man did not hold himself guilty of larceny
or murder, and so hoped for a reprieve. Again, he knew that the
prisoners would be tracked through the snow, and recaptured, as they
were. In 1831 executive clemency failed to save this man from
popular vengeance. The gallows was erected in the court-house yard,
almost all the people within twenty-five miles of London came to see
the drama, and their depraved tastes were satisfied ; for when Burleigh
■was swinging off, the rope broke, and the half-strangled man walked
round before the people with part of the rope dangling after him.
Recaptured he was re -led up to the scaffold, and this time flung into
eternity. Rev. Mr. Mackintosh, of the English Church, at Kettle
Creek, attended to his spiritual wants.
Execution of Sovereen. — Jonathan Sovereen, one of a large tribe
who lived near Applegarth's Flats in the early days of the township,
moved to a point near Burford in the twenties. This migration took
place after his first conviction for cattle stealing, for which he was
sentenced to be hanged, but through influence was reprieved. Before
and after his escape he was engaged in dark deeds, so dreadful that his
two eldest children left home to work for neighbors. On the day
before the dreadful crime was enacted for which he was hanged, he
asked those children to return, but they did not, and thus escaped the
slaughter, which brought death to their mother and seven (sisters and
brothers) children. Sovereen had planned the extinction of his family,
lest by any chance one of them would give information regarding his
evil acts. On the day before the murder, he left home in a manner
which would be generally known, but returned during the night and
carried out his dreadful designs, killing his wife and six children out-
right, and injuring a little girl of five summers so that she died soon
after, leaving a child of three years and the two elder children, who
were away, survivors of the family. On the following morning
Sovereen himself gave the alarm that Indians had visited his home
and mm'dered his wife and children. The neighbors flocked thither,
and found the wife between the cabin and barn with an old shoe knife
buried to the hilt in her left side, and over her body several wounds.
lu her hand was a bunch of gray hair, which she plucked from the
murderer in her death struggle : within the house were the bodies of
the murdered children. There was the stool with which he knocked
their brains out, and there the axe clotted with blood and brains and
hair. It was no Indian's work. Sovereen's own hair was the simplest
tell-tale, and at the Spring Assizes of 1832 he was found guilty, not-
withstanding Michael Tenbroeck's able defence. On June 5, 1832,
Lawrason and Goodhue's store at the northwest corner of Dundas and
Ridout street was filled with people, windows, doors and roof There
was the gallows, from which Burleigh was twice flung in 1831, and all
122 HISTORY OF THE
around a sea of faces, for the people within a circle of 150 miles came to
see the wretch die. There was Elder James Jackson of the Methodist
Church attending, and his old time member still defiant and denying.
Mr. Tenbroeck cried out to him : '' For God's sake, Sovereen, confess ;
don't die with a lie in your mouth." But the prayer was of no use.
Sovereen was launched into eternity. The present Rev. Dr. Webster,
of Newbury, was in attendance, but not called upon. This fiend was over
sixty years of age at the time of this murder. One of the points in
evidence against him was a suit of blood-stained clothes discovered in
the bed-tick, which were proven to have been worn by him the day
before the murder. The clothes, with the hair wrenched from his head
in the struggle with the dying wife, completed the chain of evidence.
Execution of Jones. — Thomas Jones, of Delaware Township, was
hanged in 1868 for the murder of his brother's daughter, Mary Jones.
His two sons were the principal witnesses against him, while his
daughter, Elizabeth, defended him to the last. The .sons pointed
out that he wished them to murder their cousin Mary and their uncle,
Henry Jones. He was convicted of robbery on the evidence of this
Mary once, and entertained toward her a hatred which led to her
murder. His daughter Elizabeth, to save her terrible father,
assumed all the blame, and passed ten years in the penitentiary for
her services in his cause, but could not save her father, who was
swung into eternity in the presence of 8,000 people, being the last
public execution in this district. Justice Adam Wilson presided at
the trial in October During the American war of 1861-5, Thomas
Jones was a professional bounty jumper. He even took over a
number of Oneida Indians and had them enlisted at Detroit under
false statements, and he was not free from accusation on some grave
charges and suspicion of being concerned in the disappearance of
horses and cattle. His execution for the murder of his neice, Mary
Jones, took place December 29, 1868, and Delaware gave a sigh of
relief
Execution of Pickard. — Angus Pickai'd, the murderer of Duncan
McVanuell, a farmer of East Nissouri, was hanged December 28, 1871.
It appears that Pickard fell violently in love with a girl in the
neighborhood. Her father asked McVanneU the character of his
proposed son-in-law, and received anything but a favorable answer ; so
that, notwithstanding the existence of an engagement, ring and wed-
ding outfit, negotiations were broken off. Pickard left McVannell's
employ, and asked the farmer to pay him $25 then due, as he was
about to visit his brother in Michigan. He asked the fiirmer two or
three times for his pay, but each time met with a gruff refusal and
some ugly denunciation. Pickard, driven to desperation, shot and
killed his man. On his own confession, he was found guilty and
sentenced to death. His execution was private, not more than thirty
persons being present in the yard, but a large crowd gathered in the
rear. His taking-off was a bungling affair. The knot was poorly
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 123
arranged and slipped around under the jaw, thus ending in a ten-
minutes' terrible death struggle, as the neck was not broken, and
strangulation ensued.
The Assizes of March, 1872, was presided over by Justice Gait
when the charge against Phcebe Campbell for the murder of her
husband, George Campbell, of Nissouri, was presented. Kenneth
McKenzie, Q.C., prosecuted, with W. R. Meredith and F. E. Cornish
defending. The jury comprised John Robson and Henry Percival,
London; John Lumley, East Williams; John McCoUum, McGilli-
vray ; George Eoutledge, Wm. Martin, Westminster ; Phillip Rosser,
Lobo ; J. Newbeggin, Mosa ; J. C. Ross, AVest Williams ; Alex.
Mclntyre, Wardsville ; John Minhinnick, city, and John Gary, of
Biddulph. In Mrs. Campbell's statement she accused Thomas Coyle
of the murder, but ultimately declared her cousin, John McWain, the
culprit. There were several witnesses examined, and on April 6 the
jury returned a verdict of guilty. She was sentenced to be hanged on
June 20, and on that day the execution took jilace, the victim being
attended by Reverends Canon Innes, George Richardson, Dr. Cboper,
Miss IMercer, Mrs. Osborne and the Jail Matron.
Execution of Simmons. — The trial of Ben. Simmons for the
murder of Mary Anne Stokes, his paramour, was opened before
Justice Armour, at London, September 15, 1885. The criminal was
defended by John Taj'lor. The evidence was conclusive, and a
verdict of guilty returned. Simmons was sentenced to be hanged
November 27, 1885, and was hanged on that date. He was born at
Kilworth 37 years prior to his execution, but when three years of age
moved with his father to London Here the old gentleman conducted
a grocery store, and later kept a hotel on Queen's avenue, where now
is the Club House. The murderer served against the invaders of
1866 in the Hametsville Company. His spiritual attendants were
Bishop Baldwin, Revs J. B. Richardson, Hicks and McGilhvray.
During the execution the janitor of the court-house was compelled
to toll the bell by the Sheriff, although it was not his duty. This task
was a painful one for him, as he had known Simmons for years, in the
first place, and, in the other, any connection with such a thing so
degrading as an execution was distasteful to him in the extreme.
The trial and execution of Mahon for his part in the McGillivray
tiagedy took place at Goderich, thus saving Middlesex the expense
and scandal of another hanging.
The affairs of 18o7-S are entirely of a political nature. The deal-
ings of the courts and bar with the political prisoners of 1838 were too
pronounced to be associated with a court of justice, and for this reason
the history of the execution of the Patriots is transferred to the
political chapter, where the context may show some cause for the
action of the ruHng party of that day.
The nine-tails were well calculated to expel and eradicate brutality
and meanness, and make London of the thirties a most unwholesome
124 HISTORY OF THE
place for the lewd and dishonest. The operation of the " cat " near
Ridout street was a general attraction ; hundreds gathered to see pun-
ishment inflicted on the criminal, while adjacent windows were filled
with spectators. The performance meant business, and there was no
boy's play about it. One thing is to be regretted, however, and that is
that the magistrates selected for this punishment some stranger, who
was charged with stealing a pair of shoes, or some other trivial piece of
property, while the heavy resident criminals, convicted of some
hideous crimes, were only mulcted in a small fine or short term in the
District jail.
In January, 1819, David Miller and John Emmins were con-
victed of larceny and sentenced to receive 39 lashes on their naked
backs, at the hour of 11 o'clock, on January 15th. Thomas Fit2^
gerald and Jonathan Vandeuzen were found guilty of larceny. The
former was to receive o9 lashes and three months' imprisonment, and
the latter 30 lashes. John Purcell received a like sentence in October,
1819.
In January, 1830, Peter Thomas Surplus was found guilty of
larceny, " stealing a pair of shoes," and sentenced on the 15th " to .stand
in the pillory for one hour to-morrow, 12 o'clock, in the pubKc square."
James Aldridge was also sentenced " to stand in the stocks for two
hours, and pay £2 Is. 5d.," for trespass and assault.
A mildewed, moth-eaten scrap of paper shows, in faded hand-
writing, that on the 21st of July, 1830, Jeremiah Thomas was con-
victed of petty larceny, and sentenced as follows : — " To be put in the
stocks for one hour this day, and one hour next Wednesday, and to
remain in the prison for the term of ten days."
John Eadford, found guilty of indecent assault, was sentenced by
Judge Elliot to five mouths' imprisonment, and to receive twenty lashes
of the cat-o'-uine tails. May G, 1870. The crime was committed in
London township. The whipping took place on May 20th, the exe-
cutioner, wearing the same mask which the negro who hanged Thomas
Jones wore, bound Eadford to the whipping post and applied the lash.
George Baker was publicly whipped in the jail-yard for his assault
on Mrs. Penny, April 8, 1878. His second twenty lashes were
ajiplied later, and after two months' imprisonment in the jail he was
sent to the Central Prison for twenty two months, in accordance with
the sentence of Justice Wilson.
In September, 1879, an Indian, Josiah Doxtater, received twenty-
five lashes from James Fee, of the 53rd Infantry, the same who
whipped Baker. The sentence was imposed by Judge Elliot.
The Spring Assizes of 1851 closed in February. Tlie convictions
and sentences are listed as follows : — James S. Mason, murder, to be
executed on the 5th of November. Patrick Malone, larceny, three
months' hard labor. Henry Waters, misdemeanor, six weeks hard
larbor. John Hill, larceny, two months hard labor. Talbot Chief, an
Indian, misdemeanor, two months. Susannah Jacques, larceny, six
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 127
months' hard labor. Charlotte Beehagg, nuisance, three months' hard
labor. John Fowler, larceny, one week's hard labor. John Fowler,
second indictment, three years in Provincial Penitentiary. Talbot
Chief, second indictment, two months. James McMahon, larceny,
four months.
Robert Soper was convicted of coining money, in Nov. 1858 ; Esau
Eeid of horse stealing, and Samuel Douglass of robbery; Donald
McKay, Esther Richmond and Robert Murray of larceny.
The stocks, which stood in front of the court-house, became very
unpopular about 1832, and Henry Groves, then High Constable, took
the frames down to the river and pitched them in. On one occasion
there were two men in the stocks for stealing turkeys, and the curious
people when gathered there or in passing the culprits, themselves
made a noise such as a hen turkey calling her brood around would
make.
John McLoughlin, the wrecker, a powerful Irishman, who was
an early shoemaker here, came down to the stocks one day. Seeing
the turkey stealers in the ugly frames, he asked Peter Schram :
" An-ah, Peach, what are you doin' with these poor devils here."
Schram responded, telling the cause, but McLoughlin kicked out the
wedges, determined to set the prisoners free. Schram cautioned him
saying : " If you do not behave yourself, John, you'll get there your-
self," while Sheriif Rapelje, who was near, approved Constable
Schram's warning. McLoughlin saw the point and walking away said,
" Sheriff, punish the men decently, but don't make a show for the
whole town."
Other Trials. — On November 9, 1858, Catharine Graham was
brought to trial on the charge of murder. Among the witnesses were
Dr. Henry Hanson, Dr. Moore, Margaret McClennan, Alex. Graham,
Walter Sparkman, Isabella Huel, Jane McKellar, Chester Graham and
Margaret Fyfe. The jury returned a verdict, "guilty of concealing
child's birth," recommended her " to the mercy of the Court," and
.she was sentenced to one month's confinement in jail.
The trial of John Harding for murder was heard Nov. 11, 1858.
The jury comprised Henry Fitzsimons, Charles Armstrong, John B.
Elson, John Weir, Wm. Neal, Angus Grant, Wm. Lee, Richard
Haskin, David Baskerville, John Burgess, John H. Burgess and
Robert Fox. The witnesses called were Samuel Pope, Ellen Glass,
Ann McGuire, Robert Kennedy, John Wilson, Dr. Alex. Anderson,
Wm. Coote, Dr. Charles G. Moore, T. Van Vaulkinburgh and Emma
Storey. The jury returned a verdict of " not guilty."
The verdict in the poisoning case, which resulted in the death of
Mrs. Atkinson, was that on the night of Dec. 31, 1858, the old lady's
daughter-in-law, Mrs. Sophia Margaret Atkinson, administered the
poison.
Long, who brutally murdered his wife in 1859, for which he was
sentenced to death, had the punishment changed to imprisonment for
9
128 HISTORY OF THE
life in May that year. Mr. Norris, who suggested the petition for
clemency, resided at London. The sentence of death against convict
McDiarmid was also removed. Rev. A Christopherson, to whom the
culprit confessed his crime, made a strong effort for reprieve. In
December a boy named John Cain, of Biddulph, killed William
Cahalan, of the 1 1th concession.
On June 19, 1860, William Vallier shot Mrs. Kirslake at his
home on Governor's Road. In the formal trial, H. C. R. Becher
defended.
A negro named Mason choked his wife to death at their home on
Clarence street, near Simcoe street, Sept. 19, 1867.
The Francis tragedy, at the Ivy Green Tavern, near Westminster
bridge, was enacted Sept. 24. In June $100 were offered by the city
for the apprehension of the notorious burglar known as "Slippery
Jack."
In March, 1869, Justice Wilson presided over the Assize Court.
At this time the Emma Snowdon murder case was presented. Owing
to the illness of the Judge, court adjourned. Judge Hughes, of St.
Thomas, presided over the Assizes by special commission. At this
time the charge against William and Thomas Jones for complicity in
the murder of Mary Jones was dismissed. Emma Snowdon, charged
with the murder of her four-year-old son in December, 1868, at her
home in McGillivray, was declared insane by Dr. Hobbs, and the jury
returned a verdict of not guilty, although Mrs. Smith testified beyond
doubt to having seen the deed committed. Dr. W. D. Potts, well-
known in London in 1866, was indicted before a Wisconsin jury on
the charge of murdering his wife in June, 1869.
In May, 1870, a coroner's jury foimd Mary Springstead guilty of
murdering her infant. The girl settled at London in 1863.
The Fall Assizes of 1872 were presided over by Justice Haggarty.
Thomas Boyle was indicted for the murder of Campbell. David Glass
defended and won for his client a verdict of "not guilty."
R. S. Finlay was murdered in Sombra in May, 1874, as it
was alleged, by his wife, Anne, and her paramour, William Henry
Smith, a former resident of London, who previously was tried for the
murder of old pensioner Dunn, at Clark's Bridge.
In November, 1874, after the hearing of the case Beltz v. Molsons
Bank, the Judge of Assize, under a law then new, presented three
questions to the jury on which they were to bring in a verdict. Beltz
was represented by Mr Rock, and the Bank by Queen's Counsel
Harrison. The jury answered the first question negatively, and the
other three questions affirmatively, when the Judge declared the
verdict in favor of the Bank. Several jurymen at once cried out that
their views were in favor of the plaintiff, and that in answering the
questions they intended to give a verdict for the plaintiff; but the
Judge was inexorable, notwithstanding Mr. Rock's objections.
The murder of Patiick Monaghan, of Warwick, who settled there
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 129
in 1841, was perpetrated March 30, 1876. In April, Eobert Murray
and Patrick Macfie were arrested.
On March 2, 1876, two boys, Elnior Bartram and Walter Guerney,
entered the blacksmith shop at Keyser's Corners to wait for a ride
home. John Graham Smith,, an apprentice, told the boys to get out,
or he would be after them, when young Bartram said, " Come along ;
I'm not afraid." Smith, taking a sharp-pointed iron from the fire,
carried out his promise, and stabbed Bartram. The youth lingered until
the 7th, when he died. The Coroner's jury returned a verdict of
manslaughter against young Smith. On March 22 he was tried
before Justice Morrison and a jury, and declared not guilty.
The Fall Assizes of 1877 were presided over by Justice Harrison.
The charge of murder against Mary Eegan and James Hogan was one
of the few heavy cases on the docket.
On March 15, 1878, J. H. Hargreaves was charged with abusing
one of his hair-factory girls, and on the 27th sentenced to three years
in the Penitentiary. At this time Munn was found guilty of man-
slaughter, and sentenced to imprisonment for ten years. Geo. Baker
was flogged for indecent assault April 8, 1878, and received a second
flogging May 1. Zeller, the Tiffin, (0.,) bank cashier, was arrested at
London, May 12, 1878.
In April, 1880, Justice Wilson presided over the Assize Court.
The question of change of venue in re the persons charged with the
Lucan murders was presented by Mr. Irving, and opposed by Messrs.
Macmahon and Meredith. In October, 1880, the jury disagreed. On
Jan. 26, 1881, the Biddulph murder cases were brought before
Justices Cameron and Osier. The Crown was represented by M.
Irving, Q. C, and James Magee; while Hugh Macmahon, W. E.
Meredith and J. J. Blake appeared for the prisoners. The Grand
Jury comprised W. D. Cooper, Westminster; Wm. G. Carry, Ade-
laide ; Eobt. Cowie, East Williams ; Michael Crunnican, Lucan ; John
Elliott, West WiUiams ; Thos. EUiott, Parkhill ; A. Finnemore, West-
minster ; G. M. Gunu, Westminster ; G. J. Hutton, Caradoc ; J. J.
Jelly, Dorchester; Alexander Johnstone, Strathroy; John Jarmyn,
Biddulph ; John Legg, West Nissouri ; Henry Lockwood, Caradoc ;
James Moran, city ; John Mossop, Dorchester ; John C. Merritt, city ;
Edwin M. Moore, city ; E. S. Munson, Ekfrid ; Archibald McPherson,
city ; Hugh McLaren, city ; Duncan McLean, Lobo ; Wm. Patrick,
London ; John Thompson, Ailsa Craig. This case was ultimately
decided in favor of the defendants. The special commission in the
case, .sitting for nine days at London, cost directly !S!3,355.96, exclusive
of Judges' salaries, counsel fees and cost of witnesses for the defense.
The counsel for the defense were untiring in their efforts to save their
clients, and when it is considered that Bill Donnelly, acknowledged to
be one of the most naturally astute men of the county, aided the
prosecution in the effort to punish the murderers of his relatives, the
victory of the defense is more surprising.
130 HISTORY OF THE
In June, 1880, the celebrated case, Ven. Archdeacon J. W. Marsh
'V. the Council of Huron College, was heard before Justice Sprague at
Toronto. Messrs. Bethune, Dalton McCarthy and Biggar, represented
the plaintiff, and E. Blake and Adam Crooks the college. The case
grew out of a reception to Bishop Cronj^n on his return from England
in 1878-9, and the Archdeacon's expulsion from the Council in April,
1879.
The April Assizes of 1881 were presided over by Justice Patterson.
JE. Irving, Q. C, was Crown prosecutor. A case growing out of the
trial of Kent, for the murder of Howie, May 24, 1876, was before the
Court, the complainant seeking damages from Kent. Ban-ister Mac-
mahon appeared for the Howies, and W. R. Meredith for Kent. The
jury awarded $1,500 damages.
The trial of William and Eobert Donnelly for attempt to bum
Dight & Co's mills at Stanley, took place in November, 1881, before
Judge Elliot. Counsellors H. Becher and John C. Idington prose-
cuted ; A. J. B. Macdonald and E. Meredith represented the defend-
ants. Informer West's evidence was ignored, and the two men were
acquitted.
The murder of John McKiunon, at the Rob Roy Tavern, near Park-
hill, was perpetrated in November, 1881. Neil McLellau and John
McKillop were named in the verdict by Coroner's jury, and arrested.
In March, 1882, they were tried on the charge of manslaughter, and
acquitted.
The murder of Patrick Delargy by the drunken broom-maker,
George Wesley Code, was perpetrated near Blackfriars' Bridge, April
15, 1882. Delargy was a teamster, who, in a friendl}' way, took the
di'unken fellow to his room, and was shot and killed for his pains.
Code fled, but was soon captured, tried and acquitted.
In June, 1882, Dr. Rufus Bratton, alias Simpson, a South Caro-
linian, was captured at London by members of the United States
Secret Service Corps, and taken forcibly to Detroit. He was, it is
alleged, chief of a Ku-Klux band. When arrested he was given
chloroform and carried to Detroit. The authorities of London were
indignant. Deputy Clerk of the Crown, Cornwall, was arrested for
assisting the American detectives, and dismissed by Mr. Hutchinson,
while others urged that the case be brought before the British Parlia-
ment. Bratton was returned to London by the Government of the
United States.
The alleged murder of Ann Bastard, an insane woman of Carlisle,
in East William.?, was recorded December 8, 1882, and her husband,
Wm. Bastard, arrested. The Coroner's Jury found that the murder
was perpetrated by the prisoner, strangulation being the means
adopted.
In Jilay, 1884, A. E. Wrightman and James Graham were
arraigned for the murder of Silcox, of Ekfrid, in December, 1883.
Edmund Meredith represented Wrightman ; W. R. Meredith, Graham,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 131
and T. W. Carrothers, both prisoners. Colin McDougall and J. B.
McKillop prosecuted. The jury returned a verdict of " not guilty,"
giving the prisoners the benefit of doubts.
Rufus Eldridge, a farmer of Westminster, was stabbed and killed
in September, 1884. The Coroner's jury returned a verdict of wilful
murder against Harry Lansett, and made Edward Nolty accessory
before the fact. Lansett was tried in November. He was defended
by A. J. B. Macdonald and John Taylor, while W. E. Meredith
conducted the case for Nolty. The jury found the prisoner guilty of
assault. He was sentenced to four years' imprisonment.
On June 24, 1884, George Hall was charged with causing the
death of Charles Breden's child, through gi'oss ignorance in treating it.
His trial took place in November. He was defended by W. R. and E.
Meredith, and acquitted — his friends in the court-room cheering until
Judge Wilson checked them.
In November, 1884, George McCabe was tried for poisoning Ann
McCabe, his wife, on April 26, in Westminster Township. Colin
McDougall prosecuted for the Crown. W. R and E. Meredith defended
the prisoner. The jury returned a verdict of " not guilty."
In June, 1884, Albert E. Wrightman was found guilty of robbing
James Campbell's store at loua, and was sentenced to eight years in
the Kingston Penitentiary. T. W. CaiTothers defended him.
In May, 1885, the celebrated case of Charles Hutchinson, Clerk of
the Peace, vs. Josiah Blackburn, of the Free Press, was presented by
Colin McDougall, of St. Thomas. Messrs. Osier and Bayly repre-
sented Blackburn. The hbel complained of was the editorial in the
Free Press of Dec. 15, 1884, headed " BUnd-folded Ju.stice." The
jury returned a verdict of " not guilty."
The Winter Assizes of 1885-6 were presided over by Justice
O'Connor. In the O'Connell cases vs. Bishop Baldwin and others, W.
Nesbitt represented the plaintiff, and W. R. Meredith the defendants.
The cases were settled on the plaintiff withdrawing all claims to the
assistant-pastorate of the Chapter House. It appears Mr. O'Connell
was arrested at the instance of the Wardens, when about to enter his
pulpit, and placed in jail. He in turn proceeded against the authorities,
when all charges against his character were withdrawn, and his salary
paid.
The trial of George Dingman for manslaughter was heard before
Justice Wilson in November, 1884. He was charged with causing
the death of Clarissa Baxter, August 22, 1883, by selling to her father
strychnine instead of the santonine, or worm medicine, which the
father called for at the drug store where Dingman was emploj^ed, at
Mt. Brydges. The evidence was so clear that the jury declared the
prisoner guilty. He also was charged with causing the death of the
second child, Rebecca A. Baxter, but acquitted. His sentence on the
first charge was only six months in jail, but later he was discharged.
In December, 1885, William Cooper, formerly of London, shot and
132 HISTDKY OF THK
killed his second wife, Dinah Knight, and then killed himself at
McGregor, JMan., some time before he separated from his first wife.
When the neighbors came, the blood of husband and wife was frozen,
and in it the bodies were imbedded until chopped out.
The March Assizes of 1886 were presided over by Justice Rose.
The only important trial was that of William Moncks for killing
William Shrimpton, on the Hamilton road, February 24, 1886. It
ajipears the latter was driving by Moncks' house, and, in the delirium
of drink, kicked in a part of Moncks' door. The jury, of course,
acquitted the prisoner.
Wm. C. Stinson, of London West, was arrested for the murder of
his wife, April 21, 1887, but the charge was without foundation.
On June 27, 1887, Coroner Smith and a jury closed the enquiry
into the death of Raljih Shaw, aud held Walter Stevenson on a charge
of wilful murder, -lune 18, 1887. Stevenson was defended by
Pidmund Meredith, Q. C, aud acquitted.
Charles and John Carroll, residing near Strathroj% in Caradoc, were
arrested on the charge of hanging Mrs. .lane Carroll, Oct. 1, 1887. On
Dec. 21 John Carroll was held for trial, and Charles discharged.
A inost revolting murder was brought to light Sept. 2."^, 1888, in
Adelaide township. The victim was Jonathan Robinson, an old aud
inoffensive resident of the township, who lived by himself in a
small frame house on the farm of Harris, second concession south,
about lour miles from Strathroy. He was an Englishman, a bachelor,
and 73 years old. The circumstances suiTounding the murder are
shrouded in mystery, as it was generally supposed that Robinson was
visiting in Michigan, he having informed several of his neighbors that
he contemplated such a trip, and was last seen alive on Sept. 13.
Judges and Counsel. — On September 3, 1821, W. Drummond
Powell, C. J., signed the Clerk's certificate, and in 1827 Judge Sher-
wood, who came here that year. The first acknowledgment by John
B. Askin of receipts from fines made at London, was that of August
9, 1827, before Judge J. B. Macauley, of the Assize Court.
James Macauley, son of Dr. James Macauley, of the 33rd Infantry,
was born at Niagara in 1793. In 1812 he joined the Glengary Fen-
cibles; in 1822 was admitted to the bar, and in 1829 was appointed
Judge of (Queen's Bench. In 1847 he was Chief Justice of Common
Pleas, which office he held until his retirement in 18.56. He died in
1859.
Miles O'Rielly, so well known in the early days of Loudon, was
born at Niagara Falls in 1806, and admitted to the bar in 1830. In
1837-8 he was one of Allan MacNab's "men of gore," who opposed the
Patriots at Montgomery's tavern. At the trial of the 106 prisoners, he
volunteered to defend the whole lot unaided, while the late Chief
Justice Allan MacNalj jirosecuted. Justice Macaulay presiding.
Adam Wilson, born in Scotland in 1814; came to Canada in 1830;
studied law under R. B. Sullivan, and was admitted to the bar in 1839.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 133
In 1863 he was appointed a Puisne Judge of the Queen's Bench, and
the same year Judge of Common Pleas. In 1868 he was reappointed
Judge of Queen's Bench, vice Judge Haggarty, promoted, and in 1878
Chief Justice of Common Pleas. Judge Wilson presided here over
the Spring Assizes in 1873.
John Hawkins Haggarty, born at Dublin, Ireland, in 1816, studied
at Trinity College, came to Toronto in 1834, and, studying under Geo.
Duggan, was admitted to the bar in 1840. The Baldwin administra-
tion created him Q. C, and in 1856 he was appointed Judge. In 1868
he was appointed Chief J ustice of Common Pleas.
John Wilson who died June o, 1869, was born near Paisley, Scot-
land, in 1809, and came out to this country when quite a lad with his
father and other members of the family. His father was a Scottish
yeoman, who went to Halifax with what was at that time called a
venture of goods. Owing to the wreck of the vessel in which his
venture was, he lost all, and sometime after .settled as a farmer in the
County of Lanark, near Perth. The son, John Wilson, passed his
early days upon the farm, and endured a full share of those hardships,
which the early emigrants to Canada were obliged to face, and which
they gallantly overcame. It was here that he formed those tastes
which never left him, and acquired the knowledge of farm life, that
sympathy which a farmer's lot and trials, which came so admirably to
his aid in after days. Having contracted a disease of the chest, he
was advised to leave the labor of the farm, and thus it was that he
beciime a school teacher at Perth. He continued in this occupation for
about three years, but, being of an ambitious temperament, and feel-
ing, possibly, that he could turn his attention to other pursuits more
profitable to himself, he determined to study for the legal profession,
and entered as a student in the office of James Boulton, now of
Toronto, but who was then practising at Perth, In those days Mr.
Wilson was not blessed with any superfluity of means, and he had a
hard struggle to eke out a sufficiency by which to support himself,
and pay the fees incident to his profession. Among other expedients,
he employed himself in keeping the books of a merchant, and when
too poor to buy a candle, would lie down before the fire and pen the
entries in his firm, bold hand by the light of the blazing logs. He
worked hard and studied hard, and at least was able to find himself, in
spite of many difficulties and hardships, the member of a profession of
which he became a leading ornament, succeeding in due time in
obtaining one of those prizes, a judgeship, to which all young lawyers
look as one of the objects to be kept in view, and, if possible, attained.
Before he left Perth, however, to enter upon a career in the west, a
misfortune overtook him which caused him a life-long regret, and
directed towards him at the time not a little attention and sympathy.
This was his duel with Robert Lyon, a gentleman who had been a
friend of his own, and a member of the same profession. This took
place in the early part of 1833. At that day duels were of frequent
134 HISTORY OF THE
occurrence, a mode of avenging wounded honor, which, if now gone
somewhat out of date, was then recognised as a necessary usage of
society among gentlemen. It is needless to dwell at length upon the
cause of the quaiTel, but the spirit in which Mr. Wilson entered upon
it may be understood when we say that it was in order to justify a
lady of whom Mr. Lyon had spoken impertinently that led to the
encounter. Mr. Wilson was the challenger, Simon Robin.son acting as
his second ; H. Lelievre, a brother-in-law of the late Judge Small,
performing similar duties for Mr. Lyon. They met at the appointed
time, just outside of the district of Bathurst, about three-quarters of a
mile from Perth. Shots were exchanged without eflect, and so uimsed
was either of them to pistol practice, and flint locks did duty in those
days, that the seconds were under the impression that they might fire
for some time before even a wound would be inflicted. It would have
been well if the result had been as anticipated. After the first .shot
Mr. Eobinsoii, Mr. Wilson's second, advanced and presented a paper
to H. Lelievre. Upon unfolding and reading it, it proved to be a
written apology and retraction of offensive words, which it was
demanded that Mr. Lyon should sign. Mr. Lelievre said that he
could not consent to Mr. Lyon signing any such paper, but that he
should read it for himself. The document was then handed to Mr.
Lyon, who, when it had been read, threw it from him, saying that he
would never sign it, and would " have another shot first." Positions
were then retaken, and on this occasion the bullet from Mr. Wilson's
pistol entered Mr. Lyon's side just under the uplifted arm, and pierced
his lungs. To the consternation of all, Mr. Lyon fell on his face, dead.
Thereupon Mr. Wilson and his second returned to Perth, and gave
themselves up to the authorities. They were detained in jail about six
weeks, when the Brockville Assizes came on, and they were tried before
Chief Justice Eobinson. Mr. Wilson defended himself, and laying all
the facts before the jury was unanimously acquitted, as was his second.
Miich enthusiasm was shown on his behalf, not only on account of the
matter that led to the duel, but the manner in which he comported
himself throughout ; and words of encouragement and oilers of assist-
ance came upon him from all sides.
In the autumn of the following year, 1834, he came to London,
settled here, and commenced practice. At that time there were
but two other members of the profession here, and he soon drew
around him many friends. In the summer of the following year,
1835, he married Miss Hughes, a sister of Judge Hughes, of St.
Thomas. From this time his rise was rapid. The people found in
him a man jirompt in business, energetic in every cause he under-
took, and most powerful before a jury. His eloquence was of the
kind that has been called " unadorned," but it bristled with common
sense, and was strong in those gi-eat Saxon words which express so
much, and are comprehended so fully by those with whom he had to
do. He had no equal before a jury at the bar. He was thus widely-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 135-
sought after, and to secure his services in a doubtful case was as much
as to say that the cause was won ah-eady. His method before a jury
was to simplify a case, bring it within their comprehension ; seize
hold of the strong points and press tliem home. With the subtleties
of law he did not care to trouble them, but when a nice point came up
for argument with the Court, he was found to be acute and well-
informed. In his ordinary business he was the chent's friend. He
discouraged litigation and promoted amicable settlement, and many a
poor man has had to thank him for timely advice and caution, saving
him from ruin. For himself, he acquired a competency, and then a
fortune ; though it became somewhat impaired in the doubtful times,
in consequence of the generous use he made of his name in assisting
others. Nor was his generosity confiued to such acts. He visited
poor people ; got them gifts of clothes ; assisted them in various ways,
and would be a ready champion of their cause if he found them to be
deserving. The mode of conducting his business, his high honor,
buoyant candor, and readiness to serve others, won for him the title of
" Honest John Wilson," and he was by far the most popular man of
his time that the West has seen. His popularity was extraordinary,
and can scarcely be estimated in these days, when circumstances and
people have so greatly changed. INIuch of his leisure was devoted to
education. He promoted schools, gave lectures to young men, and,
when Morrill's Tannery was in full operation, would go down there
and instruct fifty or more of the young lads in arithmetic, history, and
the rudiments of learning. In 1839, after the Rebellion, he was ap-
pointed by the Crown to defend some of the rebels who were tried in
London. He did not much like the task, but said he would see that
they had justice, and they had, for seven of them were hanged.
In 1842 he was appointed Warden of this District, and was suc-
ceeded by J. Buchanan, now of Chicago In 1843 he acted as
School Superintendent, and was succeeded by Wm. Elliot. It was not
till 1847 that he came forward as a candidate for a seat in Parliament.
In that year, Mr. Draper, who then represented London, was raised to
the Bench, and Mr. Wilson was elected in his stead as a Liberal-
Conservative. He was a very different sort of man from the Tories of
those days — a class of individuals scarcely to be found in existence
now. In 1849 he was found su])porting the conciliatory policy of
Lord Elgin in the celebrated Eebellion Losses Bill ; a measure which
created intense excitement throughout the country, and led to the
verge of a counter rebellion. Some of the London Tories having ex-
pressed dissatisfaction at i\Ir. Wilson's course, he determined to test
the question, and resigning voluntarily was re-elected without any
serious opposition. He continued in Parliament, representing London,
until 1851, when he was defeated by T. C. Dixon, a hatter of this
place, and a Tory. This was owing, in a great measure, to some
indiscretion of speech attributed to Mr. Wilson in Parliament, reflect-
ing on the Irish population. The defeat, by a very small majority,
136 HISTORY OF THE
about twelve votes, caused some temporary annoyauce, and it is said
even that he shed tears at the hustings when the fact that the election
was lost reached him. Feeling ran very high, and some threats of
violence being made against him, he left the scene in the carriage of
Adam Hope. In 1854 another election took place. These were the
days of Hincks, Dr. Eolph, Malcolm Cameron, and Robert Baldwin —
names rarely heard now in connection with politics, but which had rare
significance then. Mr. Wilson was now thoroughly with the Reform
party. He was for reciprocity ; no separate schools ; economy, and
adopted the Reform platform generally. His opponent was T. C. Dixon
again, who declared that the Treaty of Reciprocity would be a " cut-
throat measure." But Mr. Wilson proved too much for his antagonist,
and was elected by nearly seventy votes. At that time the Reformers
swept this Western country — Oxford, Middlesex (east and we.st),
London, Elgin, Kent, were all in favor of what was then known as
" Reform," under the leadership of the man whose name we have men-
tioned. The coalition of j\Ir. George Brown and some of his friends
with Mr. J. A. Macdonald, defeated Mr. Hincks, and a " crisis " came
on. Mr. Hincks wished to see Mr Wilson form a Government, but
Mr. Brown objecting, he compromised matters with Mr. J. A.
Macdonald, and the coalition of 1854, under Sir Allan McNab, was
the result. Mr. Wilson served in Parliament, acting with the Oppo-
sition until the dissolution of the House in 1857, when, despite the
entreaties of his friends, he would not again contest the city, and its
present member, Mr. John Carling, took his place. He remained a
stranger to public life until 1863, when he was elected to rejirosent
the St. Clair Division in the Senate. He never took his seat, however,
in that capacity, for the Government of Mr. J. Sandfield Macdonald
being in office, and a vacancy in the Bench occurring, Mr. Wilson
was created a Judge, and served until his death, June 3, 1869, when
Mr. Justice Gait was appointed.
James Edward Small was County Judge for a number of years
prior to 1869.
William Elliot, born in England in 1817, came with his parents to
the United States in 1836, and moved with them to a point on the
Thames, two miles from London, Ont., in 1837. His father died there
about 1838, leaving the present Judge to look after the farm. In
1847 he began the study of law, and in 1852 was admitted to the bar.
In 1869 he succeeded Judge Small as Judge of Middlesex, a po.sition
which he still holds. In 1848 he married a daughter of Dr. Robinson,
of Dublin, Ireland. Their son, S. Connor Elliot, was killed at Duck
Lake, Manitoba, in the sliirmish with Canadian Indians, March 26,
1885. Young Elliot studied law in Eraser & Eraser's office, and
practised.
Judge Davis has, for some yc^ars, been connected with the Bench
as Junior Judge.
William Henry Draper was born in 1801, near London, England,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 137
where his father was an English Church minister. He came to
Canada in 1820, was elected to the Legislative Council in 1837,
Solicitor-General of Upper Canada in 1838, subsequently Attorney-
General, appointed Puisne Judge by Lord Elgin ; and in 1856 was
appointed Chief Justice, vice (Sir) James Macauley. In 1863 he was
appointed Chief Justice of Upper Canada, vice Judge Arch. McLean.
In 1869 he was commissioned President of the Court of En'or and
Appeal, which he held up to his death in 1877. He was known as
" Sweet William," and while not considered a member of the Compact-
Family, his ultra-toryism connected him with that tribe. In April,
1867, he was Judge of the Assize Court here.
Tliomas Moss, born at Cobourg in 1836, was a son of the brewer,
of Cobourg. In 1854 he entered Toronto University, was admitted to
the bar in 1861, and in 1872 created Q. C. by the Premier. In
1873-4 he was elected for West Toronto to the Dominion Parliament;
soon after was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal ; became
President of the Court on Judge Draper's death, and Chief Justice of
Ontario on Judge Harrison's death. His own death took place on
January 4, 1881.
On Nov. 5, 1875, Justice Moss opened the Assizes. He was
appointed, vice Justice Strong, elevated to the newly organized
Supreme Court. William Morton, then senior barrister of London,
presented the address, which was signed by the following named
members of the Law Circle of London : — W. Horton, J. Shanlv, E. J.
Parke, T. Scatcherd, C. Hutchinson, E W. Harris, J. H. Flock, E.
Bayly, C. D. Holmes, V. Cronyn, C. F Goodhue, D. McMillan, W. E.
Meredith, Warren Eock, E. B. Eeed, Hugh Macmahon, W. P. E.
Street, D. Glass, C. S. Corrigan, J. H. Fiaser, B. Cronyn, Jas. Magee,
Henry Becher, W. W. Fitzgerald, George Gibbons, J. Taylor, W. H.
Bartram, 1. Martin, A. Greenlees, George McNab and M. D. Eraser.
Chief Justice Harrison, who died in November, 1878, was called
to the Bar in 1855, created Q. C. in 1867, and elevated to the Bench
in 1875.
The Spring Assizes of 1870 was presided over by Justice Morrison.
In October, 1876, Justice Burton presided over the Assizes. In his
charge to the Grand Jury, he reverted to his first visit to London
years before, when Judge Macaulay presided over the annual Assize
Court ; compared the past with the present, and seemed well pleased
with the progress of the county in all things, except the county
buildings. The court-house he called a pest-house, and attributed to
it the deatlr of Justice Wilson. The Fall Assizes of 1881 was presided
over by Justice Burton. In April, 1885, Chief Justice M. C.
Cameron presided at the Assizes. The celebrated case of Julia E.
Harris vs. Waterloo Mutual Insurance Co. was heard at this time. W.
E. and E. Meredith represented the plaintiff, and B. B. Osier and
Bowlby the defendant. The jury awarded her $547 and costs.
•Ju,stice Falconbridge opened the Fall Assizes of 1888, Sept. 10, this
being his first official visit to Loudon.
138 HISTORY OF THE
Hugh Macmahon, Q. C, born in Guelph, Ont., in 1836, descended
from an ancient Irish family, was admitted to the bar in 1864, and in
1869 settled at London Tu 1876 he was created Queen's Counsel, and
the following year was leading counsel before the arbitrators in the case
of the (Ontario boundary, and in 1884 before the Privy Council of
Great Britain and Ireland. In 1880, and all through the trial of the
Biddulph cases, he, assisted by W. R. Meredith, Q. C, defended his
clients with extraordinary energy and success. He, with Col. Shanly,
were the main promoters of the Irish Benevolent Society of London.
At the clo,se of 18S3 he removed to Toronto. On May 7, 1888, we
find him presiding as Judge of the Assize Court at Loudon. The
Middlesex Law Association was represented by the following ; — W. E.
Meredith, Q. C; E. Meredith, Q. C. ; M. D. Fraser, Charles
Hutchinson, J. B. McKillop, Frank Love, W. H. Bartram, Ed. Flock,
H. B. Elliot, W. J. Marsh, N. P. Graydon, R. M. Meredith, Talbot
Macbeth, Colin McDougall, C. G. Jarvis, Lieut.-Colonel Macbeth, J.
H. Flock, Lieut -Colonel Shanly, R. M. Toothe, George Moorehead,
James Magee, W. W. Fitzgerald, Thomas Meredith, R. Bayly, Q. C. ;
H. Becher, Q. C. ; Folinsbee, Coyne, Nellis, J. C. Judd, Edmund
Weld, Tennant, A. 0. Jeffery, E. T. Essery, B. C. McCaun, and others.
W. R. JMeredith read the following addi-ess : —
To the Honorable Hugh Macmahon, one of her Majesty's .Justices of the High Court
for Ontario : —
Your Loud.ship, — The members of the legal profession of the City of London
and County of Middlese.-c beg leave, at this the earliest opportunity afforded them, to
offer to you their hearty congratulations upon your attaining that highest of honors
and responsibilities in the profession — a Judgeship. Whilst the profession in other
cities and counties have had the gratification of earlier offering to you their congratula-
tions, we feel that we have an especial right and privilege to do so, remembering for
how long you were among us, and that the majority of us have had the pleasure of
practising in the same profession -with you in this city for many years, so that, although
we cannot claim you as of one of us, yet it is one of more than ordinary gratification to
us, and we feel affords us the better right to congratulate you, and at the same time
to be the better able to congratulate the profession in general, and the country at
large, in obtaining a Judge so well calculated to maintain the high standard of the
bench, past and present, of this Province. Permit us to express the hope that a long
and eminent career is before you, and to assure you of the more than ordinary pleasure
it is to welcome you to the City of Loudon upon your first vi.sit in your high official
capacity. \V. R. Meredith,
President of the Middlesex Law Association.
Geo. Moorehe.\d,
Secretary of the Middlesex- Law Association.
Among the attorneys named in the records of 1838 are : — James
Giveus, afterwards Judge of the County Court ; \V. K. Cornish, who
lost his gown owing to a practical joke ; J. G. Ackland, R. Henry, jr.
(or Hervay), Geo. Duggan, jr., John Stuart, .lohn Wilson, R. E. Burns,
H. Sherwood, George Sherwood, A. N. McNab, W. H. Draper, C.
Gamble, Giveus & Warren, Wm Salmon, E. Burton, J. G. Sprague,
J. Cameron, C. L. Hall, H. R. O'Rielly, C. A. Hagaman, R. Dickson,
Gideon S. Tiflany, Miles O'Rielly, J. H. Price, A. Bethune, John Bell,
J. O'Hatt, R. G. Beasley, E. C. Campbell, F. T. Wicks, Michael Me-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 139
Namara, G. Ridout, James Boulton, John S. Smith, Wm. Miller, J.
Bell, Wm. Hume Blake, A. S. Milne, R. Macdonald, C. K. Cornish,
E. 0. Duggan, J. H. Price, A. Grant, R. Baldwin, F. G. Stanton.
In 18o9 the name of W. Lapenstiere appears in the case of Char-
lotte Armstrong v. Wm. Leighton and John Hobson. In April, 1840,
Frederick Cleverly appears before the Court, representing J. H. Joyce
and Edward Matthews v. Henry L. Thompson. In 1841 the name of
Henry G. R. Becher appears, differing from that of Henry C. R. Becher,
already given. John H. L Askin represented Joe Suter et al v.
Thomas Dangerfield, in 1841. At this time the name of J. Strachau
is recorded; in 1842 Thomas Keir, A. D. McLean; in 1844 John
Crawford, John Wilson and Thomas Warren ; in 1845 James Shanly ;
in 1846 E. Jones Parke; in 1847 S. F. Robertson, Geo. Brooke, D.
M. Thompson; in 1848 Thomas Scatcherd, W. H. Weller, Geo. W.
Burton, James Sauton ; in 1849 W. Richardson, James Shanly, jr.,
Warren & Hamilton. In 1850 the names of James Stanton and D.
W. Stanton, Wm. Horton, Arch. Gilkinson, appear on the records of
the County Court of Middlesex and Elgin. In 1852 the names of
Cameron & Rutledge, G. W. Barton, Henry Hamilton, Thomas Scatch-
erd, Robert Nichol, Wm. Proudfoot, E. Horton, F. Davis and William
Elliot appear; in 1851 Robert E. Burns, Wm. Proudfoot, Edward
Blevins, Robt. Nicholl and Wm. Elliot are recorded. From Septem-
ber, 1844, to April, 1852, there were 1,395 suits disposed of in the
London District Court.
From 1835 to 1839 there were 765 judgments rendered. From
December, 1839, to September, 1844, there were 1,103 judgments
rendered. There were 156 cases entered for trial at the March term
of 1847 before Judge James Givens. Of this number, John Wilson
entered 28 ; Wm. Horton, 21 ; James Daniell and John Duggan, 29 ;
Thomas D. Warren, 20 ; E. Jones Parke, 17 ; James Givens and
James Shanly, 19; H. C. R. Becher, 14; John Crawford, 1 ; William
Notman, 2 ; D. J. Hughes, William K. Cornish, Simon F. Robertson,
A. D. McLean and George Brook, one each.
John F. J. Harris, F. Evans Cornish, C. L. Hutchinson, 1852 ;
Geo. Baxter, 1853 ; P. G. Norris, 1855, also Robert Cooper, afterwards
Judge of Goderich, of Elliot & Cooper; Thomas Partridge, James
McFaddeu, Burton Bennett, of Vienna, and Robert C. Stoneman, of
Strathroy, Duggan & Flock, 1856 ; J. H. Flock, Walter McCrae, B.
Schram, T. W. Lawford, P. T. Worthington, W. L. Lawrason, J. D.
Warren, Richard Bayly, Edward W. Harris, George Harris, J. Part-
ridge, 1856-7. From 1852 to the close of 1857 there are 1,657
judgments recorded in the judgment book of the united counties of
Middlesex and Elgin. In 1858 the name of J. Worthington appears,
■also S. H. Graydon. There were 1,355 judgments given between
August, 1857, and October, 1858. In 1864 the name of R. E.
Jackson appears, also John Geary and C. C. Abbott. In February,
1859, the law firm of Burton Bennett and Thomas Clarke appears on
140 HISTORY OF THE
the County Court records ; R. Ollard, Duggan & Bain, J. McCaughey
H. Massingbrod, E. S. Collett and A. McDougall appears in 1860 ;
W. C. L. Gill, N. Nonsarrett, Oayley, Cameron & McMichael, of
Toronto; C. A. Harth, H. Kirkpatrick, C. D. Holmes, D. C. McDonald,
Charles F. Goodhue, Thomas Carre, W. E. Meredith and C. A. Hart,
1861 ; John Geary, jr, and Kobert E Jackson, 1862. In 1863, C. P.
Higgins, Samuel Barker, D. Macmillan, Alex. Mackenzie, Geo. Green,
Samuel Barker, Philip Mackenzie, Verschoyle Cronyn, Geo. E. Moore
and Warren Eock. In 1864, David Glass, Samuel Barker, Leon M.
Clench, J. A. Carroll, David Wilson and Charles S. Jones, of St.
Marys. In 1865, the record bears the names of E. Stonehouse, W. P.
E Street, just appointed Justice of Supreme Court, Patrick Darby,
W. 0. Meade King, C. S. Con-igan, A. J. B. Macdonald and W. P.
Laird. In 1866, Geo. Moncrief, now representing East Lambton in
Parliament, J. A. Miller, John J. Brown, Thomas Clegg, C. McDonald,
H. H. Coyne, George Eailton, Druramond, T. A. Mills, Cutten and
E. M. Scane. In 1867, E. C. Scatcherd. In 1868, Mackenzie,
J. H. Eraser, Thomas T. Irvine, James Magee, Mr. Living.stone,
Edmund Meredith, H. Whateley and Henry Ellis. In 1869, Hugh
Macmahon, J. E. Harding and J. 0. Ouilette. In 1870, Henry E.
Nelle,s, E. B. Eeed, A. Bell, J. E. Dixon. In 1871, Thomas J. Wilson,
W. W. Fitzgerald, T. O'Brien, G. C. Gibbons. In 1872, John Taylor,
E. H. Duggan, A. E. Irving and John Cameron. In 1873, J. Woods,
W. II. Bartram. Andrew Greenlees. In 1874, T. J. Wilson, John
Bell, Kenneth Goodman. In 1874, J. Martin, H. T. W. Ellis and
A. F Campbell. In 1875, E T Essery, M. D. Eraser. In 1876, VV.
Norris, Benj. Cronyn In 1877, J. Gowans and Francis Love. In
1878, Malcomson, Watson and W. T. Lawson. In 1879, T. E. Law-
son, A. Keefer, H. Vivian, Thomas A. Keefer, J. J. Blake, George
McNab, A. 0. Jeffery. In 1880, Wm. McDiarmid, T. T Macbeth.
In 1882, H. W. Hall, and in 1883, B. C. McCann, were admitted to
the Law Circle.
Among the old members of the Bar, whose reminiscences may not
be given in the pages devoted to biography, were Stephen Hacket
Graydon, born at Birr, Ireland, in 1819; settled on a farm near
London in 1846. In 1847 he returned to Ireland and was married
there. In 1848, with his friends, Wescott and Birrell, he visited
Australia ; returned in 1851, and studied law with Parke & Parke.
In 1869, he was Mayor, vice Christie, resigned, and was elected Mayor
in 1870. He was a very able solicitor. In 1884 his son, A. E. H.
Graydon, died in Texas.
The present Bar of Middlesex comprises : — W. H. Bartram, W. W.
Fitzgerald, Richard Bayly, Q. C, E. Bayly, jr, J. H. A. Beattie, Henry
Becher, Q C, F. Betts, H. S. Blackburn] Thomas Bowman, A. G.
Chisholm, W. J. Clark, John Cameron, E. K. Cowan, A. B. Cox, V.
Cronyn, Chris. Corrigan, R. H. Dignam, H. B. Elliot, E. T. Es.sery, F.
C. Cryer. J. H. Flock, E. W. M. Flock, FoUinsbee, J. H. Eraser, Q.C.,
COUNTY OF JllMIll.KSKX. 141
M. D. Fraser, K. G. Fisher, Geo. C. Gibbons. Wm. Glass, N. P. Gray-
don, ]<;enneth Goodman, A. Greenlees, A. D. Hardy, F. F. Harper, I.
F. Hellmuth, C. H. Ivey, Charles Hntchinson (Clerk of the Peace),
Chauncey Jarvis, A. 0. Jefi'ery, E. H. Johnson, J. C. Judd, C. A,
Kingston, W. P. Laird, Francis Love, T. H. Luscombe, Talbot Mac-
beth, B. C. McCann, John Macbeth, D. Macmillan, James Magee, G.
W. Marsh, Herbert Macbeth, A. J. B. Macdonald, Geo. McNab, James
B. McKilJop, Wm. McDiarmid (Lucan), E Meredith, Q. C, E. M.
Meredith, W. E. Meredith, Q. C, T. G. Meredith, A. A. Mactavish, J.
J. Macpherson, G Moorehead, Patrick Mnlkern, David Mills, H. ¥..
Nelles, E. W. Owens, Thomas O'Brien, John D. O'Neil, E. J. Parke,
Q.C., T. H. Pnrdom, W. A. Proudfoot, Alex. Stewart (Glencoe), E. W.
Scatcherd, W. E. Smythe, John Taylor, D. H. Tennaut, J. A. Thomas,
E. M. C. Toothe, G. N. Weekes, Edmund Weld and Angus McNish.
Francis Evans Cornish, son of Dr. Wm. King Cornish, who came
to Canada from England in 1819, was born here that year, and was
educated at London. In 1855 he was admitted to the bar ; from 1858
to 1861 was Alderman, and from 1861 to 1865, Mayor of London. In
1871 he moved to the Bed Eiver, and in 1872 was admitted to the bar
of the new province. In 1874 he was elected a member of the Mani-
toba Legislature; was Mayor of Winnipeg, and for some years an
Alderman there, having been last elected in 1878. For years he ruled
the Orange association in Middlesex, and was a member of the Masonic
society here. Notwithstanding his drinking and revelling, he was
popular with a majority of citizens. While Mayor, he tried, convicted
and fined himself for disorderly conduct, and on one occasion caused
the withdrawal of the British garrison from London, by refusing to
apologize to the Colonel in command. This trouble grew out of scan-
dalous remarks by the Colonel bearing on a member of the Cornish
family. For such remarks the Mayor punished the Colonel corporally.
He died at Winnipeg, November 28, 1878.
Warren Eock, Q. C, was admitted to the bar in 1861, and in 1863
established his law office at London. In 1876 he acquired the title of
Queen's Counsel, and a year later formed a partnership with Talbot
Macbeth.
James Shanly, Q. C, born at " The Abbey," Stradbally, Queen's
County, Ireland, is a son of one of the pioneers of Nissouri (also
named James) who emigrated from Ireland, and in 1837 established
his home here known as " Thomdale," near the village of that name.
Col. Shanly has taken an active part in militia affairs, as told in the
military chapter. He received his legal education in Canada and
here was created a Queen's Counsel, while for many years he has held
the position of Master-in-Chancery.
William P. E. Street, born at London, Ont., in 1841, was admitted
to the Bar in 1864, and created Queen's Counsel in 1883. In 1885
he was Chairman of the North-west Half-breed Commission, and in
1888 appointed Judge of the Supreme Court.
142 HISTORY OF THE
C. B. Eeed, a law student of London, was drowned at Toronto,
while skating, in March, 1862.
Patrick W. Darby, a barrister of London, died in October, 1865.
He had just completed his law studies, and for some years delighted
London audiences by his rendition of Irish music.
Early Probate Business. — Under date of June 15, 1814, the fol-
lowing account was rendered against the county by Daniel Whitman,
charges incurred for the funeral of Lydia Whitman. Whitman
charged £2 4s. for a coffin, 12s. for grave digging, £1 12s. for a
winding-sheet, and £4 for nursing, washing, use of house and sundry
services, aggregating £8 8s. Od. This was evidently a probate busi-
ness, for after £69 17s. 2id. and the sum named above are debited,
David Whiteman, or Wightman, is credited with £17 6s. Od., his own
account plus £103 3s. Od., proceeds of auction, and received £42 4s.
9 id. from Magistrate Backhouse.
Early Court of Bequest. — In January, 1830, the Townships of
Ekfrid, Mosa, Caradoc, Lobo and Delaware were set ofi as a Division
of a Court of Bequest, with Duncan McKenzie and James Parkinson,
Commissioners.
The Middlesex Law Association was formed October 4, 1879. In
December a deputation, composed of W. R. Meredith, Parker, Magee,
and Sheriff Glass, addressed the County Council, asking that a room
in the court-house be set apart for a law library. This was granted,
and to-day the law library, in charge of Librarian Simmons, shows a
large collection of law books, re])orts, and some useful books of a
general character. The remodelled court-house, in which the library
is, was opened December 2, 1878, by Judge Davis.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
CHAPTEK VIII.
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
Governor Sinicoe always entertained the idea of the re-conquest of
the United States. His plans were directed toward this end, and with ,
that object he established in his mind's eye a central government at
London on the Thames, with an arsenal and ship-yard at Chatham,
and redoubts along the lakes and Niagara Eiver. He divided the
country into counties for militia purposes, and made laws for the
organization and management of all male inhabitants. The Quakers,
Baptists and Tunkers were to pay twenty shillings per annum in time
of peace and one hundred shillings sterhng per year in time of war for
this their exemption from service — the proceeds to be devoted to the
payment of an Adjutaut^General. The regular soldiers under his com-
mand were ordered to cut out the Dundas road from Lake Ontario to
the forks of the Thames, and Yonge street from Lake Ontario to Lake
Simcoe. All this and much more was accomplished before the first
year of this country ; but English diplomats, filled with experiences of
the Revolution, failed to be so sanguine as Simcoe, and so deferred a
war on the United States until 1812.
Surrender of Detroit. — The events leading to the Battle of the
Thames, date to the surrender of Detroit. This surrender of Aug. 16,
1812, and its occupation by the British for a year, were brought about
by a lawyer named Brush, who was unfriendly to the American cause,
although he was Governor Hull's legal adviser. Brush consorted with
General Brock and advised the manner of attack, even as he advised
Hull to surrender, and this was made more manifest, for when Brock
liad arrived within musket range he halted, and stood still regarding
the American force and their ability to oppose him, as if in doubt
whether he was leading his men into a trap. Judge William Connor,
of i\It. Clemens, and other old citizens of Detroit, who were present,
state that HuU's cowardice and Brush's treachery led to this aflair, and
refer to the fact of Hull being so excited and scared at his share in
bringing over the British troops, that he besmeared his coat, vest,
ruffled bosom and white cravat with tobacco juice, lost in toto the
appearance of Hull of the Revolution, and assumed the look of a
criminal. Another surrender was also made where now stands the
city of St. Clair. Patrick Sinclair-, a British officer, built in 1763 a
fort and trading-house. In 1782 nineteen other Britishers settled in
the neighborhood. In 1807 the Michigan militia under Captain Eoe
■occupied this post, and also another post located just below Marine
City. During the war of 1812 this post and Captain Joe. Eoe's com-
pany of forty men were captured by a British force ; but in May,
10
144 HISTORY OF THE
1814, the river bank was again in possession of the American Kangers
under Captain Gratiot.
Battle of the Thames. — Commodore Perry obtained a signal victory-
over the British naval forces on Lake Erie, September 10, 1813. This
force comprised the ships Detroit, 19 guns ; Queen Charlotte, 17 guns ;
the schooner Lady Prevost, 13 guns; the brig Hunter, 10 guns; the
sloop Little Belt, 3 guns and the schooner Chippewa, 1 gun and 2
swivels. Opposed to this was Perry's flagship, the Lawrence and the
Ariel, poorly armed, and a few small boats huniedly put together at
Put-in-Bay, such as the Scorpion and Tigress. With the captured
vessels he advanced on Windsor or Maiden, and on September 23 he
took over to Maiden from Detroit 1,200 men of Harrison's army,
among whom were 120 regular troops, the remaining 1,080 being
Kentucky riflemen. The balance of the army, 1,500 irregular troops
and 30 Indians, were held at Detroit. Gen. Proctor's force comprised
900 British regular troops and 1,500 Indians commanded byTecumseh.
Perry ran some of his small boats up to Moravian Town and
Chatham, while Harrison's mounted infantry pushed forward along the
north bank of the river and forded the Thames twelve miles below the
Moravian Mission, and about that distance from Lot 4 in the Gore of
Zone, where Tecumseh fell. That night the advance guard arrived at
Dalson's Station, where they bought from Mrs. Dalson several hundred
loaves of bread (which Gen. Proctor's army left behind), paying the
woman for each twenty- five cents. Next day the army resumed the
march and came up with the British regulars, who opened fire first. Har-
rison promptly returned the fire, and ordered Col. Johnson's Kentucky
cavalry to charge upon their lines. This charge was admirably made,
breaking the lines and square and permitting the riflemen to advance
without loss to make the whole British force, then present, prisoners.
Tecumseh's great Indian army was held below, and a little to the
right of the position held by the regular British troops, in a dense low
bush. The riflemen dashed against this position, but were repulsed.
The message for aid just came as the British regulars were disarmed,
and Col. Johnson's cavalry was sent forward. In this charge Col.
Johnson was wounded, but the battle went forward for thirty minutes
longer until Tecumseh himself fell, when the field belonged to
Kentucky. After the battle Col. Whitney, an old Kentucky citizen
accompanying the army, was found lying dead, and within four rods
of him lay Tecumseh. The location was on the " openings," just
beyond the low ground where the Indians first took position in the
bush.
It is said that Perry's victory on Lake Erie was concealed from
Tecumseh by Proctor, for fear of its effect on his savage followers.
Tecumseh, seeing Proctor's preparations to retire eastward from the
American frontier, suspected the truth. At a council held in one of
the storehouses at Amherstburg, Tecumseh, with great veliemence of
manner, addressed Proctor, saying : —
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 145
"Father, listen! Our fleet has gone out; we know they have fought; we have
heard the great guns ; but we know nothing of what has happened to our father with
one arm (Captain Barclay). Our ships have gone one way, and we are much astonished
to see our father tying up everything and preparing to run the other way, without
letting his red children know what his intentions are. You always told us to remain
here to take care of the lands. You always told us you would never draw your foot off
British ground ; but now, father, we see you are drawing back, and we are sorry to
see our father do so without seeing the enemy. We must compare our father's con-
duct to a fat dog that carries its tail upon its back ; but, when affrighted, it drops it
between its legs and runs off.
"Father, listen! The Americans have not yet defeated us by land, neither are we
sure that they have done so by water ; we, therefore, wish to remain here and fight
our enem)', should he make his appearance. If they defeat us, then we will retreat
with our father. * ♦ • You have got the arms and ammunition which our great
father, the King, sent for his red children. If you have an idea of going away, give
them to us, and you may go and welcome for us. Our lives are in the hands of the
Great Spirit. We are determined to defend our lands, and, if it be His will, we wish
to leave our bones upon them."
Lo.ssing, in his " Pictorial Field-Book of the War of 1812," from
which we extract the above speech, says its effect was electrical.
Major H. H. Owsley, a soldier in this campaign, speaking of the
death of Tecumseh, says that the Battle of the Thames was a short,
hot skirmish, in which Tecumseh died like a hero and a patriot, and
Proctor showed himself to be a poltroon of the most pusillanimous
type. He related incidentally how the story that Colonel Johnson had
killed Tecumseh originated, and gave the name of the soldier who did
kill the gi'eat Shawanee. " Tecumseh was," said Major Owsley, " as
fine a specimen of physical manhood as ever I saw. He was above
middle height, beautifully proportioned, features singularly regular for
an Indian, a handsomely-shaped face, eyes like an eagle, and of grace-
ful, though haughty, manner. Indian and foe though he was, I could
not withhold my admiration for his patriotism, his bravery, and his
ability. It is said that he had a premonition of his approaching end.
At all events, at the Thames, he threw off his Brigadier-General
uniform, and, putting on a hunting shirt and taking rifle, tomahawk
and butcher-knife, he led his men in person against Dick Johnson's
mounted Kentuckians. The Indians had been made believe by the
'Prophet,' Tecuroseh's brother, that 'Tecumseh bore a charmed life,
and could not be wounded.' And when they saw their leader fall
their superstitious fear was aroused, and they broke and fled. For a
few minutes, or until Tecumseh fell, the Indians fought as bravely as
ever men of any people fought. Johnson's men and the Indians did
most of the fighting at the Thames engagement, which was not much
of a battle after all, though it decided very important issues. Had
Tecumseh been chief in command instead of Proctor, the result might
have been different, for Tecumseh was a born soldier." He further
states that " it was generally known in the army that red-headed Dave
King killed the Shawanee chief. King was a tailor by trade, and lived
sometimes at Stanford, and sometimes at Lebanon, Ky. Before we
reached the Ohio Kiver, on our return home to Kentucky, ' Davy '
King was the best-known private soldier in the army. Next to the
146 HISTORY OF THE
last uight out, before reaching our old Kentucky home, it was whis-
pered around among the soldiers : ' When we get over the Ohio River
we must say that Colonel Johnson killed Tecumseh.' "
Skirmish at Byron. — After the battle of the Thames, General
Proctor retreated to Burlington Heights, taking the Longwoods and
the Commissioners' road. He was closely pursued by a small body of
Kentucky riflemen, who came up with Captain Carroll's command
near what is known in later years as the Village of Byron, West-
minster Township. This Carroll commanded a body of mounted
volunteers and one of infantry, both organized in Oxford County.
This force was guarding a train of wounded Britishers from the field
near Chatham, and being unable to keep up with Proctor's main force,
Carroll was doomed to surrender or fight. Taking the latter course, he
took possession of a knoll within the great bend of the Commissioners'
road, and with Mrs. McManus, or McNames, (who resided near by) to
distribute ammunition, waited the enemy's attack. The Americans,
seeing a hopeless task before them, retired after one repulse, leaving
the Canadians to take care of their wounded men.
Second Scout. — In the summer of 181-4 some mounted Michigan
and Ohio volunteers entered Westminster, and pushed forward to
Yarmouth, but merely took away whatever provisions and horses they
required, and silenced the more active enemies of the Republic in the
settlements.
Battle Hill— The affair at Battle Hill, a few miles west of Strath-
burn, took place May 4, 1814, between the Royal Scots, detachments
of the 89th Infantry, a large body of Kent militia, and some Indians
on one side, and a reconnoisance of the American force on the other.
The first party, commanded by Captain Basdeii, wliile bringing up an
army train, were attacked by the sharpshooters from a log redoubt on
the hill. The British and Indians attacked the position from all sides,
made several assaults, but before daylight had to fall back, having
suffered very heavily, losing 16 killed, including two officers, and 49
wounded, including three officers. The Americans retreated at dawn,
and in the report of the captain to headquarters, carried out a most
hazardous enterprise without loss in killed or wounded.
Other Affairs. — On May 14, 1814, Roe's Rangers made an incur-
sion into Canada to ascertain whether any British troops were to be
found along the Thames. In 1812 Thomas Talbot was created
Lt.-Col. of militia, then embracing three companies of able-bodied men.
Two were recruited from able-bodied men and widowers, were well
drilled, and known as "Flank Companies." They participated in
several actions against the Americans on the border. On Aug. lo,
1813, however, the war came toward the settlement. A band of
Kentucky riflemen and some stragglers under Commander Walker
came up from the Thames, and burned Col. Burwell's log dwelling
and Col. Talbot's mill. Burwell was then suffering from ague, but the
Americans removed him gently from the house, and sent him prisoner
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 147
to Chillicothe, Ohio. On approaching Talbot's log house, Col. Patter-
son was arrested, leaving the owner to escape in the guise of a
shepherd. The Americans took whatever cattle and horses they
required, and returned. General McArthur set out on his Ontario
raid from Detroit in the fall of 1814. He pushed forward to Grand
River, and foraged successfully, bringing to Detroit a large band of
horses and a heavy train of provisions.
Pensioners of the War. — The act of Parliament providing for the
distribution of $50,000 among the survivors of the War of 1812, came
into force in 1875. That year Colonels McPherson, Moffat, Taylor,
and Majors Leys and Peters made the payments of $20 to each of
thirty veterans at the City Hall, London. Among the old soldiers of
Middlesex present were : — David Eeynolds, of Caradoc, was present at
the battles of Queenston and Lundy's Lane, being wounded at the
former place. He had applied for a pension, but never received it,
although he had got one hundred acres of land. He was then 84 years
of age. Isaac Quackenbush, Komoka, was not on the list, but later
on in the day an application was made out for him by Col. Taylor.
In answer to Col. McPherson's query as to what rank he held, Quack-
enbush said sometimes he was in the front rank and sometimes in the
rear. Andrew Heron was aged 81 ; he volunteered at Port Dover, and
was at the battle of Fort George, and received a medal, which he
exhibited ; he was identified by Mr. Eeynolds. Benjamin Myers, Mt.
Brydges, was born in 1791, and took part in the first war, bearing
arms all through it He never received a cent of pay or a grant of
land. He was at Queenston and Lundy's Lane, and was wounded in
the arm, a piece of grape shot carrying off' his coat coUar. He could
write his name. Wm Moore, of the township of Metcalfe, was 80 years
of age ; enrolled in 1812, and served nine months ; was at the taking
of Ogdensburg and at the battle of Chrysler's Farm, were he suffered
more than on any other occasion. He gave a vivid description of the
hardships of that day, and stated that he received a hundred acres of
land. George Brown, of Williams, was 85 years of age, and said he had
no other of his family simiharly named. He was enrolled in 1812,
but carried despatches and drew pay at Kingston, where he served
nine months. He volunteered on the 4th of June, and received a
hundred acres for his military services. He did not recollect the name
of the corps he served, but it was the militia of the County of Lennox.
Simon Grote, of Longvvood (colored), did not recollect his age ; thought
the name of his Colonel was Clause. The whole regiment was com-
posed of colored men, and he enlisted at the beginning of the war,
and served through it all ; was at Lundy's Lane, Queenston, and St.
Davids. He got a hundred acres of land from the Government.
James Alexander Weishubn, of Mount Brydges, was unable to be
present, was lying ill at his sister's house in London township. His
son represented him, and David Reynolds affirmed that he had served.
Francis Emerick, of Napier, did not have his name on the list. Barna-
14« niSlOUV OF THE
bas Flanagan, Mt. Brydges, was past 86 years of age, and served from
1812 to 1815 under Brock. He was engaged at Detroit, Fort Erie,
Chippewa, Qiieenston and Stoney Creek. He never received an}' land,
although it was promised, and never received any medal or a cent all
through the war. Nicholas Bodine, Mosa, was 87 years of age, and
served under Col. Eyerse ; he was in the army about two years, and
received three dollars for his services. There was some deficiency in
his papers, and Col. McPherson promised to write to Mm. George
Henry, Newbury, served as a private in his father's company, pro-
ducing the commission of the latter dated 1804. It was issued by Hon.
Eobert Hamilton, Lieutenant of the County of Lincoln. Henry was 78
years of age, having enrolled when but fifteen. He never got anything
for his services, and never expected to. Robert Cornwall, of Caradoc,
was 80 years old, and served till after the battle of Fort George and at
Lundy's Lane ; was never wounded, and never received a medal.
Andrew Heron certifies that from conversations he has had with Corn-
wall, the latter must have been "out" in 1812. The case of four
Indians from Munceytown was next taken up ; they were named
George King, Tom Chief, Isaac Dolson and Tom Snake. Arthur
Wrightman, of Longwoods, died a few weeks before the distribution.
There is a name, however, in connection with the war of 1812,
dear to Canadians — General Brock. On July 28, 1812, he delivered
his written address to the Council at York, and from this document
the following extract is taken : —
" Trusting more to treachery than open hostility, our enemies have
already spread their emissaries through the country to seduce our
fellow-subjects from their allegiance, by promises as false as the
principles upon which they are founded. A law has, therefore, been
enacted for the speedy detection of such emissaries and for their
condign punishment. Remember, when you go forth to the combat,
that you fight not for yourselves alone, but for the whole world. You
are defeating the most formidable conspiracy against the civilization of
man that was ever contrived. Persevere as you have begun, in strict
obedience to the laws and your attention to military discipline ; deem
no sacrifice too costly which secures the enjoyment of our happy con-
stitution ; follow with your countrymen in Britain the paths of virtue,
and like them, you shall triumph over all your unprincipled foes."
On Aug. 16, 1812, Brock made good his words, when Hull sur-
rendered, under the conditions hitherto explained ; but on October 1 3
he delivered his la.st speech, and was killed at Queeustou Heights
with his aide-de camp, McUonnell. The act of March 14, 1815, pro-
vided for raising his monument on the Heights, £1,000 being then
granted. In January, 1826, a supplementary grant of £600 was
made to comjilete the monument.
Benj. Wilson, an Ensign in the war of 1812, was present at the
surrender of General Hull, as well as at Lundy's Lane. He was one
of twenty men under Capt. Metcalfe, who, it is alleged, accomplished
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 149
the capture of eighty Americans by imitating the Indian war-whoop,
thereby causing the " Yanks " to surrender. During the march to
Col. Talbot's house forty Americans escaped. Several interesting
stories of such captures are told, with many tales relating to the
march through Canada of Hull's unfortunate garrison.
The Delaware settlers who fled to join Harrison's army in 1813
were never recaptured ; but others were not so fortunate, for in the
history of the Quarter Sessions Court references are made to some
early settlers indicted for desertion or treason.
On January 13, 1818, Ellis Buckley was indicted for deserting to
the enemy in 1814. He was placed under bonds of £2,000, with
David and Daniel Hoover in £1,000 each, and ultimately escaped
punishment. The Emmins boys were also arrested on the charge of
desertion.
Affairs in 1837-8. — In the political chapter, the troubles of
1837-8 are refen-ed to. The military condition of the county at that
time may be learned from the following official rosters of commands
then regularly organized : — The officers of the first regiment of Middle-
sex in 1830, were Col. Thomas Talbot, commissioned Feb. 12, 1812 ;
Captains Oilman Wilson and Leslie Patterson, commissioned in 1812 ;
John Matthews, James McQueen, John Warreu, Archibald Gillis,
Hugh McCowan and James McKiuley, commissioned in 1823 ; Lieu-
tenants Wm Bird and Gideon Tiffany, commissioned in 1812 ; Thos.
McCall, Samuel McCall, John G. Gillies, Duncan Mackenzie and
Adjutant J. M. Farland, commissioned in 1823 ; and Ensigns Daniel
Mclntyre, David Davis and Samuel Harris, in 1812 ; and Quarter-
Master Sylvanus Eeynolds, in 1815.
The fourth division of Middlesex militia claimed the following
officers : — Colonel, James Hamilton ; Major, Ira Schofield ; Captains,
Joseph Han-ison, Simon Bullen, Eoswell Mount, Duncan Mackenzie,
Eichard Talbot and Daniel Hine, commissioned in 1823 ; Edward E
Warren, Thomas Lawrasou, Daniel Doty, Edward E. Talbot, in 1824 ;
Wm. Putnam, in 1826 ; John Ewart, in 1827 ; Lieutenants, James
Fisher, John Siddall, John T. Jones, Wm. Gray, Alex. Sinclair, John
Brain, Arch. McFarlane, Eobert Webster and Nathaniel Jacobs, in
1824 ; Ensigns, Henry B Warren, Lawrence La\vrason, Daniel Camp-
bell, Thomas H. Sumner, George Eobson, Wm. Burgess, Philip Hard-
ing, James Parkinson and John Talbot, jr., in 1824, with Adjutant
Wm. Putnam, in 1826.
The militia officers of District Two of Middlesex in 1830, were : —
Mahlon Burwell, Colonel ; John Backhouse, Lt.-Colonel ; John Eolph,
Major ; Samuel Edison, Wm. Saxton, Joseph Defield, Abe. Backhouse,
Titus Williams, Isaac Draper, Andrew Dobie, Henry Backhouse and
WiUiam Summers, Captains ; Gilbert Wrong, John Summers, James
Hutchinson, James Bell, Henry House, James Summers and Alex.
Saxton, Lieutenants, commissioned in 1824 ; Ensigns, George Dobie,
Alexander Summers, John Benner, John E. Kennedy, Wm. Mcintosh,
150 HISTORY OF THE
Peter Defield and Thomas Edison, jr., commissioned in 1826 ; and
Eenben Kennedy, Quartermaster.
The militia officers of the Third District of Middlesex in 1830 were :
— Colonel, John Bostwick, commissioned in 1822 ; Captains, Benjamin
Wilson, James Nevilles, John Conrad and Joseph Smith, in 1823 ;
Joseph L. O'Dell, Josiah C. Goodhue, Joseph House and Michael
McLoughlin, in ] 824 ; Lieutenants, Wm. Orr and Jesse Gantz, in
1823 ; John Merlatt, Joshua Putnam, James Weishuln, Joshua S.
O'Dell, William P. Leard and Gardner Merrick, in 1824 ; Ensigns,
Jonas Barnes, John T Doan, Silas E. Curtis, Nathaniel Griffiths,
Lawrence Dingman and Samuel Summer, in 1824.
The First Eegiment of Middlesex militia in 1838-9 was presided
over by Col. Talbot; L.Patterson was Lieut.-Colonel ; J. McQueen,
Major ; G. Wilson, J. Warren, A. Gillis and J. McKinlay, senior
Captains; Wm. Shore, J. Simes, J. Patterson, J. Eobier, E. D. Drake,
J. T. Airey and G. Munro, commissioned Captains in 1837 ; W. Bird,
G. Tiffany, T. McCall, J. Gillis and D. McKinlay, senior Lieutenants ;
P. Drake, E. Nicholls, J. Eobier, E. Evans, S. Harris, H. Burwell, J.
Blackwood and E. McKinlay, commissioned Lieutenants in 1837 ; D.
Mclntyre and D. Davis, Senior Ensigns; H. Burden, T. Eobier, A.
Backhouse, J. Thayer, E. Howard, J. B. Burwell, William Spore, D.
McGregor and J. Sinclair, commissioned Ensigns in 1837; J. Patter-
son, Quartermaster, and J. Eolls, Surgeon. This regiment belonged to
the Townships of Duuwich, Southwold and Aldborough.
The Second Light Infantry of Middlesex was presided over by
Colonel T. Eadcliff, commissioned in 1837, with John Philpot Currau,
Lieut.-Colonel, and W. McKenzie, Major ; W. Eadcliff, P. Hughes and
Eobert Pegley, old Captains; J. J. Buchanan, T. Groome, J. P.
Bellairs, J. Arthur, E. G. Bowen, in 1837, and E. H. Allen in 1838.
Of the Lieutenants, William ColUns was commissioned in 1835 ; H.
L. Thompson, T. White, G. Somers, E. L. Johnston, H. G. Bullock, E.
Bullock and G Pegley in 1837. Second Lieutenants, J. Philips, D.
JlcPherson, W. McKenzie and C. White were commissioned in 1837,
also Adjutant J. Arthurs. This regiment was raised in Adelaide
Township.
The Second Eegiment of Middlesex militia was presided over in
1838-9 by M. Burwell, commissioned Colonel in 1822, with John
Burwell, Lieut.-Colonel in 1838, and H. Metcalfe, IMajor. The old
Captains were Wm. Stanton, J. Defield, A. Backhouse, I. Draper, A.
Dobie and W. Summers. In 1831 A. Foster was commissioned, and
in 1838 G. Wrong, James Hutchinson, A. Santon and D. McKenney.
The Lieutenants in 1834-8 were J. Summers, H. House, J. Benner, T.
Higginson, Michael Crawley. The Ensigns commissioned in 1826
M-ere G. Dobbie, J. E. Kennedy, W. Mclnto.sh, P. Defield, T. p:dison ;
in 1832, A. McCasland, N. Lyon; in 1838, B. Plowman, G. W.
Holland, T. Jenkins, jr., and S. Livingstone. A. Foster was Adjutant,
with E. J. Kennedy, Quartermaster. Of the cavalry comj)any, H.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 151
Gilbert was Major ; J. M. Crawford, Lieutenant ; J. Wright, Cornet.
This regiment was raised at Malahide and Bayham.
The Third Eegiment of Middlesex militia was raised in the Town-
ships of Yarmouth, Westminster, Dorchester and Delaware. John
Bostwick was Colonel in 1832. In 1838-9 the following officers were
appointed: — B. Wilson, Lt.-Col. ; J. Nevilles, Major; D. Calder, Wm.
Orr, J. iMarlatt, W. P. Secord, J. C. Chrysler, J. R. Bostwick, M. Mc-
Kenzie, J. Maiming ; D. Frazer and S. E. Curtis, Captains ; S. Sum-
mer, G. E. Williams, G. S. Bostwiclc, J. Miller, G. Claris, T. Spore, J.
McKay, H. B. Bostwick, T. Hutchinson and J. Spore, Lieutenants; J.
Rapelje, L. Pearce, S. Price, A. Ackland, J. Coughill, A. Fortour, C.
May ward, D. Marlatt, F. Spore and R. Springer, Ensigns; W. Garrett,
Q. M. ; E. Ermatinger, Paymaster. The Cavalry company was com-
manded by Capt. J. Ermatinger, with J. E. Woodward, Lieutenant,
and J. Bostwick, Cornet. Many of the officers and men of this com-
mand served against the Patriots in 1837-8, prior to the organization
of the Third Regiment.
The Fourth Regiment was raised in Lobo, London and North
Dorchester Townships. In 1838, T. H. Bull was appointed Lieut.-
Colonel. In 1835, S. Bullen was commissioned Major, and in 1823,
R. Talbot, Captain. The other officers of this command were all com-
missioned in 1 838, viz. : — Captains, H. Kellally, A. Sinclair, J. Wilson,
R. Robinson, J. B. O'Connor, W. S. Bullen and G. Robinson. Lieu-
tenants, John O'Neil, W. McMillan, J. McFadden, J. Jennings, P.
Harding, J. Parkinson, T, Howard, R. Matthews, C. Madden and W.
Crofton. Ensigns, W. iluttlebury, R. J. Handy, T. Harding, S. L.
Ball, T. H. Ball, H. C. R. Becher, J. Hawkins, W. Warren, A. D.
McLean, T. Parkinson and D. Kent. F. Talbot, Quartermaster, and
G. Moore, Surgeon. The Adjutant, R. Robertson, was commissioned
in 1835. The cavalry company was commanded by A. Robertson,
appointed in 1835. Lieutenant, J. Warren, and Cornet, A. Kier, in
1838,
After the military organization of 1824, a banquet was given at
Peter McGregor's tavern, then opposite the waterworks at Spring-
bank, where Richard Thompson now lives. In the evening, Thomas
Lawrason said at the table : — " I do not want any common men but we
officers to sit at this table." What ensued did away with the pleasures
of the evening, the men descending on the table and taking a full
share in the material part of the banquet.
The Fifth Regiment of Middlesex militia was commanded by S.
Craig, Colonel, in 1837; J. B. Clench, Lt.-Col.; and F. Summers,.
Major. The Captains commissioned in 1832 were J. McFarland, B.
Springer, D. Lockwood and C. Gibbs ; in 1836, W. M. Johnston, and
in 1838, J. S. Cummins. All the Lieutenants were appointed in
1832 :— J. McFarlane, H. Miller, A. D. Ward, C. D. Sparling and T.
Lantry. The Ensigns were H. Anderson, W. Sparling, J. Miller, jr.,.
in 1832, and D. Lockwood in 1836. In the latter year, W. M. John-
152 HISTORY OF THE
ston was commissioned Adjutant. The regiment was raised in the
Townships of Caradoc, Ekfrid and Mosa.
In 1837-8, London was selected as a militar}' station, the 32nd
British Infantry being the first to occupy the place ; while the 85th
Infantry occupied St Thomas and Sandwich, the former commanded
\>y Col. Maitland, who was to obey the magistrates.
In 1837-8, Dr. Charles Duncombe commanded a band of Patriots
from Yarmouth, Malahide and the Township of Middlesex. The fate
of this little company was such as the desperate odds might warrant.
The few who ventured to return to their homes were carried away at
once to the London jail, until the one strong room of that institution
held forty political prisoners, exclusive of the men who were taken
out to die or to be sent prisoners to the seat of government.
A Feiv Soldiers. — Thomas Carling served through the trouble of
1837-8 in Captain Eobinson's London Cavalry Company.
Alex. Macdonald, a Scotch commissioned officer in the 59th British
Infantry, sold his commission in 1834, and, coming to Canada, served
against the Patriots. He was arrested at Buflalo for his supposed
connection with the " Carohne affair," but was released through the
influence of friends. In June, 1850, he moved to London, where he
carried on a land agency business ; was the first appraiser of the Trust
and Loan Company of Upper Canada and the originator of the London
Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He died in 1879, aged 70 years.
Thomas Eadclifle, born at Castle Coote, Ireland, and educated at
Dublin, joined the British army in 1811, and, during the squabble of
1837-8, his command captured the schooner Anne at Maiden, January
9, 1838. After this affair he was appointed a member of the Legisla-
tive Council, and this position he held until his death in 1841, In
1832 he sold his half-pay, which he had from 1816, and settled in
Adelaide Township, where he was appointed magistrate and colonel of
militia. In taking tlie schooner, the Patriot Anderson, for whose
capture £100 were oH'ered, was so badly beaten that he died next day.
In July, 1838, a letter from the Clerk of the Peace at London to
John Macaulay, Secretary to the Lieutenant-Governor, contained a
report by the Justices of Quarter Sessions on the complaint of Isaac
Draper against John Burwell, a magistrate. On August 1, the Clerk
informed Mr. Burwell that a memorial by Thomas Jenkins, sr., Peter
Clayton, Thomas Higginson, John Christie, Dr. James Jackson, K. N.,
John M. Crawford, James McKnight, N. McKinnon and 55 others,
residents of Bayham, Malahide and adjoining townships, containing
grave charges against him, was received. A memorial signed by
Henry Metcalfe, Major of the Second Regiment Middlesex militia,
and 66 others in justification of Burwell's conduct was also acknow-
ledged. This trouble gi'ew out of the outrages perpetrated by the
loyal militia of the London District in Norwich and other townships
in July, 1838, and prior to that date. The complaint of Joseph H.
Thockmorton, made in October, 1838, against the militia called out in
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 153
Norwich township in July, was tabled, but subsequently considered
and recommended to the Governor.
Military Organizatimis. — The first cavalry regiment was raised
in 1854: — No. 1 Troop at St. Thomas, by Capt. Bannerman, who was
succeeded by Major Cole ; No. 2 at London, by Capt. Burgess, later
commanded by Lieut. Strothers during the Fenian troubles ; No. 3, of
Courtwright, by Capt. Bridgewater, later under Major Stewart, Lieut's
Day and Fitzgerald. The Kingsville company was organized by Capt.
Wigle, also in 1854, but disbanded shortly, was dead until 1871, when
Capt. Murray revived it, and later gave the command to Wigle. In
1872 the companies were organized as a regiment with Lieut. Col.
Cole, Major Dempster, Adjt. Neville, Quartermaster B. Higgins, Sur-
geon King and Veterinary J. H. Wilson.
In 1856 Major H. Bruce was appointed to command the Volunteer
Rifle Companies at London, and Sergeant-Major W. Starr was appointed
store-keeper in 1857. In May, 1855, James Shanly was commis-
sioned Major ; J. G. Home and V. Cronyn, Lieutenants ; and V. A.
Brown, Surgeon of the London Field Battery. The London Second Eifle
Company was commanded by Capt. A. C. Hammond, Lieutenants S.
Morley and W. C. L. GiU, with J. Macbeth, Ensign. The London
Highland Eifle Company was commanded by Capt. James Moff'att,
Lieut. D. M. McDonald, Ensign W. Muir, and Surgeon D. McKellar.
Duncan Mackenzie, born in Scotland in 1787, served in the
British artillery at Waterloo ; married in Scotland in 1816; came to
Canada in 1817, and Oct. 16, 1818, settled on Cou. 4, London. In
1837 he was appointed militia captain, and in 1857 magistrate. For
several years he was Acting and Associate Commissioner of the Court
of Bequest. In 1837 he commanded a battery at Chippewa, was then
ordered to London, where, in 1841, he raised the London Independent
Volunteer Artillery, which he kept up at his own expense for fifteen
years. In 1856 he retired, and died Aug. 2, 1875. Thomas Peel,
born in Ireland in 1826, settled at London in 1842-3. In 1843, when
Squire Mackenzie organized the first militia company of artillery, he
and A. S. Abbott were the first to join. The latter is the only member
now living. In 1841 Peel established his merchant-tailoring house,
which he conducted until his death in 1884.
The London Field Battery may be said to be the successor to Capt.
Mackenzie's battery of 1841, of which A. S. Abbott was a member.
Ill 1856 the present battery was organized by Col. Shanly and Major
StaiT. The field guns were brought from England, being the first
used by Canadian militia. In 1866 this command was at Sarnia for
two weeks, and in later times appeared on the frontier, Capt. Peters,
who joined in 1866, succeeded Shanly. Capt, John Williams has
served 22 years with the batter}^
Preparing to Invade tlie States. — Buckley's Artillery Corps was
organized in December, 1861; also the Merchants' Eifle Co., with
Capt. Taylor commanding; also Major Brace's Volunteer Corps.
154 HISTORY OF THE
While at Strathroy, Lt.-Col. Johnston was engaged in the work of
military organization. Capt. Macbeth's company was thoroughly
organized. In this month also the leaders of the militia assembled in
one of Lawrason's large rooms for perfecting themselves in military
drill. Among the officers were : — Colonel, J. B. Askin ; Lieut.-
Colonels, L. Lawrason and J. Wilson ; Captains, H. L. Thompson, J.
B. Strathy, H. Chisholm, W. Lawrason, J. C. Meredith, Chas. G. Hope,
A. G Smyth ; Lieutenants, F. Kerby, Henry Long, Samuel Peters, T.
H. Buckley, D. M. Thompson, J. B. Smyth; Ensigns, George Symonds,
E. W. Reid, J. L. Williams N. Monsarrat, B. Cronyn, Paul Phipps ;
Captain and Adjutant, A. Walsh.
Major James Rivers of the London Cavalry was retired in 1861 ;
Capt. A. C. Hammond of the Second London Rifle Co., in 1S60 ; Lieut.
D. McDonald of Loudon Highland Rifle Co. and Lieut. Thomas O'Brien
London Field Battery, later.
In 1862, James Motfatt and John I. Mackenzie organized a High-
land Scotch military company at Loudon. At their joint expense this
company was equipped and uniformed, the clothes being purchased at
Glasgow, Scotland. Mackenzie was a private and Moff'att a Captain.
At the time of the Trent affair, Mackenzie raised aud commanded Co.
1, London Battalion of 7th Fusiliers, but moved to Hamilton in 1866.
He settled at London in 1853.
In February, 1862, a number of British troops, including the 6ord
Regiment, arrived at London in addition to tlie volunteer force of
Middlesex, and excitement in re the invasion by Americans ran so
high that the Pha3nix Fire Company was converted into " a Home
Guard Rifle Company." The illegal capture of Mason aud Slidell by the
Americans in November, 1861, and the general sympathy of Canadians
with the Southern States, almost lead the people of Canada into the
me.sh of British diplomacy in 1862. In fact, matters were carried to
such extremes of indignation that the whole military force of Canada and
Great Britain was ready to attempt the invasion of the Northern States.
Federal diplomacy settled the trouble promptly, repaired the illegal
act by surrendering the capturing Southern Commissioners and admit-
ting the mistake, aud local aff'airs, so far as Middlesex was concerned,
allowed the British Government to withdraw the troops without fear
of a resort to arms with the United States.
In the spring of 1863 the question of withdrawing the troops from
London was made more interesting by the following paragraph in the
Governor's letter to Major-General Napier : — " I base reasons on the
assumption that a majority of members of this Council and the citizens
fire so constituted by nature that they are without any sense or
knowledge of riglit or wrong, of lionor or justice, until it reaches their
understanding through their pocket." The Council denounced Governor
Williams vehemently, and contradicted many of his statements, and
attributed to him a desire to gi'atify his own private feelings at the
expense of the Empire. This affiiir grew out of Mayor Cornish beating
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 155
and kicking the commandant. He would not apologise, and so the
garrison was removed.
Military Affairs in 1SG5. — The sedentary militia of the Eighth
District in 1865 claimed Colonel John B. Askin, Commandant ; Major
Murdock McKenzie, Assistant Adjutant-General ; Major Henry Bruce,
Assistant Quartermaster General. The first battalion on sedentary
militia in London claimed Lieutenant-Colonel L. Lawrason as Com-
mandant, and the second, Lieutenant-Colonel John Wilson. These
formed the first battalion of Middlesex militia formerly. The eight
battalions of Middlesex militia were presided over respectively by
Lieutenant-Colonels William McMillan, appointed in 1856 ; Wm.
Niles, 1852; William Orr, 1855; Benjamin Springer, 1852; WilUam
M. Johnson, 1855 ; John Arthurs, 1852; Kichard Irwin, 1854; and
John Scatcherd, 1853, the latter ranking in militia since 1848.
On November 13, 1865, Colonel Shaidy received an order to hold
the volunteers in readiness to repel the Fenian invaders. No. 2
Company comprised Captain McPherson, Lieutenant Griffiths, Ensign
Ellis, Color-Sergeant McGee, Sergeants McKenzie, Fitzgerald and
Porte ; Corporals, Yates, Payne, Teele and Eolson ; Lance-Corporals,
Bruce, Dewar and Mcintosh ; Bugler, Smart ; Privates, Collins, Neil,
Kelly, Winnett, Blair, Weir, Bouthion, Fortune, Joe Kelly, Dixon,
Moffat, McMullen, Horner, Parker, Rolston, Baker, Mitchell, Hawkins,
Murray, Pieid, Foster, Wilson, Stewart, Cranshaw, Watson, Templeton,
Stinson, Crosby, Maddover, Burns, Cox, Mcintosh, Smith, Patterson,
Graham, Shaw, Pioss, Loftus, Saunders, Rogers, Carter, Cameron,
Woodbury, Alway, Clark, Henderson, Short, Higby, Lawrence, Wright,
Sticke, McDowell, Jackson and Cawston. The advance guard left for
Sandwich November 18.
On November 24th the 60th British Rifles arrived at London.
This regiment, known as the King's Own Rifles, was commanded by
Viscount Gough. The 4th Battalion, 600 men, which came to Lon-
don was commanded by Col. Hawley. On November 29, John Mc-
Dowell, of the London Service Co., died at Windsor.
The 26th Regiment dates back to 1866 ; Capt. Graham's Delaware
Independent Company was the nucleus of this command. In the fall
of this year it was increased to a battalion, and on September 1, went
into camp at Thorold to repel the Fenians. On September 14, it was
received as part of the Canada Militia with Col. Graham, commanding.
€ol. Attwood succeeded him in 1870, and Col. English succeeded him
in 1882. In 1887 this command comprised 320 men and 32 officers.
The 28th Regiment was organized in 1866 to repel the Fenians.
Companies 1 and 2 were called out from Stratford in 1865 to serve at
Windsor ; the other companies being raised in 1866, and all placed
under Col. Service. He was succeeded by Col. Smith, who accom-
panied Gen. Wolseley to Manitoba in 1870. Col. Scott took command
in 1872 and gave place to Col. McKnight.
A Grim Joke. — The so-called invasion by the Fenians dates back
156 HISTORY OF THE
to June 1st, 1866, when a force of about 550 men crossed the Niagara
river and held Fort Erie. On -Tune 2 they advanced eight miles to
Port Colborne, where the " Queen's Own " under Colonel Booker was
encountered. The official report states that : — " On Saturday morning
they advanced towards Port Colborne about eight miles, when they
met a force of 900 volunteers under Colonel Booker, who were thrown
into some little confusion, but afterwards retired in good order some
two miles. This conflict was the battle of Padgeway, and lasted
about one hour. The Canadian loss was seven killed and some fifty
wounded. Six dead Fenians were left on the field. Some two hours
after, the enemy retired on Fort Erie to find the place occupied by the
Port Robinson Foot Artillery, numbering thirty-eight men, who came
in a boat from Port Colborne. The gallant little band were soon over-
powered. Several of our men were wounded in this contest, but none
killed.* The captain of the battery had his leg amputated yesterday
in Buffalo. The Fenians then rested themselves, threw out pickets
along the shore, and busied themselves as they thought best until
about twelve o'clock on Saturday night, when a lot of barges and
small boats came alongside. Into these the Fenians rushed pell-mell,
and escaped to the other side, with the exception of some 600 or 700
under guard of the American steamer Michigan. Thus ended the
invasion of Canada, in forty-eight hours after its commencement."
In 1866 James A. Skinner, of Hamilton, was gazetted Lieut.-Col.
of the Thirteenth Eegiment, vice Col. Buchanan retired. Speaking of
this Fenian invasion, he says that he was present at the Limeridge
engagement with the Fenians, under Col. Booker's command. He
was ordered to advance his battalion, and was soon engaged with
the enemy. On looking round, he saw, with dismay, that the Queen's
Own Eegiment and Col. Booker had disappeared, and later learned
that the whole outfit had fled by t,he Fort Colborne road.
The force sent forward from Middlesex returned on June 4th.
The Advertiser's report is as follows : — " On arriving at Port Colborne,
the London companies were joined by two from Woodstock, one
from Drumbo, one from Princeton and one from Ingersoll, forming a
battalion of ten companies, under command of Major A. McPherson,
London. Major Gregg, of Woodstock, was appointed Senior Major ;
Captain Beard, Junior Major, and Lieutenant Jas. A. Craig, London,
acted as Adjutant. At eight o'clock on ^Monday night the London
volunteers anived home, per Great Western Railway, all safe and
sound, not a single casualty having occurred to any ot them. There
must have been some 4,000 persons on the platform, who sent up a
deafening shout of welcome as the train of eighteen cars arrived. The
following was the force : — Four companies of the 60th Rifles ; two
companies of the ICth Regiment; five companies of the London
Volunteers ; one company Drumbo Volunteers ; two companies Wood-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 15T
stock Rifles; one company Princeton Eifles. The whole force wa&
headed by the volunteer band and a number of firemen bearing
torches, who led the way to the drill shed, where six long tables were
spread with bread and cheese, hams, butter, beer, etc. The men
attacked the edibles with a will, declaring it to be the only ' good,,
square meal,' they had taken since the campaign commenced. The
Mayor proposed several loyal and patriotic toasts, the most important
of which was : ' The health of our guests, Her JMajesty's troops, and
the noble volunteers who have gone to the front in the hour of
danger.' The City Council deserve credit for recognizing the services
of the volunteers in this matter. Messrs. Carling, Glackmeyer,
McBride, H. Fysh and J. B. Smyth, were especially conspicuous ia
their activity. The noble fellows being well tired out, the entertain-
ment was not prolonged."
The London Field Battery of Artillery, numbering sixty-eight
men, with guns, ammunition, horses, etc., left on the night of June 2
for Sarnia. The Port Stanley Marines, Captain Ellison, sixty men ;
Vienna Rifles, Captain Treadley, forty men ; St. Thomas Rifles, Captain
Mckenzie, sixty men, accompanied the battery. This force was
under the command of Colonel Shanly. On the evening of June 6th
the Strathroy company, under Lieutenant-Colonel Johnston, arrived
at London. Captain Attwood, Lieutenant Stevenson, three sergeants,
and 17 men of the Komoka Volunteer Rifles arrived on G. W. E. June
6 and proceeded to the Drill Shed, the balance of the company being
on active service at Sarnia, having been amalgamated with the-
Delaware Rifles in March, 1866.
On Sunday, June 3, buglers and drummers are said to have
entered St. Paul's Church during service, summoning the meu to arms.
William Hyman, who came to London in 1865 with the 53rd
Regiment, speaking of the Fenian scare, says : — " Many a Sunday I
have gone to St. Panl's Church with my rifle on my shoulder and forty
rounds of ball ammunition in my cartridge pouch, expecting to have
to fight my way back from the church to the barracks. We came
from Malta by ship to Hamilton, and thence to London by flat cars.
The first London man I met was old Mr. Wheeler. Perhaps you
remember him. He had only one arm. He's dead and gone now,
poor fellow. Then the 60th Rifles, who were stationed here, met us
at the depot and gave us a banquet in the evening, and we had a
tremendous time. The men were quartered then down in the old
O'Callaghan block, opposite the court-house, — that is, one wing was,
and the other was opposite in the Mackenzie buildings. We married
men had quarters in the Robinson Hall. Col. Harence was our com ■
manding otficer then, and a fine fellow he was, too. Many a night I
have seen him on the streets until morning, ready at a moment's
warning to turn his men out."
In June, 1866, a meeting of the City Council was held to consider
what course should be pursued in case the militia were ordered to th&
158 HISTORY OF THE
front. The Mayor was directed to consult with Col. Hawley. Col.
Bruce, who was pemiitted to address the Council, recommended the
organization of a Home Guard. It appears the troops were ordered
out immediately, for on June 4 refreshments were provided, for volun-
teer and re,t;ular soldiers were to leave by the 7 p. m. train for the
front. During the excitement pistols were bought ; Alderman Glack-
meyer purchasing two from Thompson, which were to be charged to
the city.
Col. Peters, speaking on the subject, says: — "In 18G6, during the
Fenian i-aid, we were ordered to Sarnia three times. Once we only
got back and got our horses unhitched, when a telegram came to go to
the front again. The infantry were sent down to Tort Erie. The
cavalry were attached to the 60th Rifles, and stayed right here in the
city. I tell you we saw lots of fun then, if we hadn't any fighting."
Col. Taylor commanded the infantry then with Major Barber, while
Col. F. Peters commanded the cavalry.
On June 20, 1866, the County Council gi'anted $300 to each volun-
teer company, while a motion to pay volunteers who " nobly responded
to the call for the defense of our lives and property, when a band of
murderers and robbers invaded our country" twenty-five cents per
day for actual service after March 1, 1866, was negatived. In June,
1866 the $300 grant was rescinded and an annual appropriation foraU
volunteer companies in the county of $2,500 made.
On March 4, 1885, Mr. Broder, of the Ontario House, with Messrs.
Eoss and Meredith, of Middlesex, presented resolutions dealing with
the volunteers of 1837-8, and 1866, asking for suitable recognition of
their services.
After the War. — The militia roll for 1867 shows a total enrolment
of 9,759 men, namely : —
Adelaide 512 Nissouri West 604
Biddulph 636 Strathroy 307
Delaware 281 Williams East 526
Dorchester North 598 Williama West 200
Ekfrid 513 Mosa 614
London 1,470 Lobo 552
Metcalfe 427 Westminster 1,031
Caradoc 776 McGillivray 712
The Queen's Birthday of 1868 was celebrated at London by Lieut.-
Col. Harence's Fifty-third Infautiy, with Major Dalzell commanding ;
Lieut.-Col. Simpson's E. Battery, P.. A.; Lieut.-Col. Lewis' London
Light Infantry; Lieut.-Col. Messiter's Sixty-ninth Infantry; Captain
Dempster's London Cavalry Troop; Lieut.-Col. Shanly's Volunteer
Field Battery. Tliere were 320 men in the seven companies of the
London Infantry Itegiment, and thirty-five in the cavalry troop. In
June the Fifty-third Eegiment left London for Quebec.
Red River Troubles, 1869-70. — The Red River party, comprising
Joseph Howe, J. Turner, W. jMcGregor, H. Sewell and \V. E Sandford,
started for Fort Garry in 1869.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 159
On November 13, 1869, the first news of the movement to prevent
the entrance of Governor McDougall to the Eed Eiver settlement was
received at London.
The strength of the 7th Battalion London Light Infantry, as
returned to Government by ]). A. G. Taylor in January, 1869, was
363 men, made up as follows : — No 1 Company, Captain D. C. Mac-
donald, 55 men ; No. 2, Captain H. Bruce, 55 ; No. 3, Captain J.
Walker, 42 ; No. 4, Captain W. 11. Meredith, 55 ; No. 5, Captain M.
D. Dawson, 49 ; No. 6, Captain J. A. Craig, 52 ; No. 7, Captain E.
Teale, 55. Total, 363 men. The actual strength of the battalion was,
however, put down at about 380 men, as some of the companies had
more than the full complement. Captain Dempster's Cavalry Troop
had re-enrolled to the required strength, and Colonel Shanly's Battery
had been numerously recruited.
On the same date the following orders were issued from the
Militia Department at Ottawa ; — " Major W. B. Phillips, District
Quartermaster, is appointed Brigade Major of the 7th Brigade Division
of Military District No. 3, vice Shaw, resigned. Volunteer Militia of
the Province of Ontario, 7th Battalion London Light Infantry, No. 4
Company, Captain, provisionally, George Birrell, vice W. R. Meredith,
dismissed ; to be Lieutenant, William Port, gentleman, M.S., vice E.
Meredith, resigned ; to be Ensign, provisionally, James Magee Yates,
gentleman, vice C. S. Corrigan, resigned."
On April 6, 1870, a statement, referring to the disruption of the
Seventh Battalion of volunteers, was signed by a number of the late
officers of the organization, namely : — D. C. Macdonald, W. E. Mere-
dith, James A. Craig, Harry Bruce, E. T. Teale, Captains ; Thomas
N. Greene, E. M. Meredith and C. Bennett, Lieutenants, and C. S.
Corrigan, Ensign. The statement was drawn out by the reflections
made by the Minister of Militia in Parliament on the command.
On April 12, 1870, the London Battery was ordered out to repel a
threatened invasion of Canada by the Fenians, and ou the 14th left
for Sarnia under Col. Shanly and Capt. Peters. On April 14, 1870,
the Dominion Parliament suspended the Habeas Corpus and adopted
other measures to meet the threatened Fenian invasion of Canada.
On May 26, 1870, the right half of the London Field Battery
returned to Sarnia under Capt. Peters, while Major Cole's St. Thomas
Cavalry troop of thirty-five men, proceeded to Windsor. On June
2nd Lieut.- Col. Taylor recalled the battery, cavalry and all, from the
frontier. A great meeting was held at London April 9, 1870, to con-
sider the question of the Eed Eiver troubles.
In May, 1870, volunteers for the North-west flocked toward the
rendezvous at London, and on May 5, left for Toronto in charge of
Colonel Moffatt. Among the volunteers were twenty men of the
Seventh Battalion, namely: — Joseph F. Tennant, Thomas Bayles,
George Taylor, Joseph Tuson, W. Mills, William Patterson, John
McDonald, John Cotter, Lawrence McGovern, James Barnes, .'
11
160 HISTORY OF THE
Stock, Jas. H. Cadhain, Roger Tuson, E. Eousell, G. T, B., Joseph
Tolhurst, D. Campbell, W. Wilson, Captain J. B. Campbell, M. D.,
John Cameron, John Mitchell.
In December, 1874, Wm. A. Faruier, of Manitoba, sent in his
appUcation for the reward offered by Middlesex for the apprehension
of Kiel, who, it is alleged, ordered the execution of Thomas Scott.
Militia 1870-S3.— The First Brigade Division in 1870-1, of
Military District No. 1, comprised the regimental divisions of Es.sex,
Kent, Bothwell, Lambton, West, North and East Ridings of Middlesex,
West and East Ridings of Elgin, North and South Ridings of Oxford,
and London City. The quota of the 1st and 2nd Brigade Divisions,
of District No. 1, was 5,517. The officers comprised Lieut.-Col. John
B. Taylor, D. A. G. ; Capt. F. B. Leys, District Paymaster ; I>ieut.-
Col. James Motfatt, Brigade Major. The 26th Middlesex Battahon : —
Lieut.-Col. Wm. Graham and Major Peter H. Attwood, had head-
quarters at London ; No. 1 Company, Delaware, was commanded by
Captain Wm. Cox ; No. 2, Komoka, John Stevenson ; No. 3, Harriets-
ville, John McMillan; No. 4, Thamesford, Captain Thomas Dawes;
No. 5, Lucan, Captain John C. Frank ; No. 6, Parkhill, Captain Jos.
Cornell ; No. 7, Strathroy, Captain John English ; Paymaster, James
Johnson ; Adjutant, W. F. Bullen ; Quartermaster, Frank Hughson ;
Surgeons, Geo. BiUington and James A. Sommerville.
The 26th Battalion, assembled at Strathroy in September, 187o,
was made up as follows : — Lieut. -Colonel Attwood, Major English,
Surgeons BilUngton and Hoare, Paymaster C. Murray, Quartermaster,
Cuddy and Adjutant J. Cameron. The 26th Band was also, of course,
in attendauce. The entire Battalion numbered about 300, consisting
of seven companies, as follows: — No. 1, Delaware, Captain Garnett,
Lieut. Hams, Ensign iMcIntosh ; No. 2, Napier, Captain Lindsay,
Lieut. Beer, Ensign Dunlap; No. 3, Hametsville, Capt. McMillan,
Lieut. Choate, Ensign Nugent; No. 4, Thamesford, Captain Brown,
Lieut. Douglas, Ensign Holmes ; No. 5, Lucan, Captain McMillan ;
No. 6, Parkhill, Captain McKellar, Lieut. Johnston, Ensign Johnson ;
No. 7, Strathroy, Captain Irwin, Lieut. D. M. Cameron and Ensign
McKay.
The first regiment of Cavalry was commanded in 1882 by Lieut -
Col. J. Cole, with Major F. Peters in command of troop No. 2, and
Major Stewart of troop No. 3. The London Field Battery was com-
manded at this time by Major Peters.
The 7th Battahon, or Fusiliers, claimed in 1882 a force of 29
officers and 301 men, the members present at annual drill being 24
and 289 respectively. Lieut.-Col. John Walker commanded, with
Captains Smith, Miller, McKenzie, Macbeth, Gartshore, Peel and
Mahon, all of London.
The 25th Battalion, or Elgin Infantry, was commanded in 1882 by
Lieut.-Col. O'Malley, of Wardsville ; Captains Ellis, Watt, Weisbrod,
Moore and Lindsay, of St. Thomas. The actual strength at inspection
was 18 officers and 170 men.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 161
The 26th Battalion, or IVIiddlesex Light Infantry, in 1882, was
commanded by Lieut.-Col. Attwood, with Captains Garnett, of Dela-
ware, Choate, of HaiTietsville, Dreaney, of Crumlin, and Wood, of
Avon. The force present at inspection drill was 12 ofiBcers and 154
men.
North-west Troubles of 1885. — The North-west troubles of 1885
were in some respects, so far as the evils complained of by the half-
breeds, similar to those of Ontario of 1837-8. They had grievances,
some sentimental, some real, for which they sought redress. Instead
of obtaining any of the favors looked for, they beheld the mounted
police force strengthened and preparations made for reducing them to
what they considered a state of servitude. In May, 1885, the follow-
ing named thirty-one men left London, Wyoming and Komoka, to joiix
this force : — James Armstrong, J. F. Forbes, W. McCallum, J. W.
Stilson, R. McKenzie, H. H. Ellerton, G. W. Steele, J. Barber, D. A.
McCallum, H. Bertram, H. A. Fletcher, J. Johnston, MeCall, H.
Green, E. C. Curry, W. C. Maker, H. Craig, J. Lancaster, Pat Naveu,
H. Woodward, Pain, Stansfield, Short, McLellan, W. H. Mason, A.
Arbuckle, D. Steel, W. E. Heron, A. Heron, J. Collins. Before their
arrival this petty insurrection took place. Eiel, the leader, intended
to caiTy on this agitation without the shedding of blood.
The half-breeds, Eiel maintained, had struggled unsuccessfully for
years for the attainment of their rights, and as a last resort determined
to capture Major Crozier and the Mounted Police of Prince Albert,
before addressing themselves to the authorities at Ottawa. In con-
formity with this plan, the half-breeds assembled at Duck Lake, never
anticipating firing a shot, but were confident that the handful of police
would gladly lay down their arms. Unfortunately, however, Crozier
forced the fighting, and without a word of warning, poured a murderous
volley into the concealed foe. Smarting under the loss of a companion,
the enraged and now uncontrollable half-breeds returned the compli-
ment and defeated the volunteers and police in short space. Eiel, who
admitted that he participated in the engagement, added that Crozier
needlessly left the dead upon the field. He subsequently sent a mes-
senger to Prince Albert, assuring the authorities that the bodies could
be removed without molestation on his part. Sanderson, the man who
bore the message, met with ill success, and in camping with another
individual days after, conveyed the bodies to Prince Albert. Eiel
added that a number of Indians participated and displayed great
bravery. He also maintained that the wounded on the field would
have been slaughtered but for his interference. The result of the first
fight was that fighting was pushed upon the half-breeds, who had no
other alternative than to defend themselves. Throughout the entire
campaign, the principle of self-defense was advocated, and the half-
breeds unanimously agreed to act only in the preservation of their
families. When the near approach of Middleton was learned, Gabriel
Dumont was sent out to reconnoitre, with positive instructions not to
162 HISTORY OF THE
give battle. The impetuous half-breed, however, disobeyed, and with
only sixty followers, held several hundred volunteers and artillerymen
at bay. His entire force at Batoche never exceeded four hundred and
fifty, not including one hundred and fifty others stationed on the oppo-
site bank of the river in anticipation of an attack from that point.
Although the police and volunteers were signally defeated, their
organization carried them through to success until the half-breeds and
Indians were scattered. Subsequently many of the leaders were made
prisoners, and ultimately Louis Riel himself was captured, tried for
high treason and hanged. During his imprisonment he was denied
all intercourse with the world outside his cell, even the press reporters
being denied admittance.
It is said that Gen. Middleton would have lost his artillery, had
not a Connecticut man, named Howard, opened on the half-breeds
with the Gatling gun.
In April, 1885, the 7th Fusiliers left London for the North-west.
The staff comprised W. De Bay Williams, Lieut.-Colonel ; Majors
Smith and Gartshore, Adjutant Reid, Quartermaster Smyth and Surgeon
Eraser. The Captains were Ed. McKenzie, Frank Butler, Thomas H.
Tracy, Captain Dillon and S. Frank Peters. The Lieutenants were
Bapty and Bazan, Chisholm and Gregg, Cox and Payne, Hesketh,
Jones and Pope. The Staff-sergeants were Sergeant-Major Byrne,
Paymaster-Sergeant W. H. Smith, Quartermaster-Sergeant J. Jury ;
Sergeant of Ambulance, A. Campbell ; Sergeant of Pioneers, M. Cotter.
The private troops were Color-Sergeant A. Jackson, Sergeant James
Becroft, Corporal C. G. Armstrong ; Privates Geo. Chapiuan, Edward
Harrison, A. Leslie, Cliarles Pugh, H. Pennington, George Eogers, W.
Schabacker, C. F. Williams, Walter Wright, i'rank Sadler and Lang-
ford ; Color-Sergeant Thos. Gould, Sergeants McClintock, John Harris,
Joseph O'Koake, Coi-porals A. E. Walker, W. Dyson and James
Goold ; Lance-Corporals Joseph Amor and Wm. Brown ; Privates
Hugh McRoberts, James Ford, H. Arbuckle, J. 1. Walker, James
Johnston, J. F. Gray, H. Westaway, Patrick Neil, Charles Potter, W.
D. Crofts, A. Davis, A. McRoberts, James Lozier, T. R. Hardwood, F.
Young, Thos. Livesey, W. Beaver, W. Andrews, W. Ferguson, George
Davis, A. Somerville ; Sergeants Anundson and Angliu ; Corporal
McDonald; Privates Wanless, Jones, Pennington, Fysh, Burns, Atkin-
son, Dignan, Kidder, Burke, Hanson, McCoomb, Graham, Mercer,
Kirkendale, Ryan, Ca?sar, Pettit, Wright, Smyth and J. A. Muirhead ;
Sergeant Borland, Coi-porals Richards, McDonald and Bayley ; Privates
Lister, Moore, Mills, Smith, McCarthy, Pennington, Macbeth, Webb,
R. Smith, Lowe, McCormick, G. Westland, Benson, Cowan, Ironsides,
Allen, Mitchell, Howard, Davis, Smith, Labatt, E. P. Dignan, C. D.
Gower, Carey, Gregg, Carnegie and W. Owen ; Sergeants Jacobst
Summers and Neilson ; Corporals Field, Rowland and Opled ; Pri-
vates Jacobs, Tennant, Best, Dickenson, Walton, Martin, Johnson,
Moriarity, Peden, Kenneally, Cassidy, Norfolk, Hayden, A. McNamara,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 163
Hall, Quick, W. Wright, Cowie, Appleyard, Richardsou, Northy,
Stinchcomb, Thwaite, Ealph, Beetham, Walton, Sinnott, Eowason
and McNamara ; Sergeant Line, Privates H. Mills, T. Mills, Stansfield,
Black, Collins, Copper, George Clark, Connell, Dnnkin, Flavin, Harri-
gan, Keenan, Land, Lalley, Lovell, Morkin, Thomas, Wright, Wilson,
Brown, Crawford, W. Wright and J. Clark ; Color-Sergeant Borland,
Sergeants Lynch and Fuller ; Corporals Han-ison and Lyman ; Privates
Allison, Barrell, Bigger, Borland, Brazier, Blackburn, Dickens, Duval,
Essex, Hicks, Hood, Hutchinson, McCutcheon. McCoy, IMcPherson,
Macdonald, Parkinson, Pickles, Pate, Robertson, Steele, W. Smith,
TeiTy, Whittaker and Woodall.
On the return of this command a streamer was stretched across
the street from Hyman's shoe factory. On this was printed the motto,
in honor of one of the volunteers who worked there, whose name
is given in this list — " Are you there, Moriarity ? " The regiment re-
turned in July, 1885, when a great reception was tendered to the
officers and men.
In 1873 Major Albert M. Smith was commissioned Ensign of
the 7th Fusiliers, and since that time has been connected with the
command. Evan Evans, who settled at London in 1849 as a dig-
charged soldier, died July 3, 1882. In 1851 he was commissioned
Lieutenant in the 12th Middlesex Battalion, and in 1856, when Col.
Mofiatt raised the Highland Rifle Company, he was Drill-master. He
was caretaker of military stores for the District up to 1882, and was
Sergeant-Major and Drill-master for the 7th Fusiliers.
Mayor William Starr, born in Ireland in 1812, came to Canada
with Royal Artillery, and to London in- 1840, when he was known as
" the veteran storekeeper of No. 1 District." His death occurred in
February, 1884.
Captain A. McRae, who accompanied the Canadian Voyageurs to
Egypt, returned to London in May, 1885.
In November, 1888, it was reported that the 7th Battalion would
pass out of existence prior to the close of the year, and that a new
regiment would be formed. Colonel Williams places the onus of the
Battalion's present condition upon the shoulders of one of the officers.
Military School. — The new Military School was opened March 31,
1888. In 1886 an order was issued establishing a school here, and
building begun ^lay 5, 1886. Col. Henry Smith was commissioned
Commandant. The two million Imcks used were manufactured by
Walker Bros., while Hook & Toll were the main contractors.
The sale of the Military Grounds was conducted June 1, 1888, by
Auctioneer McElheran, when twenty-three lots realized $35,414.50.
The remaining part of the Ordnance Lands, facing Victoria Park and
Princess avenue, was sold in lots by auction, and brought \ery good
prices, exceeding the expectations of the London Trust, in whose hands
the matter rested. The total amount realized from the sale of these
lands has been nearly $52,000. This was the block of land which the
164
HISTORY OK THK
Dominion Government gave to London in exchange for that portion of
the Carling farm now occupied by the Military School and Parade
Ground. The price paid for the latter was $40,000, so that, as the
matter now stands, the Corporation of Loudon has cleared within a
fraction of $12,000 cash by the transaction.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 165
CHAPTEE TX.
THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.
The first newspaper printed in English in Canada was the Gazette,
at Quebec, in 1776, the press being brought from Philadelphia by a
Mr. Brown. The Quebec Herald followed in 1788 and the Montreal
Gazette, printed in French, was issued the same year by M. Mesplet,
while Le Temps, in French and English, was its contemporary. Thomas
Carey established the Mercury at Quebec in 1804. The Canadien
was issued in 1806, and continued publication until the office was
confiscated by the Government in 1810, two years after the Canadien
Courant was founded at Montreal. In 1807 the Royal Gazette and
Neiufoundland AdveHiser was issued, and the pioneer press circle of
the Lower Provinces and of Newfoundland was placed on an enduring
basis.
The pioneer journal of Upper Canada was The Upper Canada
Gazette or American Oracle, issued April 18, 1793, with Gideon
Tittany editor, and Governor Simcoe proprietor. The extent of the
popularity of the Oracle, outside the official circle, may be learned
from the fact that when Rochefoucault visited Kingston in 1795 there
was not a single subscriber to, or reader of, it in that settlement.
In 1807 an Irish Tory (Joseph Wilcox) established at Newark the
Upper Canada Guardian. This Wilcox was Sheriff of the Home
District, who, on account of some irregularity in office, was dismissed.
Later he was a member of Parliament in opposition to the Govern-
ment; fought against the Americans at Queenston in 1812, but later
deserted to the enemy, taking with him his command, and served the
young Union until killed at Fort Erie. The York Gazette was issued
by Cameron & Bennett at York as early as 1801. The Kingston
Gazette, issued by S. Miles and C. Kendall, Sept. 2.5, 1810, was the
only Upper Canada paper from April, 1813, to 1816, when the Govern-
ment Gazette was revived. In 1820 the Recorder was founded. In
March, 1819, the Kingston Chronicle and also the Upper Canada
Herald appeared, and in May the Kingston Gazette and Religious
Advocate. In May, 1824, the CoZomaZ ^dwcafe appeared. The next
papers issued were the Chinstian Guardian and the Patriot in 1829,
then the Chronicle and News, next the Hallowell Free Press in 1830,
the Canadian Watchman, August 13, 1830, and then the London
Sun in 1831. The British Whig was the first daily journal published
in Upper Canada, but its influence, like itself, was small, and its dura-
tion short.
The pioneer papers named contained very little local information.
Many of the pioneers wanted news from the States, from which they
were driven by laws which could not recognize the rights a native
166 HISTOIiY OF THE
enemy of his country possessed ; men of the governing class wanted
news from Ireland or from England. Canada was a waste, a haven,
where both governor and governed found refuge from the political or
financial storms which drove them across the lakes or the ocean.
Local news was not sought for, and the pioneer publishers had just
sufficient sense to satisfy their few readers. With the year 1831,
however, came a change. The Colonial Advocate of 1824 suggested
some new ideas, but the action of the government party of 1826, in
having the press and type taken from the office and dumped into
Lake Ontario, taught a general lesson which was learned by the people
slowly, and five years later began to bear fruit. To counteract or sup-
port this lesson, to further the growing idea of responsible government,
or check it in its youth, several papers were brought into existence,
and Canadian politics became a department of newspaper work. How
the department did increase from 1831 to 1837, when the Liberal
newspapers were silenced ! It was a continuous war of written words
between the advocates of principles, which resulted in the temporary
overthrow of the Reformers, and, five years later, in the total rout of
the Compact-Tory Conservatives of the old school. Then the pioneers
of Upper Canada reaUzed for the first time the power of the press,
and the people, comparatively unshackled, exclaimed . —
■ Mightiest of the mighty means,
On which the arm of progress leans,
Man's noblest mission to advance.
His woes assuage, his weal enhance,
His rights enforce, his wrongs redress —
Mightiest of mighty is the Press !
The first newspaper published in the London District was the Lon-
don Sun, issued in 1831, from the primitive building which then
stood just east of Abraham Carroll's hotel, on Dundas street. The
credit of estabhshing this pioneer journal is given to Edward A. Talbot,
a native of Tipperary County, Ireland, who came to Canada in 1818,
when seventeen years old, as a member of the Talbot colony. A Mr.
Keel had some undetermined connection with the Sun, but young
Talbot was editor. The old hand- press was the wonder of the village
as well as of the Thames country, and it is related that on day of issue,
the office would be crowded with a sight-seeing crowd.
Mr. Bousted started a paper in 1833, and in the fall of that year,
Robert Summers advertised Gilbert Showers' notes as fraudulent.
The office was on the south side of King street, opposite the square;
but the name of the paper and the dates of its beginning and end can-
not be stated positively.
The Gazette is said to have been published in 1837, by G. H.
Hackstaff. William Thompson, of Dorchester, states that his father
was a subscriber at the time. W. H. Niles remembers the location
of the office on the west side of Ridout, north of Dundas.
The London Freeman's Journal was founded in 1839, by Edward
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 16T
A. Talbot, whose name is mentioned as introducing the first newspaper
in the Erie Peninsiila. In 1836 his brother John inaugurated the St.
Thomas Liberal, which he carried on until the defeat of the Patriots
at Galla's Hill, when he fled to the United States. It would be very
natural to sujipose that the ottice became the property of his younger
brother Edward, and that the latter brought the material to Loudon.
The Western Globe, by George Brown, was printed at Toronto in
1845, but dated at London, when it was distributed by W. H. Niles
from the office at the north-east corner of Dundas and Ridout. Gordon
Brown had charge in 1845-6, before Mr, Niles was appointed agent.
The Canada Inquirer was issued in August, 1838, and the first
"Carrier's New Year's Address" was issued Jan. 1, 1841. The village
printing of 1843 was contracted for by G. H. Hackstaff, at £14, his
bond being £100. His office was then on the west side of Ridout,
north of Dundas, but far back on the building lot.
London Enquirer, Vol. 5, No. 50, bears date July 19, 1844. It
was then published by Geo. H. Hackstati", whose office was at the
corner of Richmond and North Streets, nearly opposite the English
Church.
The Times, in 1844, was published by H. Lemon and D. W. Hart,
the latter dying recently near Brantford, Out. Dr. John Saltei' came
to London in 1835, and engaged as clerk in Lyman, FaiT & Co.'s drug
store, then near the court-house. Subsequently he opened on Ridout
street ; was surgeon to the Loudon garrison during the rebellion of
1837-8 ; was burned out in the fire of 1845 ; later was editor of the
London Times under Mr. Cowley, but through all was known as the
" Patriarch of Druggists " until his death, April 13, 1881. An entry
in the records of the Council, bearing date 1847, states that Joseph
Cowley was paid £5 13s. 9d. for county advertising in the London
Times. In 1853 the Times office was in a frame building on the west
side of Talbot street, on the corner of North, or Carling street, Mr. Hart
being still editor, with Joseph Morey foreman.
The Gospel Messenger was published here in 1848 by John R.
Lavell, but shared the fate of nearly all such periodical journals
The Canadian Free Press was founded by William Sutherland
(now a resident of Ekfrid township), January 2, 1849. The prospectu-s
was issued December 20, 1848, and from this document is the follow-
ing extract : — " Its character, as its name implies, will be Liberal. It
will advocate those principles and measures which aim at the safe
progress of Legislation and Government towards their true end : ' Tlw
greatest possible good to the greatest possible number.' This, it is
assumed, can be gained only by maintaining the Provincial Constitu-
tion, which by bringing the increasing intelligence of the community
to bear upon the administration by means of their representatives, con-
stitutes Parliamentary or Responsible Government ; by the indepen-
dent and unfettered exercise of the elective franchise ; by an enlight-
ened system of popular education ; by securing on all political and
168 raSTORY OF THE
economical questions liberty and equality, in opposition to all exclusive
aims of parties, classes or religious denominations ; and by setting free
our commerce, enterprise and intelligence from all those obstructions
by which their development has been hitherto so long and so greatly
retarded."
The early issues were printed weekly, on sheets 26x40 inches.
The price was fifteen shillings per annum, or twelve shillings and six
pence, if paid in advance. Local news was entirely a secondary con-
sideration, and should be of marked importance to receive any notice
whatever. General political news, both Canadian and British, occupied
much space. The history of the Press since 1852, is the history of its
second proprietor from 1852 to the present time.
The editor of the Free Press, Josiah Blackburn, born at London,
England, in 1823, came to Canada in 1850 ; was connected with the
Star, of Paris, Out, in 1851, and in 1852 purchased the Free Press
office. Shortly after, he assisted in the establishment of the Chronicle,
at Ingersoll ; in 1855 inaugurated the Daily Free Press, which he
conducted on his own party principles — then Reform. In 1858 he
was defeated by Marcus Talbot in the contest for parliamentary honors.
In 1862 he was called to conduct the Mercury, a Government organ,
and ten years later was asked to aid in estabhshing the Mail, at
Toronto. In 1884 he was a member of the committee sent to Wash-
ington to report on the system of public printing. When Geo. Brown
opposed the Coalition Government, Mr. Blackburn cast off his Reform
dress and assumed that of the Conservatives, the same which the Free
Press of to-day wears.
The early years of the Free Press after it became the property of the
Blackburns are well portrayed by Harry Gorman in his newspaper
reminiscences. He says : — " My newspaper experience in London
dates back to 1853, when I engaged with Josiah Blackburn, of the
Free Press, as an apprentice. At that time the Free Press office was
in a small, one-story brick building on Talbot street, immediately in
rear of what was then the R. & 1). Macfie's dry goods store, now
Somerville's gi'ocery, I believe. Its rival, the Times, occupied a frame
building on the opposite side of the street, at the corner of Carling
street, then called North street. It was edited by a Mr. Hart, and Joe
Morey, well known to old-time London journalists, was foreman.
When I entered the Free Press office the whole force consisted of Mr.
Pierson, foreman ; Jim Sisterson and Mel. Dawson (now Col. Dawson),
journeymen; and liill Quinton, Jack Sparling and myself, apprentices.
Blackburn was editor, reporter, proof-reader, book-keeper, collector and
canvassing agent, and knows what it is to run a country newspaper
when money is scarce and roads bad. I assisted at the setting up of
the first power press used in a London printing office. It was a North-
rup stop-cylinder, with a capacity of probably 600 an hour, and a
regular corn-crusher. Prior to its erection the Free Press weekly, for
it had then only a weekly edition, was worked off on a Washington
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. IbU
hand press, an athletic colored man, Hayden Watters by name, manipu-
lating the lever, Sparling and I responding to the call of 'color,'
flying the sheets and folding. In '54 or '5 the first daily was issued
in London from the Free Press office. I set type on it. I cannot
recall the names of all who worked ou it at that particular time, but I
think the late Tom Neil was among the number, also Thomas Coffey,
and very probably Sisterson and Dawson. E. P. Roden, now a civic
officer in Toronto, was one of the early compositors on the daily Free
Press."
In October, 1851, a banquet closed the fair, and at this reunion a
toast — The Press, the Palladiuvi of Liberty — was given. A Mr.
Thomson, of the Free Press, responded. He said that he regarded
agriculture as the noblest occupation of man. It was indeed a divine
injunction to " till the garden and to keep it." He referred to the
extent of the Provinces — larger than Europe — to their agricultural
capacities and great natural resources, and the place of Empire which
Canada is destined to hold among the nations of the earth. He gave
as a sentiment : — Agriculture and an Independent Press, may they
both jn-osper till Canada shall he celebrated for her national wealth
and her free institutions.
The editorial staff of the Free Press comprises managing director and
editor-in-chief, Josiah Blackburn ; assistant-editor, Malcolm S. Bremner ;
city editor, John S. Dewar ; night editor, Fred. T. Yealland ; agricul-
tural editor, Wm. L. Brown ; reporters, Chas. F. Winlow and George
Millar. The business department comprises Henry Mathewson, secre-
tary-treasurer; Gilbert E. Coombs, accountant; J. C. Markle, assistant
book-keeper ; A. C. Peel, day mail clerk ; Chas. Norman, night mail-
clerk ; VV. J. Blackburn, manager advertising department ; H. B.
Coombs, advertising department, and Thomas Orr, manager of mechani-
cal department. In the news department, Alex. J. Bremner is day
foreman, and James Lindsay and P. J. Qiiinn, night foremen. In the
book and job departments the following named are the overseers : —
T. H. Warren (foreman), Harry Ferns, J. W. Thorpe and Charles Doe.
Cliarles Brown is foreman of press room ; George Taylor and Walter
Piimell, engineers. The travellers' department comprises Samuel H.
Muirhead, Robinson J. Orr and Geo. H. Mathewson, with Frank H.
W better, collector. The lithographic department is presided over by
John A. Muirhead, with W. H. Margetts, foreman of artists' depart-
ment; Hugh E. Ashton, of transfer department; James Filby, of
press department, and H. V. Mevius, of engraving department. T. W.
Elliott is foreman of the wood engraving division ; Geo. Webster,
stock- keeper.
The Prototype. — In January, 1861, the Council passed resolutions
of thanks to the editors of the Press and Prototype, and to reporters
Siddons and Wilson, for excellent reports during the year. In 1863
the London News was included in this vote of thanks.
In February, 1870, the Prototype ceased to be a morning paper.
170 HISTORY OF THE
and was issued as an evening newspaper, under the name Herald and
Prototype. Melville D. Dawson became interested in the paper at
this time. Harry Gorman, speaking of this journal in 1861, says : —
" London had then two morning papers — in name only — the Free Press
and Prototype. Neither of them received the midnight telegraphic
reports, and, as a conseqiience, were little better than evening papers
published the following morning." The Herald office was burned
September 10, 1878, and much valuable property destroyed, includ-
ing the Synod journal of the English Church.
The Semi- Weekly Herald was a favorite newspaper in 1856-7, by
Elliot & Cooper, but its duration was only for a few years. The office
was then in the old Commercial block, better known as the Coote block.
The Evangelical Witness was the predecessor and contemporary
of the Neius with Eev. J. H. Eobinson, editor. This paper was the
organ of the New Conne.xion Methodists, and continued in existence
until the union. After the collapse of the News, Mr. Eobinson con-
tinued the Witness at the old office on Dundas street west, about
where the Parisian Laundry now is, but eventually found the work too
heavy, and wanted to get rid of it. John Cameron, who had served
his time in the Free Press, and afterwards worked for Gemmill, in
Sarnia, came one day and asked him if he did not want some one to
take charge. It occurred to him that Cameron was the man he
wanted, and he was given charge. Mr. Eobinson's health seemed to
to get worse rather tlian better, and so one day he proposed to Cameron
that he should buy the establishment, paying therefor by printing the
Evangelical Witness. This arrangement was carried out, and Mr.
Cameron shortly after proposed to start a daily paper — a paper Liberal
in its tendencies, moral in its tone ; and from that time Mr. Eobinson
ceased to have any personal or practical interest in the place, although
he occasionally wrote articles for it and always hoped for its welfare.
When the Evanr/elical IFi^ftess was published on Dundas street east,
where Dr. Flock now lives, Miss Eobinson, John Cameron and Eobert
Fulford were the typesetters. The latter went to California, and while
there went on the stage and married a woman who is now one of the
most popular actresses of the day — Annie Pixley. On the Methodist
union of 1874 being perfected there was no more need for the Witness.
Eev. David Savage edited it for four years before it died. Eev. Mr.
Eobinson was sent to England about 1870 and was given the editorial
control of the two Methodist magazines in old London and the charge
of tlie two book concerns. As a matter of fact, he was really sent over to
endeavor to stop the union, which then seemed imminent. The N. C.
Methodists had some 8,000 members in Canada, and it was thought he
might have some influence, but when he got over there he found he
might as well try to stop the waters of Niagara. At one time he had
§11,000 of his own money sunk in the Witness before he saw a
prospect of a return, and it preyed on his mind. He feared he would
die and leave the debt a burden to his ftxmily. But friends in England
COUNTY OF MIDDI-ESEX. 171
came to the rescue, advanced some mouey, and then he turned the
paper over to the Camerons.
The London Evening News. — This journal was issued from the
office of the Witness. Harry Gorman says : — " I assisted at the birth
of another London daily in the years before the Advertiser saw the
light. It was the Evening News, and was the predecessor of the
Advertiser. It was printed by Thos. Evans, who afterwards went to
Buffalo, and edited by Mr. Moncrieff. The News was a Liberal paper,
and did much towards securing the election of Elijah Leonard to the
Senate for the Malahide Division. By the way, my lot was nearly
always cast on the Liberal side in politics. The Free Press was an
out-and out Grit paper when I worked on it, and it was not till after I
left it that it strayed from the paths of political rectitude. The News
was soundly Liberal under Mr Moncrieft's editorshiji, and later under
tliat of John McLean. Mr. Moncrieff, 1 believe, afterwards lapsed
into Toryism, and Mr. McLean became one of the apostles of high
protection, and helped Sir John and Tilley to frame the National
Policy tariff. Among those who were employed in the News office
were John Cameron, founder of the Advertiser ; M. G. Bremner, now
of the Free Press editorial staff ; Harry Glissold, proprietor of a print-
ing establishment in Chicago; James Mitchell, now editor and pro-
prietor of the Goderich Star ; John Hooper and his father — the ' Old
Guv.,' as he was affectionately called — John McLean, the veteran
pressman, and myself. With the collapse of the Neivs in 1863, the
office and plant with which it was printed reverted to Itev. J. H.
Eobinson, who either owned it in his own right or held it as a trustee
for the New Connexion Methodist Church in Canada. The Evan-
gelical Wit7iess, official organ of the church, was printed there, and it
became necessary to make new arrangements for its publication.
Proposals to that end were made by Eobinson to Hany Clissold and to
me, but both of us had made up our minds to go to Chicago, and the
inducements offered were not sufficient to change our intentions. Mr.
Cameron applied for the position, and his offer was accepted by Mr.
Robinson."
'fhe Advertiser was established in 1863, and on October 27, of
that year, the first number sold was purchased by J. W. Jones. Thos.
Cofley, now proprietor of the Record, was one of the first workers on
this journal He relates the story of its beginnings as follows : —
" There was a paper called the Daily News, published shortly before
that time by Thomas Evans. In the same office was also printed
the Evangelical Witness. Both this paper and the office had been for
some years the property of the New Connexion Methodist Conference.
The Daily News, after a precarious existence of a few years, succumbed
to hard times, and a large and well-equipped establishment was left
without any other means of keeping it in operation but the publication
of the weekly religious paper referred to. In the office at that time
were employed John and William Cameron, Harry Gorman, now of
172 HISTORY OF THE
the Sarnia Observer, myself and a few others. You must remember
that the American war had broken out, and was well under way then,
and a great desire seemed to take possession of the public mind to
obtain possession of every item of news pertaining to that bloody
conflict. John Cameron saw his opportunity, leased the establishment
from the Rev. J. H. Eobinson, and conceived the idea of establishing
a live evening paper. So small was this paper, that the proprietors
of a rival establishment termed it a ' bantling ;' but the ' bantling,'
as it was called, at once succeeded in establishing itself in public
favor. So successful, indeed, was this attempt, that the managers of
a morning paper, then in existence, rushed out another evening sheet
to try and counteract the influence which the new-comer seemed so
suddenly to become possessed of Public .sentiment, however, was
unanimously on the side of the Advertiser, and in a very short space
of time the Evening Telegraph, as it was called, was forced to cease
publication. Then, when the Advertiser came out, Mr. Cameron
introduced a novelty into Londou in the shape of newsboys. There
were none here before that time. Day after day, and week after week,
the little evening paper became more and more engrafted in public
favor. John Cameron, young, enterprising, full of integrity and good
piu'pose, a model young man in every sense of the word, made it his
constant study to produce a paper that would in every way merit the
most encouraging patronage. The Advertiser at that time was printed
on a Hoe drum-cylinder press, and the power was supplied by a
stalwart African. At the start, John Cameron associated with him his
brother William, who became business manager, assisted by his father,
while Johu devoted his time to the management of the editorial
department. About this time, too, the able assistance of Mr. Harry
Gorman was secured for the same branch. In March, 1864, he took
a position at the case with C. D. Ban-. When C. F. Colwell came in
1866, John Cameron was sole proprietor; his father paymaster; his
brother William filled minor positions ; John Hooper was foreman of
news room ; Josejih Morey of job room, while Archie Bremner, Harry
Gorman, Wm. Egleton and himself were at the case. John Cameron,
it is well-known, is the prosperous manager of the Toronto Globe ; Mr.
Cameron, sen., and his son William are both dead ; Harry Gorman is
the successful proprietor of the Sarnia Observer ; John Hooper is still
working in the city; Bill Egleton works at Toledo, 0 ; Archie
Bremner, considered the best paragraph writer in Canada, is assistant
editor, while Charles D. Barr, who has been so successful in building
up the Lindsay Post since he held a position at the case in this office
in 1863-4, is now editor-in-chief" Harry Gorman, in his reminis-
cences, says: — "The Advertiser's progress was always a matter of
pride to me. I was so thoroughly identified with its interests while
on its staff, that its triumphs and successes elated me as much as if
they were my own. The old feeling still lingers in my heart, and I
am pleased at being asked to contribute to its silver anniversary."
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 17S
In the Victoria disaster of 1881, there were amoug the passengers
Chas. A. Matthews, night editor, wife and two children ; Miss Bailey,
a sister of one of the pressmen ; Wm. Wonnacott, brother of Chas.
Wonnacott, rounds collector ; a sister of Frank Lawson, reporter ; Wm.
Thompson, reporter; and a young brother of Eddie Harrison, appren-
tice ; Mrs. Matthews and one child ; j\liss Bailey, Miss Lawson,
Charley Gorman, one of the carriers ; Wonnacott and the lad Harrison
were among the victims. Mr. Matthews succeeded in saving one
child. William Thompson also escaped and wi'ote the first report of
the disaster.
The Editorial Staff is as follows :— Editor-in-Chief— Chas. D. Barr.
Managing Editor — Arch. Bremner. City Editor and Conductor Weekly
Agricultural Department, 1880 — Wm. Thompson. Telegraph and News
Editor — E. Clissold. City Reporting Staff — E. A. Hutchinson and A.
P. Fawcett. Conductor Educational Department — John Dearness,
I. P. S. Conductor Legal Department — W. H. Bartram, barrister.
The Business Department comprises : — Lud. K. Cameron, President
and Manager. Eobert D. JMillar, secretary-treasurer. Wm. Magee,
accountant. Frank Adams, cashier. J. M. Symonds, collector.
George Elliott, collector. T. A. Workmen and H. C. Allison, adver-
tising agents. M. W. Cummiford, traveling agent. Weekly Sub-
scription Department — H. C. Symonds, manager. Stereotype room^
Thos. Bland, superintendent ; Henry Bartley, William Corbin. Press
room — J as. T. Archer, superintendent; William Bayley, E. Johnston.
Engineer — William Neil.
John Cameron, born in Markham Township, Ont., Jan. 22, 1843,
learned the printing trade at London in the Free Press office, and on
Oct. 27, 1863, he, with his brother William, issued the Evening
Advertiser. This venture was attended with such success that within
a few years it took a very leading place among the newspapers of the
Dominion. In December, 1882, David Mills became editor, with
William Cameron, manager. At that time John Cameron assumed
the editorial and business management of the Globe, converting this
old paper into a modern news journal and leading exponent of Liberal
ideas in Canada. Mr. Cameron's father was a native of Argyleshire,
Scotland, and his mother a native of Ireland.
William Cameron, born in London in 1844, died in January, 1884.
He, with his brother, John Cameron, of Toronto, established the
Advertiser twenty years before death removed him from the manage-
ment of that journal.
The Huron Recorder was first issued in October, 1874, as a
joiirnal devoted to the interests of the English Church Diocese. Eev.
H. F. Darnell was editor, and Eev. J. Hurst secretary-treasurer. This
journal changed its title to the Wester7i Churchman, June 6, 1877.
In August, 1875, Geo. F. Jewell was assistant editor. In 1877 Eev.
J. W. P. Smith was secretary ; Eev. W. F. Campbell treasurer, and
G. F. Jewell, advertising agent. On August 29, 1877, it ceased
publication.
174 HISTORY OF THE
The Catholic Record was issued at 388 Richmond street, October
4, 1878. The salutatory of the publisher, Walter Locke, appears on
page one, followed by a letter from Bishop Walsh, approving of this
journalistic venture. A few months later the office was purchased by
Thomas Coffey, who very soon established the Record on a firm basis,
and who has conducted this journal with marked ability down to the
present time. Rev. Fathers Northgraves (author of the " Mistakes of
Modern Infidels "), of Ingersoll, and Flannery, of St. Thomas, are the
chief editors. The present office was erected by the owner in 1882,
adjoining Weston's store on Richmond street and Dufferin Avenue.
The latter building he purchased at that time. The Record is an
eminently respectable denominational weekly paper, partaking of the
quality of a magazine. The historical and other subjects are clearly
treated, while the editorials form an excellent exposition of what
religious liberty means, and of what the welfare of Canada calls for.
The tenth anniversary of the Record drew forth from the secular
press of Western Canada many high testimonials.
The Standard, a weekly and evening journal, suspended publica-
tion after a four months' existence, March 25, 1878, the Free Press
filling the subscription roll.
The Echo is an advertising paper issued regularly.
The Farmer's Advocate, an agricultural periodical, is published at
London.
The Speaker, an afternoon newspaper, was established in 1888, and
issued from the Speaker Steam Printing House, 344 Richmond street.
On November 12th Mr. Butcher, manager of this journal, obtained
possession of the Times office material, and on the evening of that day
made an effort to assume the name of the Times and cast aside that
of the Spealcer, but one or more of his associate owners objected, and
so the old name was retained. It is now defunct.
The Ijondion Evening Times was issued from the office, 201 Dundas
street, Aug. 28, 1888, by Paul & Harris. The proprietors in their
salutatory omit much conventional phraseology, and content them-
selves with assuring the public that " the interests of the city of
London and Western Ontario it will always be our object to further in
ever mannei' possible, knowing as we do that they are closely and
inseparately linked with our own. All public questions will be
discussed fearlessly on their merits, irrespective of from what party or
person they may emanate. The news of the day, both local and from
a distance, will be presented, in crisp, readable form, and our readers
can depend upon being kept fully posted on all that transpires up to
the minute of jnibliciition " During its existence this journal more
than observed the promises made, but the fact that there was no room
for a fourth daily ]ia])er at London soon became manifest, and on Nov.
10, 1888, the last i.ssue of the Times appeared. On Nov. 12, Manager
liutcher, of the Speaker, purchased the heading and subscription list of
the defunct Times, and no doubt believing that the name was more'
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 175
popular with the reading public than that under which the Company
was formed, he undertook to place the heading Tlie Times over the
matter prepared for the Speaker — an act which caused a small-sized
rebelhon in the office. Director Gahan ordered the pressman to stop,
while Manager Butcher insisted that the Times should be published,
the upshot being that Butcher was "fired" out of the building by
Gahan, who dismissed the employes for the night, turned off the gas
and locked the office door.
Printers' Union — London Typographical Union, No. 133, was
chartered by the National Typographical Union, United States, Novem-
ber 22, 1869, which has since changed its name to International Typo-
graphical Union, of which London Union is still a member. The charter
members were Thomas Coffey, James Mitchell, William Evans, Henry
Durnan, Thomas Ferguson, Robert O'Connor, H. C. Symonds. The
presidents of the Union from that period to the present day are named
as follows : — Thomas Coffey, John S. Dewar, William Hooper, Benj.
S. Gates, Thomas Bland, Thomas Orr, E. H. Yealland, J. B. Jennings,
C. H. Chatterton, Charles Sterhng, G. Coghlan, A. J. Bremner, H. A.
Thompson, J. W. Thorpe, Andrew Denholm, H. D. Lee, James Dren-
nan, W. A. Clarke, Charles Doe, Ed. W. Fleming and Charles Mel-
bourne. The present secretary is Frank Plant.
Newspapers Outside of London. — The Advocate was published
by Geo. Brown in 1856-7, but ceased in the spring of 1857, when its
projectors moved away. Mr. Dell states that the first paper started
at Strathroy was by twin brothers named Johnston. The journal was
continued weekly for six months when the boys moved to Michigan,
where they studied medicine, and died at Bad Axe. Geo. E. Brown
had an interest in this journal.
The Strathroy Times and West Middlesex Advertiser was issued
in June, 1859, but ceased pubHcation within a few months. In
October, 1869, another journal, bearing the .same name, was issued by
Editor Magin. The Home Guard succeeded the Times, and continued
publication until 1865, when C. H. Mackintosh purchased the office.
The Dispatch. — Charles H. Mackintosh, son of William Mackintosh,
of Wicklow County, Ireland, was born at Loudon, Ont., in 1843, when
his father was county engineer of Middlesex. Young Mackintosh
was the contributor to the Free Press of " Hurry Graphs ;" later
became city editor ; in 1864 was editor of the Times, of Hamilton,
and in 1865 purchased the Home Guard office and began the publica-
tion of the Dispatch, continuing until 1874. In 1873 he became
managing editor of the Chicago Journal of Commerce, and in 1874
of the Ottawa Citizen. In '1870 he founded the Parkhill Gazette,
moved to Ottawa, and in 1882 was chosen to represent that city with
Mr. Tasse. In AprU, 1868, he married Gertrude, daughter of T. Cook,
of Strathroy.
In October, 1874, A. Dingman resigned the principalship of the
Petrolea public schools, came to Strathroy and purchased the Dispatch
176 HISTORY OF THE
from U. H. Mackintosh. Up to the close of 1873 A. Dingman had
been for many years a leading and successful teacher in the public
schools of the town of Sarnia. Under his control the paper advanced,
being enlarged in 1877 to the quarto page form, in which it is now
issued. In 1S76 J. H. Mcintosh resigned his position on this paper
to take control of the Watford Advocate, but returning to Strathro}',
resumed the position of assistant editor, and is now on the stafl'. la
1882 Mr Dingman was appointed to the important position of Inspec-
tor of Indian Agencies and Kevenues under the Dominion Govern-
ment, which office he yet holds. His family residence is now
Stratford, whither he moved his family in the fall of 1887. On his
acceptance of the office mentioned, Mr. A. Dingman was succeeded iu
the proprietorship of the Dispatch in 1882 by his son, W. S. Dingman,
who controlled the paper, taking his brother, L. H. Dingman, into
partnership in 1886, until 1887 (with the exception of one year,
1884-5, which W. S. D's part at Port Arthur as editor and manager of
the Port Arthur Daily Sentinel), when it was sold to Eichardsou
J5ros. (George and Eobt. F. Richardson, the latter of whom had long
been connected with the ofiice as foreman). W. S. and D. H. Ding-
man are now in Stratford publishing the Herald. W. S. preceded liis
brother there, going in December, 188(), and having the honor of
issuing the first number of the Daily Herald, the pioneer's daily of
Stratford, on March 17, 1887. They publish both daily and weekly
editions, and the Herald deservedly enjoys the lead in Stratford.
Among the old newspaper men of Strathroy mention is made of
the following named : — W. V. Luxton, now of the Winnipeg Free
Press, former owner of the Age ; John S. Saul, former owner of the
Age, now publisher of the Daily News, Ashland, Wis. ; Hugh McColl,
former owner of the Age, now Strathroy Postmaster ; A. Dingman,
former owner of tiie Dispatch, now Inspector of Inland Agencies ; W.
S. and L. H. Dingman, his sons, now publishers of the Stratford Daily
Herald ; E Edwards and W. D. Wiley, who worked in the Dispatch
office, issued the Wingham Times Nov. 24, 1881, but the paper has
since passed out of their possession, and Edwards is now on a news-
paper in Winnipeg. Wiley is still a resident of Huron County. J.
H. Ward, who in years long past resided in Middlesex, is now con-
nected with the Deseret News, Salt Lake City. He is the author of
several works, such as " The Hand of Providence," " Gospel Philoso-
phy," and " Ballads of Life."
Hugh McColl, editor of the Age, writing in August, 1871, .states,
that three years have passed since lie assumed control of the paper.
In that time the paper was twice eidarged, and the circulation doubled.
The Review was published at Ailsa Craig, in 1867-8.
The Wardsville Post was established in 1882 by William Kay,
who continued to publish it for about a year, when it suspended.
The Ontario Teacher was conducted by Mr. McColl and Geo. W.
Ross, at Strathroy ; and the latter was at one time owner of the Age.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 177
The Glencoe Mail was issued in December, 1871, by Neil Mc-
Alpine, who sold this pioneer journal to Samuel and Lorenzo Frederick,
who continued the publication of the Mail until its sale to 0. B.
Slater in April, 1873. He changed the title to The Traiiscrij^t, and
sold the office to Wm. Sutherland, the founder of the London Free
Press. In 1881 Mr. Sutherland sold The Transcript to his son, A. E.
Sutherland, who in July, 18S5, took his brother Eobert into partner-
ship. The Transcript was not issued the last week in 1884, owing to
the fact that the office was undergoing repairs and a new press being
placed in position. The editor assured his readers that this was the
first holiday in thirteen years.
In the history of Wardsville, reference is made to the newspapers
which at one time were published there.
In 1868 E. Pinton succeeded in establishing the Lucan Enterpiise
at Lucaii, in a building which stood where Hodgins' livery stable now
is ; but the name of the journal has escaped even the memory of
William Porte. This paper continued for about eighteen months. In
May, 1879, F. R. Spalt established a journal here, and on September
11, that year, an entry for postage on the Enterprise appears on the
postmaster's records. In June, 1879, Mr. Spalt, of the Enterprise,
was charged by some persons at Genoa with holding his printing press
illegally. The case was presented at Ailsa Craig, but Spalt was
acquitted and allowed to take the press to Lucan. The present journal
of that name was established by W. B. Abbott, now a physician of
Pinconning, Mich. On February 7, 1883, J. W. Orme, the present
proprietor, issued No. 1 of the new series; In his salutatory he calLs
the journal the Noiih Middlesex Advertiser, although the heading is
Lucan Enterprise. J. B. Abbott was manager at this time. On
April 30 the first issue of the weekly Enterprise is recorded, when Mr.
Abbott ceased connection with the office.
The Parkhill Gazette dates back to 1870. Late in the fall of that
year, C. H. Mackintosh, of Strathroy, established an office with the
intention of issuing a weekly journal. This intention was carried out,
but the office was leased to Wallace Graham for one year from the 1st
of November. Graham conducted the paper and office with consider-
able ability, and the business prospered well under his management.
As the year drew to a close. Mackintosh made overtures to him to buy
it, but the price demanded was not satisfactory to Graham, who at
once made arrangements to purchase the plant of an old office in
another part of the country, and removed to Parkhill, leaving Mac-
kintosh to do as he pleased with his own material. Graham continued
to publish the Gazette, which for some time was printed in Stratford,
but Mackintosh claiming that he (Graham) had no right to publish
the Gazette under that name, or retain the subscription list, and com-
menced legal proceedings. Of course the original projector of the
enterprise had no rights in the case, and the Gazette continued to be
published by Mr. Graham down to 1887, when he sold his interests to
178 HISTOliY OK THE
the present editor, Mr. Green. In this office was the old press used by
Wm. L. Mackenzie during the troublous times of 1837-38, and which
was thrown by an excited populace into Toronto harbor. It had been
in several offices since, but at last found a lodgment at Parkhill, where
it was used down to 1887, when it was destroyed by fire. This was a
calamity in every way. The files of the Gazette as well as the vener-
able old ]iress were given up to the flames
The Parkhill Revieiv was established December 10, 1885, by John
Darrach. In his salutatory he says: — " It shall be our highest aim to
promote the growth of Canadian patriotism, and to aid in the develop-
ment of those true British institutions which our fathers planted here."
Geo. M. Winn, who set the first type on the Review, and continued in
the office until the fall of 1887, is now editor of the Alymer Sun.
In 1886 the prize of !$30, offered by the Montreal Star for the best
poem, was won by Mrs. John H. Fairlie, of Parkhill ; her " Little
Sweethearts " taking tlie prize from twenty competitors.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 179
CHAPTER X.
ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH OF SCHOOLS.
The first English school in Upper Canada — in fact, the first in the
Province outside the old French school at Sandwich and the schools
established at Bay Quinte by D'Urfe — was that presided over in May,
1786, by John Stewart, while studying for the ministry of the English
Church, at Cataraqui. About this time Jonathan Clark, a Scotchman,
opened a school in the district, where also an Irishman named Donavan
drew around him a large class of adult pupils. This Donavan spelled
his name D'Anovan, and was known in the settlement as " The Count."
At Niagara the garrison school was in full operation, and Dick Cockrell
also taught there. About this time (1791-2) Daniel A. Askins presided
over a class at Napanee, while later at Kingston Messrs. Blaney,
Iri.sh, Michael and Myers competed with Donavan and Clark for
teachers' honors. As settlements spread westward the school in some
form appeared.
On July 12, 1819, the School Acts of former years were amended
and extended. At this time it was enacted that the Public School of
the London District should be opened, and kept at Vittoria, in the
Township of Charlotteville. John Rolph, J. B. Askin, Jas. Mitchell
and Geo. C. Salmon formed the Board of Education for London
District in 1831, and A. Mcintosh and Wra. Hands for the
Western. The School Trustees for London District were Mahlon
Burwell, John Bostwick, Joseph Eyerson, James Mitchell, John Eolph
and John Han-is, with E. Chadwick, district school-master. The
Trustees for the Western District were James Baby, A. Mcintosh,
Alex. Duff, James Gordon and Charles Elliott, with Rev. William
Johnson, district school-master. In this year John Talbot presided
over St. George's School, Lot 14, Con. 6, London Township, and in
1832 opened a school on Ridout Street.
John Askin, Esq. .-— Vienna, in Bayham, Oct. 7, 1833.
Dear Sir, — A.s I have again commenced the arduous task of school-keeping, I
beg the favor of you to let me know to whom I should send my reports, as I intend on
the first of December next ensuing to report a s\x months' school. Wherefore, you
will confer a favour by advising me on the proper way to proceed, as I have been
informed that you have settled (or now reside) in the village of London. Please to
answer this by the bearer, Capt. Foster, and you will oblige.
Your obedient servant, John Biggar.
Stephen Van Every was appointed jailer in 1827, pending the
acceptance of that position by Samuel H. Parke. He was permitted
to open a school in the old building, and there the present James
Williams, of London, attended.
180 HISTOUY OF THE
The common school system dates back to 1841, when a bill, intro-
duced by S. B. Harrison, was passed and approved. In 1843 the
Francis Hincks amendments were adopted, and in 1846 the W. H.
Draper amendments, lu 1849 J. H Cameron's bill, providing for the
establishment of schools in cities and towns, became law, and from that
period up to 1871, when the general school law was approved, it seems
to have been the object of the Legislature to cure every little defect in
t>he system.
A petition to Sir Charles Bagot, the Governor-General of British
North America, made February 11, 1842, represented that, owing to
the peculiar situation of several townships in the Loudon district, " it
is inconvenient to make school district divisions in townships ex-
clusively by their own limits," and asked for legislation providing for
the division of the whole district into school divisions without regard
to township lines.
In September, 1842, J. B. Strathy, District Clerk, made a return
of the number of schools in actual operation in the London District
since Jan. 1, 1842. In Ekfrid there were 7 schools open and 5
vacant ; in Mosa, then not divided into districts, there were 4 schools
in operation; in London, then unsubdivided, there were 16 schools
open ; in Aldborough, 4 open and 2 vacant ; in Adelaide, 2 open and 7
vacant ; in Lobo, 6 in operation, but the township was not districted ;
in Caradoc, 2 open and 6 vacant ; in Delaware, 2 open and 6 vacant.
It appears commissioners were appointed and met once, but owing to
the Council not having divided the township into school districts, the
officers did not organize. In Westminster there were 3 schools o]ien
and 15 legally vacant, as the teachers never came before the Commis-
sioners to be examined. Thei'e were no returns received from
Malahide, Bayham, Yarmouth, Dorchester, Dunvvich and Southwold.
The legal teachers in Adelaide in 1 S42-3 were : — J. Kinney, Anne
Abemethy, Robert Campbell, Duncan McCallum and Malcolm Camp-
bell. In Ekfrid, Samuel P. Stiles, Donald Mclntyre, Kenneth Thom-
son and Hector McFarlane. In London, Henry W, Milne, James
llutledge, James Howard, Henry Kirby, W. J. O'Mulvenuy, William
Evans. Arthur D. Garden, Thomas Boyd, Wm. Webb, liobert Wilson,
Wm. Taylor, Henry Rigney, George Monaghan, Humphrey Taylor,
Thomas Stanley and Jane Summers In Mosa, Wm. Holliday, Robert
Shearer, Finley Munroe and D. Sinclair. In Caradoc, L C. Kearney
and Wm. Moore. In Aldborough, Arcli. Cun'ie, Donald Currie, Robert
Mowbray and Daniel McVicker. In Westminster, Lewis M. Covert,
Adam Mun-ay, James Aiken, Wm, Crinlvlaw and Edward Potts. In
Lobo, John Camjibell, Donald McCrae, Wm. Munro, John Jefferson
and Harriet Eastwood Of the two schools in Delaware, M. S. Ayres
presided over one of ."•sri pupils for 1!)3 days, his pay being £9 8s. 2d.,
or about $47, out of the school fund, together with subscriptions.
Among the teachers, of what is now Middlesex, in 1842-3, who did not
receive moneys from the school fund that year, were John Ross and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 181
Nelson Eastwood, of Lobo ; Arthur L. Triller and Wm. Livingstone,
of Caradoc ; William McClary, Hiram Schenick, A. Dunbar, Sabina
Manning, Leonard Bisbee and Joseph Hodgson, of Westminster;
Launcelot Waller, Joseph E. Smith. Stephen J. Lancaster, Augusta
Brewster, G. N. Donbe and Mr. Willis, of Dorchester, and John
Downer, of Adelaide. John Wilson, afterward Justice Wilson, was
General Superintendent of the District Schools in 1844, but he resign-
ing in May, 1845, and Wilham Elliot, present County Judge, was
appointed by the Council, and held the position until its abolition
under the school law of 1850.
The first appointments of school superintendents appear to have
been made Feb. 15, 1844. They are named as follows: — John Beck-
ton, Mosa ; Daniel McFarlane, Esq., Ekfrid ; Rev. D. E. Blake, Ade-
laide ; Crowell Wilson, London ; James Campbell, Aldborough ; Alex.
Strathy, Westminster ; Ben. Springer, Delaware ; Daniel Harvey,
Yarmouth ; Duncan McKellar, Caradoc ; Wm. Veitch, Bayham ; David
Abel, Malahide ; Wm. Benson, Dunwich ; Thomas Hussey, Southwold ;
W. H. Niles, Dorchester, and Alex. Sinclair, Lobo.
In 1847 there were seven public schools in Adelaide, the teachers
of which received £190; five in Caradoc, £210; five in Delaware,
£156 ; sixteen iti Dorchester, £348 ; seven in Ekfrid, £202 ; eleven in
Lobo, £472 ; five in Loudon town, £450 ; twenty-five in London
Township, £760 ; four in Metcalfe, £120; six in Mosa, £264; seven-
teen in Westminster, £656 ; eight in Williams, £130.
In 1847 the office of Township School Superintendent was abol-
ished, but revived in 1851, and continued until 1871.
In 1850 Edmund Sheppard was appointed Local School Superin-
tendent for North and South Dorchester on recommendation of Judge
Elliot, who was then District Superintendent. In 1850 the Board of
Public Instruction for Middlesex and Elgin was organized, with Messrs.
French, Bishop Crouyn and John Wilson, of Londou ; Silcox, of South-
wold, and Edmund Sheppard members.
Under the law reviving the office of Township Superintendent,
Eevs. J. Skinner, J. Guuu, W. A. Clarke, W. Sutherland, E. Flood, C.
C. Brough, J. Gordon and G. Grant, with Messrs. James Armstrong,
Geo. W. Ross, William Taylor, Adam MuiTay, and few others, named
in the list of 1855-6 were appointed.
In 1852 the school population was 9,482 ; the number of schools
133; average attendance, 3,314; number of teachers, 137; average
salary of male teachers, $235 ; of female, $116 ; and total amount ex-
pended, $20,235. In 1862 there were 16,280 pupils, entailing a total
expenditure of $49,497 ; and, in 1872, 19,454 pupils, the expenditure
being $99,205.
The school superintendents in 1855 were Joseph Spettigue, Rev,
W. K. Sutherland, A. Campbell, Rev. James Skinner, Adam Murray,
Revs. C. C. Brough and John Gunn, with R. P. Toothe, John Johnson
and Charles Hardie.
182 HISTORY OF THE
During the January Session of 1856 the following superintendents
of schools were appointed : — A. Campbell, Eev. Skinner, Eev. C. G.
Brough, Adam Murray, Eev. Sutherland, Rev. Wm. Ames, George
Eichardson, Charles Hardie, Eev. Eichard Saul and Donald Cameron.
In 18.57 John Cameron, Eevs. Flood and Deese, John Carey and
William ]\IcClutchey, with the ministers above named, and Messrs.
Hardie and Murray were superintendents.
From the list given in 1858, it appears that Eev. Edward Sullivan
presided over Lobo and London ; Eev. A. S. Falls, Strathroy ; Eev.
McEwen, Westminster; Eobert Stevenson, of Williams East, and
John A. Scoone, Williams West. The names of Eeverends Deese,
Flood, J. Skinner, Gunn and luglis, with Messrs. A. Campbell, D.
P. Aylesworth, E. Campbell and Charles Hardie are also given. In
1859-60 the .only change made in school superintendents was the
appointment of Alexander Levie over the schools of Williams.
Among the school superintendents of 1861 were Edward Handy, of
Caradoc; Rev. N. McKinrion, of Mosa, in opposition to Eev. Gunn,
James Burns, of Westminster, and Eev. A. S. Falls of Metcalfe.
Otherwise the list of 1859-60 was unchanged.
The list of 1862 gives the following names: — Wm. Deese, Edward
Handy, Rev. R. Flood, James Venning, E. Campbell, sr, Eev. J.
Skinner, E. Sullivan, A. S. Falls, John Gunn, Charles Hardie, .1. A.
Scoone, Eev. E. Stephenson, James Armstrong, Dr. Cowan. In I860
Dr. Francis was appointed school superintendent of Delaware ; John
Atkinson, of Biddulph ; Wm. Fletcher, of McGillivray ; Thomas Ure,
of Lobo, and John P. Du Moulin, of London. Otherwise the list of
1862 was the same.
The superintendents of 1864 were : — John A. Scoone, Eev. E.
Saunders, Ed. Handy, Dr. Francis, Eev. Deban-e, Eev. W. E. Suther-
land, Rev. J. Skinner, J. P. DuMoulin, Rev. A. Stewart, Eev. J. Gunn,
Eev. W. Fletcher, C. Hardie, James Armstrong, E. Stephenson and A.
Levie.
The school superintendents in 1865 appointed were: — Eeverends
A. S. Falls, E. Saunders, G. Grant, of Delaware ; L. Debarres, W. E.
Sutherland, James Skinner, Wm. Taylor, A. Stewart, Wm. Fletcher,
John Gunn, Charles Hardie, James Armstrong, .lames Campbell, and
Eobert Stephens.
The local school superintendents appointed in January, 186(5, are
named as follows: — Eev. John Gunn, Mosa; Eev. W. R. Sutherland,
Ekfrid ; .Tames Campbell, East Williams ; Rev. Geo. Grant, Delaware ;
E. P Toothe, and Rev. A. S. Falls, Adelaide ; Eev. Wm. Fletcher, Mc-
Gillivray ; Edward Handy, Caradoc ; Charles Hardie, Nissouri ; Wm.
Taylor, London ; Dr. McCaw, West Williams ; James Armstrong,
Westminster ; Eev. T. E. Sanders, Biddulph ; Rev. E. Walker. Lobo ;
Hanson Thompson, Metcalfe ; Rev. James Gordon, North Dorchester ;
and in 1867, Eev. A. S. Falls, Rev. E. Sanders. Edward Handy, Eev.
Geo. Grant, T. D. Keffer, Rev. W. E. Sutheriand, J. T. A. S. Fayett,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 183
Wm. Taylor, Hari'ison Thompson, Eev. A. Stewart, Rev. W. Fletcher,
Charles Hardie, Eev. J. Mcl.eod, Dr. McCaw and J. Armstrong.
The changes in school superintendents in 1868 were : — Eev. James
Gordon of Dorchester ; James Young, of London ; Rev. W. Fletcher,
of McGillivray and Lobo ; Dr. M. Foster, of Nissouri ; Geo. W. Eoss,
of East Williams ; and A. M. Eoss, of Westminster.
The school superintendents for 1S69, in the order of township, are
named as follows : — Eev. James Donaldson ; Eev. E. Sanders ; K
Handy, Eev. Geo. Grant, Eev. James Gordon, Eev. W. E. Suther-
land ; G. W. Eoss, Joseph Young, Harrison Thompson, Eev. A. Stew-
art, Dr. McKinnon, Dr. Foster, G. W. Eoss, Charles Munroe, and Eev.
Geo. Simpson.
The only changes from 1869 in the list of school superintendents
for 187(t are Duncan Leitch, of Metcalfe; Dr. McAlpin, of McGilliv-
ray, and Eev. E. Hall, of Nissouri W. The superintendents of 186'.i
in the other townships were re-appointed. The only changes front
1870 in the list of school superintendents for 1871 are as follows: —
J. R. Armitage, appointed for Biddulph ; Eev. Mr. Davis, for Mc-
GiUivray ; and Eev. J. Pritchard, for Williams West.
The Eastern School Circuit, established imder the act of February
15, 1871, by the Council in June that year, embraced Biddulph, Ni.s-
souri, Dorchester N., Westminster, London and Delaware. TIk^
Western Circuit then established comprised Lobo, Caradoc, Ekfrid,
Mosa, Metcalfe, McGillivray, Adelaide, East and West Williams, with
Wardsville and Strathroy villages. S. P. Groat was elected inspector
for the Eastern and J. C. Glashan for the Western Circuit, each claim-
ing 77 schools. S. P. Groat, School Inspector of Division No. '1, re-
signed Dec. 1, 1874, and John Dearness was appointed temporarily,
and the same day was appointed regularly.
In the East Middlesex District, of which John Dearness reported in
June, 1874, the enrollment was 9,425, 54 male and 40 female teachers.
Westminster paid the highest salary, $520, the other townships pay-
ing .S500 ; but the highest average salary, $448, was paid by Bid-
dulph. He speaks of $59,485.57, representing the expenditure for
school purposes in his district in 1877, as being $o.S6.96 less than the
amount expended in 1876, and further states that the only teachers
presiding over the same schools, in 1878 as in 1875, were Alex.
McMillan and Kate Sproat, of Biddulph; J. A. Lyman and Flora
IVIcCall, of Westminster, and W. D. Eckert and A. Stock, of London
East. In his report for 1879 he points out the total expenditures
as $59,494.28 ; the total enrollment 9,548.
Inspector J. S. Carson, of tlie West Middlesex School District, re-
porting in 1878, speaks harshly of the poor qualifications of Middlesex
teachers of 1877. The 97 schools, employing 110 teachers, claimed
five teachers holding first class old county board certificates, 38 pro-
vincial and 67 the lowest legal gi-ade. Lobo paid the highest salaries,
$400 annually to female and $575 to male teachers. There were
184 HISTORY OF THE
43 brick school buildings and 54 frame ones. The denominational
character of the teachers shows 47 Presbyterians, o3 Methodists, 12
English Church, 10 Baptists, five Catholics and three Disciples. In
his ret>ort of June, 1879, he places the expenditure in 1878 at
i#(i2,774.41, including charges to capital account, or S!48,450.08, being
.$5.08 per registered pupil. There were 56 provincial teachers, 47
third class, and seven old county board teachers employed, the aver-
age salary being $291 for female teachers.
Mr. Carson, reporting for the year ending December 31, 1879,
states, that the nine townships and five incorporated villages in his
division had 43 brick and 55 frame buildings ; 72 male and 40 female
teachers presiding over 8,232 pupils. The total sum paid teachers was
.^41,253.39, and, for other items, $(1,916.84. He complained bitterly
of the extent and obscenity of inscriptions and caricatures on the walls
of school buildings. Inspector Dearness, of East Middlesex, reported
an enrollment of 9,260 pupils, and a total expenditure of $53,643.71.
At the close of 1874 there were two of the old log school buildings in
London Township and three in Biddulph. No. 10 was replaced by a
frame house, and old 15, in London, was unused in 1879. In Biddulph
the Langford log school-house was broken up, the Atkinson log school-
house was boarded on tlie outside, while the Donnelly school, then
the largest log house in the county, was burned. The school law of
1871 is responsible for such improvement.
Inspector Carson reported in 1881 an enrollment of 8,248 pupils
in his district, at a cost per capita of $6.20 for the year 1880, the total
outlay being $51,155.50. Of the 99 school buildings, not one was
erected that year. There were 112 teachers. 70 males and 42 females,
presiding over 3,7()0 pupils, or 4(j per cent, of the enrollment.
John Dearness, of Division No. 2, reported a total expenditure of
$51,790.81, of which teachers received $42,084,43. The number of
pupils enrolled was 9,228, showing a male majority of 834.
The report of Inspector Carson for 1881 gives $51,148.48 as the
amount expended for school purposes in the Western Division and the
number of schools 97. Of 7,923 pupils enrolled, only 3,619 attended
school over 100 days. There were 113 teachers employed, at an aver-
age salary for males of $429 and for females of $300.
The report on the Eastern Division by Inspector Dearness shows
an expenditure of $50,727.39. There were 63 male teachers and 27
female teachers employed, where in 1874 there were 47 male and 42
female teachers. The enrollment of 9,177 shows a male majority of
749.
Inspector Carson, iu his report for the year ending Dec. 31, 18S2,
shows $53,302.94 expended in the Western School Division, or $(i.70
per capita. He fails not to notice that Middlesex expended more on
schools in 1882 than any other county in Ontario, $114,622.82, of
which the sum of $85,378.71 was expended on teachers' salaries, being
.$5,432.69 over the highest sum paid by any other county. In his
COUNTY OF MJDDLKSEX. 185
division 7,701 pupils were enrolled, of whom 3,603 attended, or 47
per centum. There were 51 frame and 45 brick school buildings.
Inspector Dearness shows a total expenditure of $62,184.80 in the
Eastern Division on an enrollment of 9,026. There were 57 male
teachers employed at an average salary of S384 and 54 female teachers
at $240, while the average attendance was about 47.9.
In 1883, .$54,591.04 were expended on the schools of the Western
Division, of which $43,615.83 represented teachers' salaries. The
number of pupils enrolled was 7,340, or 3,837 boys and 3,503 girls.
Seventy male and 40 female teachers were employed. In tliis year a
new house was erected in McGillivray. In the Eastern Division the
enumeration was 8,715, 4,703 boys and 4,012 girls, and the cost of
education was $6 08 per capita. The total expenditure was $55,684 31.
Inspector Carson's report on the Western Division schools for 1884
gives $55,065.72 as total expenditure, or $7.71 per capita, based on an
enumeration of 7,145, 3,767 boys and 3,378 girls. One hundred and
eleven teachers were employed. In the Eastern Division a total
expenditure of $60,345.27 was reported. The enumeration shows
8,610 pupils, of whom 49 per cent, attended. The Western District
report for 1885 shows an expenditure of $50,949.50, or a cost per pupil
of $7.07. In Strathroy and ;\Iosa the cost was $6.32 and $5.57
respectively. The average salary paid male teachers was $442 and
female teachers $319. The school population was 8,002, while the
average attendance was 4,073 ; Strathroy showing 478, of 800 enrolled,
attending. During the year 131 teachers were employed. In the
Eastern District the enrollment was 7,550, while the attendance was
50.44 per cent. The total expenditures amounted to $51,746 50. The
average salary paid male teachers was $447 and female teachers $308.
The highest salary paid any teacher was $600 in Nissouri. The
expenditure for 1886 in the Western District was $68,561.74, Strath-
roy contributing $8,987.51 and Parkhill $2,588.22 of the total. There
were 122 teachers employed at an average cost of $561.98, and an
average salary of $435.40 for male teachers and $320.90 for female
teachers. The enrollment was 7,884 while the attendance was over
51 per cent. In the Eastern District the total expenditure amounted
to $58,814.55. The number of pupils enrolled was 7,644 while the
attendance was a little over one-half. The number of rural school-
buildings was 88. The average salary paid male teachers was $444
and female teachers $308. One of the events of the year worthy of
note, was the establishment of a kindergarten (the first in this part
of the Province) in London South (S. S. No. 2, Westminster).
In 1799 Mr. Strachan, afterwards Bishop Strachan, arrived from
Scotland, with the object of taking charge of the college which
Governor Simcoe desired to estabhsh in connection with the English
Church. Simcoe was gone, and the subject of the college slept. A
year after, Richard Cartwright, referred to iu the political history, gave
Mr. Strachan charge of the education of his four sons, with the privi-
186
inSTOllY OF TilK
lege of taking ten more pupils at the rate of $50 each per year. In
1803 Mr. Strachau moved to Cornwall, whither thirteen of his pupils
followed. Educational matters claimed much of his attention, and on
March 15, 1827, the University of King's College was chartered, with
nine officers, members of the Church of England. This denominational
feature was removed in 1 842-3, and a Secular College established.
The Royal Grammar Scliool became incorporated with the Upper
Canada College in 1829. From such beginnings spread forth the several
Collegiate Institutes whiqh are now found in Western Ontario. Insti-
tutions for the higher education of women were begun at Sand-
wich by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart early in the fifties, and, later,
continued at London, where, still later, Hellmuth Ladies' College was
established. In the history of London City, sketches of the common
schools and higher educational institutions are given.
COUNTY OK MU)DLESKX. 187
CHAPTER XL
HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES AND RAILROADS.
The building of a road through the district where London now
stands was ordered in 1817. The Hne had previously been surveyed
by Government otiicials, and it remained then for men to turn out and
lay down the rude " corduroy," over which the settler's cart rattled and
bumped for twenty years afterwards. The first entry in the road
register was made by John B. Askin, under an order of Session, dated
.January 12, 1822. The entry shows an examination by A. A. Eapelje,
surveyor for the Townships of Walpole and Rainham, of a road from
the bank of Lake Erie, on the eastern line of Rainham Township to the
western limits of the Township of Walpole. Richard Bristol, deputy
surveyor, laid out a road January 11, 1821, from the line between lots
.1 and 6 Talbot street, to the conflux of Otter Creek and Lake Erie.
On March 20, 1822. a road in the Township of Bayham was surveyed
on land granted to His Majesty by William Hatch, Thomas Neville,
and Nathan Caswell, residents of Bayham, then in the County of
Middlesex. On this date John Bostwick, surveyor, reported that a
road from the mouth of Kettle Creek to Talbot road, surveyed in 1821,
was impracticable, at least from Goodhue's mill to their still house,
and lie asked the magistrates to alter said road so as to run from the
mill by the house of Daniel Eapelje, and thence to the summit of the
hill, keeping along the brow across the lauds of William Drake. Later
in 1822, John Saxton, of Bayham, presented the following letter to the
magistrates of Quarter Sessions : — " Whereas, James Hutcheson has
made application to me to look over the ground that Col. Burwell
surveyed from No. 16 to Big Otter Creek, and the line that Mr.
Hazeu run : I do hereby certify that I find the Hazen line to be on
the best ground and easiest made a comfortable road."
In September, 1822, Samuel Smith, surveyor, recommended altera-
tion of the road on the West Branch of Kettle Creek, so as to pass
through the lands of John Mitchell, the Hamiltons, J. Warren and
Henry Eeamy to the Talbot road east. In July, 1823, Surveyor Jos.
Lemon laid out a road along the CharlotteviUe town line.
Peter Lossing explored a road from the front of the ord Conces-
sion of Norwich to Cromwell and Schooley's Mills. In September,
1824, Timothy Kilbourn examined the Proof Line in London from the
north-east corner of the 12th Concession to the mill creek crossing of
the 11th Concession line. On December 3, 1824, John Saxton sur-
veyed a road in the Townships of Bayham and Malahide, from lot 7
on the 5th Concession and No. 6 on the 4th to Joel Tyrrell's, via Henry
Ribble's, John Coil's and Aaron TyiTell's. Surveyor James Can-oil
laid out roads in Dereham and Norwich in 1825. Roswell Mount
188 raSTORY OF THE
surveyed, in March, 1826, a road nearly parallel with an allowance for
a road between the 3rd and 4th Concessions of London, one beginning
in the centre of the 4th Concession and one beginning in the eastern
limit of the road allowance between lots 8 and 9 in the 3rd Concession.
At this time there was a bridge across the North Branch.
In Nov. 1827, Surveyor ]\Iount laid out a road commencing on the
west side of the East Branch bridge, near the south-east angle of
London Township, and also other roads in London, Carradoc and Lobo.
He reported the line of a road in Lobo impracticable by reason of its
crossing Silver Creek several times. In October, 1827, John Bostwiclc
examined a road from the Dereham furnace to the Talbot road, so as
to intersect that road between lots 15 and 16 in Bay ham. In Decem-
ber, 1827, a petition was presented representing the necessity of a new
road from the Commissioners' Road to the bridge at the forks of the
Thames. In November, 1827, j\Ir. Mount surveyed a road from a
point near the centre of the 3rd Concession of Lobo, beginning on
the bank of a large creek and along the bank to the front of the con-
cession.
In November. 1827, a petition to the Justices represented the
necessity of a road from Burleigh Hunt's store, on the Commissioners'
Eoad in Westminster, to the side-road between lots 24 and 25, on the
Thames in London, across the bridge, and over the river at Gardinei''s
mill in Westminster, and again from the bridge to the Government
road at Frank's place. This was surveyed by Roswell Mount. In
December, 1827, a road was surveyed between lots 18 and 10, in
Westminster, to Watters & Lamore's mill, on the rear part of lot IK,
1st Concession. Tiiere was a road surveyed from the mill along the
south side of the pond ; also a road from Tiffany's mill in Delaware to
the north branch of Talbot road, to come out near Dingman's farm on
that road. Sylvanus Reynolds, foreman of a jury to examine the
ground donated for a Government road through the Township of Dela-
ware, declared that the route is impracticable, and asked for re-location.
In July, 1828, Surveyor John Bostwick laid out roads in the
Catfish Creek neighborhood, in Malahide and Yarmouth, while Peter
Lossing made re-surveys in Burford, Wingham and Norwich, to facihtate
travel to and from the Norwich saw and grist mill. Wm. K, Cornish
surveyed a road from the centre of Townsend Township to the Indian
lands at the mouth of Patterson's Creek. In March, 1829, a road
from the 4th Concession of London, to the Thames bridge at B. Wood-
hull's mills, in Lobo, was laid out by Roswell Mount, part of it follow-
ing the old Mill Creek Road. In April, 1829, a street was laid out by
Mr. Mount for Dr. TiH'any near his mills in Delaware village. About
this time a road from WoodhuU's mill, in Lobo, to the Longwoods
Road, in Caradoc, at a point near James Craig's farm, was surveyed
by Mount.
On January 13, 1830, the Court of Quarter Sessions resolved : —
" If the members of each division of roads were to furnish for their
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 189"
divisions a proper scraper for furrowing and repairing the roads (to be
kept in possession of the roadmasters for the time being), it would add
greatly to the effect of the statute labor, as well as to the ease and
comfort of the inhabitants. This might be carried into complete effect
by small subscriptions in wheat delivered to persons who would get
the scrapers made in the course of the winter, and the court strongly
recommends this measure to the adoption of the inhabitants generally."
The act of March 6, 1830, granted £1,100 to the London District
to be expended on roads and bridges. The Commissioners named were
Daniel McCall, Ezekiel Foster, Jacob Potts, jr., Wm. Lymburuer,
Elial Martin, Thomas J. Horner, Eobert Alway, Jacob Kain, John
Hatch, Hiram D. Lee, Capt. Marvel White, Thomas McCall and Geo.
Munro.
On March 16, 1831, £2,000 were granted by Parliament to tiie
London District to be expended on roads and bridges. The several
Commissioners were Leslie Patterson, of Dunwich ; Ewen McKinley;
of Aldborough ; George Wilson, Andrew Dobie and Isaac Draper, of
what is now Elgin ; John O'Neil and Henry Sherwick, of Westminster ;
Duncan McKenzie, Wm. Robertson and James Parkinson, of London;
Dudley Merrill and Linus Forbes, of London ; Roswell Mount, James
Craig and Singleton Gardiner, of Caradoc, Ekfrid and Mosa ; Benj.
Wilson and James Neville, of St. Thomas and Port Stanley ; Finlay
Malcolm, John Kelly and Peter Sackrider, of Norwich ; G. W. White-
head, Geo. Higson and Michael Stover, for road from Whitehead's, in
Burford, to the Quaker meeting-house in Norwich ; John Weir, Richard
Brawn and John Kern, for road in Burford ; John Hatch, Jacob Kern
and Hugh McDermid, of London and Oxford ; Daniel Carrol and Jas.
IngersoU, North Oxford ; S. Huckett, P. Hayle and Wm. Reynolds, for
the Dereham furnace road ; John Phalan, L. Charles, J. Smith, Thos.
Eoach, J. M. McLeod, Michael Showers, Peter Bastedo, D. Burns, H.
Graham, J. Austin, P. Beemer, R. Potts, F. Sovereen, R. Richardson,
Elijah Doan, 0. Maybee, C. Dederick, G. Culver and M. Tisdale.
On April 2, 1830, a road from the west side of Ridout street, in the
northern limit of the allowance for road north of the town plot of
London, to the Proof Line of London Township, was surveyed by Eos-
well Mount.
In April, 1831, Peter Carroll re-surveyed the road between the
11th and 12th Concession of Nissouri, extending from a point opposite
the bridge over the middle branch of the Thames. At this time a road
from the Commissioners' Road, on a line between lots 44 and 45 to
Stillman Old's tanyard, and thence to McMillan's bridge, was surveyed
by Wm. K. Cornish.
In June, 1831, the road through the long woods was altered in
Ekfrid, so as to avoid the six old fords on the Ten-mile Creek and the
two long fords on Eigliteen-mile Creek. In Mosa Township the road
was changed from the bridge over Twenty mile Creek to the old road,
in front of lot 6, thus avoiding two hills and two fords.
190 HISTORY OF THK
Wharncliff road was surveyed by Peter Carroll early in 1831, but
re-suvveyed on a new route in September that year by M. Burwell,
shortening the old route two and three-quarter miles, and avoiding the
hills on the old road.
In early years the Government opened a road on the survey of
B. B. Brigham, from a point between lots 22 and 2:'. on the first range
north of the Longwoods road in Caradoc to the town of Adelaide.
In July, 1833, Richard Brown surveyed a road from the north side
of Forbes' bridge over the Thames westward through Forbes' orchard,
Willson's house and orchard, to the south-west corner of Concession 4,
A, in the broken front. Township of London ; thence diagonally across
numbers 5 and 6, in Concession A, keeping the height of land to D.
Merrill's saw mill dam ; thence up the hill to Concession B in London.
A road was also surveyed through the 1st Concession of Westmin-
ster, south between lots 9 and 8 to the Commissioners' Koad, and one
from the south side of the bridge, east along the river bank to Norton's
grist mill ; thence round the pond and across the lands of Hiram
Crawford.
In November, 1842, the Council petitioned Hamilton H. Killaly,
President of the Board of Works of the Province of Ontario, drawing
his attention to the dangerous state of the bridge over the Thames at
the stage road crossing in Delaware Townshi]). This improvement
was asked for in view of the proposed Provincial Plank Road, which, it
was alleged, would be built along that route.
Toll Roads — On Sept. 1,1850, £3,700 were paid to the Provincial
Government for the Port Stanley Road. In December, 1850, a lease
of tolls on the system of government roads was issued to Nov. 30,
1851, for £824. The county also purchased the Delaware bridge for
£100, and the Brantford roads for £700, the sum being payable in
ten years at five per cent
In response to a motion by Richard Tooley and John Kearns,
made December 10, 18<39, the following statement of the length in
miles, amount of income derived from tolled roads, and county rate
paid from January 1, 1852 to December 31, 1868, inclusive, was made :
rowNsmr. miles. name of koad. income. COirNTY kate.
Adelaide 6 Sarnia road $ 2,460 97 $58,698 76
Caradoc 6 Longwoods road 7,2S2 34 71,187 80
Delaware 4 Longwoods road 4,44S 85 44,87114
Delaware 2 Delaware and Lobobr. load. 33B 58
Dorchester North. . 2| Westminster & Dorchester rd. 1, '.132 99
Dorchester North . . 3 Governor's road 2,615 70
Dorchester Nortli.. 9i Hrantford road 11,184 14
Dorchester North . . 11 Elgin road 1,737 56
Lobo S Sarnia road 12,563 74
Lobo 7 1-7 Lobo and Williams road 1,321 76
Lobo U Delaware and Lobo br. road.. 336,^8
London «' Sarnia road 29,320 66
London Hi Adelaide st. & between 8 & 9. 6,960 61
Carried forward $82,502 48
92,254 55
91^606 96
2(56,723 'si
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 191
TOWNSHIP. MILES. NAME OF ROAD. INCOME. COUNTY KATE.
Brought forward I 82,502 48
London 5 Governor's road 14,118 69
London 5i Brantford road 14,38106
Mosa 5 Haggarty road 6,282 63 68,575 75
Nissouri West 74 Wyton road 3,540 96 76,666 98
Missouri West 3 Governor's road 2,615 69
Westminster 2i Brantford road 14,140 90 195,192 17
Westminster 2 Longwoods road 9,156 56
Westminster 14 Port Stanley road 64,002 21
Westminster 2g Westminster & Dorchester rd. 1,932 98
Westminster 5h Wellington bridge road 12,525 87
Williams East 2^ Lobo and Williams road 816 46 34,706 96
$226,015 59
In addition to the sums paid the local municipalities given above,
Ekfrid paid $58,.535.09 ; Metcalfe, $41,045.15; Williams East .$27,-
583.09 ; Williams West, $24,629.89 ; Biddulph, 1863-(38, $6,230.55 ;
McGillivray, 1863-68, $8,117.70; Strathroy, 1860-68, $9,983.56;
and Wardsville, $447.
In June, 1851, Freeman Talbot, County Engineer, reported on a road
from the Proof Line of London Township to the western boundary of
Adelaide. In view of a successful charcoal road built in Michigan
that year, the Engineer recommended a similar road for Adelaide, and
a gravel road for London and Lobo. In concluding his report, he says:
— "The whole distance through the Townships of London and Lobo is
about sixteen miles, and could be made for about £300 per mile, includ-
ing a number of new culverts and a bridge across the Medway, which
is now in a dilapidated state. Thus the work would cost £4,800, on
which three toll gates might be erected, from which the sum of £500
net might at once be collected."
The work of grading and gi-aveling was at once entered upon, and
that year witnessed the improvement of the old Government roads
and the completion of new highways.
E. Johnson, of the Committee on County Eoads, in his report of
December 19, 1851, refers to George Cavanaugh, who purchased gate
No. 6 on the Port Stanley road ; to the building of Westminster
bridge ; to Henry Sifton, who claimed £150 damages for being denied
the privilege of taking gravel from lands adjoining a road for which
he was contractor ; to I. McCutcheon, who was allowed £54 for loss
sustained through the bridge being swept away in the spring.
From a statement submitted in November, 1852, it appears that
up to that day there were £13,776 expended on the Port Stanley
road, £5,021 on the Brantford road, £1,426 on the Delaware road, and
£161i on the Delaware bridge, showing a total of about £20,384. Of
this sum tolls on Port Stanley road returned £4,072 ; on Brantford
road, £1,583, and on Delaware bridge, £165, leaving a debt on account
of roads of about £14,564. The Delaware road was not completed at
that date.
In December, 1853, the Finance Committee recommended the
192 fflSTORY OF THE
issue of debentures for £11,000, payable in sums of £5.50 annually,
commencing in 1854 and ending in 1874. At this time the deben
tures outstanding were £4,500, due the Provincial Government in
1860 ; debentures under Bylaw No. 6, maturing in 1854-5, £2,000 ;
debentures under By-law No. 10, due in 1855-7, £6,000 ; debentures
under By-law No 22, payable in 1863, £20,000, and the debentures
proposed as above for £11,000. At this time, November, 1853, there
were £27,984 8s. 5d. expended on county roads, and £8,427 8s. 8d.
required to complete the roads then under way.
On Jan. 26, 1354, Donald Fraser, of the Committee of Public
Improvements, rejwrted in favor of appropriating £59,039 to be
expended on roads opened in 1853, as following : — £5,000 on the
Delaware and Chatham roads ; £4,926 on Governor's road ; Welling-
ton Bridge road, £3,499 ; Elgin road, £4,158 ; Currie road, £7,225 ;
Hagarty road, £3,200 ; Adelaide road, £3,835 ; London and Sarnia
road, £4,800 ; Lobo and Williams road, £5,819 ; AVestminster and
Dorchester townline, £5,097 : Delaware, south of the gravelled road,
£5,435; London, Wyton and St. Marys road, £6,045.
The total amount expended on toll roads in each township between
January 1, 1852, and December 31, 1868, is set forth as follows : —
Adelaide, $2,5,143.24; Caradoc, §47,493.19; Delaware, §21,315.80;
Dorchester N., $86,674.46; Ekfrid, $14,833.73; Lobo, 78,196.88;
London, $144,097.51; Mosa, $30,542.78; Nissouri W., $40,802.40;
Westminster, $101,327.38, and E. Williams, $8,770.03, aggregating
$599,197.40. The sum received during the sixteen years was less
than half the amount expended, so that on the foce of the account
the toll road appears to have proved itself an expensive luxury, as
well as a vexatious improvement. The total sum expended on all
other roads in the county during the sixteen years amounted to
$739,458.50, of which the city granted $14,500.
The expenditure on county roads, from 1859 to 1864 inclusive,
was $49,037.87, the year 1862 claiming the greatest outlay, $11,071.10.
The total receipts for road fund during the six years amounted to
$78,911.22, thus leaving a balance of $29,873.35. The sum of $3,011
was expended on roads, from which revenue was not derivable. From
Dec. 1, 1851, to Jan. 1, 1872, the townships expended on toll roads
$626,863.73, and on common highways $779,828.68. The first item
amounted to $654,272.19, and the second to $807,707.39, by Jan. 1,
1873. The amount expended on tolled roads, from Dec. 31, 1872, to
Jan. 1, 1878, was $1)2,291.90; while $27,840.67 were expended on
common highways and their bridges; $8,180, county grants, expended
for township boundary lines ; $21,014.49 for tolled-road bridges, and
$3,205 for plank and work on various county roads. From l3ec. 31,
1851, to Jan. 1, 1872, the sum expended on tolled roads was $626,-
863.73; on common roads, $133,039.95; county grant to township
lines, $19,925 ; total, $779 828.68. The total revenue from toll roads,
from 1869 to 1873 inclusive, amounts to $74,199.53. The total amount
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 193
of tolls received from county roads, from 1874 to 1880 inclusive, was
$99,699.71, and the expenditure for repairs, &c., $133,471.88, being
an excess of expenditure over revenue of $33,772.17.
John Levie, Chairman of a Committee appointed by the Council in
1872 on the abolition of tolls, reported on December 6, that year, as
follows : — " That the gross amount received aniuially at toll-gates is
$18,500 ; that the average annual repairs and renewals amount to
$9,000 ; that the lessees and gate-keepers receive annually $4,500 ;
that the City of London offers to abolish market fees as soon as the
county abolishes tolls." ♦ * * The report recommends the aboli-
tion of tolls, but under plans, which could not bring a total abolition
immediately.
A Committee appointed in 1873 to devise an equitable scheme for
the abolition of tolls upon the county roads reported, tlirough J. Arm-
strong, March 5, 1874, that in order to abolish tolls and do justice to
the municipalities which have not received their equal share of road
moneys, the payment of debenture debt should be so apportioned to
each municipality in proportion to the amount expended by each for
road and bridge improvement, thus decreasing the amounts such town-
ships will have to pay in the future, as compared with rate of payment
in 1874. Thus the debenture debt of 1874, $517,000 (exclusive of
the amount which London City had to pay), would be apportioned
as follows :— Adelaide, $24,982.91; Caradoc, $44,575.31; Delaware,
$28,103.36; Dorchester, $60,685.28; Ekfrid, $18,661.02; London,
$101,254.95; Lobo, $53,716.80; Metcalfe, $20,092.38; Mosa, $24,074;
Nissouri, $33,565.93 ; Westminster, $78,631.23 ; East Williams,
$11,653.89; West Williams, $8,188.93 ; Strathroy, $3,271.27 ; Wards-
ville, $2,410.07; Parkhill, $569.67 ; Newbury, $1,563. Such pay-
ments spread over fourteen years at six per cent., the amount of
annual payments to be decided upon by the Council, and each muni-
cipality have the jirivilege of paying the whole or any portion of such
amount apportioned at will. This Committee also recommended that
the toll bridge at Wardsville and the toll roads of the county cease to
solicit toll after January 1, 1875. In August, 1874, a resolution of
the Council directed the Warden and Solicitor to have a bill presented
to the Ontario Legislature on the basis of the above recommendations.
At this time the London City Council agreed to abolish market fees so
long as the county roads were free, and this agreement was ordered to
be noticed in the special bUl to be presented to the Legislature. In
June, ] 875, the same chairman reported a series of amendments to the
first report.
In December, 1874, James Armstrong, John Waters and Simon
McLeod were appointed delegates to the Provincial Legislature to
advocate the passage of a bill for adjusting the debt and abolishing
toll roads in this county. The tolls on county roads were aboUshed
June 7, 1881, the by-law taking effect Jan. 1. 1882. At this time
there were 21 leased toll gates and 13 hired under-keepers.
194 HISTORY OF THE
III January, 1882, a communication from Street & Becher, barris-
ters, pointed out the illegality of the by-law o52 of Sept. 2(i, 1881,
ordering the issue of debentures for effecting the abolition of tolls.
This letter also pointed out that should the Council carry out the
proposition to issue similar debentures, the barristers named were
authorized to bring the matter before the courts.
In December, 1865, the toll gates on the .several roads were rented
to the following buyers : —
Gate No. 1, Dorchester Town Line, to Ralph Simpson.
'• 2, " " " " Samuel Wilson.
" 4, Elgin Road, to Wm. Thompson.
" 1, Lobo and Williams Road, to Robert Laird.
'• 2, " " " Wm. Grayson.
1, A\'yton Road, to W. F. Howard.
" 3, Sarnia Road, to A. McArtbur.
" 2, Longwoods Road, to M. A. Langtry.
" 3, " " T. Langtry.
" 1, Hagarty Road, to R. Dixon.
" 2, " " J. Martin.
In 1882 the gates and building.s were sold outright.
Early Bridges. — In the history of London reference is made to the
first bridges built in the county. In 1829 a bridge was built over the
Thames, in Caradoc and Delaware, on the road leading from York to
Sandwich. In Jauuary, 18o0, a sum of £87 Ids was still due, and
this sum the magistrates asked the Legislature to grant, as the bridge
was a provincial rather than a district work. In the spring of 1830,
£.50 were granted toward building a bridge on the north branch of the
Thames, on the uew road from the court-house. Statute labor was
ordered to be expended on the bridge near Dingman's Creek. From
this period forward bridges multiplied, and a few years later fording
the creeks and rivers was something that had passed away for ever.
James Cull, District Surveyor in 184;?, suggested the building of
a bridge over the Thames in Ekfrid at the Tyrconnell road crossing.
He pointed out the value of a good road to Tyrconnell, as their goods
could be shi]jped or landed with as much convenience as at any part
of the lake, except in a harbor. In his report he refers to the Delaware
.and Kil worth bridges, and sbites, tliat during the winter of 1842-3 the
ice piled up several feet above the railing of the former, and in both
cases caused serious injury. With the exception of the two broken
bridges, there was not (in ]\Iay, 184.3,) a bridge over the Thames in
150 miles, the distance by river from London to Chatham.
In August, 1843, the old Delaware bridge was taken down, and
one Leynard, a contractor, Adam Douglass and John Lloyd, black-
smiths, John Breaker, Wm. Jones, John Lee and Geo. Lockyer, were
accused before IMagistrate G. J. Goodhue of appropriating the iron,
and he ordered them to pay the District £15.
In .January, 1854, a bridge at Lobo Station, on the G. W. R. R.,
-and a large number of new roads, were recommended to be constructed.
In a communication addressed to the Council, December 3, 1887,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 195
by F. B. Talbot, Bridge Commissioner, it is stated that the Sylvan
bridge erected in 1868 is believed to be the oldest one within the
connty. He recommended the removal of the old Delaware bridge ;
also one at Wardsville, instead of the twenty-year-old structure, and
one on the county line in North Dorchester, instead of the existing
structure. The bridges leading into London, referred to in the history
of the city, are all modern, time or flood having removed the primitive
structures and their successors. From end to end of the county large
and small bridges are well constructed. The Komoka bridge was
swept away March 21, 1886, by an ice flow. In June, 1886, con-
tracts for rebuildmg this bridge, one at Delaware and that at Waubuno,
was sold.
In 1883 Government engineers, under 6. F. Austin, made a survey
of the Thames from Chatham to London to ascertain the practicability
of its navigation. Among other suggestions he reported in favor of a
canal from the river at Middlemiss to Lake Erie, via lona.
Railroads. — The London and Gore Eailroad Co. was incoi-porated
March 6, 18o4, with the object of building a road from London to
Hamilton or Burlington Bay, and one to the navigable waters of the
Thames and Lake Huron. This company comprised : — Miles O'Rielly,
Edward Allan Talbot, Thomas Parke, Geo. J. Goodhue, A. N. McNab,
C. C. Ferric, John McFarlane, Wm. Robertson, Thomas Gibbons, L.
Lawrason, Dennis O'Brien, John Scatcherd, James Hamilton, Joseph
Cowley, Nicholas Gatfney, Joseph L. 0' Dell, John O'Neil, James
Farley, John Jennings, Harvey Shepherd, John Kent, Albert S.
O'Dell, Henry Shennick, Hiram D. Lee, Wm. B. Lee, Burley Hunt,
Nathan Griftith, Andrew Drew, Robert Alway, Peter Carroll, Dr.
Charles Duncombe, Thomas Horner, Oliver Turner, E. A. Spalding,
Geo. W. Whitehead, Peter Bamberger, Manuel Overfield, James Mc-
Farlane, James B. Ewart, Thomas J. Horner, Joseph Greer, G. W.
Bremner, Nathan Jacobs, Charles Goulding, T. U. Howard, T. J. Jones,
James Ingersoll, John Young, John Weir, A. McDonnell, Wrn. B.
Sheldon, Ebenezer Stinson, Samuel Mills, Peter Hunter Hamilton,
Abram K. Smith, Jos. Roleston, T. Taylor, H. Carroll, C. Martin,
James Ritchie, E. Jackson, Jedediah Jackson, Welcome Yale, Luke
V. Spur, Ira Schofield, Mahlon Burwell, Andrew Miller, D. A. Mc-
Nab, Wm. Notman, M. Crooks, Oliver Tiffany. P. Burley, Geo. T.
Tiffany, Ed. Vanderlip, Wm. Case, A. Smith, and John Law.
As far back as 1837 it appears that the idea of constructing a rail-
road from the Niagara to the Detroit River, passing through St. Thomas,
was entertamed. A notice in the Liberal calls upon stocldiolders in
the " Niagara and Detroit Rivers Railroad Company " to pay up their
first installment of 2i per cent. This is signed " John Prince, Presi-
dent; Park Farm, Sandwich, U. C." The scheme has slept for a
number of years, however, and the dreams of the ambitious settlers
along the line of the proposed road have been since carried out by
their more enterprising neighbors to the north.
196 fflSTORY OF THE
On March 29, 1845, the act incorporating the London & Gore
Railroad Co. was revived, but the name was changed to that of " The
Great Western Eaih'oad Co." On June 9, 184G, another act confer-
ring powers on a corresponding committee at London, Eng., was
passed, and on May 30, 1849, the charter was further amended.
A branch road to Gait was authorized in August, 1850, and on April
22, 1853, an act to anglicize the name into "The Great Western Rail-
way Co." became law.
The building of a main trunk line was provided for in the act
approved August oO. 1851, and in November, 1852, further legisla-
tion to facilitate raikoad building was adopted. The act to incor-
porate the Grand Trunk Railway was passed Nov. 10, 1852. This
provided for a road from Toronto to Montreal. On the same day the
Hamilton & Toronto Railroad was authorized.
The act incorporating the London & Port Sarnia Railway Co.
was assented to April 22 185:!. Among the subscribers or share-
holders were a number of English capitalists, a few residents of
Hamilton, Niagara and Dunduru. The road was to be built from
the foot of Lake to intersect the Great Western Railroad at or near
London.
On December 10, 1869, the following motion, showing the attitude
of the Council toward railway companies, was proposed by S. McLeod,
and seconded by R. Tooley, " Whereas, it is contemplated by the Legis-
lature of Ontario to grant a charter to the Great Western Railroad Co.
to enable them to build an air line from Dunville to Glencoe, the pas-
sage of such an act we deem prejudicial to the commerce and agricul-
tural interest of western Canada, and extending and coniirming the
present monopoly held by the Great Western and Grand Trunk Com-
panies ; also that the Warden, etc., be instructed to telegraph immedi-
ately to the county members not to support the western bill, but to
advocate the granting of a charter to an independent company.
The fusion of the Grand Trunk and Great Western Railroads was
announced April 28, 1882. In January, 188o, the work of connecting
the Great Western division and main line of the Grand Trunk between
Sarnia and Point Edward, was begun, and the new railroad depot at
Strathroy projected.
The act to incorporate the London and Port Stanley Railroad
was assented to May 23, 1853. The stockholders named were Mur-
ray Anderson, G. W. Boggs, W. D. Hale, G. R. Williams, Robt. Thom-
son, Wm. H. Higman, J. M. Batt, Boyce Thomson, Lawi'ence Lawiu-
son, Lionel Ridout, S. S. Pomeroy, E. Jones Parke, Elijah Leonard,
Wm. Smith, S. Morrill, Freeman Talbot, Ellis W. Hyman, Thomas
C. Dixon, Alex. Anderson, Thomas Cariing, Edward Adams, Samuel
Peters, John K. Labatt, Wm. Barker, Daniel Harvey, Murdoch Mc-
Kenzie, Crowell Willson and Cyrenius 1). Hall The capital stock
was placed at £l.".o,l)()l>.
The London & Lake Huron Raihoad Co. was incoi'porated June
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 197
10, 1857. This act provided for a road from London to Port Franks,
at the mouth of the Aux Saubles. The incorporators were Elijah
Leonard, John Carling, David Glass, Marcus Holmes, John Birrell,
Daniel Lester, Francis Smith, James Cousins, Wm. McBride, Patrick
Y. Norris and John Wilson.
The last rail was placed on the London, Huron & Bruce Railroad
December 11, 1875, and the road opened for traffic.
In October, 1886, the Michigan Central Eailroad Co. obtained the
the right to run their trains into London over the London & Port
Stanley Eailroad. The by-law granting a loan or bonus of $75,000 to
the London & South eastern Railway Co. was carried by 1,957 to 329,
a majority of 1.628, in 1887.
June 20 and 21 were the two days of 1887 devoted to the cele-
bration of the enti'ance of the Canadian Pacific and the Michigan
Central Railroads to London, and in October, 1888, the extension of the
Canadian Pacific Railroad westward, between Waterloo street and the
river, was begun.
The London City Street Railway Company's franchise has been
given out gradually, and on Feb. 8, 1885, the by-law granting
privileges to the City Railway Co. for 50 years on Richmond from
York to Dundas, and thence on Dundas to Adelaide, was approved ;
Scatcherd and Meredith being the legal examiners. The road now
extends to the eastern and the northern limits.
Railroad Accidents. — In 1853-4 a number of serious accidents
marked the opening of the Great Western Railroad. Strong complaints
were made, and the system improved a little, but still the work of
railroad murder was carried on. In May, 1859, a Mrs. Rafferty was
killed near Grafton by a Grand Trunk train. Isaac Heysette, a
brakeman, was killed at Mt. Brydges, Sept. 2, 1859, while coupling
cars. Benj. Harding, son of Wra. Harding, of the City Arms Hotel,
King street, was killed near Princeton while returning from Niagara,
in September, 1861. The London & Port Stanley Railroad accident of
March 23, 1872, resulted in the death of E. Tonldn and Robert Fletcher,
engine drivers, and injury to a number of persons. The deaths on the
rail within the city of London in 1872 numbered six; the collision at
the race course resulting in the killing of three persons. The accident
of June 20, at the Adelaide Street crossing, in London, caused the
death of George Thomas. Daniel Ward's head was severed from his
body, and several men were seriously crushed. In November, 1872,
an accident on the Port Stanley Railroad, north of St. Thomas, and one
on the Grand Trunk Railroad, three miles south of Thorndale, were
recorded. William T. Brown, of London, a brakeman on a freight train,
was torn to pieces by an express train at Appin, July 18, 1873. It appears,
while engaged in cooling a journal of his train, he left his lamp on the
main track. Seeing the express coming, he reached for the lamp, was
struck instantly, and carried under the train. The railway colUsion at
Thames ville, Aug. 30, resulted in serious injury to fourteen persons.
198 HISTORY OF THE
Mrs. Groves and her three children; Mrs. Nichols, of London, and
Mrs. Black, of Strathroy, were among the injured. Christopher
Gardiner, a youth residing near Glencoe, was run over by a train of
seventeen flat cars in November, and his body cut into two parts.
The destruction of a passenger coach near Komoka, February 29,
1874, resulted in the incineration of nine human beings and fatal
injuries to three others. A coroner's inquisition was held at Komoka,
when witnesses related that the train, composed of the engine, three
oil-tank cars, one baggage, one second-class and one first-class cars
the last containing about fifty passengers, left London at 6.28 p. m.
When within three or four miles of Komoka, the saloon in the forward
end of the passenger car was discovered to be on fire, from the lamp
therein having fallen or having been knocked down. The conductor
hurried forward from the rear end of the car, and told the brakeman
to go over the cars and get the engine stopped, as the bell-rope did not
extend over the oil-cars, and there was no means of signalling to the
engineer. The brakeman returned and said that he could not get
over. The conductor then went himself The brakeman had at the
first sight of the fire applied his brake, which prevented the success of
the attempts made to detach the burning car from the others. The
conductor had succeeded in reaching the engineer and stopping the
train, and by that time the train going at twenty-five miles an hour,
had made over a mile from the time the fire was discovered.
Rev. S. Hooper, of Woodstock, said : — " All pressed to get out
behind, as far as I coidd see ; I sprang with the rest, and was taken
with the press out the rear door. I tried to get down the steps, on the
south side of the car. They were full of people hanging on for life. I
did what I could to push them off the steps, but found it quite impos -
sible, they clung so tenaciously to the rails. Being close to the door,
I was getting suObcated with the smoke and flame, and fell down.
One leg got between the brake rod and the centre one, and was
pinioned there till the fire removed those pressing on me. The noise
of the people gasping for breath was terrible. Some were groaning on
the track, and others shrieked as they fell off. A few only fell off the
step, but many were pushed off or fell oft' the end. The flame and
smoke coming out the door was so great that no one could last long on
the platform. As soon as I could disentangle my leg, I threw myself
from the car. People were lying on every hand, and those I could
reach I assisted as I could. Only one man, that I saw, was taken oif
the car when it stopped ; the rest that were not dead got off them-
selves." The daughter of Conductor Mitchell is said to have cast her-
self out of the window, while others state that the conductor flung the
girl out. Among the dead whose bodies were identified were John
M cKellar, of the Strathroy school ; Miss Purves, of Petrolea ; a son
of Geo. Burnham, of Strathroy; an Indian woman and her infant; J.
H. Breathwick, of London, with Miss Scarclitt' and Miss Harriett Duim.
Those who received serious injuries were John Hay, a merchant of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. IQ^i
Toronto ; Daniel McKellar, of Komoka ; John B. Haisden, who
resided three miles from Simcoe ; John C. Eobiuson, of Watford ;
Augustus Blessing, of Strathroy ; Neil McGugan, of Strathroy ; Mrs.
Crawford, wife of Samuel Crawford, agricultural implement manufac-
turer, of London ; Geo. Moncrief, Mayor of Petrolea ; Mrs. Lawrence,
of Petrolea ; Miss Martha Donaldson, of Komoka ; W. H. Mun-ay, of
Strathroy ; Miss Mitchell, of Sarnia ; Mrs. Ryan. John Zavitz and
wife, of Lobo ; Mrs. Freeman, of Ingersoll ; Dr. Smith, of Komoka ;
Rev. Mr. Collamore, of London ; Eev. S. Hooper, of Woodstock ; two
men named Graham, of Lobo ; Arthur Orton and Messrs. Dearness
and Miller.
The railroad accident of July 25, 1874, occun-ed near the scene of
the train burning of March previous, at the entrance to Sifton's Cut,
about four miles east of Komoka. It appears that some malcontent
removed the rail plates, so that when the locomotive struck the loose
rails, the engine, tender, baggage, second and two first-class cars were
hurled from the track down the embankment. David Osborne, en-
gineer, was instantly killed.
Robert Scott, a drover of Lobo, was killed at Colborne street rail-
way crossing in November, 1875. In the railroad accident near
Princeton, at Goble's Swamp, Oct. 5, 1876, William Cooper, the driver,
and Andrew Irving, of London, were killed ; also G. Wright, baggage-
master, James Andrews, express man, Wm. Leggatt and Thomas Mc-
Bride, of Detroit.
In June, 1878, the body of a man was found on the track at
Komoka. In his hat were the fragments of a letter dated " Chicago,
Wabash ave., No. 927." A report was that it was Baron Theodore
Von Jasmund, then editor of the Detroit Volksblatt, who settled in
Lambton County in 1865, and resided in the house erected by Admiral
Vidal. In October, 1879, one Crowe, a drunken cooper, leaped into
the locomotive called " The Oil King," opened the throttle wide, and
ditched the engine at the corner of Simcoe and Adelaide streets. Out
of the mass of debris, steam and fire came Crowe uninjured, proclaim-
ing " I can lick any man in Canada !" He was arrested and " made
to eat crow."
The funeral of James McGrath, his wife, his brother Matthew, and
Miss Ellen Blake, all victims of the Clandeboye accident, took place
January 6, 1881, from the Catholic Church. The excursion train from
Cayuga to London, September, 1881, came in collision with a heavy
freight near Aylnier. The engineer of the passenger train, Richard
Walmsley, Iris son William, Wm. Cook, of Aylmer, Hines, of Delhi,
and an unknown man were kiUed. Cheesborough, engineer of the
freight, escaped.
The collision on the London, Hiu'on & Bruce Railroad, December
20, 1882, resulted in the death of Wm. Strongman, a fireman. In
April, 1886, two men attempted to jump from trains at London,
and both were killed. One of them was Thomas Lloyd, formerly a
■200 HISTORY OF THE
cigar maker here. The railroad accident of December 29, 1866, at
Komoka, resulted in serious injury to six persons and the destruction
of cars and locomotives. In the accident on the London & Port Stan-
ley Railroad, July 3, 1887, Thomas Hunt and Joshua Sicily, of London,
were killed The railroad holocaust at St. Thomas in July, 1887, re-
sulted in the burning of Mrs. J. W. Baynes and daughters Edna,
Vema and Lila ; and among others. Engineer Harry Donnelly. This
was known as the Talbot Street Baptist Excursion Train. Engineer
Burt was crushed to death between the pay car and frame of coal shed
opposite the London Grand Trunk Railroad depot November 13, 1888.
Yet the statement is made on the authority of statistics, that more
persons meet death from falling out of windows than from railroad
•accidents.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 201
CHAPTER XII.
AGRICULTURAL AND OTHER SOCIETIES, POPULATION, ETC.
In 1835 Governor Colborne granted to Sherift" A. Rapelje and his
rs in office a charter to hold a public fair in the town of Lon-
don three times annually, together with the right of levying tolls as
approved by the magistrates. It does not appear that such charter
rights were ever fully exercised, but fairs were held on the court-house
square and streets adjoining. In February, 1857, the Council asked
that the same privileges be transferred from the Sheriff to the Mayor,
basing their demand on tiie fact that London was separated from the
county politically. Preceding this move of the Council, Councilman
Barker moved, in Sept., 1848, to have a bill introduced in Parliament
to establish an annual fair at London. At this time the use of the
Town Hall was granted to the Middlesex Loan Association and the
Agricultural Society for stated meetings.
The address to Governor-General James, Earl of Elgin, by the
Council, is dated May 7, 1847. This speaks with approval of the
Earl's administration, and with indignation of the " insults committed
on the person of Your Excellency." In October, 1849, the Governor-
General was invited to visit London. To receive him, the Council
called on the following officers to order out their commands : — Edward
Matthews, Captain of Light Artillery Company ; Captain John Smith,
London Vol. Eifle Co. ; Joseph F. Eolfe, No. 1 Fire Co. ; Charles
Askew, Hook and Ladder Co. ; Sam. McBride, Juvenile Fire Co., and
Wni. Till, master of the London Band. It may be noted that in the
Mayor's invitation to the Governor, the latter's administration was
endorsed, though the phrase was opposed by Nash and CarHng.
The County Agricultural Society held the annual exhibition in
the Market House, April 22, 1851, the Council having hitherto granted
permission. On Oct. 7, the same year, a more important meeting was
held on the old grounds, east of the town, then in possession of the
Great Western Railroad Company. The ladies' and mechanics' depart-
ments were arranged in the old Market House, as in April, thirty-six
articles being exhibited in the fost-named, and eighty-six in the last-
named.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: — John B.
Askin, Esq., president; T. C. Dixon, Esq., 1st vice-president; Geo.
Robson, Esq., 2nd vice-president; E. Emery, Esq., 3rd vice-president;
John Stiles, Esq., treasurer; James Farley, Esq., secretary. Commit-
tee— James Nixon, David Main, William Seattle, William Bell, West-
minster ; Robert Robson, William Balkwill, Christopher Walker, Wm.
Moore, George Belton, London Township ; George W. Harper, Elijah
Leonard, Wm. Barker, Roger Smith, town of Loudon. Mr. Askin
202 UISTOKY OF THE
stated that the revenue of the year, exclusive of £100 granted by the
London Town Council, amounted to £509 16s. 5Jd., of which the sum
of £393 19s. 4d. was expended.
On Jan. 28, 1852, a committee of the Council suggested a petition
to the Legislature asking for the sale of the North Block in the town
of London, the proceeds to be expended on tlie purchase of lands for
agricultural purposes and for tlie holding of free fairs.
In September, 1853, £500 were granted by the London Council to
the Provincial Agricultural Society, on condition that the next fair be
held at London. John Scatcherd, reporting December 2, 1853, on the
question of the purchase by the county of the barrack grounds at
London, recommended the Warden to communicate with the Ordnance
Department regarding price aTid terms. Prior to this, in September,
1853, Mr. Scatcherd and Mr. Parish moved that steps should be taken to
secure the Provincial Exhibition of 1854 for London. Many of those
who took an interest in the Provincial and were active members of the
association was first held in London, have passed away. The members
of the local committee at London in 1854 were J. B. Asian, President
Middlesex Agricultural Society ; Tlios. C. Dixon, M. P. P. ; John
Scatcherd, Warden of Middlesex ; Marcus Holmes, Mayor ; J. B.
Strathy ; T. Locker, Warden of Elgin ; G. Alexander, President Oxford
Agi'icultural Society; Mr. VVm. Balkwill, London Township; Mr. John
Stiles, do. ; Mr. Wm. Moore, do. ; Mr. Geo. Robson, do. ; Mr. James
Quarry, McGillivray ; Mr. Wm. Barker, city ; Mr. John Carling, do. ;
Mr. Wm. J. Fuller.
In September, 1854, the Governor-General visited London to open
the Exhibition. Arches wore erected at the railroad on Richmond St.,
one at the corner of Richmond aud Dundas, one at the Western
Hotel on Richmond, and one at Robinson Hall on Dundas — the same
as on the day of the opening of the G. W. R. R. Sheriff Treadwell, of
L'Original, was then President of the Provincial Association. His
predecessors back to 1846, wlien the first Provincial Exhibition was
established, being : — Wm. Matthie, of Brockville ; T. C.fStreet, Niagara
Falls ; J. B. Marks, Kingston ; John Wettenhall, Nelson ; Sheriff'
Rnttan, Cobourg ; Adam Ferguson, Waterdown ; E. W. Thompson, of
Toronto, 1846-7. Tlie amount of prizes and the number of entries at
the various Provincial Exhibitions since the first inception in 1846 to
1854 are as follows : —
Toronto, 1846 $1,600 00 1,150 Niagara, 1850 §5,000 00 1,638
Hamilton, 1847 3,000 00 1,600 Brockville, 1851.. .5,000 00 1,466
Cobourg, 1848 3,100 00 1,500 Toronto, 1852 6,000 00 3,048
Kingston, 1849 5,100 00 1,429 Hamilton, 1853 6,400 00 2,820
London, 1854 §7,200 00 2,933
On that day in 1854, about 30,000 persons were present.
In February, 1859, the Legislature was asked to grant authority
to the city to erect exhibition buildings. Later tlie question was car-
ried forward energetically with a view of securing the Provincial Fair
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 203
■of 1860. In October, 1859, a proposition was made to the CouncQ to
sell to the city twenty-six acres of Crown lands for £3.000. The
delegates to Kingston and other places in the matter of obtaining votes
for having the fair at London were : — Col. Askin, J. K. Brown, P. G.
Norris, T. H. Buckley, M. Keefer, Messrs. Saml. King, Black, Eisdale,
McCullongh, and Moderwell. These with the delegates from Chatham
were paid $207 expenses.
In September, 1860, the sum of $750 was appropriated for the
reception of one of the Queen's sons. On Oct. 9 a great free fair was
held at London. The agreement between the Corporation and the
Board of Agriculture of Upper Canada as to exhibition grounds was
made Sept. 28, 1861. The Corporation agreed in consideration of
$4,000 to grant to the Board of Agriculture certain rights in that part
of the exhibition grounds which lies east of Wellington street and
north of Great Market street, and in the buildings then erected thereon.
The Provincial Exhibition, Crystal Palace, of London, in the
vicinity of the old barracks, may be said to have been completed in
1861, in time for the show of that year. The direct cost was $9,000,
while about $6,000 were expended on additional buildings after plans
by W. Eobinson, then City Engineer. The locality of the exhibitions,
amount of prize money and number of entries since the last exhibi-
tion of London, are given as follows : —
Cobourg, 1855 i 9,000 00 3,077 Toronto, 1S58 ?10,700 00 5,572
Kingston, 1856 9,000 00 3,791 Kingston, 1859 10,800 00 4,830
ISrantford, 1857 10,000 00 4,337 Hamilton, 1860. .15,015 50 7,532
London, 1861 ...$12,03100 6,242
In 1865, a third Provincial Exhibition was held here. The gi-ow-
ing popularity of the city in 1865 may be learned from the following
table, showing the cities where exhibitions were held, amount of prize
money and number of entries : —
Toronto, 1862 $12,036 50 6,319 Hamilton, 1864... |12,559 50 6,392
Kingston, 1863 11,866 00 4,756 London, 1865 13,454 00 7,221
In January, 1869, the Council applied to the authorities of London
city for documents to secure the right of the County and of the East
Middlesex Agricultural Society to the joint use of the ground, known
as the " Exhibition Ground," north of the barracks, in accordance
with the old agreement, when the Council and Society granted a large
sum of money to aid in erecting the exhibition building.
The local committee of the Provincial Exhibition of 1869 com-
prised James Johnson, president; Wm. McBride, secretaiy ; Mayor S.
H. Graydon, treasurer; E. Glackmeyer, David Hughes, VV. S. Smith,
John Christie, John Campbell, Murray Anderson, T. Partridge, jr..
City Councillors ; John Stewart, James Durand, Wm. Barker, James
M. Cousins and Wm. Saunders, all of the city. The county members
of this important committee were : — Thos. Eoutledge, Warden of Mid-
dlesex ; H. Anderson, Deputy-Reeve, Westminster ; R Tooley, Eeeve,
204 HISTORY OF THE
Dorchester ; H. Johnson, Eeeve, Delaware ; J. Wheaton, President East
Middlesex Agricultural Society ; A. Brown, Reeve, Nissoiiri ; A. Mc-
Kellar, Deputy -Keeve, Nissouri ; J. Nixon, Eeeve, Metcalfe ; J. Cor-
bett, Eeeve, McGillivray ; R. H O'Neil, Eeeve, Biddulpli ; J. Waters,
Reeve, East Williams; S. McLeod, Reeve, West Williams ; L. Clever-
don, Eeeve, Adelaide ; M. McArthur, Eeeve, Lobo ; E. Brown, Reeve,
Metcalfe; H. McFarlane, Reeve, Ekfrid; J. Waiter worth. Reeve, Mosa;
T. Northcott, Reeve, Caradoc; W. Neill, Reeve, Wardsville; J. D.
Dewan, Reeve, Strathroy.
One of the Queen's sons, known as Prince Arthur, arrived in Lon-
don Sept. 21, 1869. R. F. Matthews \vrote the ode of welcome, and at
least half the people joined in the welcome. The occasion was the
opening of the exhibition. The amount of prizes offered was $14,000
and the number of entries 7,688. For comparison the following table
of prize money and entries is given : —
Toronto, 1866 §12,710 00 6,279 Hamilton, 186S §13,304 50 6,620
Kingston, 1867 12,73100 4,815 London, 1869 14,000 00 7,688
The latter-day exhibits of the Provincial Society are referred to in
the following table, the figures denoting prize money and number of
entries respectively : —
Toronto, 1870 $16,000 00 6,897 Ottawa, 1875 $18,000 00 7,200
Kingston, 1871 15,000 00 6,682 Hamilton, 1876 18,237 00 10,011
Himilton, 1872 15,000 00 7,714 London, 1877 16,320 00 10,618
London, 1873 15,000 00 8,920 Toronto, 1878 17,947 00 11,612
Toronto, 1874 17,000 00 8,662 Ottawa, 1879 14,957 50 9,668
HamUton, 1880, $16,994 ; 11,252.
In 1877, L. E. Shipley, of Greystead, was president, and in 1880,
J. B. Aylesworth, of Newbury.
Western Fair Assodation. — In 1867 the idea of a Western Fair
originated in the minds of .lames Johnson (Sunnyside), George G.
Magee, Richard Tooley, M. P. P., James Cousins, Henry Anderson, of
Westminster, the late Wm. McBride and John Campbell. At a joint
meeting of the City Horticultural Society and the East Middlesex Agri-
cultural Society, held on March 21, 1868, it was resolved that the two
Associations should unite for Fair purposes, and Messrs J. M. Cousins,
Wm. McBride, John Campbell, J. Wheaton, Henry Anderson and J.
Pincombe were appointed a committee to carry the project into ellect.
The first meeting of the new joint board was held on the 22nd of
April following, when the committee above-mentioned submitted a
report containing a basis of amalgamation, which was accepted. Thus
the Society was formed, the following Directors being appointed :—
James Johnson, President Horticultural Society ; Geo. G. Magee,
President of the Agricultural Association ; Wm. McBride, J. Wheaton,
John Pincombe, Alex. Kerr, Henry Anderson, J. B. Lane, Thomas
Friendship, Alex. Mackenzie, George Jarvis, James Anderson, Chas.
Tuckey, W. S. Smith, Robt. Robson, R. Tooley (now M. P. P.), A.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 205-
MacArthur, J. M. Cousins, John Stewart, John Campbell, J. Durand,
John Elliott, T. Eoutledge, John Moon, W. E. Vining and Mayor
Arkell. The first was held oa September 29th and 30th, 1868, in the
old drill shed. Over two thousand dollars was given in prizes. It is
now one of the institutions of the Western Peninsula, and has long
since passed the Provincial in the estimation of the pubUc. In 1870 a
very successful Fair was held, and in October, 1872, the third meeting
was opened by Governor Dufferin and his wife.
On June 12, 1874, a joint resolution of the London City Com-
mittee and the Committee of tlie Council provided that should the
county and the Agricultural Society of East Middlesex relinquish
their rights to the Fair Grounds, the Exhibition Committee of the City
Council would recommend the purchase of not less than thirty acres,
to be approved of by the county and the Agricultural Society, and on.
which would be built suitable houses, the purchased price of grounds
and cost of buildings not to exceed the sum to be realized from the sale
of sixteen acres of the old grounds, between Wellington and Waterloo
streets, the same rights to be given the county and Agricultural Society
in the new grounds and buildings as they held (187-4) in the present
gi'ounds, but the carrying out of this proposition was deferred. In
1881 no less than $20,944 were expended on grounds and buildings,
under the direction of Thomas H. Tracy.
The year 1886, when only S8,000 was offered, was the year when
the Western Fair nearly collapsed. The sale of a portion of the old
grounds and other causes had brought matters to such a pass that it
became necessary to make strenuous efforts to save the Fair from going
under. In this emergency the London Board of Trade came to the
rescue and saved the Exhibition. Among those who assisted to put
the Western on its new basis were A. W. Porte, J. W. Little, T.
Herbert Marsh, A. M. Smart, W. J. Eeid, W. Y. Brunton, W. M.
Gartshore, W. E. Hobbs, Colonel E. Lewis, Mayor Cowan, J. D.
Sharman, and these gentlemen were heartily supported by the county
members, among whom were Colonel F. B. Leys, Geo. Douglass, Allan
Bogue, D. Mackenzie, ex-M. P. P., E. Whetter, A. J. B. Macdonald
and E. Dreaney.
A new plan of organization, originated by W. Y. Brunton, was
adopted, whereby all agricultural societies or other associations for the
production or manufacture of useful articles, or for the protection and
aid of those engaged in such manufactures or production, were given
representation. Each association nominated one or two members of
the Western Fair Association, according to its size, and these delegates,
meeting annually, elected the Western Fair Board. The City Council,
however, reserved the right of appointing five members with its Mayor,
and the East Middlesex Agricultural Society were also given control of'
six directors' berths. That left twelve to be filled by the association
to make up the total number of twenty-four.
In 1887 the old Fair Grounds on Eichmond street were surveyed for
206 HISTORY OF THE
building lots, and the Queen's Park, in No. 5 Ward transferred to the
city for exhibition purposes. In September of that year the buildings
were completed, at a cost of $60,000. The great fair opened September
20, that year. The officers for 1888 comprised the following gentle-
men : — A. W. Porte, president ; Geo. Douglass, first vice-president ;
J. W. Little, second vice-president; Donald Mackenzie, treasurer;
Messrs. Magee, Greenlees & Thomas, solicitors ; George McBroom,
Secretary ; Joseph Hook, superintendent of grounds ; Geo. F. Jewell,
F. C. A., and J. S. Dewar, auditors. The board of directors com-
prised : — A. W. Porte, Geo. Douglass, F. B. Leys, T. Herbert Marsh,
A. M. Smart, Allan Bogue, W. J. Eeid, W. H. Winnett, Thos. Connor,
Frank Shore, Geo. Taylor, W. Y. Brunton, J. W. Little, D. Mackenzie,
W. M. Gartshore, W. E. Hobbs, E. Lewis, Eichard W better, James
Cowan, John Callard, A. J. B. Macdonald, Eichard Venning, Henry
Dreaney and J. D. Sharman.
The new grounds are very attractive. The soil being sandy and
the surface undulating, the grounds are not afiected even by a heavy
rain. The buildings are all new, light and commodious, and built
after the most modern style of architectural beauty. The officers of
the exhibition are painstaking and courteous, and are succeeding
admirably in the important and arduous task of making the Western
Fair a permanent and useful institution to the diversified interests of
Western Ontario, and second, of course, only to the great Industrial at
Toronto. Much of this success is attributable to the energy and skill
of the secretary, George McBroom, who is aided by an able and com-
petent directorate.
The great fair of 1887 was opened September 20th. The exhibi-
tion of 1888 was opened September 21st by the Minister of Agricul-
ture, John CarUug. A comparative summary of the chief entries this
year and last will prove interesting :—
1887. 1888. 1887. 1888.
Horses 547 448 Cattle 285 289
Sheep 319 356 Piss 132 135
Poultry 524 614 Agricultural Products ... 308 404
Horticultral 1,318 2,122 Agricultural Implements. 198 202
Indian E.xhibits 681 Fiue Arts 347 227
Ladies' Work 571 553
There was an increase of 1,421 entries over 1887, a fact over
which the directors had reason to rejoice. At the same time in some
of the departments there was a falling off in the number of ex-
hibits, hut this was mainly in the minor departments. The entries of
honey fell otf from seventy-nine in 1887 to twenty-four in 1888.
Engines and machines fell of! from twenty-two to eighteen ; stoves
from thirty-three to fifteen, and carriages from fifty-one to forty-five.
In the fine art department the dilference was more striking, the entries
this year being only 227 against 347 in 1887.
• The Presidents of the Western Fair Association from 1868 to 1888
are as follows : — 1868, James Johnson : 1870, James Johnson ; 1871,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 207
Richard Tooley ; 1872, Wm. Saunders ; 1874, James Johnson ; 1875,
John H. Griftiths; 1876, A. S. Emery; 1878, Joseph Johnson; 1879,
A. McCormick; 1880, Geo. Douglas; 1882, John Plummer ; 1883,
John Kennedy; 1884, E. E. Robinson; 1886, Richard Whetter;
1887-8, Capt. A. W. Porte.
A description of the grounds and buildings is given in the sketches
of parks in the history of London.
The Ontario Entomological Society met at London in October,
1844. E. B. Reed, of London, was re-elected secretary and treasurer ;
James Fletcher, of Ottawa, being vice-president, and W. Saunders,
president. A medal was awarded this society for the best exhibition
of Canadian fish at the Fisheries Exhibition, England.
The Horticultural and Mechanical Association of the Town of
London was organized August 21, 1852, with Marcus Holmes, presi-
dent; George W. Hai'^ser and John Wanless, vice-pre.sidents ; John
Brown, treasurer ; John C. Meredith, secretary ; .Tames Daniell, L.
Lawrason, Wm. Rowland, A. Lowrie, Wm. Ross, Elijah Leonard and
Jo.seph Anderson, managers. On September 27, 1855, the Horticul-
tural Society held an exhibition at the City Hall. This Society gave
$2,500 in prizes in 1868; $6,000 in 1870; $8,000 in 1871, and
$10,000 in 1872. The entries increased from 2,037 in 1868 to 7,089
in 1872.
The Grange. — On June 2, 1881, the sixth anniversary of the
Patrons of Husbandry was celebrated at Port Stanley.
Farmers' Institute. — A preliminary meeting for the formation of a
Farmers' Institute for the Riding of East Middlesex was held in
January, 1886. R. Whetter, of Westminster, was appointed chair-
man, and T. Baty, secretary. The election of officers resulted as
follows: — President, F. Baty, Westminster; vice-president, Captain
Thomas Robson, Ilderton ; secretary, W. L. Brown, London West ;
treasurer, R. Whetter, Westminster. Broad of Directors — London —
Charles Trebilcock, Grove ; R. W. Jackson, Ilderton Westminster —
F. Elliot, Wilton Grove ; James Ballantine, Lambeth. Nissouri —
Joseph Wheaton, Thorndale ; R. A. Brown, Cherry Grove. Dorchester
— R. Venning, Richard Tooley, Mossley.
W. 0. S. B. A. — The Western Ontario Stock Breeders' Association
may be said to have had its origin in the London meeting of Jan. 21,
1888, when Messrs. Farnham, Hobbs, Robson and Bell, of London
Township ; Robinson, jMcCartney, John Stoneman and W. Taylor, of
London ; Toole, Gorwell, John Geary, F. Shore, R. Gibson, T. Doug-
lass, R. Whetter, John Coughlin, Reeve of Westminster, Ed. Charlton,
A. Kaius and R Craig, were appointed a committee on organization.
F. (& G. P. S. — The Fish and Game Protective Society was organ-
ized in 1875. Among the leading members in 1882, when the seventh
annual meeting was held, were D. Niven, president; D. Skirving,
secretary ; W. C. L. Gill, R. Wallace, S Turner, John Cousins, R. G.
Mercer, G. Kelly, F. T. Ti'ebilcock, C. A. Stone, Inspector P. McCaun.
14
208 HISTORY OF THE
The officers elected that year were: — President, W. C. L. Gill; first
vice-president, Dr. Woodruff ; second vice-president, Peter McCann ;
secretary, D. Skirving; executive committee, John Puddicombe, C. A.
Stone, Ur. Niven, W. Strong, T. H. Snmllmau, E. Wallace, G. Kelley.
F. T. Trebilcock, John Cousins ; finance committee, John Puddicombe,
C. A. Stone and F. T. Trebilcock.
Population. — In 1817 the population of the old London District
was 8,907. The population of Middlesex in 1824 was 8,061—4,306
males and 3,755 females; in 1825 the number was 8,752; in 1826,
9,362; in 1827, 9,837; in 1828, 10,260; in 1829, 11,103; in 1830,
11,882. The population of Aldborough in 1830 was 608 ; of Bayham,
1,458 ; of Blenheim, 545 ; of Blandford, ; of Burford, 850 ; of
Camden, Dawn and Zone, in Kent County, 424 ; of Caradoc, 309 ; of
Charlotteville, 1,214; of Chatham and Harwich, in Kent, 550 ; of Col-
chester, in Essex, 686 ; of Delaware, 73 ; Dereham, 193; Dorchester,
90; Dunwich, 537; Ekfi-id, 115; Gosfield, 462; Howard, in Kent,
616 ; Houghton and Middleton, in Norfolk, 307 ; Lobo, 344; London,
2,403 ; Maidstone and Piochester, in Essex, 273 ; Maiden, 1,087 ;
Malahide, 1,465 ; Mersea, in Essex, 288 ; Moore, in Lambton, ;
Mosa, 276 ; Missouri, 452 ; Norwich, 1,264 ; Oakland, 383 ; Oxford,
206; Oxford West, 783 ; East, 369; North, ; Ealeigh, Kent, 523;
Eomney and Tilbury, 371 ; Sarnia, ; Sandwich, 2,201 ; Sombra,
Bothwell, ; Southwold, 1,601; Townsend, Norfolk, 1,420; Wal-
singham, 424 ; Westminster, 1,025 ; Windham, 644 ; Woodhouse, 987 ;
Yarmouth, 1,545 ; Zorra, 886. The total population of London District
in 1830 was 22,803, and, of the Western, 8,711. The population of
Middlesex in 1831 was 14,073 ; in 1832, 15,293; in 1833, 17,819; in
1834, 19,697; in 1835, 21,291, in 1836, 23,790; in 1837, 24,628, and
in 1838, 24,064.
London District in 1838 comprised the townships of East and West
Oxford, Burford, Blenheim, Oakland, Nissouri, Blandford, Norwich,
Dereham, Zorra, Yarmouth, Southwold, Bayham, Malahide, Mosa, Dun-
wich, Westminster, Adelaide, Caradoc, Ekfrid, Delaware, London and
village, Aldborough, N. and S. Dorchester, Lobo, Hullett, Tucker-
smith, McGillivray, McKillop, Ellice, Downie, Williams, Stanley, N.
and S. Easthope, Biddulph, Goderich and Colborno. In this large
District were 714,601 acres uncultivated, 142.375 acres cultivated ; 157
one-story square-timber houses, 7 additional houses with fire-places ;
6 two-story square-timber houses, 1,493 frame one-story houses, 163
additional with fire-places ; 280 two-story frame houses, 178 additional
with fire-places ; 10 brick or stone one-story, 7 additional with fire-
places ; 4 brick or stone two-story houses, 2 with fire-jjlaces ; 41 grist
mills with one run of stones, 17 with more than one run ; 105 saw
mills; 10 store-houses; 80 merchants' shops; 20 stud horses for hire;
6,923 horses three years and over; 6,() 59 oxen four years and over;
13,066 milch cows ; 7,416 horned cattle from two to four years ; 2 gigs,
3 phaetons, and 36 pleasure wagons, — total valuation, £513,337 ; total
tax collected, £3,243.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 209
The population of the county in 1839 was 2(5,025; in 1840,
26,482, of whom 13,805 were males and 12,677 females; in 1841,
27,033; in 1842 the population of London District was 30,276; in
1848, 41,986, and of London Town, 4,668.
The population of Middlesex in 1851-2 was 32,862, and of London,
7,035.
The census of 1861 shows a total population of 48,736 for the
county, made up of 25,374 males and 23,362 females, of whom 1,767
males and 1,181 females were not members of resident families.
There were 884 males and 815 females bom in 18(50, of whom 34
males and 39 females died that year. The population by townships,
taken from the census returns, shows a total population for the county
of 60,311, while the total above shows only 48,736, as follows : —
. Houses ,
Township. Males. Females. Families. Bi-ick. Stone. Frame. Lok. Total.
Adelaide 1,315 1,196 241 23 — 96 303 422
Caradoc 2,350 2,072 564 15 1 203 349 568
Delaware 1,230 1,094 386 15 6 126 230 377
Dorchester North... 2, 058 1,969 641 23 1 283 309 616
Ekfrid 1,334 1,240 407 12 — 114 300 426
Lobo 1,854 1,702 415 60 5 176 335 570
London 5,002 4,664 1,389 151 24 609 794 1,578
Metcalfe 936 810 306 17 — 46 208 271
Mosa 1,603 1,430 410 25 — 155 211 391
Nissouri 1,606 1,541 497 14 9 57 416 496
Strathroy Village. . . 397 354 110 16 — 53 18 117
Williams East 1,260 1,215 379 32 — 45 299 376
Williams West 1,197 1,042 342 — 14 43 308 365
Westminster 3,2.52 3,033 1,074 168 14 .538 274 994
London City 5,738 5,817 2,005 695 9 1,386 — 2,090
At this time there were in the county four Protestant Episcopal
church buildings, one Catholic, two Church of Scotland, four Free
Church of Scotland, six United Presbyterians, twelve Wesleyan
Methodists, four Episcopal Methodists, two of Methodist denomina-
tions, and five Baptists. In London there were nine church buildings.
The first census of Middlesex, taken since the British North-
America Act came in operation, was that of 1870-1. From this
great statistical record the following summary is made. The 7th, 8th,
9th and 10th census districts, their area in acres, occupied houses and
population, are given as follows : —
Township. Area. Houses. Males. Females.
Mosa 49,729 659 1,622 1,,532
Wardsville Village 452 99 280 253
Ekfrid.. 54,271 504 1,704 1,489
Metcalfe 36,720 438 1,293 1,150
Caradoc 77,905 912 2,593 2,472
Strathroy Village 2,400 558 1,675 1,557
Delaware 28,150 449 1,294 1,229
Adelaide 44,060 536 1,541 1,368
Williams W 36,876 604 1,761 1,660
Williams E 40,154 548 1,452 1,401
Lobo 49,752 612 1,726 1,748
McGillivray 64,016 796 2,429 2,229
210 HISTORY OF THE
Township. Area. Houses. Males
Biddulph 40,740 705 2,166 ,2,032
Westminster 64,260 1,173 3,250 3,130
Dorchester 39,780 722 2,155 1,962
London 105,160 1,960 5,G30 5,360
Nbsouri W 49,500 626 1,853 1,708
London City 1,907 2,804 7,934 7,892
Population. — The population by race in 1880-1, in the Townships
of Westminster, Dorchester, London, London East (village), Petersville
(village), and Nissouri West, was as follows : — Africans, 808 ; Dutch,
375 ; English, 83,288 ; French, 887 ; Germans, 8,823 ; Italians, 3 ;
Poles, 3 ; Scandinavians, 47 ; Irish, 9,239 : Scotch, o,688 ; Swiss, 85 ;
Welsh, '289 ; various, 80 ; not given, 5.':)8.
In the Townships of Mosa, Ekfrid, Metcalfe, Caradoc, Delaware, and
the villages of Wardsville, Strathroy, Newbury, and Glencoe, there were :
Africans, 74 ; Dutch, 276 ; English, 6,870 ; French, 204 ; Germans, 896 ;
Indians, 8,429 ; Scandinavians, 89 ; Scotch, 5,567 ; Irish, 5,283 ; Poles,
4; Swiss, 9; Welsh, 104; various, 2; not given, 759.
In the Townships of Adelaide, WilUams West, Williams East,
McGillivray, Lobo, Biddulph, and the villages of Ailsa Craig, Lucan,
and Parkhill, there were in 1880-1: African.?, 47; Dutch, 194;
English, 5,965; Irish; 7,170; Scotch, 6,736; French, 48; Germans,
771 ; Italians, -i ; Swiss, 11 ; Welsh, 258 ; and others, 35.
The population of London City, by nativity, in 1880-1, shows :
Africans, 261; Dutch, 33; English, 8,617; Irish, 6,062; Scotch,
6,543; Welsh, 151 ; Germans, 406; French, 223; Indians, 4; Italians,
30 ; Jews, 6 ; Poles, 31 ; Scandinavians, 34 ; Swiss, 3 ; Spaniards, 8 ;
and 304 of other countries or unlcnown.
Of the first census district. No. 167, the total population was
30,600; of the second, No. 1(38, 21,496; of the third. No. 169,
21,239 ; and the fourth, No. 170, London City, 19,746,— the total of
1880-1 being 93,081.
The following is the population and number of houses of London
by Wards in 1880-1* :—
Total Pop. Males. Houses. Total Pop. Males. Houses
Wardl 2,126 1,084 428 Ward 5 4,499 2,214 917
" 2 2,862 1,355 545 " 6 3,560 1,702 682
" 3 3,777 1,918 733 " 7 ..1,723 841 306
" 4 1,199 587 222
Many changes have been made within the last eight years. The
Manitoba land craze won away several citizens, while a greater num-
ber went to the United States; but notwithstanding an extensive
emigration, the county, including London, claims as great a population
to-day. London City and its suburbs have made very rapid strides,
and appear to have more than made up for the losses in the townships
and country towns, the total population being now estimated at 35,01)0.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 211
District and County ExpcTiditure. — The first regular account of
expenditures was presented July 17, 1818, as follows: —
(T.C.Salmon 13 5 4 James Brown. 0 16 2
Mahlon Burwell 4 0 0 John Anderson 1 16 0
John Bostwick 5 0 4 AbnerOwen 2 17 6
Caleb Wood 4 16 0 F. Beaupre 5 0
Mahlon Burwell, am't of order. . 77 0 0 The Sheriff 75 .3 9
The Sheriff 4 15 0 Clerk of the Peace 70 10 6
The Sheriff 50 6 6 Geo. Collman 2 00
Joseph Walker 2 9 8 Mrs Ann Bostwick 5 0 0
Jacob Braurawort 1 00 Moses Seeord 5 12 8
Reuben Green (York) 7 10 6
Total £331 4 11
From the Auditor's statement of August 12, 1820, it appears that
the District Treasurer advanced £442 2s. Od. toward building the court-
house and jail, and £62 13s. 6d toward the general account. These
sums were ordered to be paid, and the collector urged to bring in moneys
in their hands or to be collected.
The act to consolidate the debt of Middlesex, assented to April 2;s,
1860, shows that at the time outstanding debentures amounted to
S879,114, and authorized the County Council to borrow that amount.
Debentures. — The debentures issued from 1844 to 1863 are noted
as follows : —
£ s. d. £. s. d.
1844 3,383 15 6 due in 1845 1853 15,325 0 0 due in 1863
1850 1,.500 0 0 " 1851 1853 1,500 0 0 " 1854
1850 990 8 Oi " 1851 1854 61,583 6 8 by-law 36
1850 2,500 0 0 ■• 1873 1854* 3,355 0 0 due in 1863
1851 25,000 0 0 •' 1855 25,000 0 0 "
1852 3,000 0 0 •'
When the late treasurer, Adam Murray, took possession of the
office in October, 1857, the total debenture debt was £233,348 lis. 8d.
S13,692 00
20,000 00
25,000 00
The expenditures of the county in 1885 amounted to $139,160.92 ;
in 1886, $129,124.06, and in 1887, $149,615 45. To place on record
the sources of income and the several calls upon such income, the
following statement for 1887 is given : —
RECEIPTS.
Balance from last audit $ 2,610 03
County Rates 77,124 15
Non-resident Land Tax 3,974 90
Debentures 20,000 00
• Premium on Debentures 1,000 00
Interest 853 14
* In connection with payment of part of these debentures, a sum of £2,500 was credited
erroneously as paid.
+ To procure seed for supplying to farmers, owing to failure of crops.
% For bridge building.
212 HISTORY OF THE
RECEIPTS — (continued).
County Grants to Public Schools 5,221 00
Legislative Grants to Public Schools 6,731 00
Surplus Fees from Ref,'istry Offices 1,000 89
Auctioneer's and Peddler Licenses .... 566 00
Interest on Hospital Trust Fund 454 47
House of Refuge and Industrial Farm 1,367 79
City of London re Debt on London East 1, 170 00
Treasurer County of Oxford 38 35
Redemption Money 2116
Miscellaneous Items 96 90
Bills Payable 4,000 00
Administration of Justice from City of London 6,474 52
Government 6,148 07
Division Court Jurors' Payment Fund 114 86
Sessions, County and Assize Courts Payment Fund 193 50
Fines from Magistrates 209 50
Costs from Police Magistrates and Justices of the Peace 151 10
Fines from Police Magistrates re Scott Act 10,094 12
DI.SBURSEMENTS.
Roads and Bridges $21,654 11
Salaries and Municipal Government Expense 5,750 90
Percentage to Sub Treasurers 161 96
School Inspectors' Salaries 1,008 75
Legislative Grants to Public Schools 6,731 00
Municipal Grants to Schools 7,950 68
Educational and Incidental Expenses 1,423 03
Printing and Advertising 448 03
Registry Offices 21150
Grants to Insane and Destitute 1,040 00
Wild Land Tax and Redemption Money 3,790 17
House of Refuge and Industrial Farm 6, 355 08
Debentures Redeemed 20,000 00
Coupons Redeemed 29,360 00
Court House and Jail Expense Account and Repairs 4,308 86
Jail Officials' Salaries 3,730 45
Constables 2,609 09
Crown Witnesses and and Jury Services 1,918 75
Division Courts Jury Fund 124 00
Coroner's Orders 209 40
Administration of Justice General 6,436 20
Jurors' Payment Fund 3,373 30
Bills Payable 10,000 00
Paid to order of License Commissioner re Scott Act 5,250 00
Salary of Police Magistrate 450 00
Hospital Expen.se 2,326 80
Interest 55 51
Miscellaneous Items 2,457 58
Agricultural and Otiier Statistics. — The uumbei" of acre.s cleared
in 1887 was 514,563; of woodland, 229,355, aud of swamp, marsh or
waste laud, 13,639. Of the total occupied area (757,557 acres) there
were 9,30:i belonging to non-residents, and 748,255 to resident owners.
In 1887 there were 165,443 acres of cleared lauds devoted to pastiu"-
age, the number of acres in every thousand acres cleared being
321.5. The county held third place in Ontario in the average per
thousand acres cleared, and first jilace when the large area is considered.
The orchards and gardens of Middlesex in 1883 claimed an area of
9.309 acres.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 213
CHAPTER XIII.
LONDON CITY.
Prior to 1732-3 the history of the country bordering on the forks
of the La Trancht'e, or Thames, is that which belongs to the Indian
settlements of a century ago in the Erie Peninsula. The discovery of
Indian remains near Blackfriars' bridge some years ago is one of the few
evidences of Indian occupation which modern times have brought to
light. During the winter of the years named, Governor Simcoe with
his staff and Chief Brandt camped here. His object was to select a
site for the capital of Upper Canada, which, while convenient, would
not be exposed to American assaults. Dorchester, their Governor-
General, favored Kingston ; but Simcoe labored under the impression
that his imaginary city, Georgina-upon-Thames, would be the capital.
And here the Anglicizing Governor planned his great seat of Govern-
ment, February 13, 1793, then pushed forward to Detroit, but return-
ing to the Forks March 2, doubly determined to build his city here.
In 1796 he was transfen-ed to the West Indies, and his dreams were
left to unofficial imaided enterprise to be made veal.
In Littlehales' diary, under date March 2, 1793, being the second
visit of that officer to the site of the present city of London, the fol-
lowing entry occurs : — " Struck the Thames on one end of a low, flat
island. The rapidity of the current is so great as to have formed a
channel through the mainland (being a peninsula), and formed this
island. We walked over a rich meadow, and at its extremity reached
the forks of the river. The Governor wished to examine this situation
and its environs, and we therefore stopped here a day. He judged it
to be a situation eminently calculated for the Metropolis of all Canada.
Among many other essentials it possesses the following advantages : —
Command of territory, internal situation, central position, facihty of
water communication up and down the Thames, superior navigation
for boats to near its source, and for small craft probably to the Morav-
ian settlement ; to the northward by a small portage flowing into Lake
Huron ; to the southeast by a carrying place into Lake Ontario and
the River St. Lawrence ; the soil luxuriously fertile, and the land
capable of being easily cleared and soon put into a state of agriculture ;
a pinery upon an adjacent high knoll, and others on the height, well
calculated for the erection of public buildings ; and a climate not inferior
to any part of Canada."
The Thames River at the forks presents many interesting features,
alike as regards its physical relations and its connections with the
early settlement and military occupation of the country. That the
stream has undergone some very gi-eat changes, even since 1793,
scarcely admits of doubt ; for, in a few places, the earmarks of expan-
214 HISTORY OF THK
sions, now dried up, are visible, and of the numerous large creeks
which swelled its waters, and made it navigable for eighty leagues in
1794, few exist to-day. The existence of this river, and the position
of its forks — almost equidistant from Lakes Huron and Erie — render
the climate of the district much more pleasant, if not healthier, than
that of lake towns. Even in face of the fact that the river is used as
the receptacle of the city's sewerage, the cross-country lake breezes,
and the breezes generated in its own valley, are decidedly invigorating.
A sail down to Spriugbank and back on steamer, yacht or row-boat
forms a pleasant and healthful pastime for the citizens; and so
generally availed of, that the memories of the tragedy of 1881 seem to-
be sleeping in presence of Ihe fascinating influence of the river ride.
In such a country as Littlehales describes, at the head of that
river on which Simcoe's British navy was to float, a few unpretentious,
hard-working, fearless men settled in 1826. Peter McGregor, a
Highland Scot, who, while keeping a hotel down the river, manied
Lavinia, daughter of Joseph Poole, of Westminster, and then deter-
mined to settle in the new town of London, made the first clearing in
the fall of 1826, and built the first cabin here. Patrick McManus and
Charles Henry, two Irishmen, erected a board cabin soon after ; then
came Abram Carroll, who built and kept the first house of enteitain-
ment to which the name could be given ; next, John Ye rex, Levi
Myrick (or Men-ick), and Dennis O'Brien, and Georgina-upon-Thames
assumed the shape of a settlement, thirty years after the first guber-
natorial dreamer left Ontario for ever.
It was a fit introduction to the people who were to make out of
the wilderness spot a city. As the visitor walked lazily along the
Indian trails, listening to the murmur of the river or the rush of the
wind through the olden pines, or watched the mist as it hung in twi-
light curtains about the groves, it required but little imagination to
trace a long cavalcade of romance, chivalry and heroism proceeding
from this very spot in the days of Indian power. He, too, may muse
upon the genii which once haunted the forests of the past, and a
gloom, like superstitious dread, will only be dissipated when the past
vanishes and the present rises before him in all its cultivated beauty
and magnificence. We can envy the pioneers of this district and the
long-ago primitive times. Then a single piece of calico would make
the best dress for every woman in the place. The dry goods side of
O'Brien's store could be carried off in a wheelbarrow, and the grocery
department in a wagon. The staple articles were whiskey, flour, pork
and beans. If with a dozen baiTels of whiskey came two or three of
flour, the question was : " What the deuce is to be done with the
flour ? " There was at that time plenty of large game and fish, and
wild fruits in season ; but the hardships of pioneer life were serious
indeed, and the monotony so unbearable, that many who came to carve
out homes in the wilderness returned to enjoy j^enury in a civilized
state rather than remain. Many, however, established themselves
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 215
here and began the work of fashioning a city out of the forests — a
village which should, some day, be regarded as a city, altogether lovely
and promising, the one among a thousand to enlist active enterprise,
where virtue would be treasured and promoted, and labor fairly
rewarded.
The Beverlys established a ferry in 18 IS below the Forks, or
Applegarth's, later Nixon's Flats, and later West London The
Beverlys suffered terribly from fever and ague, so that travellers had
often to wait for hours until some of the family would cease shaking,
to ferry them across. The pioneers soon got on the true track of this
aguish tribe, and when going to (Gardner's mill for grist, or to Samuel
Jarvis' distillery for whiskey, they would not return until the afternoon
of the following day, as they calculated by that time the chills would
cease and the boatmen be ready to take the paddle. About this time
the Montagues established their canoe ferry at the Townsend Landing,
near the present Woodland Cemetery.
In 1826 Colonel M. Burwell, with Freeman Talbot and Benjamin
Springer, chain-bearers, surveyed the town site. Any person who
promised to pay $32 for the patent, and built a shanty 18x24, was
entitled to a large lot, the transfer being freely made by Colonel Thos.
Talbot when the patent was issued. The limits of the first survey
were : — Welhngton street on the east ; North street, now Carling, on
the north ; the Kiver Thames on the south and west. Thfe lots were
numbered from Wellington street west.
In June, 1827, Robert Carfrae entered the settlement, crossing
from Westminster by a bridge erected in 1826 by Levi Merrick at the
foot of York street. His memories of the village of 62 years ago
point out two taverns and the court-house as the three buildings form-
ing the nucleus of the village. John Yerex, a brother of Andrew, was
engaged in building his hewn-log house on the north-west corner of
York and Eidout streets, where the old malt house stands, and in that
building was born the first native of London village, Nathaniel Yerex.
In the fall of 1826 Andrew Yerex followed his brother hither. He
found McGregor's log shanty tavern at the corner of King and Eidout
streets,* where the McFarlane Hotel, now kept by Alonzo Hall, is.
Abram Carroll's log house stood on the north side of Dundas, two or
three lots east of Eidout, where in the fall of 1827 he put up a frame
house. Dennis O'Brien, to whom he gives the title "a jolly, good
fellow," was digging up stumps and preparirtg to build close to where
was afterwards built the Eobinson Hall. Patrick McManus — then
called McManners, owing to the way this plebeian pronounced his
name — and Charles Henry carried on business in a shed or small
frame house erected on the lot south of the south-east corner of Eidout
and Dundas, opposite the present Eegistry Office. The court-house,
a semi-frame, hewn-log house, stood nearer the corner than the
216 HISTORY OF THE
building until 1829, when it was placed on runners and moved by
oxen to the south-west corner of the present grounds, where it stands
to-day. McGregor, being jailer, was accustomed to take the well-con-
ducted prisoners across the street to his tavern, and it is related by
Mt. Williams, Oliver McClary and others, that hungry travellers often
had to wait for their meals until McGregor's notorious guests had
finished theirs. As has been said, Dennis O'Brien was preparing to
build in 1826, but the log structure which he erected was used rather
as a store-house than a store-room. This building stood on lot 18, on
the south side of Dundas, almost opposite, but a point east of Abram
Carroll's dwelling. In 1827 or 1828 he took possession of a vacated
blacksmith's shop, placed rough boards on barrels to form a counter,
and there opened the first general store. The log house, which he had
previously occupied and used as a store-room, was minus chinking, and
through the crevices the curious settlers would spend hours observing
his stock of frying-pans, griddles, spiders, baking-kettles, tinware, and
a thousand other articles which make the visitor to the country store
covet the whole stock.
Samuel Laughton migrated to Canada in 1827 with his wife. He
received a grant of a lot on Bathurst street, near the present depot, on
condition that he would establish a blacksmith shop ; moved shortly
after to a farm in the township on a lot where John Robson settled in
the fall of 1820, and twenty years later moved to Metcalfe. He
ironed the first wagon ever used in London Township. Selling his lot
for $16 worth of ii-on he moved into the wilderness. While it cannot
be stated that O'Brien moved this shop from Bathurst to Dundas
street, it cannot be denied that this was the only building standing in
1827 which was vacated by a blacksmith. Dennis O'Brien continued
in business here until 1848-9, when he retired. Robert Summers
states that about the time Goodhue opened his store, he said to O'Brien,
" You are going to set up a general store in opposition to Goodhue."
" Not at all," said O'Brien, "I'm going to set up an imposition upon
him, as he has been imposing on the people, and I'm going to impose on
him." George .1. Goodhue closed out his little store in Westminster,
Concession 1 (kept in Joshua Applegarth's old log-house), two miles
south of the present city, in 1829, and moved into O'Brien's settle-
ment, wheie he ojtened a large general store and went into fair
competition \Yith O'Brien, who, for over two years, monopolized the
trade north of the river.
Dennis O'Brien, who was a peddler for some years before he estab-
lished his store at London, carrying a pack throughout the district, like
Patrick IMcManus, Charles Henry, M. McLoughlin and other early
settlers, married Jane Shotwell about 1834. She was the daughter of
Abram Shotwell and Sylvia Sumner, all early settlers of Westminster.
Her sister Nancy married Alvaro Ladd, while Polly married David
God'. O'Brien himself was liberal and enterprising, and sometimes
merry, as related in other pages. He had built for liimself the first
COUNTY 01'' MIDDLESEX. 217
large brick store-house in London, had the Blackfriars' grist mill
erected, and also a distillery in Westminster. In later years he told
his particular friends that this distillery was the cause of his ruin. He
died at old jMr. Blinn's house about the year 1863. Under date Jan.
12, 1849, Dennis O'Brien advertised the fact that he retired from
business, and asked that all accounts should be settled up at his office
in Mr. McKittrick's.
Levi Merrick built York street bridge in 1826-7. One of the
workmen stole from another workman an axe one night and fled ; but
he was pursued, and caught in the pine woods. That night he was
chained to a stump on King street. A jury was sworn who sentenced
him to leave town in a few minutes or be whipped.
KJssick for Cassock) and O'Rell (or O'Dell) were the first tailors ;
but which of them came first cannot now be determined.
John Jennings, who established a little store at London, was also
an Irishman, and for some time before his settlement here was a
popular peddler. He could write his name only, but possessed much
natural intelligence, and was very impulsive. He married a Miss
Algoe, a daughter of the pioneer family on the Longwoods road below
Delaware. He was not very fortunate in business, traded his store
for a fann in Westminster, and later kept livery stable at London.
His eldest son Frank went to Detroit in his youth, and established a
large livery stable there.
Douglas & Warren, general merchants, failed about 1843. William
Murray was book-keeper; Alex. S. Armstrong, John Douglas and
Francis Warren formed the firm. Their store stood two or three houses
east of Robinson Hall.
Epbraira Ayres established a shoe shop where the City Hotel now
stands, and later established a drinking saloon here. Wm. Balkwill
later built a new house on the site, and for some years carried it on
as a hotel, one of his bartenders being Wm. Gordon, now a resident
of London. Balkwill sold to N. Smith, who failed after building the
brick hotel.
On Aug. 9, 1827, Patrick McManus, a peddler, of London, was fined
one shilling for assaultmg Tillery Hubbard ; and Benj. Lockwood, of
Caradoc, for extorting unlawful fees from Joseph Elliott.
The village then consisted of thirty- three families, representing one
hundred and tlurty-three souls. Goodhue built the first two-story
frame house in the place, unless we consider the store-room of O'Brien
a frame, for it was a board concern, or Carroll's frame cottage, all the
rest being made of logs and mud. His store was situated near the
corner of Ridout and Carling streets, where the Agricultural Mutual
building stood. Robert Summers, with the Griffiths and others from
Westminster, came to aid in raising this large frame. When it was
ready for dedication, Byash Taylor cast a black bottle of whisky from
the top, which struck the old logs, but escaped breaking.
In October, 1830, John Jennings opened a store on Ridout, near
218 HISTORY OF THE
King street, on the northeast corner. Early in the winter of 1831-2,
John Scatcherd opened his store oa lot 18, north side of Dundas, almost
opposite O'Brien's ; he establishing the first regular hardware store at
London ; and about this time Thomas Gibbins opened his store opposite
the court-house on Kidout Trade was very brisk, the merchants pros-
perous, population rapidly increased, and around this little nucleus a
flourishing market grew. Tlie business centre was the point now occu-
pied by the Eoyal Exchange building. The region south of tlaat was a
deep morass, a place to be avoided by all but the sporting men of the
period, who visited that section as far as the river on duck shooting
excursions. The site of the old Robinson Hall was then a deep and
treacherous bog, which was considered a very dangerous spot for any
one to approach ; but later logs were placed there, which were ultimately
covered, and in later days, when the era of sewer building was intro-
duced, some hard work was experienced in cutting those old hardwood
timbers. Outside the business centre of that day were many black
ash swamps. The foundation of that building was made after much
labor. The natural surface of the soil is known to be at least two feet
below the cellar floor, or about twelve feet below the level of Dundas
street. In the year we are speaking of (1829), Wm. Hale was driving
a yoke of oxen, with cart, near the spot, and the animals, becoming
frightened and uncontrollable, plunged into this mire, and oxen and
cart in a moment sunk down deep. Goodhue was fond of relating an
anecdote of himself in connection with this place. He was riding on
horseback, with a bag of flour or corn thrown across the horse's neck,
and for the moment unmindful of his progress, he allowed the animal
to walk into the pit. He saved himself by springing from the horse's
back on to terra firma. The horse was got out after a great deal of
difficulty, but not so the bag of corn.
The little village was for some years centered around the court-
house, its boundaries being Wellington street on the east, the river on
the west, Carling street on the north, and York street on the south ; but
the.se limits rajjidly widened. A deed in the possession of Sheriff
Glass shows that in 1831 his father sold several lots whereon the City
Hotel, market, and principal Dundas street stores now stand, to Donald
and Finlay McDonald for £175, to be paid in fat cattle and wheat.
They had but little money in those days, and trading was done in this
manner. It is related that Finlay McDonald was found steahng lum-
ber from Marcus Holmes' yard. Holmes had been missing lumber for
some time, and this night waited up to catch the thief. On discover-
ing Findlay, he said to him : " Now, Findlay, it is troublesome to come
packiug lumber a dark night like this ; come in the day-time with your
wagon after this."
Lawrence Lawrason is the next important commercial figure in the
beginning of London. About 1825 he opened the first post-oflice to
be found north of St. Thomas — with the exception of Delaware. About
the year 1833 or 1834 he joined George J. Goodhue in mercantile
COUNTY OF MIDDLKSKX. 219
business in this city, which at that time formed only a small and strag-
gling business, the store being on Eidout street, immediately south of
the premises at present occupied by Hamilton. Subsequently the firm
transferred their stock to the corner of Dundas and Eidout streets,
where Osborne's inteUigence oiSce is now kept : this was burned in
1851. Here Mr. Lawrason remained some fifteen years ; and it was
during this period, about the year 1834, that he received the appoint-
ment of Justice of the Peace. The firm subsequently moved to the
southeast corner of Dundas and Talbot streets, and conducted an exten-
sive wholesale business. He died in 1881.
About 1825 a newspaper mail was left at the stage house (Trow-
bridge's) in Westminster, and later George J. Goodhue was appointed
postmaster for that neighborhood. In 1828 the post-office was moved
from Concessiou 1, Westminster, to Loudon, where Ira Schofield
was appointed postmaster. His office was in his farm house, a few
hundred feet east of the spot where the great Convent of the Sacred
Heart now stands. Benjamin Higgins, born in Ireland in 1804, died
at London, Aug. 24, 1880. The same year that the post-office was
established here he settled in London, and labored on his ten-acre farm
at Blackfriars' Bridge for years In 1831 he married a Miss Gray,
who lived at St. John's. For twenty-five years he caiTied on the
hotel business here, and conducted freight business between London
and Hamilton and Port Stanley. His hotel stood where the Gronyn
block is now, the lot costing him only .S80. In 1837-8 he was
dispatch bearer. Henry Davis, who came to London from New York in
1827 and established his jewelry store on Ridout street in 1831, died here
in 1882. The McCann family arrived later, and have continued to hold
a high place in the estimation of the people. The list of early names,
such as the Cruikshanks, connected with the beginning of London,
might be continued through twenty pages ; but as such names are con-
nected with some special profession or trade, the writer leaves them to
be dealt with in other sections of this chapter, and refers the reader to
the lists of early grocery and tavern-keepers.
Although the city was " proclaimed " in 1796, in 1819 Delaware was
the nearest post-office to the forks. The nearest mill was near Byron,
kept by Sweet Gardner and Sylvester Reynolds. The mill was erected
by Towiisend and Tunk, where the Springbank hotel now stands.
The water-power was taken from the springs. In 1833 a mill was
built at Byron by Burleigh Hunt, and was the first run by the waters
of the Thames, and the nearest bridge across the river was at the same
place. On Oct. 1st, 1826, the logs for McGregor's shanty were cut,
and Cyrus Sumner built the first brick dwelling-house later. In 1831
Edward A. Talbot started the first newspaper in Canada printed west
of Hamilton. The first lawyers in the young city were John Rolph
and John Tenbroeck, each of whom has left a melancholy history.
Dr. Archibald Chisholm was the first physician here, and under his
auspices the City Hospital was estabhshed about two and one-half miles
220 HISTORY OF THE
out on the Hamilton Road. It had accommodation for 40 patients.
Almost contemporary with Dr. Chisholm were Dr. Hiram Lee, who
built the first brick residence in 184G, and Dr. Donnelly. The latter
died in 1832, fighting the cholera. Dr. Lee fell a victim in 1854 to
the ship fever, which was very virulent in the city after the opening
of the railway. The first market was on the corner of the court-house
Square, corner of King and Ridout streets. It was removed from that
to Wellington street, and finall}' to its present position, corner of King
and Talbot. For a long time the trade of the city was confined to
the west of Richmond street, and it does not require a very old man
to remember the first brick store that was built on Dundas street, east
of Richmond. It is now occupied by Boyd & Philips, and was built
by Reuben Short, who kept a stove shop on the opposite side, of the
street. Twenty-one years ago the only brick buildings upon Richmond
street, south of King, were the Tecumseh House on one side and Geo.
Nickle's livery stable on the other. The old j\Iusic Hall, on the corner
of York and Richmond streets, was frame, with a brick front.
Henry Groves (" Captain Groves "), who settled in London in 1832,
died in 1887, aged 81 years. He remembered well the primitive da3's
of the city, when he saw a bear walk along Dundas street, svrim the
river and enter the woods on the western bank. He also remembered
the building of the log jail on the site of the present court-hoTise,
during the progress of which the prisoners were chained to stumps.
He fought in two skirmishes against the Patriots in 1837-8 ; was
High Constable for many years, and, in 1852, when an English family
introduced the Asiatic cholera, he was the onl}^ man in London who
could be found to take care of the stricken people — Dr. Donnelly hav-
ing died, and Dr. Lee being engaged in prescribing. Robert Summers,
speaking of Groves' bear story, states the animal was shot in the river
at the Forks in the fall of 1849 or 1850— Ned Harris, a son of Treas-
urer Harris, taking the carcass ashore. The boys captured the cubs
in London South.
The Inquirer, published here in 1840, gives an account of London
as it was in December of that year: — " In the enumeration of the
various kinds of goods kept in a general store, is the advertisement of
L. Lawrason. In the same line of business we find the rival cards of
John Jennings, G. J. Goodhue, Kerr & Armstrong, Douglas & Warren,
Gleiinon & Co., Angus & Birrell, J. H. Joyce and John Claris. Com-
bining the business of a general gi'ocer with that of a baker, we find
the name of L. Perrin, and to regulate the digestion of the incongruous
mass of merchandise which appears to have been dealt out over the
counter in the stores above named, ranging from cast steel axes to
soft soap and Digby herrings, Lyman, Moore & Co.,* and J. Salter, at
their drug establishments kept every variety of medicinal preparation,
which they oti'er to dispose to customers, ' sparing no pains,' an intima-
tion which we hope they did not intend literally. A flouring mill
• Lyman came from Montreal with his first partner, Tim Farr.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 221
' near the centre of the town,' was owned by Dennis O'Brien, now the
Blackfriars' Mill, built about 1834; John Talbot and Schram & Groves
carried on the auction and commission business of town and country ;
W. Horton, H. C. E. Becher and Frederick Cleverly announce their
willingness to look after all legal matters ; Alex. Hamilton did the
shaving and hair dressing; Simeon Momll, the tanning; Yale &
Warters and S. Condon, the tinning ; E. Mootry and J. Wells,
the tailoring ; S. Peters and Henry Leaning provided meat ; U. C.
Lee and Win. Lee, brothers of Dr. Lee, proprietors of the Eobinson
Hall, and the Mansion House, Dundas street, kept sundry accom-
modations ' good for man and beast.' A news-room appears to have
been among the other advantages which London at that early date
possessed. It was kept by John Norval, ' over J. W. Garrison's store,'
access to which was obtainable by payment of an annual subscription,
and a charge of ' sixpence york per visit to non-subscribers.' From
the above array of names, trades, professions and callings, it will be
seen that our predecessors, if they had the wherewithal to purchase,
were in no danger of suffering for want of either the necessaries or the
luxuries of life. Speaking of purchase, brings to our recollection an
advertisement in one of the papers before us which will give an idea
of the ' cuiTency ' of the day : —
THE SUBSCRIBERS ARE NOW 'T'HE SUBSCRIBER WILL PAY
receiving Pork and Wheat in pay- 1 one dollar per bushel, in Goods, lor
ment of debts, and in exchange for goods. good wheat.
Part cash for good Pork. G. J. Goodhue."
Smith, Mathieson, Moore & Co.
London in the Forties. — In the foregoing pages the history of the
settlement is treated up to its organization as a village. In the ex-
haustive municipal sketch, one would think that every name connected
with the village has a place ; and now take a loolc back to tlie days of
the village and town councils — from 1840 to 1853. In April, 1845,
one hundred and fifty buildings were destroyed by fire. The territory
from Dundas almost to the river, and from Talbot to Eidout, was
burned over, as related in the history of the Fire Department, except
the Balkwill Hotel, which stood where the City Hotel stands. Four
years later the EpiscopaHans, Baptists and New Connexion Methodists
had each a brick house of worship; the Wesleyans, Catholics, Con-
gregationalists. Free Churchmen, Secessionists, Universalists, Colored
Methodists and Colored Baptists had each a frame church building. At
this time London had daily mail communication with all towns on the
main road from Montreal to Amherstburg, as well as to St. Thomas
and Port Stanley ; thrice a week with Sarnia, and twice a week with
Goderich.
The journahsts were Lemon & Hart, of the Times, 1844; George
Brown, of the Western Globe, who printed the paper at Toronto, 1845 ;
Wm. Sutherland, of the Canadian Free Press, 1849 ; and John Pi.
Lavell, of the Gospel Messenger, 1848.
HlSTOltY OF THE
The physicians in London in 1849 were A. Anderson, David Far-
row, Henry Going, A. McKenzie, Charles G. Moore, Dr. Thomas
Phillips (then County Coroner), and George Southwick. They were
the only physicians then in the county, but others from St. Thomas,
Vienna and Port Stanley practiced here. The pioneers — Donnelly,
Lee, Chisholm — were all gone, although Dr. Lee did not die until
1854, when ship cholera carried away himself, G. Routledge and others.
The barristers of London and county in 1849 were Henry Becher,
E. Becher, James Daniel, Wm. Horton, E. Jones Parke, Thomas
■Scatcherd, J. F. Saxon, S. Shanley, D. M. Thompson, John Wilson
and Counsellor Hughes. Mr. Thompson returned to Adelaide, where
he is a leading farmer to-day.
The hotels of London in 1849 were : — Hope Hotel, by Wm. Balk-
will ; Wm. Barker's Hotel ; Robinson Hall, by J. M. Bennett ; Ex-
change Inn, by W. B. Lee; JMatthew's Hotel; McDowell's Hotel;
McFie's Hotel ; Robertson's Hotel ; British Exchange, by John Smith ;
Caledonia, by S. Smith ; Strong's Hotel ; Robert Summers' Hotel ;
and Mansion House, by Dave Thompson.
The merchants, traders and manufacturers were : —
Adair & Thompson Dry Goods
Adams, E Grocer
Anderson, M Foundry
Beddome, F. B . . Bookseller
Bissell, Wm Sash Factory
Buckley, R. H Grocer
Carling, Wm Brewer
Childa, W. H Insurance
•Coats, J Livery
Code, Thomas Building
Collovin. Matthew Dry Goods
Cox, B. & Co Dry Goods
Dalton, Henry Tallow Chandler
Darch, Robert Saddler
Davis, Henry Watchmaker
Dimond, John Brewer
Dixon, Thomas C Hatter
Eccles & Labatt Brewers
Elliott, J Builder
Ellis, E. P Cabinetmaker
Fennell, Robert Saddler
Franklin, J Insurance
Fraser, John Bank Montreal
Gibbins, Joe Saddler
Gillean, J Bookseller
Glass, Wm Grocer
■Glen, J Tailor
Gordon, Wm Dry Goods
Graham, J. M Bookseller
Green & Bros Builders
Gunn, G. M Dry Goods
Hall, W Tailor
Hamilton, James.. Bank of Upper Canada
Holmes, M Carriage Builder
Hope, Birrell & Co. . .General Merchants
Hynian, E. W Tannery
Jackson & Elliott Foundry
Jarmain, John Tinsmith
Jeanneret, R. J Watchmaker
Jennings, John Livery
King, W Saddler
Lampkin, H Insurance
Lawrason k Chisholm Merchants
Lemon & Hart Times
Leonard, E Founder
Lowrie, A Carriagemaker
McDonald, Alex Insurance
Macklin, J. C General Merchant
McBride, S Tinsmith
McFie, Hugh Grocer
McFie, Dan Dry Goods
McGill, Francis Dry Goods
MoKittrick, P Tailor
Magee, Geo. J Dry Goods
Magill, Matt Dry Goods
Macintosh, J. G. & Co Dry Goods
Marsh, D. 0 Saddler
Merrill, J. B Cabinetmaker
Mills, Wilson. Commission
Mousarratt, Chas Commercial Bank
Mitchell, B. A Druggist
Moore, Win Distiller
Morrill, Simeon Tanner
Mountjoy & Sons Cabinetmakers
Murphy, D Grocer
Murray R. S. & Co Dry Goods
Newcomlie, H. T Printer
Paul, A Grocer
Peters, Samuel Distiller
Phillips, John Dry Goods
Pomeroy, S. S Insurance
Plummer & Racy Carriage Builders
Raymond, E Hatter
Raynard, John Dry Goods
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 223
Keid, Robert Bookseller Street, W. \V Gore Bank
Rielly, W. T Livery Sutherland, W Free Press
Ridout, L Hardware Talbot, John Auctioneer
Rose, Hugh Grocer Till, W Cabinets
Salter, John Druggist Tyas & Williams Dry Goods
Smith, Francis Grocer Watson, George Builder
Smith, A. & G Grocer Williams. J Druggist
Smith, Roger Miller Wilson, Robert Grocer
Stewart Bros Tailors Winsor & Screaton Builders
A hundi-ed names of those who were associated with the progress of
the village prior to 1849 could be given here, but as such names are
reserved for the pages devoted to the industries of London, oaly those
who might escape notice are here given. Samuel Stansfield, a member
of London's first Council and a resident for 37 years, died in May, 1882.
Sergeant Wm. Dalton was born in Ireland in 1822. After the Afghan
war of 1842 he came to London, where his wife died in 1881, and him-
,self in April, 1885. He was baiTack sergeant here for years. John
Parkinson, who settled in London in 1839, died in October, 1888.
Immediately after settlement, he began work in the brick-yard of
James Ferguson, on Bathurst, between Talbot and Ridout streets ; but
for the succeeding 35 years was an employe of E. W. Hyman. In
1881 his wife met with an accident at the Richmond street railroad
crossing, which resulted in her death. Henry Coombs, who settled iu
the London neighborhood in 1842, opened one of the first cabinet-
making houses at London in 1843 ; but the Ellis shop was in existence
at least ten years prior to Coombs' opening, because in 1834 Robert
Summers purchased some furniture there. Old Dr. Moore, a tall,
well-educated Irishman, was a celebrated physician in the early years
of the county. His death took place in 1842 or 1843. Dr. Charles
G. Moore came afterwards to the city and practiced here until his death.
Geo. M. Gunn came to London in 1842, and entered into business with
his brother William, who had a general store on Dundas street, near
Robinson Hall. The fire of 1844 destroyed their premises, so that they
reopened one block east. Geo. M. died in 1882. Wm. Dunbar, who
came here in 1843, was a partner of Geo. Durand in the blacksmith
shop which then occupied the corner -of Richmond and King streets. In
1845 Durand moved to the United States, when James Dunbai- took
his place as partner, and from 1845 to 1879 the brothers carried on the
blacksmith business on York street. James Dunbar settled in Middle-
sex in 1833, and died in 1882. Captain Isaac May, born in Cavan
County, Ireland, in 1821, settled at London in 1844, and died in 1884.
He was the pioneer of the steamship line between Cleveland and Port
Stanley, and owned seven barges and two steamers, besides other craft.
In 1846 Thomas Scanlon carried on the business of tallow chandler.
Dr. Henry Hanson migrated to Canada in 1844, and settled near Hyde
Park village ; but later took a position in Dr. Salter's drug store, studied
medicine, and in 1846 began the practice of medicine, travelling
through Western Ontario, as there were no regular physicians outside
London, Sarnia and Goderich. His death took place in January, 1885.
15 • ■
224 HISTORY OF THE
Henry Coombs' family now own the Mansion house. In 1832 Stillman
Olds was a currier, William Underwood and Isaac L. George, millers,
of London, Wm. Cooper, carpenter, of Westminster.
In April, 1853. a great convention of colored refugees from slavery
was held at London. The colored population of the town then was
276, and their real estate was assessed at $13, .504. At this convention,
numbers of colored folk from the Wilberforce colony near Lucan were
present.
To point out the precocious growth of ideas at the close of the period
it wiU ouly be necessary to quote the following motion by Councillors
Barker and McClary, made in September, 1851. This called attention
to the fact that Mr. Strathy was about building his new house at the
corner of Duudas and Eidout, and " Tliat the Council have heard with
regret that it is to be only two stories, which, in the opinion of tliis
Council, would be very unsightly and ottensive to those who have
expended large sums in that neighborhood for the ornament and
improvement of the town." It was well such guardians of the beauti-
ful did not pass an ordinance making it optional with the people to
say what class of house Tom, Dick or Harry should build They may
have learned that tastes were developing, and trusted to time to teach
even house builders what harmony signifies.
The opening of the railroad in 1853 raised up new aspirations. In
September of that year, £200 — not dollars — were appropriated by the
Council, to celebrate the opening of the Great Western Eailroad ; and
£200 were gi'anted to the Mayor, in recognition of liis services as
Mayor and as a director in the railroad company. That ceremony
introduced modern London, for with the shrill voice of the locomotive
came new strangers, some from the world of luxury and fashion, some
irom that of labor and worth, all teaching lessons, all taking a part in
forming society and building it up from the state of revelry to that of
dignity.
Real Estate in 1852-7. — In 1851, what is known in modern days
as a real estate boom, visited the town of London. Owing to the
prospects of increased railway accommodation, speculators took advan-
tage of the opportunity, and startling transactions in real estate become
of daily occuiTence. The unsuspecting public nipped at the gilded
bait, and property assumed a highly fictitious value. Lots were pui-
chased for prospective suburban residences, almost as far out as
Komoka, at ridiculous figures ; but the fond hopes of the ill-advised
investors never matured, and the excitement eventually subsided, not,
however, without leaving in its wake the usual contingent of luckless
victims.
As an idea of how properties sold at that time, A. S. Abbott, city
clerk, tells of purchasing a lot of 42 feet frontage near where the Abbott
carriage factory now stands on Dundas street, between Wellington and
Waterloo, in 1853 or 1854, at $100 per foot, and in a year or two
afterwards he saw the adjoining lot sold for $13 per foot. That was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 225
only one instance out of hundreds. The panic of 1857 came to com-
plete the wi-eck. A number of men, some old settlers like Peter
McCann, held a large quantity of land through the years of depres-
sion ; but now they were compelled to sell it for a trifle, or allow it
to pass from their possession.
Ten years after the first railroad train entered London, commercial
and real estate men felt that the days of panic were over, and that the
city had been placed on a sure foundation of prosperity. The rental
of real estate in 1863 was $155,997, and the yearly value, when rental
was not assessed, $123,335,— or total value, $279,332 ; the taxable in-
come was $451,200, and the total value of personal property $521,000.
PosUoffi,ce. — The nearest post-offices to London were one at St.
Thomas, another at Ingersoll, which was kept by Squire Ingersoll,
after whom the town of that name is called, and the remaining one on
the plains north of Hall's mills, where Mr. Lawrason, father of London's
police magistrate, caiTied on a combined post-office and general store.
The mails were delivered at irregular intervals, and on the delivery
days there was always a strong rush for the messages which the iso-
lated settlers expected to receive. On the settlement of the village,
an office was established in 1828, with Ira Schofield in charge ; but in
1829, Geo. J. Goodhue was appointed master, he having previously
established the mail at his store in Westminster. The office was in a
small log house on North street, in an unsettled part of the village, a
little east of the entrance to the former residence of L. Lawrason, near
the Sacred Heart Convent. It was a rude log cabin, and its remote-
ness was very inconvenient to the business community. Government
was therefore petitioned for its removal, and it was thereafter kept ia
Goodhue's store. The mail in those days only came in once a week,
which, however, was considered fast work in view of the few facilities
aff'orded. Mr. Goodhue held this office up to 1852, except during the
short term of his suspension.
Lawrence Lawless, who in 1852 settled in Delaware, and was the
first mail earner between that village and London, was subsequently
clerk for Lawrason, again for Goodhue, and later for Jennings. Later
still, he was Assistant Postmaster at Toronto ; but after Goodhue
resigned the London ofliee, Lawless was appointed, retiring as a super-
annuate in 1880, and dying September 21, 1882.
In June, 1881, Postmaster R. J. C. Dawson was appointed, having
been connected with the office since 1852-3. J. D. Sharman, the
Assistant Postmaster, has been in the office since 1859. In speaking
of those days, through the Advertiser, he says : — " When I came here,
the office was next door, where Aid. Moule's store is now. The staff
consisted of eight, all told. There was L. Lawless, the Postmaster ;
R. J. C. Dawson, acting assistant; John Maitland, Joseph Gordon,
E. D. Campbell, F. French, and myself, clerks. Mr. Lawless is dead ;
John Maitland is still alive, and approaching 90 years of age ; Joseph
Gordon is in Toronto ; R. D. Campbell, who was a son of the late
226 HISTORY OF THE
Judge Campbell, of Niagara Falls, and a very fine fellow, is dead also ;
and Fleming French is now in the Ottawa post-office. In 1859 there
were eight employes. At the beginning of the letter delivery we had
five caniers, now we have twenty-five, while the whole force of
employes numbers forty-nine. Then the office revenue was §12,000
per annum ; now it is S47,000. There were only four officials in the
Inspector's department in 1863 ; now there are eight. Gilbert Griffin
was Inspector then; he is now in Kingston. George Cox was chief
clerk ; he is now living in the northern part of the city. Charles
Whaleu and Pat. Dower were clerks. Whaleu is farming in the
Eastern township, and Dower is dead."
In 185:)-4, while the office was still on Eidout street, a system of
letter delivery was obtained. John Nichol was authorized by several
residents to call for their letters at the office, and his system of private
delivery continued about thirteen years, the people paying a direct tax
of one penny per letter to Nichol. Street letter boxes were placed Dec.
21, 1874, and later, the letter delivery system was extended to the
city. The revenue from 1876 to 1888 is stated as follows : —
1876 128,126 25 1881 $38,319 42 1884 §42,735 59
1879 32,913 50 1882 43,455 51 1885 42,517 46
1880 35,804 90 1883 42,502 94 1886 44,309 78
1887 $45,693 64
The revenue of 1888 will run to about $47,000.00, the fiscal year
including June 30. The site for the London Post Office was purchased
from W. & J. CarHng in 1856 for $8,640. In 1870-1 an additional
tract of land was purchased. In the fall of 1858 work was commenced
on the building, which was completed in 1860, at a cost of . ■530,482. 76.
Up to July 1, 1867, no less than $40,526.06 were expended on con-
struction, site and repairs. The original building was can-ied out by
Mr. Elliot from design by Architect W. B. Leather. Front, 48 feet ;
rear, 59 feet, and depth, (>6 feet. In 1873-4 an addition was made
from plans by Architect Wm. Kobinson.
TJie Custom House. — In 1854, when London was established a
custom district, the office was on the ground floor of tlie building
opposite Market Lane on Dundas. Some time later, Dr Hiram Lee, a
son of the dramatist, was appointed Collector, but in 1855-6 he was
succeeded by his brother-in-law, James B. Strathy, then clerk of the
county. He held tiie office until 1878, when Robert Eeid, the present
Collector, was appointed. The business was carried on for some time
opposite the City Hall on Richmond street ; again in the Albion
Buildings from 1858 to September, 1872, when a part of the present
building was completed.
The site of the Custom House was purchased in 1869-70 from St.
Paul's Church for $8,000. In the latter year the work of construction
commenced, and continued until completion in 1873-4. The main
building is three stories high, covering 30,509 square feet. Tiie one-
story annex covers 1,204 square feet. The outer walls of Ohio stone
are built in the modern Italian style, from plans by Wm. Robinson.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 227
The custom receipts of the port from 1871 to 1881 are as fol-
lows : —
1871 $233,126 1874 $304,888 1877 $419,938 1880 $451,751
1S72 263,076 1875 330.232 1878 459,147 1881 541,724
1873 214,970 1876 353,377 1879 470,510
The officers of the Port of London are Robert Eeid, Collector ; E.
S Collett, Surveyor ; Thos. Miller, Chief Clerk ; W. G. Flynn, Clerk ;
J. L. Williams, Clerk and Locker ; Oscar H. Talbot, Clerk ; Jno. Sid-
dons, Appraiser; Geo. D. Sutherland, L>y Goods Appraiser; Ed.
Finnegan, Clerk ; William Brett, Packer ; Piichard Irvine, Landing
Waiter, Grand Trunk de]iot ; Edward B. Minhinnick, Assistant Land-
ing Waiter, G. T. R ; William Taylor, Landing Waiter at Michigan
Central depot. The outports connected are at Strathroy and Clinton,
where James Taylor and John Irvine are Collectors
Military Buildings. — In 1864 two brick sheds and armories were
constriicted on Central and Wellington streets, one 113x77 feet, and
one 14ox4:t feet, in the centre of Militia Grounds. The large shed
was demolished by a storm. In February, 1865, the military barracks,
then evacuated by the troops on order of Governor Williams, for an
alleged insult offered to Garrison Commander Boles by the ]\Iayor, were
for sale. In 1864 the military also were quartered in the McPherson
carriage factory. In June, 1876 the contracts for erection of brick
militia buildings were sold for $6,342, J. Bryan, J. Garner and A.
Purdom being the contractors. The brick storehouse cost $2,818, and
the caretaker's house and magazine $5,876 ; in all, $18,136.
Railroad Buildings. — The first Grand Trunk depot of 1858 was an
open platform for freight and passenger business, just east of Adelaide
street. This was succeeded by a brick building The location was
inconvenient ; so the company sought a spot on Hamilton Road and
Burwell street, where a frame shanty was erected 18x20 feet, con-
structed with rough boards. In December, 1872, this building was
destroyed. The old broad-gauge bed from St. Marys to London was
changed to the American gauge that year, and a desire for improve-
ment was manifest ; but yet the company switched an old coach on
the west track which was used as office and waiting-room until the
present buildings were opened Jan. 1, 1875. The first freight agent
was P. H. Carter, who was succeded by Calvert. Carter returned, but
was succeeded by Thorp. Wm. Whyte came in 1874. In 1879 J. A.
Roche succeeded him.
The Canadian Pacffic Railroad depot, near the northern limits of
the city, is also a modern building.
The Michigan Central depot and grounds are new additions to the
city — coming with the railroad. The building is modern in every
respect, and though not by any means the largest, is as substantially
built as any, and architecturally the neatest in Canada.
Modern Building Era. — The erection of the Tecumseh House and
City Hall in 1854-5 ushered in the modern building era. In 1856,
228 HISTORY OF THE
brick, stone and frame houses were added to the few important stores
and dwelHngs which escaped the fires of former years, and in 1859 no
less than $81,000 were expended on pretentious structures. In that
year the following investments were made : —
Owner. Street. Builder. Est'm'd. Owner. Street. Builder. Est'm'd.
Ashton Dundas ...Moffat.... $ 800 New Bauk. ..Richmond. — . $30,000
Adams Duke Screatou.. 2,500 Tost Office do. Campbell 20,000
Cimpbell... Talbot .. ... li.OOO Smith, F Dundas... do. 6,000
Darby Richmond.Grceu . .. 2,500 School Horton. ..Garratt.. 2,000
Leonard.... do. Elliott.... 2,000 Wesleyan Ch.. Pall Mall., do. 800
MoGauley . . . King Garratt... 3,000 Wilson, Capt. Talbot. .. .Moffat . . 3,000
Magee. ..Dundas.. . .Campbell. 2,000 Wheeler do. do. 800
Mccormick.. do. ... 1,600 WeUington. . .{go^'J^^k} Code. 1,000
John Mills, the stationer, who came here in 1858, makes this
statement : — " There was only one house the other side of Maitland
street, and that belonged to a Mr. Rowland, whose son is in the city
now. My stnre at ])resent is in the lieart of the business part of
London. In those days it was near the edge, as most of the trade of
the city was done west of Richmond street. Still there were a num-
ber of stores around here, but nothing like there is to-day."
From this period forward the enterprise of the capitalist, of the
religious and secret societies, of the hundreds who were searching for
pleasant homes, went hand-in-hand with the energy of contractors,
and gave to London of the present day well built-up business thorough-
fares, streets, and elegant residence streets.
Queen's avenue is the most beautiful drive ; the rows of residences
along this street are worth noting. Among the most attractive are those
of John Labatt, Geo. T. Hiscox, Dr. Moorehouse, Dr. Campbell, the
London Club, Wm. Spencer, Duffield, Mrs. Rock, Col. Lewis, A. W.
Porte, St. Andrew's manse. Dr. Eccles, Ed. Beltz, J. K. Clare, Mrs.
Elliott, W. D. Eckert, J. B. Laidlaw, A. S. Abbott, Gilbert Glass, F. E.
Leonard, Major Larmour, (.'has. Crawford, E. R. Baynes, E. B. Reed,
St. Paul's rectory, Philip Cook, .1. M. Denton's terrace, A. Screaton,
S. R. Brown.
Talbot street lioasts of several good residences. Among the best
are those of Mayor Cowan, Mrs. Meredith, Robt. Pritchard, Carleton
Terrace, A. K. Melbourne, Dr. Fraser, Harvey's terrace, Dr. Smith,
Wm. A. Lipsey, R. J. C. Dawson, A. M. Smart, Alex. Stewart, John
S. Pearce, Donald McDonald, W. J. Saunby, Wm. Magee, W. C.
Furness, Rev. Canon Newman, Alex. Harvey, Thos. S. Hobbs, Cam-
den terrace, James Owrey, R. S. Murray, Miss Kennedy, W. J.
Hymaii, Geo. S. Birrell, Hon. Elijah Leonard, to which list must be
;;dded Carlings' brewery.
King street is another drive, along which are many fine residences
worth seeing Among these are the homes of Dr. Moore, John Wolfe,
B. A. Mitchell, R. C. Struthers, Wm. Stevely, Dr. Cattermole, Robert
Reid, Inspector Boyle, T. C. Hewitt, R. C. Macfie, .Fohn Taylor, F. A.
Fitzgerald, John Tanton, James H. Belton, L. H. Scandrett, Thos. Pur-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 229
doni, Mrs. Tilley, Frederick Rowland, Wm. Willis, John Adams, John
Forsyth, John G. Mcintosh, Mrs. Elliott, Mrs. Johnston, Arthur Wal-
lace, Mrs. H. Davis, Eobert McPherson, H. Ashplant, Wm. Ward, Dr.
Tennant, H. C. Green, J. L. Burt, John Purdom, D. A. McDermid, H.
G. Abbott, E. D. Dulmage, and Mrs. H. R. Brown.
Among the finer class of residences on Dutferin avenue are those
of John Ferguson, J. W. Little, Wm. McDonough, George C. Gibbons,
W. T. Strong, C. W. Andrus, St. Peter's Palace, Rev. J. F. Latimer,
James C. DufBeld, Geo. F. McC'ormick, Wm. M. Spencer, the Colle-
giate Institute, S. H. Craig, J. B. Vining, Judge Elliot, Andrew Cleg-
horn, E. D. Millar, Mrs. Graydon, Geo. Laing, Wilbur R. Vining,
Richard Irving, Andrew Dale, John Shopland, Charles G. Cody, C. H.
E. Fisher, W. D. Buckle, Frank Glass, L. C. Leonard, John Bowman,
Alfred Robinson, Walter Bartlett, W. T. Edge, Colonel Aylmer.
There are many other very fine residences in London worth seeing,
but it is hardly possible to give a full list. Among the principal are
those of Colonel Peters, on Maple street ; Dr. Brown, on Kent ; Josiah
Blackburn, W. R. Meredith, Mr. McKinnon, James Magee and E.
Bayly, on Albert street ; John McNee, J. D. Anderson, Mrs. Moore,
Wm. E. Saunders, James Reid, Eobert Reid, jr., and George McNab,
on Central avenue ; S. Macdonald, Dr. Oronhyatekha, Chas. Kent and
Joseph Jeffrey, on Lichfield street ; Bishop Baldwin and Geo. Robin-
son, on St. James street ; Mrs. E. W. Hyman, on Sydenham ; St. John
Hyttenrauch, J. D. Sharman and Isaac Danks, on Richmond street ;
Wm. Percy and Samuel Flory, on Grosvenor street; Henry Becher
and John Puddicombe, Huron College and Principal Fowell's residence,
on George street ; Chief Williams, on Colborne street ; Nathaniel Reid,
on Waterloo street ; Alex. Johnston, on Colborne street ; the Sacred
Heart Convent, on Dundas street ; Samuel Glass and M. Masuret, on
Wellington street ; George Taylor, on Adelaide street ; Samuel Craw-
ford, V. Cronyn. Rev. J. H. Eobinson, Wm. Bowman, Murray Ander-
son, Ben Higgins, and John B. Murphy, on Dundas street ; James D.
Smith, W. F. Bullen, Eev. J. B. Richardson, Rowland Dennis and
Donald Morrison, on William street ; Thomas Muir, David Smith, C.
D. Ban-, Mrs. Russell Hardy and John Christie, on Waterloo ; Sheriff
Glass, Ed. Meredith, L. K. Cameron and J. I). Mcllwain, on Colborne
street ; Chas. F. Colwell, Joshua Garrett, Mrs. Macbeth, Thos. Green,
M. D. Eraser and A. W. Eraser, on Princess avenue; John Coote, on
Oxford street.
On Dundas and Richmond streets are several fine business blocks,
hotels and bank buildings, and at the corner of Richmond street and
DuH'erin avenue, on the old lot patented by the Government to the
Church, is St. Peter's Cathedral, a building that would do credit to one
of the oldest and most populous cities of the continent.
The court-house, jail and county offices on Ridout street are very
primitive structures. The court-house and jail is a feudal-looking
pile, built at the close of an age which dreamt only of keeping the
230 HISTORY OF THE
people in a state of semi-slavery. It is a venerable pile, but will have-
to go down to make room for a modern building.
The past few years have seemed to intensify the admiration of
residents and attract accessions to the population. New homes, new
school and church buildings emphasize these appearances. The beauty
of location, the enterprise and liberality of the founders and builders,
not more than educational and social prominence, the superiority of
pubhc, private, denominational and convent schools, and the compara-
tively high state of morals to be found in the city, combine to render
it a point where merit will receive encouragement and assistance.
With all that has been done, much remains to be accoraplLshed.
The destiny of the city will be reached when all, every one, of the
animate barriers who are now here find a less progressive and more
congenial land, or are called away to that happy country, where for-
ever they can blow at Gabriel's horn.
Municipal Histotn/. — In former pages of this work, devoted ta
general history, an endeavor has been made to fully portray that
period in the history of the city when the primary steps were taken
to found a colony and build a town. Bringing the record down to a
date when the early settlement, emerging from behind clouds of
disappointment and uncertaint}\ took its allotted place among the
established evidences of Western Canadian enterprise, it is now
proposed to examine into a period in the history of the same city,^
when, with resources greatly enlarged and territory extended by a
brilliant career of enterprise and industry, it has progressed to a degree
of perfection invariably attending the exercise of these incentives.
Such success, born of laudable ambition, may have excited the jealousy
of rivals, but it has not bred a mischievous poHcy ; it has not nur-
tured the germs of domestic corruption, which culminate in decay.
Under public and private care the city grew rapidly, trade was ex-
tended, manufactures increased, great improvements effected, additional
school-buildings erected, new religious and secular societies organized,
agi'icultural interests forwarded by every means, railroads aided and
built, bridges constructed, and everything accomplished which gave
promise of contributing to municipal, commercial and social advance-
ment.
On Jan. 30, 1826, an act to establish the district town of the Loudon
District in a more central position and to annex the townships of
Walpole and Eainham to Haldimand County, in the Niagara District,
was passed. This act jjrovided that Quarter Sessions and District
courts be held within some part of the reservation formerly made for
the site of a town, near the forks of the Thames in the townships of
London and Westminster, in Middlesex County, so .soon as a jail and
court-house be completed. The survey, as recorded in the beginning
of this chapter, was made, atid the work of Quarter Sessions and Assize
Courts was begun here in 1827. The settlement formed a iiart of
London Township down to 1840, when a village government was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 231
granted. From 1842 to its incorporation as a city in 1854, the town was-
represented in the County Council, as shown in the general chai)ter
on Quarter Sessions and County Councils, but for the last thirty-four
years its government has been distinct from that of the county, being,
as it were, one of the principalities which Dorchester dreamt of build-
ing up out of the wilderness, differing only in having men chosen by
men to rule.
Village of London Council. — The Presidents of the Village of
London from 1840 to 1847 are named as follows : — George J. Good-
hue, 1840 ; James Givens, 1841 ; Edward Matthews, 1842-3; James
Farley, 1844; John Balkwill, 1845; T. W. Shepherd, 1846; and
Hiram D. Lee, 1847. The Councillors of St. Patrick's Ward were
Dennis O'Brien, 1840-1 ; John O'Neil, 1842 ; Edward Matthews, 1843,
who later shot himself where the Federal Bank was erected; J. Crnik-
shank, 1844-5; Wm. Balkwill, 1846; and H. S. Eoblnson, 1847. The
Councillors of St. George's Ward were Geo. J. Goodhue, 1840 ; John
Jennings, 1841; John Claris, 1842-3; John Jennings, 1844-5; T. W.
Stephen, 1846 ; Wm. Barker, 1847. The Councillors of St. Andrew's
Ward were Simeon Morrill, 1840-1 ; H. Van Buskirk, 1842 ; Richard
Frank, 1843; John Talbot, 1844; John Balkwill, 1845; Simeon Mor-
rill, 1846 ; Philo Bennett, 1847. The Councillors of St. David's Ward
were John Balkwill, 1840-4 ; John Blair, 1845 ; John O'Flynn, 1846 ;
James Gi'aham, 1847. The additional Councillors, commonly called
"fifth members," were James Givens, 1840-1; Edward Matthews,
1842 ; John O'Neil, 1843 ; James Farley, 1844 ; John O'Flynn, 1845 ;
Geo. Thomas, 1846; Dr. H. D. Lee, 1847. The Clerks of the old
village were Alex. Eobertson, 1S4U; D. J. Hughes, 1841 ; W. K. Cor-
nish, 1842-3; Geo. Railton, 1844; Thomas Scatcherd, 1845-6; Henry
Hamilton, 1847.
Transactions of the Old Council. — There is no record ante-dating
April, 1843, when clerk W. K. Cornish was instructed to obtain a
minute book and the necessary stationery for the use of the Police
Board. Ezekiel Whittimore was appointed inspector, but the object
which he was to inspect is not named. The amount in which the
treasurer was to give bonds was £1,000 ; the clerk, £500 ; inspector,
£100; assessor, £250; constable, £100; collector, £500. Thomas^
Carliiig was appointed street surveyor, his pay being five shillings
for each day engaged. Wm. Kobb was appointed constable ; J. H.
Carr, assessor, and John O'Neil, collector. In May the sum of £10
was granted to W. K. Cornish as rent for the use of his office to March,
1844, as Council Chamber. James Givens, President of the Board,
was ordered to surrender the bond of John Hughes, former clerk of the
village. An entry of October 23, 1843, speaks plainly on some of the
habits and customs of the times. " John Balkwill, Esq., having
attended the Board in a state of intoxication : ordered, that the constable-
do remove him ; he having done everything in his power to impede
the proceedings of the Board." Later that evening a second resolution^
232 HISTORY OF THE
was carried. " John Balkwill, Esq., one of the members of the Board,
liavinw broken the windows of the office, or instigated the same to be
done : ordered, that the Board adjourn till to-morrow morning." W.
K. Cornish, village clerk, gave notice that he would resign, owing to
Balkwill's conduct.
In June or July, 1843, depredations of some character were com-
mitted at London. The Board offered £10, and Mr. Whittimore £5,
for the apprehension of the offenders.
Major Holmes, commanding the Twenty-third Regiment, then
garrisoning London (July, 1844), was refeiTed to clause eighteen of
by-laws, and requested to prevent his men from violating such clause.
Henry C. E. Becher, Charles Prior, Alex. Gordon and W. K. Cornish
were appointed returning officers for 1844. In December, 1844. the
use of the Board room was granted to the Masonic Lodge, on petition
of Alex. Gordon. In January, 1837, a petition from the residents of
London asked the Quarter Sessions Court to order all dogs to be " shut
up or shot ;" but as some of the magistrates were the owners of the
worst dogs in the village, the petition was left unnoticed. A "dog law,"
however, was passed by the Village Council, Feb. 2, 1884. The
officers of the Board for 1844 were: — George Eailton, clerk; W. W.
Street, treasurer ; Boyle Tra\ers, assessor ; John McDowell, collector ;
Philo Bennett, constable; E. Whittimore, inspector, and Benjamin
Higgins, pound-keeper.
The municipal business of 1845 opened with a meeting called to
protest against a petition then in the hands of the Government, seek-
ing the amendment of the village charter. Thos. Keir, Geo. Eailton,
Alex. Gordon and D. M. Thompson were returning officers. On Feb.
5, 1845, the question of who was elected to the Board from St. Patrick's
Ward was decided in favor of John Cruikshank against Hugh Steven-
son, and of John Balkwill against Ellis. Henry C. E. Bechor repre-
sented Ellis, and Wm. Horton represented Hugh Stevenson. John
Wilson was employed as village attorney in May, 1845. The officers
of the Board for 1845 were: — W. W. Street, treasurer; Thomas
Scatcherd, clerk ; Boyle Travers, assessor ; John McDowell, collector ;
Peter McCaim, constable; Ezekiel Whittimore, warden and in-
spector and Benjamin Higgins, pound-keeper. In October, 1845,
Colonel Talbot was asked to bring before the Government the pro-
position of granting to the Town of London all the broken front
lots within the village limits. In December a new series of by-
laws appeared in the Times. In August, 184(i, George Thomas, a
member of the Board, moved to Chatham. His resignation was asked
for by letter of Clerk Scatcherd. Among the items jiaid in April,
1847, was £5 to H. C. E Becher "for drafting proposed new act of
incorporation of the town." In 1847 Henry Hamilton was elected
Clerk, and John Brown, collector, being the only changes in the list of
Board officers, John Walsh iiaving refused to serve as inspector.
Many of the acts of the old village do not appear here. Those relat-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX 233
iiig to fires, licenses, hospitals, bonus to industries, police,
will be found under their respective headings.
Town of London. — The act to repeal the act of incorporation of
the Town of London and to establish a Town Council for London,
instead of a Board of Police, was assented to July 28, 1847.
The Mayors of the Town of London from 1848 to 1854 are named
as follows: — Simeon Morrill, 1848 and 1850-1; Thomas C.Dixon,
1849; Edward Adams, 1852-3; and Marcus Holmes, 1854.
The Council of 1848 comprised H. S. Robinson and John Dimond ;
Wm. Barker and Samuel Stansfield ; Philo Bennett and Michael Seger ;
A. McCormick and John Doyle, represented the wards respectively.
In 1849 M. Anderson and Piobert Gunn ; William Barker and Thomas
Carling ; James Daniel and Philo Bennett ; James Graham and Benj.
Nash. On March 1, 1849, effigies were publicly burned in the mar-
ket square of London. The Mayor, although asked by the Council to
take action in the matter, failed to notice the proceeding. In 1850,
each of the wards was given three representatives and the town a
Reeve and Deputy. The Councilmen were: — Murray Anderson, L.
Lawrason and John Ashton ; Thomas Carling, H. C. R. Becher and
Wm. Barker ; Simeon Morrill, James Daniel and Philo Bennett ;
Benj. Nash, John K. Labatt and Edward Adams. In 1851 Edward
Adams replaced Lawrason for St. Patrick's ward ; Carling, Becher and
Barker were re-elected for St. George's ward ; Simeon Morrill, Oliver
McClary and Marcus Holmes for St. Andrew's ; John K. Labatt, D.
M. Thomson and John Clegg for St. David's. In 1852 James Ohver,
E. Adams and M. Anderson ; T. Carling, W. Barker and J. C. Mere-
dith ; Marcus Holmes, James Reid and Oliver McClary ; James Daniel,
Geo. Code and John Clegg, represented the several wards. In 1853
the first named two wards were represented as in 1852 : — Marcus
Holmes, James Cousins and Ellis W. Hyman represented St. Andrew's ;
John Scanlan, Peter Schram and James Daniel, St. David's. Mur-
ray Anderson was Reeve, and Wm. Barker, Deputy from 1840 to the
close of 1852. Wm. Barker in 1853-4, with Marcus Holmes, Deputy
in 1853, and Murray Anderson in 1854.
In 1854 Elijah Leonard replaced Oliver for St. Patrick's, Robert
Wilson replaced J. C. Meredith for St. George's, St. Andrew's Ward
retained its three representatives of 1853, while James Moffat, John
Blair and John Clegg were the Councilmen elected for St. David's
Ward.
Alfred Carter was the first clerk of the old town in 1848. James
Farley succeeded him in 1849, and held the position until the town
government was changed into a city government, Jan. 1, 1855.
Transactions of Town. Council. — The transactions of the old
Town Comicil, like those of the Village Council, were of such a varied
character, that like them, they are scattered throughout this chapter,
and some find a way into county history. On Aug. 17, 1847, Mr.
Barker was called to apologize for the use of abusive '
234 HISTORY OF TILE
brother members of the Board the day before. In August Collector
McDowell resigned, when A. S. Abbott was appointed to that posi-
tion. In September Clerk Carter refused to pay over moneys alleged
to have been collected by him, to the new Council. In October the
Council enacted that all religious societies using the Town Hall should
pay two and a-half shillings per night. The New Connexion Metho-
dist Society was permitted to put up an extra stove in the Council
room. Mr. ]\IcClary was town surveyor and engineer.
In January, 1849, the election case of Balk will vs. Nash was before
the Council. There were many witnesses, who proved that Balkwill,
since giving up house- keeping, still resided here, while others proved
him only to be a visitor. The Council decided in favor of Nash, who
was declared Councilman for St David's Ward. James Farley was
chosen clerk ; and, on motion of Barker, seconded by Bennett, a vote
of thanks was given to ex-Clerk Charles Hutchinson for the efi&cient
and satisfactory manner in which he fulfilled the duties of his office.
A. S. Abbott was reappointed collector, with Tenser, Stead and Plum-
Ou February 7 the Council convened to review the draft of a bill
providing for a general municipal incorporation law, and the town was
divided into Centre, North and South Wards. Henry C. R. Becher
was appointed town solicitor to succeed John Wilson.
In January, 1850, Eeeve Anderson was chosen to represent the
town in the County Council, with Deputy-Beeve Nash. James
Farley was appointed clerk ; Peter JMcCann, High Bailiff ; Captain
Caddy, engineer ; W. W. Street, treasurer ; A. S. Abbott, clerk.
Harding O'Brien, Hugh Stevenson and John ]\IcDovvell were ap-
pointed assessors for St. George's Ward ; John Plummer, A. Lowrie
(succeeded by J. Talbot) and Peter Schram, for St. Patrick's ; John
Scanlon, E. JP. Ellis and John Matthews, for St. Andrew's ; James
Elliot, Henry Green and Thomas Eraser, for St. David's. The constables
then appointed for the wards, in the order as given, were Thomas
Fletcher and W. McAdani ; Patrick McLaughlin, John Booth and
Thomas Wiggins. A. W. Griffith was appointed inspector, with John
Lowrie. Samuel H. Parke was reappointed inspector of weights and
measures. The salaries were : — Clerk, £.5.5 ; treasurer, £25 ; engineer,
£50; collector, £45; high constable, £25; inspectors, £12 10s. Od.
each In May, 1850, ( 'ouncillor Labatt asked the Council to proclaim
May 24th a holiday.
In April, 1852, tenders for surveying the town were received from
Samuel Peters, £223; John Tally,' £503 ; Sandford Fleming, £125 ^
Robert Iuni.s, £110; Charles Eraser, £lli9 ; W. B. Leather, £293;
Geo. P. Leddy, £180 ; and William McClary, £195. The work was
awarded to Samuel Peters. In July W. W. Street resigned the office
of Treasurer (which he held for 12 years), when John Brown was ap-
pointed. In December the Council agreed to attend the funeral of
Geo. Lode, a late member. The gentlemen were also kind enough to
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 235
themselves to order " 18 pairs of men's black kid gloves and crape,
and a sufficient quantity of white satin ribbon," so that they could at-
tend the funeral in state.
An act vesting a portion of Church street in the Board of Works
was approved June 14, 185:!. John and William Carling, William T.
Kenwick and James S. Thompson were owners of certain lots bounded
on the west by Church street, and their petition, on which the act was
based, pointed out that Church street was rendered useless by the
o])ening of the new or Sarnia street ; that they received no compensa-
tion therefor ; and so it was ordered that the Board of Works sell to
the owners named that portion of L'hurch street abutting their lots as
a consideration for their property appropriated to Sarnia street.
On Sept. 29, 1855, the Council granted £50 to celebrate the fall of
Sebastopol, and ordered the police, fire lirigade and people to turn out.
Councillors Glass, Leonard, McBride, Schram, Carling and Kermott
were appointed to manage the affair. In October, 1855, the Governor-
General was officially received. In December a visit from the City
Council and Fire Department of Detroit, Mich., was frustrated by the
Great Western Eailway refusing to lower the regular fare. The Lon-
don (."ouncil consoled the would-be visitors with the promise that on
the completion of the London & Port Stanley Railroad they could
come to the Port by steamer and thence to London free.
Parks. — Sixty-two years ago London was all a park. For a decade
prior to 1826 the country at the Forks was known to some of the settlers
of the seven-mile- woods of Oxford, of the Buckwheat River settlement in
Dorchester, of Westminster, Delaware and London Townships. In
1816 Monseigneur Plessis, of Quebec, visited the place, with Rev. Mr.
Kelly and the Abbe Gauvreau, on their return from Sandwich ; but of
all who passed this way since Simcoe and his staff camped at the Forks,
not one, except Bishop Plessis, considered the beautiful place worth
notice. It was all a park, fit for the aborigines to dwell in ; their most
picturesque and one of their most profitable hunting grounds. The
surveyor came with his chain and axe, the spell of the wilderness was
removed, and the trees of a century began to disappear. Andrew
Yerex, who looked in on this scene in 1824, states that on his arrival
in the fall of 1824 the place where London now stands was a dense
forest, and only two concessions of Westminster were fairly settled.
The roads were scarcely more than trails through the woods, marked
by the blazed trees, which formed conspicuous landmarks along the
route. In fact there was but one line that could really be termed a
thoroughfare, that being the Longwoods road, or, as it was then termed,
Westminster street, although there was another road leading to St.
Thomas. That place was then called a village, and possessed some
importance, as it had about a dozen houses.
Little did the early inhabitants estimate the value of trees ; they
were an incumbrance, and their wholesale destruction was looked upon
with pleasure ; but with all the ravages of commercial progress one
236 HISTOUY OF THE
little grove remained to receive as it were the first railroad train in
1853. That year Alex. Tytler arrived here, and speaking of the old
forest, by the tongue of the Advertiser, in Oct., IS88, he says: —
" When I came here there was no London East, no London South, nor
no London West. There were a few scattered houses over there, but
you could fire a cannon off from the top of the hill without the least
danger of doing any damage. Why, twenty or twenty five years ago
I helped to cut trees down on Dundas street. It's not so very long
ago since a group of trees gi'ew on the corner of Talbot and Dundas
streets. I helped to clear them away."
The inhabitants of later days, however, learned of the loss sus-
tained through want of judgment in their predecessors Thousands of
dollars had to be expended in an ettbrt to secure for the residence streets
and parks of the present time suitable shade trees. Even the court-
house square, which the vandal officers of 1827-8 had cleared of the
old, old trees, so that they could chain their prisoners to the stumps,
had to be replanted, and a little while ago many of the great pines
which stood in Salter's gi-ove had to give way to the Exposition build-
ings or to the race track. Never will pine grow here again like those
monarchs of the gi'ove. From Carling's Creek to Wellington, a dense
pine forest existed — all buckwheat pine of young growth — until Thos.
Waters built his saw-mill above Hyman's present tannery.
Victoria Park was so named by the Governor-General. August 27,
1874. This park, says the Advertiser : — " Comprises about sixteen
acres, and is fast becoming, as the trees grow larger, one of the loveli-
est spots in the city. The site where it now stands originally belonged
to the Imperial Government, who reserved it for military purposes.
In 1837, when they were hurrying out troops to this country to sup-
press the rebellion, a long frame barracks was erected upon the ground
for their accommodation, and for many years after that British troops
were quartered therein. In time this immense barracks began to
decay, and the troops deserted it. It finally became an eyesore to the
city, and the resort for characters of the worst sort, who made a regu -
lar borough out of it for themselves. It gave the whole neighborhood
a name from which it took years to recover, and finally one night it
caught fire and was totally destroyed. This property, long before this
time, had been transferred from the Imperial to the Dominion Govern-
ment, and subsequently by the Dominion Government deeded to the
city of London. Victoria Park was then laid out, and in a few years
an unsightly commons with a tumbledown old barracks on it and
partially surrounded by a stump fence was transformed into the beauti-
ful place it now is. But when the park was laid out London was not
as large as it is now, nor had its residents such metropolitan ideas.
They were at that time very fond of allowing their cows, horses, pigs
and geese to roam at large, destroying what they pleased. Therefore
the Council in its wisdom had a high picket fence put up around the
park. In time this fence decayed and became an eyesore. For years
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 237
the AdveHiser called for its removal and advised the putting down of
straight walks from corner to corner, to stop people cutting pathways
through the gi'ass. However, the Advertiser's views were too far
ahead of those of the Council to prevail at once, but in the end the
suggestions had to be acted upon. First the fences went down, and
this year Aid. Taylor at once saw the advantage of straight walks, aud
had them cut out. The removal of the fences alone around Victoria
Park had the effect of raising the value of property in the neighbor-
hood very considerably. When the trees on it get a little larger, there
will probably not be another spot like it in the Province."
In December, 185G, St. James' Park was leased to Thomas Francis
under certain conditions for six years, which lease was extended in
1857 to ten years. In August, 1860, an item of £5 for the removal
of " Eussian guns " appears. In December, 1860, carriages were pre-
pared for them, and they were placed in position. In 1855 a resolu-
tion to fence the grounds deeded to the city for a public park by Col.
Burwell, was carried.
The Exhibition Grounds. — In April, 1878, Benj. Cronyn and 90
others petitioned the Council for leave to enclose Salter's Grove and
convert it into a public park. This petition was granted, and Recrea-
tion Park became an established fact. The name Queen's Park was
subsequently bestowed upon the ground. Speaking of this park, the
AdveHiser, in its great issue of Oct. 29, 1888, says: — " While Victoria
Park by the art of man was transformed from an eyesore into a thing
of beauty. Queen's Park was made what it is by nature. Of course
nature has been aided and abetted of late years by the City Council,
but Queen's Park was pui'chased by the Council because of its natural
advantages. Before coming into possession of the corporation it
belonged to the late Dr. Salter, after whom it was called " Salter's
Grove." Some fifteen or eighteen years ago, when the fever for
parks struck London, it was purchased by the city for some $ll,00t).
It was then in the county, or what was generally known as London
East, although at that time London East was a small place. It has
proved a good investment, and the land which then cost $11,000
would in all likelihood now bring $30,000 or $40,000. At odd periods
after its purchase spasmodic eHbrts of a costly character were made to
improve and beautify it, but without result. Fences were put up, a
circular half-mile race track built, a band stand erected, and so on. It
was not, however, until the Western Fair was removed there that its
improvement was gone about in a systematic manner. It will be re-
membered that the people by a large majority decided to sell the old
Fair Grounds in the northern part of the city. The people by another
vote rejected Carling's farm as a Fair site, and selected Queen's Park.
As a consequence, some $70,000 has been expended upon it in erecting
buildings and beautifying the grounds. A fine half-mile race track
has been graded on the eastern side. The grounds have been leveled,
and handsome buildings erected here and there. When the good work
:238 HISTOltY OF THE
is completed London will have the finest fair grounds on the con-
tinent."
The city by-law establishing the Park is dated May 5, 1879, article
:! providing that Benjamin Cronyn, Andrew McCormick and William
H. Bii-rellbe trustees of the Park ; and may fence, improve and erect
buildings.
In June, 1868, the court-house grounds were granted to the city
for park purposes, the condition being that the gi'ounds should be
planted with ornamental trees.
Br-idc/cs. — Up to 1826, and for some years later, when the settlers
found it necessary to cross the river, they had recourse to two bridges,
that being the total number then existing. One of these stood a little
below where the water-works machinery is now located at Spring-
bank, and was known as ".Garner's bridge." It was a rough, old-
fashioned structure, plainly but substantially constructed. The petition
was gotten up by Gardner and Reynolds in 1824, and the bridge was
finished in 1825. Contemporary was the Byron bridge. There was no
contractor, the people forming a bee, drawing the timber in the fall of
1824, and building the structure at once. Among the builders were
Duncan Mackenzie, Munroe, the blacksmith, Robert Summers, and
others. The bridge at Doty's was built up over the South Branch, near
the Dorchester line, about the year 1825. In the fall of 182(5 West-
minster, or York street, was erected, and then Blackfriars. On Aug.
17, 1847, the question of rebuilding Wellington bridge was before the
Board, as the Inspector reported it dangerous. A bridge at the foot of
Ridout street was constructed in 1848. A debenture was issued to
Benjamin Gaman in December, 1849, for £96 6s. 2d., being 6 per
■cent, interest, for completing work on bridge and approaches, presum-
ably Wellington street. In February, 1831, Blackfriars' bridge was
completed, being the second bridge built at this point. In March,
1851, thanks were tendered to the persons who tried to save the bridge
at the foot of Ridout street during the freshet of Feb. 24 ; also to
Capt. Caddy for his e.xertions toward saving other bridges, while f 1
was awarded Arthur Wallis, Loop Odell, Lyman Grifhth and Wil-
liam Tibbs for .saving Wellington street bridge. In August, 1851,
arrangements for rebuilding Blackfriars' bridge were made, and sewers
■down York and Richmond street were constructed. The bridge over
Mill Creek, on Talbot street, was begun in August, 1852. The
Victoria Bridge Companv were engaged in building their bridge in
July, 1854.
In September, 1871, the bridges over the Thames, one at the foot
of Dundas and one at the foot of Oxford street, were authorized and
SI ,1)00 appropriated to each, to be paid as soon as a sufficient sum
would be subscribed for building either bridge. Victoria I'.ridge was
wholly swept away February 14, 1874. There, on July 21, Mrs. Van
Wormer and Miss' Elliott were drowned. The gi'eat flood of July, 1882,
■was first discovered by Mr. Thompson, of the Advertieer, at about two
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 239
o'clock in the morning. This did much damage in London West,
carrying away Kensington and Oxford street bridges, and drowning
about twelve persons.
The bridges round London have cost in the aggregate over $150,000
of hard cash, to put up. The most striking, of course, are the railway
bridges, of which there are three, two on the main line west of the city
and one on the Port Stanley branch. They are constructed entirely of
iron and stone, and are all some oOO or 400 feet in length. For
vehicle traffic there are seven iron bridges surrounding the city, viz.,
Clark's and Victoria to the south ; Westminster, Kensington, Black-
friars' and Oxford street to the west ; and Brough's to the north. The
bridge on Adelaide street north, which is wholly within the county,
is the only wooden structure in the neighborhood of London.
Sidewalks and Regulating Laws. — William Blinn attended school
in early years where the market house now stands, and later put in
the first street crossing from Douglass & Warren's store to the point
where the Mansion House is. In May, 1843, Benjamin Nash was
fined seven shillings for letting his house stand out thirteen feet on
Thames street. He was ordered to remove it within two weeks.
Under date of May 29, it is ordered " that the carpenter do inspect
the plank from Birrell's store west to Eidout street, thence up Ridout
street north to School-house Corner, and that he make the same
secure ; and any persons having cellar doors on the sidewalk may be
allowed to secure the same at their own expense, subject to the appro-
val of the carpenter." At this time the office of village carpenter was
filled by George Watson. The Fire Company's acccount amounted to
£5 19s. 3^d., which amount was ordered to be paid to Wm. Till in
May. By-law No. .51 provided "that hereafter no cows shall be
milked, slopped, or otherwise fed on any of the sidewalks in the Town
of London."
At this time, June, John Balkwill was appointed pathmaster for
St. David's Ward, John Claris for St. George's, Samuel Peters for St.
Patrick's, and Puchard Frank for St. Andrew's. James C. Little was
fined seven shillings "for riding on the sidewalk" in July. Lawrence
Lawrason was taxed £3 3s. 9d. for sidewalk in front of liis house.
From an order dated September 12, 1843, it appears that the streets
of the village were very primitive. This order provided " that the
water table be properly fixed on Richmond street, between North and
Dundas street, and the drain on the east side be deepened and enlarged,
and a cross drain be made across Dundas street." The street inspector
ordered the platform in front of Colwell's chair factory on Ridout
street, and one on lot 15, north side of King street, to be removed in
October. A number of persons were fined in November, 1843, for riding
on the sidewalks, among whom was the popular Rev. Patrick O'Dwyer.
A sidewalk on the west side of Talbot street, from Dundas to King
street, was authorized in November, 1843. A plank sidewalk on King
street, from Clarence to Richmond, was laid down in October, 1845.
240 HISTORY OF THE
In 1846 Hugh Stevenson petitioned to have a crossing place on Dun-
das street, opposite Thomas Craig's book store. A plank walk from
the Commissariat office to Wellington Bridge was authorized in April,
1847. In July, 1847, £300 were appropriated for improving the town.
Cemeteries. — The first burial ground was that of St. Paul's, while
the Potter's Field was beyond the barracks. Another cemetery, just
west of Salter's Grove, on the south side of Dundas, was abolished
some years ago.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery was established in 1874 as a public
cemetery. Samuel McBride was then secretary, and Wm. Saunders
treasurer of the Association.
Oakland Cemetery, on Francis street, is the parliamentary name of
the old Presbyterian or Proudfoot cemetery and that of the New Con-
nexion Methodist Society, just outside Mount Pleasant burial ground.
The Cemetery Company was formed in the spring of 1882, with John
Plummer, president; Charles Elliott, secretary; John Mills, treasurer;
with Pisv. Dr. Proudfoot, Eph. Plummer, Ninian Wilson, John Tanton
and J. Johnson, trustees, and Col. Mottatt, James Scale, D. Darvill
and Robert Reid, a committee on improvement, all forming the Board.
Mr. Webley was appointed caretaker, and work on the ornamentation
of the grounds was carried out by him.
Woodland Cemetery, a recent addition to the burial grounds of the
city, in Westminster, is well kept ; while old St. Paul's graveyard, long
since removed, was another of the fields where many early settlers
were laid to rest.
The first record of interment in the London Catholic (.Cemetery is
made under date August 18, 1850, when Felix McLaughlin, aged
about 60 years, was buried ; the funeral services being performed by
Eev. Thadeus Kirwan. In October, Michael Flood was buried there,
also Thomas O'Mara, aged 50 years ; Peter Logan, aged 44 years, and
James Bahan and James Christie, infants. The first interment in
Mount St. Peter's was that of John Kennedy, July 16, 1857. Up to
July 18, 1870, there were 929 burials in this cemetery, and since that
time up to August, 1888, 1,295 burials. In 1815 a burial ground was
established in Westminster on lands belonging to Peter McNames and
James Sheldon, which was donated by them. This old cemetery is on
Brick street, on the Commissioner's road, and is the resting place of
many pioneers of London and Westminster.
Streets and Roadways. — Harding McConnell was paid £3 in
August, 1843, for cutting down a hill on Bathurst street, between
Ridout and Thames streets. At this time the (juestion of "turnpik-
ing" east Bathurst street was reported favorably. In August, 184.3,
William Frank was given the turnpike contract. Charles Hutchinson
was gi'anted the contract for opening York street east to the reserve
from St. Paul's Church, the sum being £15 15s. Od. The road from
Wellington street east to the reserve from St. Paul's Church was
ordered to be opened and graded in Oct., 1843.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 241.
On April 15, 1844, Engineer Zivoxiski reported the completion of
the plank road from Westminster bridge eastward to the town limits.
The Board complained of this short road, and a memorial to the
Board of Works, setting forth the impassable condition in which the
roads adjoining this plank road were left, and asking that the Port
Stanley road along York street to the Brantford plank road, at the end
of York street, on the new survey of the town, be finished at the ex-
pense of tlie district. This memorial the Board of Woi'ks denied.
£50 were granted for opening Wellington street from Dundas to the
river ; £5 for removing the hill on North street leading from Ridout to
the river, and £5 toward improving the road at the end of Blackfriars
bridge were granted iti Jnne, 1844.
In July, 1844, Philo Bennett succeeded Whittimore as Street
Inspector. At this time the Government was petitioned to grant lots
11 and 12, Bathnrst street, and 11 and 12 on York street to the town,
for the purpose of extending the plank road and joining the Brantford
and Port Stanley plank roads at that point.
In May, 1845, Dennis O'Brien was authorized to have the hill
from his brick building on Dundas street to North street cut down.
Glenn was allowed 2| shillings "for gravel laid by him on Dundas
street," in 1847.
In June, 1848, the sum of £20 was appropriated for removing the
hills on Horton and Eidout streets in St. David's and St. Andrew's
Wards.
During the summer of 1848 the following streets were graded and
graveled : — liidout and Richmond from Hitchcock street to Dundas,
and Talbot street from North to Dundas. The order provided for nine
inches of gsavel on a strip sixteen feet wide. At this time several
new sidewalks were placed, and old ones repaired. The work of grading
and graveling streets was extended north and south of Dundas, and
east and west of Richmond ; hills were reduced. In July, no less than
£900 were appropriated for public improvements in the town ; the old
plank road was taken up and a new road bed put down ; new streets
were opened and improved ; the court-house square was fenced, partly
by private subscription, and a general round of improvement marked
the progress of the village. Mr. McClary was superintendent of works.
On September 3, 1849, the whole of Burlington street from its inter-
section with Huron, including Mark Lane and part of Richmond street
to Dundas street, was granted to the London Proof Line Road Co., as
part of their road and terminus thereto, under certain conditions. In
March, 1856, Geo. Roulton asked the Council to order all houses to be
numbered. Owing to the irregular and scattered condition of the
houses, even on the best streets, the request was not granted. Roulton^
however, was empowered to take the census of the city ; but without
conditions as to pay. In July, 1866, the names of streets were ordered
to be placed on street corners, and all houses numbered.
On June 14, 1853, the act vesting portions of east York street^
242 HISTORY OF THK
east Batliurst aod Welliugtou streets, in the Great Western Railroad,
was assented to.
A petition for the election of Mayor by the inhabitants instead of
by the Council, was signed in January, 1853, and presented to the
Council.
Incorporation of London City. — The act of September 21, 1854,
provided that the Town of London be raised to the rank of a city, its
boundaries being thus described : — " All that part of the Province
situate within the County of Middlesex, and lying within the following
limits, that is to say : all the lands comprised within the old and new
surveys of the Town of London, together with the lands adjoining
thereto, lying between the said surveys and the River Thames, pro-
ducing the northern boundary of the new survey until it intersects the
North Branch of the River Thames, and producing the eastern boundary
line of the said new survey until it intersects the East Branch of the
River Thames, and the eastern bcmndary line be known as Adelaide
street." Within this tract seven wards were established, and the
charter election ordered to be held January 1, 1855. This charter was
signed at Quebec by P. J. 0. Chauvreau, secretary, and approved with
all the profuse phraseology of the time.
In September, 1854, the old Council refen'ed to the failure of the
member for London to have the town proclaimed a city, and asked Thos.
Scatcherd, then representing West Middlesex, to have the act proclaimed
in the Gazette. This was accomplished, and on January 1 the elections
were duly held. The jMayors from this city from that period to 1863
are named as follows: — Murray Anderson, 1855; Wm. Barker, 1856;
Elijah Leonard, 1857; David Glass, 1858; Wm. McBride, 1859; Jas.
Moffatt, 1860 ; F. E. Cornish, 1861 to January, 1865.
The members of the Council from 1855 to 1862, inclusive, are
named in the following roll : —
For 1855 — First Ward — ^Aldermen, Peter Schrara and Jas. Moffatt ;
Councilmen, John Blair aiid B. Wheeler. Second Ward — Aldermen,
M. Anderson and Elijah Leonard ; Councilmen, Wm. McBride and
Geo. M. Gunn. Third Ward — Aldermen, James Daniels and Joseph
Gibbons; CouncOmen, Arthur AVallace and John Clegg. Fourth
Ward — Aldermen, R. Abernethy and J. W. Kermott ; Councilmen,
Frank Smith and David Glass. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, D. Lester
and Geo. G. Magee; Councilmen, Thomas Carter and Robert Smith.
Sixth Ward — Aldermen, John CarHng and Thomas Peel ; Councilmen,
Wm. Glen and P. Phipps. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, Wm. Barker
and Wm. Darby ; Councilmen, Robinson Orr and John Wells.
For 1856 — -First Ward — Aldermen, Peter Schrani and Jas. Moflatt;
Councilmen, John Blair and R. S. Talbot. Second Ward — Aldermen,
Elijah Leonard and Wm. McBride; Councilmen, S. McBride and John
O'Neil. Third Ward — Aldermen, Marcus Holmes and David Glass ;
Councilmen, John Clegg and John A. Arnold Fourth Ward — Alder-
men, Francis Smith and J. W. Kermott ; Councilmen, William Glass
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 243
and Wm. T. Kiely. Fifth Ward — Aldermeu, Daniel Lester, and Geo.
G. Magee ; Councilmen, Robert Smith, and James Hitchins. Sixth
Ward — Aldermen, John Carling and Thomas Peel ; Councilmen, P.
Phipps and Ed. Garratt. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, Wm. Barker and
S. Stansfield ; Councilmen, John Wells and Robinson Orr.
For 1857 — First Ward — Aldermen, James Moffatt and James M.
Cousins ; Councilmen, John Blair and George Taylor. Second Ward
— Aldermen, Elijah Leonard and William McBride ; Councilmen, S.
McBride and John O'Neil. Third Ward — Aldermen, Marcus Holmes
and David Glass ; Councilmen, .John Arnold and James Durand.
Fourth Ward — Aldermen, Francis Smith and E. Abernethy ; Council-
men, W. T. Kiely and Wm. Glass. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, Daniel
Lester and H. Hunter ; Councilmen, Robert Smith and Wm. Doty.
Sixth Ward — Aldermen, John Carling and Ed. Garratt ; Councilmen,
P. Phipps and Geo. Fitzgerald. Seventh Ward— Aldermen. S. Stans-
field and P. G. Nonis ; Councilmen, .John Ross and R. Thompson.
For 1858 — First Ward — Aldermen, James Cousins and John Blair ;
Councilmen, B. Wheeler and Robert Gunn. Second Ward — Alder-
men, Wm. McBride and M. Anderson ; Councilmen, S. McBride and
John O'Neil. Third Ward — Aldermen, Marcus Holmes and David
Glass ; Councilmen, James Durand and John Cousins. Fourth Ward
— Aldermen, Francis Smith and John Griffith ; Councilmen, Jas. H.
Flock and Chas. Priddis. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, Robert Smitli and
Henry Roots; Councilmen, Wm. Doty and Brock Stevens. Sixth
Ward — Aldermen, Ed. Garratt and P. Phipps; Councilmen, Wade
Owen and R. F. Matthews. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, P. G. Norris
and F. E. Cornish ; Councilmen, T. Partridge, jr, and M. Macnamara.
For 1859 — First Ward — Aldermen, James Moffatt and J. L Mac-
kenzie : Councilmen, Chas. Stead and John Bonser. Second Ward —
Aldermen, S. McBride and Wm. Begg ; Councilmen, J. K. Brown and
James Gillean. Third Ward — Aldermen, T. H. Buckley and B. A.
Mitchell ; Councilmen, James Reid and David Hughes. Fourth
Ward — Aldermen, W. S. Smith and Jas. H. Flock ; Councilmen, A.
Hamilton and Ariel Tousby. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, Robert Smith
and Geo. Webster ; Councilmen, D. McPherson and Jesse Rapley.
Sixth Ward — Aldermen, Ed. Garratt and P. Phipps ; Councilmen,
Wade Owen and John Christie. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, F. E.
Cornish and T. Partridge, jr. ; Councilmen, M. Macnamara and Thos.
O'Brien.
For 1860 — First Ward — Aldermen, J. I. Mackenzie and Charles
Stead ; Councilmen, B. Wheeler and A. Campbell. Second Ward —
Aldermen, S. McBride and Wm. Begg ; Councilmen, James Gillean
and Wm. Pope. Third Ward— Aldermen, T. H. Buckley and C. D.
Holmes ; Councilmen, David Hughes and J. J. Spettigue. Fourth
Ward — Aldermen, Jas. H. Flock and H. Stevenson ; Councilmen, John
Griffith and Alex. MuiTay. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, Robt. Smith and
J. W. McGauley ; Councilmen, D. McPherson and J. W. Rapley.
244 HISTORY OF THE
Sixth Ward — Aldermen, Ed. Garratt and P. Phipps ; Councilmen,
Wade Owen and John Christie. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, F. E.
Cornish and John Ross ; Councilmen, T. Partridge, jr., and Thomas
O'Brien.
For 1861— First Ward— Aldermen, Charles Stead and J. M.
Cousins ; Councilmen, B. Wheeler and John Bonser. Second Ward —
Aldermen, Samuel McBride and William Pope ; Councilmen, J. B.
Smyth and Wm. Diviuny. Third Ward — Aldermen, C. D. Holmes
and Ed. Heathfield ; Councilmen, David Hughes aud J. J. Spettigue.
Fourth Ward — Aldermen, Jas. H. Flock and H. Stevenson ; Council-
men, John Griffith and Alex, ilurray. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, D.
McPherson and D. Macfie ; Councilmen, J. W. Eapley and S. H.
Graydon. Sixth Ward — Aldermen, P. Phipps and Thomas Peel;
Councilmen, Wade Owen and James Griffiths. Seventh Ward —
Aldermen, P. G. Norris and T. Partridge, jr. ; Councdmen, Thomas
O'Brien and R Thompson.
For 186:2 — First Ward — Aldermen, Charles Stead and B. Wheeler;
Councilmen, Wm Johnson and James Deadman. Second Ward —
Aldermen, S. McBride and Wm. Pope; Councilmen, John B.Smyth
and Wm. Devinny. Third Ward — Aldermen, C. D. Holmes and J. J.
Sjjettigue ; Councilmen, David Hughes and Walter Nichol. Fourth
Ward — Aldermen, H. Stevenson and John Ross ; Councilmen, A. Mc-
Corraick and Alex. Murray. Fifth Ward — Aldermen, D. McPherson
and D. Macfie ; Councilmen, J. W. Rapley and S. H. Graydon. Sixth
Ward — Aldermen, P. Phipps and Thomas Peel ; Councilmen, Wade
Owen and John Christie. Seventh Ward — Aldermen, T. Partridge, jr.,
and Thomas O'Brien ; Councilmen, Wm. Waud and R. Thompson.
Financial Transactions. — In June, 1843, a number of residents
were summoned for not making a true return, or no return, of rateable
property. Among them were : — Hall, of the 14th Regiment; Joseph
Shem-man, Ale.x. Gordon, John Nervul, Richard Smith, S. Morrill,
George Piingle, Samuel Crawford, Wm. Reddick, Geo. Thomas, Thos.
Craig, James Macklin, Wm. Percival, A. Newlands, Robert Morrill,
Jerry H. Joyce, Geo. James, Wm. O'Rielly, Henry McCabe, Samuel
Bond, Finlay Perrin, James Bowen, Charles Brown, Jas. Pendleton,
Mr. Bernally, of Royal Engineers; Chas. Hutchinson, Jas. McFaddeu
and James B. Merrill.
During the month of August, 1843, a number of residents were
fined for non-performance of statute labor. Joseph Goodwin had to
pay 21 shillings.
Among a number summoned before the Board to show why they
chd not ]>ay the taxes of 1842-3, was Lieut.-Col. Pritchard, who was
fined 23| shillings, and George Washington, 34i shiUings. The
amount of collection roll for year ending Jan. 1, 1846, was £654 7s.,
of which £55 3s. Id. are credited to absentees, £34 Is to taxes remit-
ted, and £9 l.ls. 6d. bad debts, leaving the net amount collected
£555 7s. 5d.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 245
In November, 1848, a note of £450, issued by the Council, but
negotiated by the Bank of Montreal for individual members of the
Council, fell due. The funds were so low that the Mayor, with Coun-
cillors Barker, Dimond and Bennett, were deputed to wait on Manager
Hamilton, of the Bank of Upper Canada, and borrowed from him a
sum sufficient to meet the debt then due.
In the fall of 1849 two sets of debentures, each for £300, were
authorized to meet drafts due the Bank of Montreal and the Bank of
Upper Canada. On Oct. 15, Councillors Barker and Daniel proposed
to pledge £20,000 toward the construction of the Great Western Rail-
road. In September, 1850, the subscription was raised to £25,000.
In March, 1850, the sum of £2,000 was borrowed by the town
from the Bank of Montreal; £1,000 payable in October following and
£1,000 in October, 1851.
The assessment on which taxes were to be collected in July, 1851,
yielded only £2,041 13s. 4d. At this time the Treasurer held £673,
making, with other items, the assets £2,714 13s. 4d. The liabilities
were -.—Debt, £2,000 ; required for schools, £787 10s ; for salaries, £240;
for fire department, £50 ; and to fire department in lieu of statute
labor, £400, aggregating £3,477 10s. The deficit was £762 16s. 8d.
In March, 1852, debentures for £360 were authorized, being the
amount of the town's share of expense in the building of Blackfriars
bridge. On March 22 a by-law providing for the issue of debentures
for £5,000 was passed. This sum was necessary to pay debts and
make necessary improvements.
The debt of London, July 1, 1852, amounted to £7,647 14s. 5d.,
while the assests were only £791. This sum, %vith gth of a penny
on the valuation, £2,841 15s. Od., with debentures for seven and ten
years, £4,014 19s. 5d., would satisfy the debt. In January, 1852,
debentures for £2,000 were authorized.
A review of the debenture debt of London in Augu.st, 1853, shows
£5,000 i.ssued in 1852, to consolidate old debts and for building school
house ; £5,500 for drains on King and Dundas streets ; £2,000 for en-
largement of Covent Garden Market ; £2,000 for drains on Richmond,
Dundas and Clarence streets ; £900 for Firemen's Hall ; £20,000 for
enlargement of Covent Garden Market and erection of Town Hall and
Market House ; £6,500 for drains on York and Richmond streets ;
£25,000 to Great Western Railroad Co. ; £25,000 to London & Port
Stanley Raiboad ; £2,500 to London Gas Co., aggregating £94,400.
The liabilities to June, 1854, amounted to £27,871 lis
The expenditures of the town of London for the year ending Dec,
1854, were £74,101 13s. lid. This included £50,000 paid to the
Port Stanley Railroad Co. The amount required to meet expenses for
1854-5 was £5,881 12s. lid. This sum included £2.514 interest due
on £41,900 debentures within that period. The expenses for 1855
amounted to £14,831 14s. Od. For the year 1856, they were £38,385
5s. 4d., together with £5,300 paid the county as the award of arbitrators.
246 HISTORY OF IHE
The act of July 1, 1856, empowered the city to borrow £63,000 to con-
solidate the debt and for other purposes. A by-law to provide for the
issue of £63,000 debentures was passed September 16, 1856 ; the
object being to consolidate the city debt. The words dollars and cents
are made use of for the first time in the city records of January 25,
1858. At this time the firemen a.sked the Council to grant $5 to the
fire company first reported at a fire.
The estimates for the fiscal year 1858-9 called for £20,824. The
total liabilities of the city in August, 18B0, were placed at £4'.),050,
and the estimate of expenditures for 1861 was placed at $L 10,8613.
In 1863, D. Macfie, chairman of finance committee, reported that
" a loss having already been sustained this year, owing to the resolu-
tion come to by this Council to take silver at par, or its face value,
from the market clerk, as well as in payment of taxes : your committee
would now recommend this Council not to take silver for or on account
of any debt whatsoever due to the city, at any rate higher than that
aUowed by the banks." The estimates for 1864 were $92,002.
The estimates for expenses during the fiscal year 1866-7 were
placed at S94,760.
The debentures sold in 1872 under the Consolidated Act amounted
to $50,000; in 1873, to $3,500; in 1874, $54,600, and, in 1875,
$114,366.74, or a total of $225,466.74. Seven per cents, to retire six
per cents to Church Society due in 1876, were issued for $80,266.66 ;
while $486,068.63 issued to Government under municipal loan, and
$100,000 to the London & Bruce Railroad, aggregated $891,802.03,
issued from 1872 to June, 1875. The total debentures to be provided
for in 1876 and 1877 amounted to $194,055.50. The interest for two
years reached $135,786.56.
Port Stanley Railroad Dealings. — In January, 1853, Murray
Anderson aud John Carling moved that the Mayor call a meeting to
consider the question of building a railroad to Port Stanley.
In August, 1853, the town decided to take £25,000 stock in the
London & Port Stanley Railroad Company.
In April, 1856, George G. Magee reported to the Council that the
counties of Middlesex and Elgiu having refused to take stock in the
London & Port Stanley Railroad, the town of St. Thomas refused to
take any active part, and London having invested £93,850 in the
road, it became a necessity to render further aid, and recommended the
£28,000 in debentures, now ready, together with £5,000 in cash, to be
given to the directors.
The London & Port Stanley Railroad was opened October 2, 1856.
£300 were appropriated to celebrate the event and entertain the
American visitors.
On January 27, 1857, a further sum of £30,000 was granted to
the London & Port Stanley Railroad.
In 1857 charges were preferred against the Mayor and Mr. Bow-
man in connection with the London & Port Stanley Railroad, and a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 247
resolution to inquire into them passed by the Council. The inquiry
was instituted, and a committee, of which P. N. Nonis was chairman,
reported fully on the subject.
Early in 1858 Charles Hutchinson asked the Council what amount
would the city accept for its claim on the Port Stanley road. P. N.
Norris, of the Eailroad Committee, replied that the total claims were
£162,850, and would be sold for £150,000, On February 25, Mr.
Hutchinson replied that it would be madness for the Council to seek a
purchaser under the circumstances.
A Few Transactions. — Municipal loans were granted under the
16 Vict., Cap. 22, as amended by the 18 Vict., Cap 13, 1854, from the
£1,500,000 set apart as the Upper Canada Municipal Loan Fund Of
this sum the Town of London took £93,850. In December, 1855, the
great arbitration took place between the county and city, in re their
financial relations after the division of Jan. 1. Thomas Moyle repre-
sented the county ; Wm. Barker, the city, and Thomas Shenston, of
Woodstock, common justice. They awarded one-fifth of the stock held
in the Port Stanley and the Great Western Railroads (.'$20,000) to
the city, which was transferred July 5, 1857, and sold by the city to
liquidate the taxes of that year. In this deal nothing was said about
interest, and as the stock was issued by the county, the county was
liable for interest on the $20,000, which by June, '] 859, amounted to
a large sum. The case was carried to the courts, and Justice Draper
decided that Middlesex County should pay interest on .S20,000 for 14
years, at the rate of six per cent., although the new city had the money
in its possession. It is said Frank Cornish carried this case through :
whether justice was dealt in the affair is another question.
The question of aiding railroads, amount of aid, and other questions
relating to the financial and executive history of the city, from 1855
to the close of 1862, are referred to under direct headings in this
chapter, while in the history of the county matters, in which London
and Middlesex were concerned, other interesting items find mention.
Appointments. — John Doyle was appointed Clerk of the City and
of the Police and Recorder's Court, at a salary of £200 per annum, in
1855. Dr John Wanless and Dr J. A. Nelles were appointed cor-
oners of the city ; John Brown, city chamberlain ; A. S. Abbott, col-
lector ; McBride, inspector of weights and measures ; and Samuel
Peters, engineer. In 1858 Mr. Doyle resigned, when A. S. Abbott,
the present clerk, was appointed. In 1856 Francis Smith was appoint-
ed Chief Engineer of Fire Department, with John Craig and A. S.
Abbott assistants. A. S. Abbott was collector. Dr. A. A. Andrews was
appointed medical attendant for the temporary hospital and city, to
which Dr. Moore had attended previously. In December, 1858, the
question of providing an office for City Assessor McG ill was considered.
Council and Transactions, 1863-88. — The names of members
and transactions of the Council from the beginning of 1863 to the close
of 18/9 appeared in the 25th anniversary issue of the AdveHiser*
*E. A. Hutchinson, writer.
248 HISTORY OF THE
and to that journal credit is now given for the following review : — " It
must be remembered that when this place received its charter of in-
corporation in 1855 it was divided into seven wards, and each ward
was represented by two aldermen and two councillors. All were on
a level in the Council Chamber, but an alderman possessed a few
privileges more than a councillor, such as being a magistrate. In
1863 A. S. Abbott, the present popular city clerk, held the same
position he does now. John Brown was chamberlain, and William
Eobinson was city engineer. Frank Cornish was mayor of the city,
and the Council comprised the following gentlemen : — Aldermen —
Chas. Stead, Barnabas Wheeler, Samuel McBride, Wm. Begg, Calvin
D. Holmes, J. J. Spettigue, John Eoss, Hugh Stevenson, Daniel
Macfie, Simpson H. Graydon, Paul Phipps, Thomas Peel, Thomas
Partridge and Thomas O'Brien. Councilmen — Wm. Johnston, James
Deadman, John B. Smyth, Oswald Baynes, David Hughes, Walter
Nichol, Alex. Mun-ay, Andrew McCormick, Jesse W. Kapley, John
Harrison, John Christie, Wade Owen, Richard Thompson and Wm.
Waud.
The first important step of the Council of 1863 was to draft a
memorial to both Houses of Parliament, asking for a grant towards
maintaining an enlarged hospital in London. The application did not
then prove successful, but in the end it bore good fruit, and secured
London its present first-class institution. The Council commenced the
year with a splurge. One of the first items of business was brought
up by Councillor Nichol, who charged an assessor with wi'ongfully
assessing his own property. In those days property was assessed by
the rental, and not by the actual value. Nichol charged that the
assessor put in receipts showing the rental of a certain piece of pro-
perty to be $48, whereas it was actually S66. The assessor resigned.
There had been serious rumors afloat, even at that early day, about
Chamberlain John Brown's books, and a special committee was ap-
pointed to investigate them, together with the recorder. They reported
everything all right, although it afterwards turned out that there were
serious shortages at that very time. The Council of 18()o were also
first to introduce a fire limits by-law, which prevented the erection of
frame buildings between King and North (now Queen's avenue)
streets. The sensation of the year, however, was an assault com-
mitted by ]\Iayor Cornish on Major Bowles, whicli led to tlie with-
drawal of the British gan-ison from London. Rumors were afloat about
Bowles and Mrs. Cornish, and Bowles one night at mess, while full of
wine, boasted that the rumors were true. The statement was almost
immediately conveyed to Cornish, who set out on the war path, and
finding Bowles in the Tecumseh House, publicly thrashed him. The
total expenses for running the city in 186.'3 were $82,294.67, of which
$57,44li had to be raised by taxation only.
In 1864 Mayor Cornish was re-elected, together with the following
Council : — Aldermen — Charles Stead, I5arnabas Wheeler, Samuel Mc-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 249
Bride, James Gillean, J. J. Spettigue, David Hughes, John Ross, Alex.
Murray, Daniel Macfie, Dugald McPherson, Paul Phipps, Thomas Peel,
Thomas Partridge and Thomas O'Brien. Councilmen — Wm. Johnston,
James Deadman, John B. Smyth, Oswald Baynes, Wm. Piatt, John
Tibbs, Hewitt Fysh, James Percival, Jesse W. Eapley, Thomas Brown,
Wade Owen, John Christie, Martin Macnamara and W. Y. Brunton.
Aid. McPherson died within a few days after his election, and the
members of the Council wore mourning for him for one month. Wil-
liam Williams was elected in his stead.
Some idea of the primitive condition of London may be gleaned
from the fact that at this time London had five constables only, each
getting $250 a year, and the chief who headed this force, received the
munificent sum of $300. Early in 1864, on the motion of Mr. Brun-
ton, forty citizens were sworn in to act as special constables at fires,
the regular force being unequal to a task of this magnitude. During
1864 a number of incendiary fires occurred, and the Council offered
$200 for the capture of the " fire bug," but it had no effect. The next
sensation was the shortage of Wm. Oakley, one of the collectors, in his
accounts. Mr. Oakley gave up all his property, aud his sureties, E.
J. Parke and D. M. Thompson, paid the city's claim. Then the cele-
brated row between the Council and School Board took place. The
School Board asked for $9,000, and the Council allowed them $8,000.
The trustees kicked, but it was no use, so they applied to the Judges
at Toronto to compel the Council to pay them the $9,000. It was
then towards the end of the year, and before the application was argued
a new Council was elected, who gave up the dispute, paid the $1,000,
and the case dropped.
The year 1865 opened in a stormy manner. Frank Cornish and
David Glass were the candidates for mayor. The election was so riot-
ous, that Mr. Glass demanded a second day's poll and the calling out
of the volunteers to protect his voters. Then on the 3rd of January,
1865, London witnessed something she has never seen since. Armed
troops surrounded every polling booth in the city. Mr. Glass was
elected on the second day's polling. Col. Sbanly, who commanded the
volunteers, billed the Council for $282.60, and there was considerable
row before it was paid, as the m.ajority of the aldermen believed there
was no necessity for any display of strength. The account was finally
paid under protest. The Council this year comprised the following
gentlemen : — Aldermen — Barnabas Wheeler, Jas. M. Cousins, Samuel
McBride, John Campbell, David Hughes, John Cousins, John Eoss,
Alex. Murray, Daniel Macfie, James Williams, Thomas Peel, John
Christie, Thomas Partridge, sen , Thomas Partridge, jun. Councilmen
— Wm. Johnston, James Deadman, John B. Smyth, Oswald Baynes,
Jas. Eeid, John W. Cryer, Hewitt Fysh, James Percival, J. W. Eapley,
T. Browne, Wade Owen, S. Screaton, M. Macnamara and W. C. L.
Gill. Petitions were by this Council sent to the Legislature, asking for
a central prison and a military school of instruction here, but they
bore no fruit.
250 HISTORY OF THE
London was overrun with burglars this year, and so bad did they
become, that the city offered a reward of $200 for the capture of any
one of them. The police were altogether unequal to the task, and
finally the citizens formed a vigilance committee, and patrolled the
streets every night. In the fall of 1865 the Grammar and Public
Schools were united, and the Council appointed, as its representatives
on the Board of Education, Wade Owen and Dr. C. G. Moore.
In 1866 David Glass was re-elected Mayor, and the following gen-
tlemen constituted the Council : — Aldermen — Barnabas Wheeler,
Edward Glackmeyer, Samuel McBride, John Campbell, David Hughes,
John Cousins, Alex. Murray, John Ross, Daniel Macfie, Daniel Lester,
John Christie, Thomas Peel, Thomas Partridge, jr., Thomas Partridge,
sr. Councillors — James Deadraan, Emanuel Pavey, John B. Smyth,
Oswald Baynes, James Reid, John W. Cryer, James Percival, Hewitt
Fysh, Jesse W. Rapley, George Burdett, Wade Owen, Samuel Screaton,
Martin Macnamara and W. C. L. Gill.
This was the year that the agitation in favor of city waterworks
first commenced, and the Council early in February appointed a com-
mittee to ascertain if a supply could be drawn from Pond Mills.
About this time, too, a dog mania sprung up and reached such propor-
tions that the Mayor issued a proclamation ordering all dogs within
the city limits to be restrained or muzzled. The year 1866 is memor-
able, also, as that of the Fenian Raid. The British troops, which had been
withdrawn from here in 1864. were retimied in the fall of 1865 in
anticipation of the raid. The following spring they were sent to the
front, as were also the Seventh Battalion, the London Field Battery
and the London Troop of Cavalry. The citizens at once got into a
panic, alleging that they were left at the mercy of the Fenians. The
Government was petitioned for more regular troops, and, on the advice
of Col. Bruce, the City Council took the initiative in the formation of
the famous " Home Guard." However, the danger drifted past, and on
June 11" the boys " returned from the front and were banqueted by
the city at a cost of S357. In the fall of this year Lawrence Lawra-
son was appointed first Police Magistrate of the city of London, at a
salary of $1,250.
In the year 1867 W. Simpson Smith was elected Mayor for a two-
years' term, and the Municipal Act was amended so as to do away
with councillors altogether, three aldermen being returned for each
ward. The chosen of the people were : — Barnabas Wheeler, Edward
Glackmeyer, Andrew McCorniick, Samuel McBride, John Campbell,
John B. Smyth, David Hughes, John Cousins, James Durand, Alex.
MuiTay, Hewitt Fy.sh, Wm, S. Smith, Daniel Lester, Simpson H.
Graydon, Robert Smith, John Christie, Thomas Peel, Francis Smith,
Thos. Partridge, sr., Thos. Partridge, jr., and James Egan.
James Durand, having been elected an alderman, resigned his posi-
tion as chief engineer of the fire brigade, and Samuel Stewart was
appointed in his place. Firewood had become very scarce around the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 251
city and had gone up to some $6 or $8 per cord. Charles Hunt and
Thomas Swinyard, directors of the Great Western Eailroad, were pub-
licly thanked by the Council when they obtained a supply from Both-
well, which greatly reduced the price. This year's Council appointed
as one of the assessors the man who a few years before had been
impeached by an investigating committee for wrongfully assessing his
own property. In June the Council bought a steam fire engine,
but still continued the volunteer system. The fire engine was manned
by fifty citizens, each one of whom received the munificent salary of
$5 per annum.
But the great sensation of 1867 was caused by "SHppery Jack."
Although he never stole anything, he made himself so dreaded by
entering people's houses and frightening them, that the Council offered
$10U reward for the capture of "the midnight marauder or burglar,
known as ' Slippery Jack,' "
Another sensation was caused by a Police Court case in which
the Council took a hand. It seems that an officer of the garrison
named Capt. Hughson liired a carpenter to do some work. The
carpenter finished the work, and called at the Captain's front door
with the bill. The Captain said he wasn't used to having mechanics
present their bills to him at the front door, and kicked the carpenter
out, and slammed the door after him. Hughson was summoned, but
the Police Magistrate let him ofl' on the ground of ignorance of the
by-law. Aid. Hughes appealed the case to the Recorder's Court, and
the City Council guaranteed the costs. The city, as usual, was beaten
in the end.
In 1868 only one Alderman from each ward retired, the others
remaining in office for two or three years respectively, according to the
act. Andrew McCormick retired in No. 1 Ward, and was re-elected ;
John Campbell in No. 2, and he was also re-elected ; in No. 3, Aid.
Cousins retired, and was replaced by Wm. Farris ; in No. 4, Alex.
Murray was re-elected ; in No. 5, Murray Anderson replaced Daniel
Lester, and in No. 6 John Christie, and in No. 7 Aid. Egan were both
re-elected.
A report to the Council showed that the earnings of the
Loudon & Port Stanley Ptailroad for 1867, had been $42,759.91,
against $39,108.25; increase for the year, $3,651.66. The total
liabilities against the company in 1868 were $596,800. This was the
time the question of handing the Port Stanley over to the Great
Western Railway was first mooted. Aid. F. Smith resigned in March,
and George Macbeth was elected in his stead. About this time, too,
the people began to ask for a park, and a committee to select a site
was appointed, with Aid. Egau as chairman. Tlie site they picked
out was the property bounded by Piccadilly street on the north. Car-
ling's Creek on the south, the Sarnia Road (Richmond street) on the
west, and Wellington street on the east. The absurdity of this site
for a public park is apparent now to everyone. The city then was
252 HISTOKY OF THE
one-third smaller than at present, and that property was much more
out of the way in 1868 than even now. The recommendation is per-
haps explained when it is stated that most of the land to be bought
was designed for park purposes. However, the Council of 1868 were
pretty independent, and rejected the committee's report. Further than
that, when it was tried to get a bill through the Legislature to
sell the Port Stanley to the Great Westeru Railway, they sent a depu-
tation down to the House, and succeeded in defeating the bill. The
only other event of importance this year was the final withdrawal of
regular troops from Loudon.
In the year 1809, all the old members of the Council whose turn
it was to retire, were re-elected as follows : — Barnabas Wheeler, John
B. Smyth, Walter Nichol, Hewitt Fysh, Simpson H. Graydon, George
Macbeth and Thomas Partridge, sen. The Council selected John
Christie as Mayor, but in about a month he got tired of the office and
resigned. Mr. S. H. Graydon was elected by the Council to fill the
vacancy. It was in 1868 the Western Fair Board was organized, and
in 1869 the City Council voted §2,000 towards the erection of suitable
buildings. The citizens also responded liberally, but all the County
Council would give was $500. Miss Eye visited London in the sum-
mer, and was entertained as the guest of the corporation. On the 13th
of September His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, His Excellency the
Governor-General, and some other distinguished " nabobs " came to
London, and were rapturously received. The Council on the occasion
voted $200 for a procession of the fire brigade and fireworks. Col. J.
B. Askin died in this year, and the Council passed a resolution of
regret at the occurrence.
By far the most important matter, however, that came before the
people in 1869, was the railway agitation J. G. Thompson applied
for a charter for Thompson's air line through Southern Ontario, while
the Great Western apphed for another charter for the Canada air line.
The Council of London decided to oppose both ; but a public meeting
of citizens declared they would take the least of two evils, and decided
to oppose the Canada air line, and let the other go through. Hon.
John Carling, however, with his usual deep interest in public improve-
ments, ignored both resolutions and supported the Canada air line,
and opposed Thompson's. Both charters went through the House,
though, and as a result the County of Elgin has the roads to-day. The
lot for the present city registry office was purchased from D, Glass.
In 1870 the first matter recorded in the Council minutes is the
decision of the Couucil to attend the funeral of the late Hon. G. J.
Goodhue in a body on the 13th of January. Tlie elections this year
resulted in the return of James M. Cousius, Samuel McBride, David
Hughes, Henry B. Strong, Jesse W. Eapley, Thos. Peel and Thomas
Partridge, jr. Mr. S. H. Graydon was re-elected Mayor. It turned
out that Mr. Rapley wasn't properly qualified, and he
Daniel Lester was elected in his stead.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 253
Fuel became so scarce that the London & Port Stanley Eaiboad
drew it into the city and sold it by the cord at cost. I^^o citizen could
get more than a cord at a time, and as a result the price of fuel fell 25
per cent., and the Council publicly thanked the directors for their
consideration. Trouble broke out in the Phcenix Fire Company, and
charges were made against its chief. They were not sustained, and as
a result the committee decided to disband the company and reorganize
it. No less than two aldermen died this year, viz., Aid. Strong and
Aid. Macbeth, the latter very suddenly. Thos. AlcCormick replaced
the first-named in No. 4 "Ward, and John Williams the latter in No.
6. Aid. Egan made another attempt to get the park located north of
Great Market street, but failed. Aid. Campbell, however, got a com-
mittee appointed to negotiate for the present site of Victoria Park. In
1870, too, the construction of the London, Huron & Bruce Eailroad
was first mooted.
In 1871 there was another change in the mode of election, and
instead of one of the three aldermen from each ward retiring each year,
all went out of office. The new Council comprised James M. Cousins,
Andrew McCormick, Duncan C. Macdonald, John B. Smyth, John
Campbell, Joseph Jefiery, Francis E. Cornish, William Starr, John
Woods, Hewitt Fysh. Thomas McCormick, Samuel Barker, Simpson H.
Graydon, Jesse W. Eapley, Benj. Shaw, John Christie, Thomas Peel,
John Williams, Thos. Partridge, jr., Thos. Partridge, sr., and Jas. Egan.
Aid. J. M. Cousins was elected Mayor by the Council. By a vote of
the people $100,000 bonus was given towards the construction of the
London, Huron & Bruce Kailroad. The Council had this year to pass
a resolution of regret at the death of Simeon Morrill, first Mayor of
the town of London. A bubble which burst in London at this time
was the Charing Cross Hotel. It was to be an immense sanitarium
near the Forks, at the Sulphur Springs. Its projector, Mr. Dunnett,
invited the Council to attend the corner-stone laying, and fixed a date.
The corner-stone was laid, but afterwards tlie project fell through. It
was in this year that the Council let the London & Port Stanley EaU-
road practically pass into the hands of the Great Western. Among
other transactions in connection with this deal was the transference
of $70,000 worth of London & Port Stanley Eailroad bonds to W. P.
E. Street for $;-!,500. The late Bishop Cronyn died on the 22nd of
September, and the Council suitably honored his memory.
In 1872 the election returns placed the following gentlemen in
office : — James M. Cou.sins, Duncan C. Macdonald, James Moffat,
John B. Smyth, John Campbell, Samuel McBride, Wm. Starr, John
Woods, Arch. McPhail, Hewitt Fysh, Samuel Barker, Alex. Murray,
Simpson H. Graydon, Benj. Shaw, Jesse W. Eapley, John Christie,
John Williams, Benjamin Cronyn, Thos. Partridge, jr., Thos. Partridge,
sr., and James Egan. Aid. Campbell was elected Mayor by the
Council.
The first piece of business was a strong resolution brought in by
254 HISTORY OF THE
Aid. Moffat and Smith, condemniDg all who had anything to do with
the sale of the bonds to Mr. Street, and proposing legal proceedings
to recover them. The resolution did not pass. It was in this year
and in consequence of this deal that the Council introduced the system
of holding secret meetings, a practice which lasted until pubhc opinion
became so strong it had to be abolished. But by far the most startling
event that occurred in this city in 1872 was the abduction of Dr. R.
Bratton, a Confederate refugee. He was wanted in the States, and an
American detective located him in London. He obtained the aid of a
citizen and seized the doctor one night while on his way home, gagged
him, had a cab ready and drove with him to the station, took a train
there and soon had the unfortunate refugee on American soil, passing
him off on the way as a lunatic who needed restraint. The city Coun-
cil at once held an indignation meeting on hearing of the case, and
ordered the Mayor to lay the matter before the Crown. This was
done, with the result that Bratton was returned to British ten-itory,
and the parties in Canada who had a hand in the abduction punished,
one getting a couple of years' imprisonment. The latter is now a resi-
dent of Essex county, while the other still resides in London. The
Council minutes of this year contained a resolution of regret at the
death of Hon. John Sandfield Macdonald. Lord Dufferin, Governor-
General, visited London in the fall of the year, during the "\^''estern
Fair, and vast crowds came from all parts of Western Ontario to see
him. Ex-Mayor Marcus Holmes died in the fall of 1872, and the
Council paid due respect to his memory.
In 1873 the Council comprised J. M. Cousins, D. C. Macdonald, J.
B. Smyth, S. McBride, Arch. McPhail, L. C. Leonard, Thomas Browne,
James Moffatt, Jesse W. Kapley, John Christie, John Williams, Benj.
Cronyn, Thos. Patridge, jun., S. H. Graydon, Andrew McCormick, B.
Shaw, James Egan, John Beattie, Alex. Murray, Thos. Partridge, sen.,
and Wm. Stan-. Andrew McCormick was elected Mayor. A motion
by Aid. Macdonald, seconded by Aid. Smyth, asking the Legislature to
amend the law so as to elect Mayors of cities by direct vote of the
' people, can'ied, and bore good fruit.
Nothing of importance occurred municipally during the year,
except some trouble in the fire department, which resulted in the
resignation of D. Bruce and the suspension of Chief Wastie, who was,
however, soon after reinstated.
In 1874 the Mayor was elected by a direct vote of the people, and
Mr. B. Cronyn was the successful man. The Council was composed
of D. C. Macdonald, Col, MoHatt. E. Pritchard, John Beattie, James
Cowan, T. F. Kingsmill, Wm. Starr, Arch. McPhail, Wm. Farris,
Alex. Munay, L. C. Leonard, C. W. Andrus, Jesse W. Ilapley, Geo.
G. Magee, John Kearns, John Christie, John Williams, Col. Lewis,
Thomas Partridge, sen., Thomas Patridge, jun., aud J. li. Peel. This
year the city succeeded in obtaining the Ordnance lands and old
buildings thereon from the Government by deeds. Some excitement
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 2a5
was caused in July, 1874, by another row in the fire brigade, in which
some of the Aldermen took a hand Diirinc; August, Lord and Lady
Duileiin paid a flying visit to the city, lasting simply over night, and
the cost of entertaining them amounted to $1,395.50.
In 1875 Mayor Cronyn was re-elected, and the Council consisted of
Aldermen Pritchard, Smyth, Macdonald, James Cowan, A. B. Powell,
Phillips, Starr, Farris, Leonard, Hiscox, Abbott, Bunn, Browne, Rapley,
Williams, Lewis, Egan, Partridge, jr.. Partridge, sr,, and Christie.
The erection of iron bridges around the city was commenced this
year, Blackfriars being the first. In the early part of February John
Birrell died, and the Council passed a suitable motion of condolence.
In 1875 the fire brigade was put on a regular permanent basis, Thos.
Wastie being appointed chief, " to devote his whole time to the city's
service," at a salary of $800 per annum. Aid. Farris died in July, and
Aid. Dunbar was elected to the vacancy. The City Hospital was
completed in 1875 and opened by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Pro-
vince. What will seem strange to the average citizen now, several
motions to sell Victoria Park off in building lots were actually made
in the Council, but defeated. A vote for a water-works system resulted
in the defeat of the by-law this year.
In 1876 D. C. Macdonald was elected Mayor, with the following
Council . — Aldermen Pritchard, Sutherland, Fitzgerald, Thompson,
McPhail, Skinner, Hiscox, Ross, Henderson, Minhinnick, Rapley,
Browne, Christie, WiUiams, Lewis, McCoU, Partridge, sr.. Partridge,
jr., Jones, Campbell and Murray.
The amalgamation of the Great Western Railroad and London,
Huron & Bruce Railroad took place by act of Parliament. In the
year 1876 the Crooks Act came before the Legislature, and when the
City Council proposed to raise the license fees there was a great scene
in the Council Chamber. On one hand the licensed victuallers were
present, and on the other hundreds of ladies, clergymen and temper-
ance people. John Carling and others spoke in the liquor interest,
and Rev. R. W. Wallace, Rev. Mr. Murray, Rev. James Graham, Dr.
Oronhyatekha and Rev. J. Rice for temperance. Temperance carried
the day, or rather the Council, by 'one vote 11 to 10.
In 1877 Robert Pritchard was selected by the people as Mayor, and
the following aldermen were elected : — Messrs. Sutherland, Gray,
Campbell, Fitzgerald, Thompson, Murray, Jones, Skinner, Regan,
McNab, Hiscox, Minhinnick, Browne, Rapley, Christie, Williams, Boyd,
Egan, Partridge, jun., and Partridge, sen. This year the Council pro-
vided the necessary funds for the erection of the High School building,
which is now the Collegiate Institute
The year 1877 also saw the memorial " rumpus " on the police
force, which resulted in the resignation of Chief Wigmore. A by-law
for the construction of the present waterworks, at a cost of $325,000,
was submitted to the people on Dec. 14, and carried.
In 1878 Col. Lewis was returned as Mayor, together with Aid.
256 HISTORY OF THE
Campbell, Smyth, Thompson, Murray, Powell, Regan, Skinner, Stringer,
McNab, Eddleston, Keenleyside, Glass, Eapley, Browne, Christie, Wil-
liams, Viuing, Egan, Thos. Peel and J. R. Peel. On the minutes of
the second meeting of this year is recorded the following : — " Aid.
Thompson gave notice that he would move at the next meeting, that in
order to elevate the standard of this Council, the proceedings be opened
in future with prayer, and that ex-Monk Widdows be engaged as
chaplain for the Board, and that the Salaries Committee be requested
to report the amount to be paid for his spiritual services, etc." The
late E. W. Hyman, one of London's first Water Commissioners, died on
the 12th of April of this year, and the Council held a special meeting
to pass a resolution of regret, and attended his funeral in a body.
In 1879 Col. Lewis was re-elected Ma3'or. The aldermen were
Eobt. Pritchard, John Campbell, James Muirhead, W. W. Fitzgerald,
A. B. Powell, A. K. Thompson, Wm. Skinner, Samuel Stringer, Charles
Taylor, Geo. Eddleston, B. W. Greer, Geo. T. Hiscox, James Ardell,
Graham Glass, Geo. Gray, Wm. Scarrow, John Wilhams, John Boyd,
.r. E. Peel, James Egan and John Eaynor. Water Commissioners —
Hon. John Carling and J. E. Minhinnick. Ex-Mayor William Simp-
son Smith died in June of this year, and the Council attended the
funeral. In September, 1879, the Marquis of Lome and Princess
Louise visited London, and it cost the city $1,244 to entertain them.
In 1880 Alderman Campbell was elected Mayor, being opposed by
Minhinnick. Eaynor and Lewis, Water Commissioners. E. Pritchard,
E. I\Ieredith and James Muirhead, Aldermen of the First Ward ;
E. S. Mun-ay, A. K. Thompson and James Cowan, of the Second ; C.
Taylor, J. W. Jones and Wm. Skinner, of the Third ; W. Milroy, Geo.
T. Hiscox and W. H. Eooks, of the Fourth ; N. Wilson. T. Browne
and Graham Glass, of the Fifth ; W. Scarrow, J. Boyd and W. D.
Buckle, of the Sixth ; and Thomas Peel, J. D. Sharman and Wm.
Wyatt, of the Seventh Ward. Thomas Carling died in February, and
the Council passed a resolution of condolence and attended the funeral
in a body. It was decided by the people, with 9.S majority, to sell the
Exhibition Grounds ; but the (Jouncil subsequently backed down and
didn't carry out the people's wishes. The laying of cedar block pave-
ment was commenced this year.
In 1881 the municipal elections resulted in the choice of J. Camp-
bell for Mayor, his vote being 1,413, while Mr. Lewis received 1,095.
James Muirhead and A. B. Powell were elected Water Commissioners.
1,301 votes were recorded for the sale of the Exhibition Grounds and
1,435 for the sale of Salter's Grove. The Aldermen elected were
Robert Pritchard, John B. Smyth and James H. Wilson, First Ward;
Stephen O'Meara, James Cowan and Robert S. Murray, Second Ward ;
John W. Jones, Francis Love and Samuel Stringer, Third Ward ; Geo.
T. Hiscox, Benj. Higgins and Wm. Milroy, Fourth Ward ; Lewis
Adams, Thomas Browne and Graham Glass, Fifth Ward ; John Boyd,
Wm. D. Buckle and Wm. Scarrow, Sixth Ward ; Thos. Partridge, jr.,
J. D. Sharman and Wm. Wyatt, Seventh Ward.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 257
In 1882 Edmund Meredith was elected Mayor ; G.S. Birrell, C. B.
Hunt and E. Pritchard, Aldermen for First Ward; C. S. Hyman, R. S.
Murray and O'Meara, Second Ward; J. W. Jones, W. Skinner and
C. Taylor, Third Ward ; Thomas Beattie, John Ferguson and B. Hig-
gins, Fourth Ward ; T. Browne, S. Crawford and J. R. Minhinnick,
Fifth Ward ; John Boyd, W. D. Buckle and Talbot Macbeth, Sixth
Ward ; Hany Becher, Thomas Peel and J. D. Sharman, Seventh Ward.
John Brown, born in Ireland in 1807, settled at London in 1832 ;
subsequently kept store at St. Thomas ; returned to London, and in
1835 was a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M. In 1852 he
was appointed City Treasurer, and for thirty years filled that position,
until death called him in 1882.
In 1883 a few changes were made in ward representatives, but the
Mayor retained his ofBce.
In 1883 Messrs. Birrell, Labatt, Hunt, Hyman, O'Meara, Cowan,
Skinner, Stringer, Browne, Boyd, Becher and Moore formed the
Council.
In 1884 the city elections resulted in the choice of C. S. Hyman for
Mayor by 620 majority. J. M. Cousins and John Raynor were elected
Water Commissioners. The Aldermen for Ward 1 were re-elected ;
Messrs. O'Meara, Cowan and Beattie were elected in the Second ; in
the Third Ward Thomas C. Hewitt replaced Browne ; in the Fourth J.
S. Niven and W. Scarrow replaced Boyd and Moore. H. Becher
headed the poll. At this time the by-law establishing a free libraiy
was adopted.
In 1885 Henry Becher was elected Mayor, receiving 1,755 votes,
while his opponent (Hiscox) received 1,164. Messrs. Birrell, Hewitt
and Raynor, candidates for Water Commissioners, received 1,771,
1,633 and 1,456 votes re.spectively. The Aldermen who received the
highest number of votes were George Watson, H. C. Green and Chas.
Taylor, First Ward ; Stephen O'Meara, Jas. Cowan and C. A. Kingston,
Second Ward ; Samuel Stringer, Joseph Hook and Thomas Browne,
Third Ward; W. Scarrow, T. D. Hodgens and John Christie, Fourth
Ward. The by-law to abohsh the office of Water (Jommissioners was
voted down: 407 for; 1,069 against. The by-law for .sale of the Fair
Grounds was earned: for, 1,729 ; against, 1,114.
In 1886 the city elections resulted as follows: — Mayor, T. D.
Hodgens (1,643), W. Scarrow (1,375) and James Cowan (630) ; Water
Commissioners, Hewitt (1,977), Birrell (1,955) and Cousins (1,899).
The Aldermen elected were : — For Ward 1, George C. Davis, George
Watson and Charles Taylor ; Ward 2, S. O'Meara, Alex. McDonald
and Charles A. Kingston ; Ward 3, S. Stringer, Joseph Hook and Thos.
Browne ; Ward 4, M. D. Dawson, Joshua Gan-ett and John Boyd ;
Ward 5, George Heaman, J. W. Bartlett and John Nutkins.
In 1887 James Cowan was chosen Mayor, defeating W. Scarrow
by 902 votes, the figures being 2,270 and 1,368 respectively ; Messrs.
Hiscox, Muirhead and Cowan were elected Water Commissioners;
258 IIISTOKY OF THE
while the by-law, granting a loan of $7o,000 to the Southeastern Rail-
road Company, was carried— for, 1,957, contra, ;:!29 ; majority, 1,628.
The aldermen re-elected were Davis, C. Taylor, McDonald, Stringer,
Hook and Heaman ; the new members were Jarvis, Greer, Moule,
Bowman, Moore, Vining, Geo. Taylor, Dreaney and Mcintosh.
In 1888 the Council comprised Wm. Wyatt, John Heaman, Thos.
Connor, Stephen O'Meara, John Callard, John Moule, W. H. Winnett,
Wm. Skinner, Wm. Jones, Geo. Taylor, J. B. Vining, Henry Dreaney,
N. P. Graydou and Geo. Heaman.
The last eight years of municipal life (1881-8) are well known to
almost everyone ii^ the city. There was the discovery of John Brown's
defalcations and his sad death ; the reduction in the number of wards
with fewer aldermen ; the amalgamation of the ( 'ity and London East ;
Hodgens's famous tooth-powder charges in connection with the City
Hospital ; the advent of the Canadian Pacific Railroad and Michigan
Central Railroad into the city; the lighting of the streets by electricity ;
the sale of the old fair grounds ; the erection of fair lauildings on
Queen's Park ; the purchase of part of Carling's farm ; and the sale of
the Ordnance lands. All these events and many others are familiar to
the reader, and it is unnecessary to rehash them. The following gentle-
men have filled the chief magistrate's chair during that period: —
1880-1, John Campbell; 1882-o, Ed. Meredith ; 188"4, C. S. Hyman ;
1885, Henry Becher; 188(3, T. D. Hodgens ; 1887-8, James Cowan.
Thomas Scatcherd, born at Wyton, Nissouri, in 1821, was ad-
mitted to the bar in 1849, and served the city as solicitor from 1849
to the period of his death at Ottawa, April 15, 187<j. In 1861 he was
chosen to represent West Middlesex in the old Parliament ; in 1867
was elected for North Middlesex ; in 1872 re-elected, thus spending
fifteen years in parliamentary life.
The appointment of W. R. Meredith, City Solicitor, vice Scatcherd,
deceased, was made April 26, 1876.
A by-law appointing Mayor Cowan, R. Pritchard and A. B. Powell
lis the City of London Trust, was passed Aug. 29, 1888.
Fire Department. — The Volunteer Fire Brigade dates its organiza-
tion back to 1842. It was originated by Simeon Morrill, George J.
Goodhue and High Con.stable Groves. They succeeded in having a
by-law pas.sed by the District Council of which William Balkwill
was president, compelling every householder to keep a fire bucket
made of leather, painted black, and hung in a convenient jilace in
each house. Cowhide dippers, as they were called at that time, were
inspected regularly by Capt. Groves, who was for many years at the
head of the fire organization. It was a funny spectacle to see each
man with a bucket running to a fire, and then form in line at some
well, passing the buckets along the line, up ladders, to the fire ; but,
ludicrous as it was, good work was often done, and valuable property
saved by these pioneers.
In the year 1844 G. J. Goodhue purchased an engine which was
COUNTY OF raDDLESEX 259
simply a garden sprinkler. The arrival of this wonderful piece of
machinerj' was the occasion of the first company being orgamzed, by
Capt. Groves. They ran this little tub with a company of old citizens,
and did good work ^\'ith it until the occasion of the great fire of April
11, 1845, when, after a minute's work, it was abandoned, and disappeared
in a general ruin. The company purchased two Perry hand engines
from a Montreal house, which they used for some time. Their first
steamer was purchased in 1S67. Upon the organization of Phcenix Com-
pany, S. McBride was the first captain ; Edmund Beltz, first lieutenant,
and D. S. Pemn, second lieutenant. This company was composed
principally of young men who were very active and took a delight in
sports, and would often go over into the States to a firemen's tourna-
ment, frequently winning first prizes, and was counted the best depart-
ment in existence at that time. The company who got to the fire first
were awarded prizes against other companies in the city ; and it was
very laughable, as well as exciting, to see them getting to a fii'e, and
was often dangerous. John Rolfe was Captain of No. 4, Rescue, hook
and bucket company. From the start of this company, the name was
changed several times. Company No. 5, called " Rising Sun," was
organized some time after, with Daniel Lester, captain.
In 1863 the department was made up as follows : — Chief Engineer,
Jno. Hunter ; assistant, Chas. Cater ; second assistant, Jno. McDowell.
Phcenix No. 2 — 60 men — Daniel Pen-in, captain ; Donald McDonald,
first lieutenant; Geo. Wheeler, second lieutenant; James Findlater,
third lieutenant ; Wm. Loughrey, representative. Rescue No. 4 — 60
men — John Gibson, captain ; John Cavanagh, first lieutenant ; Thos.
Langan, second lieutenant ; Timothy Flinn and John Shean, repre-
sentatives. Hook and Ladder Company — 40 men — Wm. Abraham,
captain ; S. Gibson, first lieutenant ; Wm. Bradshaw, second lieu-
tenant; J. P. O'Byrne and Wm. Graham, representatives. Man)' of
London's leading business men at present were at one time volunteer
firemen of this city. Geo. Taylor, Samuel McBride, James Durand,
Samuel Stewait, Ed. Beltz, A. S. Abbott, Geo. Jackson, Richard Wig-
more, A. Grant, and many others were on the volunteer fire brigade in
old days. In December, 1872, a Babcock fire extinguisher was intro-
duced, and with this new departure a motion to abolish the volunteer
fire department, and create a regularly paid fire brigade, was made. As
the city grew, a volunteer brigade with hand reels could not protect it ;
and in 1 867 the Phoenix steam engine was purchased. The volunteer
system, however, continued in force until 1873. Thomas Wastie,
chief for some time previous to that, instituted the permanent system,
and was the first chief of the paid department.
Present Department. — The fire department of to day dates back
to April 1, 1873, when Thomas Wastie was appointed Chief Two
permanent men beside the chief were only appointed at first in 1873,
viz., Oliver Richardson, driver, and David Bruce, engineer. There
were fourteen call men appointed, at SlOO each. They were James
260 HISTORY OF THE
Findlater, John F. Doyle, R. Wonnacott, Patrick Gleeson, Thomas
Richardson, Geo. Till, Daniel Sullivan (killed shortly afterwards in an
accident at Hyman's ta,nnery), Harry Boyd, John Maddiver, Joseph
Reeves, Harry Pratt, John Roe, Alex. Harvey and Richard McBride.
During the year 1875 there were 138 fire alarms, being 86 over 1874.
107 fires were attributed to incendiaries, and 31 fires to other causes.
On three occasions there were two fires raging at the same time. The
most dangerous was that of June 12, 1875, on Maitlaud street. Dur-
ing the year 18 brick buildings were on fire, one being totally destroyed ;
27 wooden buildings were totally destroyed, and 54 partially destroyed.
The department was made up of 20 men. In 1875 the fire alarm
system was put in, and in 1879 the introduction of the waterworks
did away with the old Phceuix steamer, which was sold to Middle-
brook, Ont., in 18SG. No 2 steam engine was purchased in 1873, the
same make as first steamer, being a double pump and cylinder. This
engine was sold to Petrolea.
The record of fires from 1877 to July 1, 1888, is as follows:
18S0
50
1883 '
1881 ....
. . . 91
1884
1882 . . . .
... 70
1885
At the present time, with fourteen permanent and six call men, the
brigade never was in a more efficient condition. The following is the
personnel of the department as at present constituted : — Chief, John
A. Roe ; Departmental Foreman, A. McMurchy ; Electrician, J. E. D.
Crawford.
The force at Central Fire Station comprises: — Station Foreman,
John Aikins ; Drivers, George Gray and James Gleeson ; Firemen,
Oliver Richardson, J. D. RiddeU, Thomas Aikin and Samuel Nctley ;
Call Men, P. C. Gleeson, R. Wonnacott, Joseph Reeves, Michael
Gleeson, Harry C. Smith and Michael Donohue.
Station No. 2 comprises: — Station Foreman, J. D. Findlater;
Driver, Arch. Nicholson ; Firemen, Arch. Mohr and John Swaiiwick.
Chief Roe has been at the head of the force for about six or seven
years, succeecUng Wastie, who went to the North-west.
Transactions of Council with DepaHment. — In June, 1843, Cap-
tain Till and other members of the fire department resigned, when it
was ordered that the key of the engine-house, together with all appara-
tus belonging to the engine, trumpets, buckets, etc., etc., be examined
by Thomas Frazer, and placed in possession of the village clerk. By-
law No. 50, passed immediately following the resignation of the fire
company, provided that not more than six pounds of gunpowder shall
be kept in any store or dwelling, and that not more than thirty pounds
shall be kept in any out-building near such dwelling-house or store.
In July, Alex. Lowrie was summoned for making a fire on Talbot
street, and had to pay nine shilhngs and ninepence for violation of by-
law. Henry Groves was chosen Captain of the fire department, August
23. He was ordered to procure some necessaries for the company, but
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 261
nothing over the vahie of five shillings without a special instruction
from the Board. The direct pay was twenty-five shillings to the com-
pany for every fire, chimneys excepted. The constable reported £4-
11s. 3d. received from ex-fire-Captain Till. John Gray received a box
of lucifer matches September 9, and on the same day the village Board
ordered " that the box be removed to some distant out-house, as the
Board considered the same unsafe to be kept in a store." Very string-
ent laws were adopted about this time to provide against fire. Thomp-
son AVilson, barrack-master was charged by the Inspector of London,
with allowing the chimney in the brick barracks to catch fire ; but the
case was dismissed by the Police Board. Another item going to show
the existing fear of fire, is by-law 53, which provided " that any per-
sons who may open any of the public tanks or draw water therefrom,
except in case of fire, should be fined not less than five shillings,"
Antliony Gale was fined five shillings for allowing his chimney to take
fire in December, 1843. William Marshall was appointed town chim-
ney sweeper, and Inspector Whittimore was instructed to see that every
house and shop had its share of fire buckets in 1844. Fire had taken
such a hold of the public mind, that a large meeting was held to organ-
ize a hook and ladder company. The Board, agreeable to the opinion
of the people, sanctioned this organization and appointed Samuel H.
Park, captain ; Patrick McLaughlan, fii'st lieutenant ; Alex. Lowrie,
second lieutenant ; and Alex. S. Armstrong, secretary. In February,
summary proceedings were taken against John Burke, for refusing to
aid in extinguishing a fire.
In January, 1845, the fire engine was taken to Peter McCann's
house, he agreeing to keep it safe at ten shillings per month. John
Birrell was allowed £35 6s. 4d. for laying new sidewalk on Dundas
street, the former walk being destroyed by the fire of October, 1844.
August 31, 1846, a fire engine was ordered from James McKenny,
Quebec, and the same to be paid for by a check on the Board at one
year, with interest. In September, new tanks were erected at the
corners of Talbot and Richmond streets and Dundas.
In April, 1847, E. P. ElHs, treasurer of the Fire Company, pre-
sented an account of £13 5s. Od. Peter McCann, first lieutenant of
Fire Company, also presented his account. In August, John Gumb
was ordered to deliver 30,000 brick at £1 per thousand, for the purpose
of building an engine house.
A 700-pound bell, the same exhibited at the Buffalo, N". Y. fair,
was ordered from A. Good at 12 cents per pound, $14 for the yoke,
and $5 for the wheel. In October, 1S48, this was the first and long-
looked for fire-bell of Loudon, a trumpet being its predecessor for
alarm purposes.
The Council passed a by-law forbidding the erection of wooden
buildings where old buildings were burned, June 16, 1849. On Jan.
21, Bennett's resolution to form a Town Protective Society, to take
charge of all goods in case of fire, was carried. In March a by-law for
262 HISTORY OF THE
the government of the Fire Department was passed. In December it
provided for the employment of a chief engineer, first and second
assistant engineers, a captain for each engine, hook and ladder, hose
and property protection company, one iirst and second lieutenant, one
secretary and one treasurer. The engine company was limited to sixty
members, and the other companies to forty members, Wm. Goodwin
was secretary. The nomination of Simeon Morrill chief, and Peter
McCann and John Plummer assistants, was confirmed.
In May, 1850, a sum of £250 was gi'anted to purchase a fire
engine capable of throwing water fifty feet high.
A motion by Councillor Barker, made in 1852, to permit the volun-
teer rifle company to wear side-arms while attending fires was lost. A
lot on the north side of King street was purchased from Alex. Mc-
Donald, and on it an engine house was built. The Council, in Feb-
ruary, appointed the captains of several fire companies. A board of
fire wardens elected Elijah Leonard chief engineer, with William Eow-
land and James Cousins second and third engineers. Each warden
was to wear a Kossuth hat with plumes.
In August, 1853, the Council resolved to raise £900 by debentures,
for building the firemen's hall and engine-house.
In March, 1854, the fire brigade was presided over by C. N.
Simms, chief, with J. E. Murphy and Francis Smith, first and second
The fire companies of 1857 were Fire King, Hook and Ladder,
Phcenix, Defiance, Rescue and Rising Sun. The officers of the Hook and
Ladder Company of 1859 were : — Charles Stevens, captain ; William
Abraham and Charles Flew, lieutenants ; John S. Mearus, secretary,
and D. McPherson, treasurer ; the last two named being representa-
tives to the Fire Brigade Board.
Fires, 18Jf4--1888. — The following record of fires is based solely on
contemporary history, such as the Council journal and newspaper files.
The first reference to fires in this journal is made in January, 1844,
when the Police Board ordered twenty-five shillings to be paid to the
fire company for services rendered at the burning of John O'Brien's
house. John Jennings' distillery was destroyed by fire, April 14, and
the Board offered a reward of £25 for the conviction of the incendiary.
In October the police office was used as a store-hou.se for goods rescued
from the fire of that month. The Board further thanked Captain
Caddy for £10 subscription, being the proceeds of one night's enter-
tainment by the Garrison Theatrical Company. This sum was equally
divided between Leonard, Perrin, Thomas Clark, Veitch, Faulds and
Edmunds, they being the principal sufferers from the fire. Samuel H,
Park was paid £2 17s. tkl. for the use of teams during the fires. Peter
McCann was allowed £4 10s. for men on duty during the fire.
The fire of April 11, 1845, which either washed or wafted away
some three hundred stores, dwellings, churches, banks, post-office,
hotels, etc., was the most di.sastrous known in London. It originated
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 263
in tlie Eobinsou Hall, and spread with amazing rapidity. On this
occasion the 2nd Eoyals (Infantry), who were then stationed in the
new barracks on the ])resent Victoria Park, did efficient service in
guarding property and keeping order for the suHerers against a large
number of plunderers from the city and country. At this time a large
garden sprinkler presented to the fire company was destroyed, and all
the houses, cabins, churches, etc., within the district bounded by
Eidout, Dundas, Talbot south to the river were swept away. To give
an idea of how this fire spread, it is related that James Nixon had just
taken his horse from the Eobiuson Hall stables one minute before the
archway was ablaze. The locations of the greater number of business
houses in 184.5 are given at the close of this chapter, so that the
names of the principal sufferers are preserved.
Stephen Bonser (or Bonsel) was allowed £5 for services as en-
gineer, while £3 18s. 3d. were allowed to the company for services at
the burning of Mrs. Shepherd's house in April, 1847.
Among the persons paid for services at the fire of Jan. 15, 1849,
were George Taylor, Charles Hine, Wm. Wiuslow, Eichard Bissett,
Joshua Freckleton, Wm. Lamont, Peter Wright and Henry Boyd,
each receiving five shillings. The investigation into the origin of this
fire, which destroyed Donald McDonald's store and Joseph Goodwin's
dwelling adjoining, showed that Eobert Gunn discovered the fire. On
January 16 the Council presented a record of their vote of thanks,
printed in gilt letters and neatly framed, to the young men Burwell,
Schram and Will Burns, " for their intrepid and persevering conduct
in arresting the progress of the lamentable fire." During this fire jMr.
Burke's house was pulled down unnecessarily. The burning of
Henry Dalton's soap factory, Jan. 30, was accidental.
The following entry is made in the records of the Council : — " The
chief engineer reported to the Council that he had offered a reward of
£5 to the Phcenix Fire Company, if said Company would save a certain
wooden building which was in danger of being consumed by fire on the
morning of May 28th." Notices were given that application for pay-
ment of this sum, and also of £1 to ]Mr."Holnies's Fire Company, would
be made at next session of Council. The fire originated in Eeynolds's
butcher shop, also used by cabinet-maker Allen, a brother in-law of
Eeynolds. This resulted in the destruction of buildings belonging to
Dennis O'Brien, and of Sutherland's printing office. At that time
Sutherland slept in the printing office. Peter Glen, tailor, and
Donald Stewart resided near the burned buildings The Council
offered £25 for the conviction of the incendiary. The grants to the
Phcenix and Holmes's Companies, as asked, were made, and £5 to the
Juvenile Fire Company. On June 18th an attempt was made to
burn Lawrason & Chisholm's store. The Council presented John
O'Neil with an address, thanking him for saving such valuable
property.
A fire was started in the buildings on the north side of Duudas
264 HISTORY OF THE
street, August 15, 1850. The Council offered £250 reward for the
capture and conviction of the incendiaries. The fire originated in
Smith, Matthewson and Moore's buildings, where they formerly kept
store. It was discovered after midnight by Robert Summers, who
gave the alarm, and saw a man run from the place, having first thrown
tuipentine against the house. This building, Goodhue's store, the
frame occupied by Oliver's shoe store and Dennis O'Brien's brick
(then occupied by Eonald Robinson as a tavern), were destroyed. The
inmates barely escaped. At Oliver's and other places Robert Summers
aided in saving the family and some of the leather.
The fire of January 7, 1851. threatened the town. Lieut.-Colonel
Crutchley and men of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, the local fire-
men, and a small number of citizens, worked faithfully to rescue pro-
perty. The majority of the citizens were mere spectators, as the fol-
lowing resolution of the Council points out : — " That this Council
regret being called upon to condemn, in the strongest language, the
apathy evinced by a great portion of the spectators on that melancholy
occasion, who, not content with refusing to assist in procuring water or
otherwise endeavoring to arrest the flames, actually seemed by their
gestures and conversation to enjoy the sight, and, so far from being of
any use, only retarded those who were willing to exert themselves.
Therefore, the Council would request all those who attend fires merely
to gratify a morbid curiosity, to remain at home in future." One re-
sult of this fire, however, was the appropriation of £800 for the pur-
chase of a " good engine and hose." The fire of February 7 was
discovered in the house occupied by Wm. Till, cabinet-maker, on
Ridout street. TiU's shop, with the exception of a small dwelling
house on the northern side, formed the last of a range of wooden build-
ings, extending nearly from York to King streets. The wind was
from the north, which, with the exertions of the Hook and Ladder
Company and a partial supply of water, prevented the consuming of
the block. As it was, about one -third (the southern part) was con-
sumed ; and in the remainder the houses were completely gutted. In
the houses burnt, the following were the sufferers : — Thomas Fraser's
dwelling house, the cabinet shop and dwelling house of William Till,
with a quantity of lumber ; no insurance ; the next was owned and
occupied by E. P. EUis as a cabinet shop, insured for .$1,500 in the
Genessee Mutual ; the next occupied by W. H. Soper, gunsmith, who
was insured for £100; the building, owned by Maurice Baker, was
also insured. This was the last building burned, and was pulled down
while on fire, thereby stopping any further progress. Till, on whose
premises the fire broke out, lost heavily. 'The military were on the
ground, and rendered all the assistance in their power.
The fire of August 24, 18.") 1, destroyed the old Catholic church
building at the corner of Richmond street and Maple avenue.
The fire of Oct. 7 was discovered in the range of wooden buildings
on Richmond street, between the Congregational Chapel and Dundas
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 2bO
street. The range was owned by S. S. Pomeroy, and consisted of six
different shops ; one of which was vacant, and the other five occupied
as follows : — -Dr. Wanless, druggist, stock insured for £250 in the
Empire State Co., and furniture, &c., £200 in the Provincial ; R. Gunn,
shoemaker ; Lawson, tailor ; W. Jarman, tin and copper-smith, £100
in the Empire State Co. ; Wm. Bissell, £50 in the Hudson Eiver Co.
Some damage was done to Mr. Strong's Hotel, but through the exer-
tions of Phcenix Fire Co., No. 2, the fire was prevented from extend-
ing. The fire of December, which destroyed some houses on the
south side of Dundas, necessitated an order by Council giving the
privilege to persons burned out of erecting temporary wooden build-
ings.
In February, 1857, a fire broke out in the basement of the City
Hall, caused by overheating of furnace pipes. In this year the hospital
was burned. Later in 1857 the City Hospital on the Hamilton Road,
Henry Groves' house on York street, Pomeroy's on Dundas, Carmichael's
on Mill street, and Cameron's on Wellington street, were set on fire.
The fire of May 27, 1859, destroyed six tenement houses, owned
by Ingram, on Waterloo street. In July, 18(30, a fire broke out in the
Higgins stable on Dundas near Clarence, and destroyed the building
and adjoining sheds in rear of the Hiscox tavern. Higgins's and His-
cox's taverns and Wesleyan parsonage were saved by the firemen,
under VVigmore, McPherson and Frank Church. The first fire of 1863
originated in Thomas Craig's office, and resulted in the destruction of
Adam Hope & Co.'s hardware stock and store. The military engineers
saved the books. The second fire was in their new store, where
Stephenson's store now stands, opposite the City Hotel. At this time
Warren's, Cliisholm's and Hope's stores were destroyed
In 1865 a fire destroyed all the buildings between the stores of E.
Beltz and R. Eeid ; subsequently the vacant lot was purchased by J.
Green, for the purpose of building thereon a dry goods warehouse.
During the operation of clearing out the old ruins, one of the walls fell,
caiTying down Beltz's hat store and Mrs. Egan's property. The fire of
May 24th destroyed Elijah Leonard's old foundry on Ridout and Ful-
larton ; also Dennis O'Connor's dwelling. Owing to the fact that the
machinery and material were removed to the new foundry, Leonard's
loss was small.
Thompson & Hendershott's oil refinery, on the river bank, east of
the London and Port Stanley bridge, was burned January 23, 1867.
Wood's Hotel, corner of Clarence and Dundas streets, was destroyed
by fire December 13. The buildings were erected in 1840 and owned
by P>enj. Higgins. The firemen, aided by the 53rd regiment, confined
the fire to the hotel.
The Reindeer Inn, also known as " Murphy's Erin-go-Bragh,"
owned in 1867-8 by John Armour, was burned January 27, 1868.
This was a large frame building at the corner of Bathurst and Rich-
mond streets. Heathfield & Williams' drug store, on Dundas street,
266 HISTORY OF THE
was on fire March 4. The department saved the building, but deluged
the stock with water. The fire of July 27, which threatened the
Catholic school-house, was followed by a fire on Hitchcock street
(Maple street) and Richmond street, which destroyed Stewart's fanning
mill factory and nineteen other buildings. The mill building was
owned by John Dignam; but the contents represented $12,000. A.
Kerr's building adjoining was valued at $1,000 ; Stewart and Rudd's
dwelling and barns, S2,500 ; barn adjoining factory, S500 ; McKellar
& Stewart's wagon factory, $6,000'; McKellar's dwelling, $1,000;
Waddell's cottage, $1,200 ; Western Hotel stables and contents, $2,000 ;
Grey's plow factory, $300 ; Magee's block of six dwellings, $.S,600 ;
Gillean's building damaged ; also Mrs. Darby's, Hardwood's carpenter
shop, Peel's marble works, Richardson's carpenter shop, P. Weston's
dwelling and other buildings damaged. The losses amounted to
$40,000. M. & E. Anderson's foundry, Adelaide and Dundas streets,
was blown up September 21, 1868, killing one man and wounding
seven. Twelve years before the Anderson foundry, then on Richmond
and Fullarton streets, met with a similar fate, when a number of lives
were lost and a number wounded. The fire of December 29 destroyed
the grocery house of Frank Smith & Co., the loss being estimated at
about $-40,000.
The fire of Jan. 6, 1869, originated in Finlayson's dry goods store,
on Dundas, and gutted that store. In saving adjoining property much
damage was done, the total losses being placed at $30,000. John
White's hotel, on North street, was partially destroyed by fire also in
January. Thomas Hodgens's wagon shop, on Richmond and Market,
was destroyed by fire February 11. The fire of June 7 de.stroyed
Bullock's dwelling and slaughter-house on King and Rectory streets,
near St. Paul's Cemetery. The Canada Chemical Works were burned
in September. The Ontario Chemical Works, on London Road, were
destroyed October 12, involving a loss of $15,000. Wm. McMillan's
oil refinery, on Bathurst, east of the Grand Trunk Railroad depot, was
gutted by fire November 3-4. The house of Wm. Smith, near the
Catholic cemetery, was burned November 26. The act was imputed
to Mary Hawkins, whose love was not reciprocated. A tavern at the
corner of Richmond and Litchfield streets was burned December 6.
The tinshop of I. W. C. Baker was burned January f), 1870,
entailing a lo.ss of $2,500. The other propeity destroyed was A. John-
ston's building, $1,400 ; Hiscox's hotel, $1,600 ; T. Powell's furniture,
$500 ; Mrs. Trebilcock's stock, about $600 ; Goldner & Hooper's,
about $300; Dr. AVestland's furniture, $300, and Benj. Higgins's
building, $300— in all $7,500. The O'Callaghan and Elson frame
building, which stood on Richmond street, opposite the City Hall, was
burned January 21. Bison's butcher .shop, Mountjoy's fruit store,
Henry Taylor's bank and Burke's photographic rooms were in the
building. The house was erected about 1841, and for ten years was
used by the Wesleyau IMethodists for church purposes. The fire on
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 267
Duke and Cartwriglit streets, of February 2:^, destroyed ]3roperty
valued at S2,000. A. Graham's barn, and James Anderson's and Mrs.
Hennessy's cottages were destroyed. The grocery store of Michael
Gleesou, on Eichmond and Bathurst streets, was destroyed by fire
February 27. The children narrowly escaped death. The petroleum
works of Englehart & Co., on Adelaide street, were destroyed by fire
February 24. Oliver Odell was burned to a crisp, and others severely
injured. A second explosion at Englehart's works. April 9, entailed a
loss of $2,000 ; and a third on May 23, 1870, damaged property valued
at .$6,000. Macmillan & Latham's oil still exploded August 11.
The explosion at Steadwells' refinery April 22, 1872, cau.sed the
death of Joseph Ellis and J. Weaver, while on December 31st young
Hussey was killed in Elliott's foundry. The burning of Mrs. Howard's
child at the barracks occurred September 3, 1872. S. Adams & Co.'s oil
stills were damaged by explosion in June. In November, the frame
buildings near the Terrapin restaurant on Dundas street were des-
troyed by fire. Mrs. S. A. Gibbons, whose fancy goods store was in
one, and Geo. Shaw, who had a grocery in another, suffered some loss.
The old buildings were on the site of the proposed buildings of W. J.
lieid & Co. In December, the Victoria Hotel stables on Duke and
"\\'ellington streets, with the dwellings of Wm. Noden and Mrs. Ions,
were burned. On the morning of December 10th the old frame pas-
penger depot of the Grand Trunk Railroad was destroyed, and on
December 15th the old artillery barracks on Wellington street.
The explosion of an oil still in the Hodgens refinery, east of Ade-
laide street, resulted in the destruction of fourteen oil cars. This
occurred January 10, 1873. The fire of February 8th destroyed Kirk-
patrick's shoe store, and Thomas Simmon's fruit shop on Dundas street.
On April 18th the boiler in Hyman's tannery (London) exploded, killing
Daniel Sullivan. Geo. Horner, foreman, and George Vincent, engineer,
were arrested on the charge of continuing the use of the engine for
months after they knew of the dangerous condition of the safety-valve.
The Ontario Car Works of London were destroyed by fire in June,
1874. The total loss of $80,000 was met by an insurance of $65,000.
The fire of June 22 destroyed nine buildings on Eichmond street,
between King and York streets, and on the 27th two frame buildings
on the west side of Eichmond, between the streets named, were
destroyed. On July 4th two frame buildings on Bathurst, near
Clarence, were burned.
The fire of February 27, 1875, destroyed Muirhead & Gray's oat-
meal mills, and also the block on the corner of Dundas and Eichmond.
On March 31 Westlake's dry goods store was burned. In August the
factories of Nash & Jackson and of White, Yates & Joliffe were des-
troyed.
The Golden Quoit Hotel, on Y'ork and Burwell streets, was burned
August 30, 1876. M. Glass was then proprietor.
The London Iron Works, owned by E. Leonard & Sons, were des-
26S HISTOKY OF THE
troyed by fire May 4, 1881, thirty years after their establishment by
Elijah Leonard. Seventy portable engines and boilers were destroyed,
and the total loss was placed at $60,000. The works stood on York,
between Waterloo and Colborne, and gave employment to eighty-five
workmen. George Gray and Harry Smith, two firemen, narrowly
escaped death. Thomas Green's planing mill was destroyed by fire
September 11, entailing a loss of §25,000.
The Globe Agricultural Works on Dundas street were destroyed
by fire September 11, 1882. The concern was insured for 827,000,
but the loss was placed at over $45,000 by Mr. Mahon, the manager.
The Imperial Oil Company's works in London East were struck
by lightning and destroyed on July 11, 188.'i.
The wholesale house of Hobbs, Osborne & Hobbs, was blown up
by gunpowder, February 18, 1884. The two upper floors were carried
away, and fire completed the ruin. Donald Smith was burned to a
crisp ; Percy H. Ince was rescued half crushed and half burned ;
Frank Shaw and Frank H. Smith escaped. The firm carried the
heaviest hardware stock in Western Ontario, and lost about $35,000.
The building was insured for $12,000, and the stock for $63,000.
The Phoenix Foundry, erected in 1871-2, was destroyed by fire
May 29, 1885. Five hundred reapers and binders were burned, and
an acre of buildings and material destroyed. John Elliott & Sons, the
owners, estimated the loss at between $150,000 and $200,000, insured
for $52,000.
The Canada Chemical Co.'s works were destroyed June 12, 1887,
involving a loss of $100,000. In 1867 this industry was established
here; was burned out in 1870, but rebuilt and carried on a great busi-
ness. The fire of June 17 broke out in an old frame building
on the south side of Queen's avenue, near Talbot street, and destroyed
much property. Cousins's pump factory on Wellington street, with
two stables, were burued August 5.
Hunt's mill, at the foot of Talbot street, was destroyed by fire May
18, 1888. The gutting of the old Mechanics' Institute building on
Talbot .street, opposite Queen's avenue, occurred July 22, 1888. The
oatmeal mill, on the corner of Talbot street and the railway, was
destroyed, only the bare walls standing, August 20.
Village and City Police. — In the year 1840, London was consti-
tuted a police village, controlled by a Board of Police, with functions
similar to those of the Board of Aldermen of to-day. Of that body,
which was elective, Mr. Goodhue was chosen the first President. Under
this system of rule the village continued till 1847, when it was created
a town with Simeon Morrill as its first Mayor. In 1834 Lawrence
Lawrason was appointed a Justice of the Peace for London, and for
over 40 years served as such. In 1866 he was apyiointed first
Police Magistrate for London, holding the position until his death in
1882. E. Jones I'arke is the present Magistrate.
A memorial of military honesty is written under date of May, 1843.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 269
It appears that Private James Ilett, of the Eoyal Eegiment, found a
shawl. This the Board ordered should " be cried through the town by
the ' General Brown,' and given up to the true owner."
In May, 1843, a note for £11 5s, payable to Thomas Clifford or
bearer, by Nathan Choat, was found on the street and turned over to
the Board.
Michael McGarry was appointed Constable, Town Warden and
Inspector in August, 1844, vice Bennett. In those days the duties of
Town Warden and Inspector were not always pleasant or safe. On one
occasion Lowrie called at Devanny's bake house to inspect the stove
pipe. A law suit followed, when one of the witnesses, Richard Falls,
or Taulds, swore as follows : — " Lowrie caught hold of Devanny's col-
lar, and Devanny gave him the paper and told him to leave the bake
house, which Lowrie refused to do, upon which Devanny threw him
out " This unceremonious conduct cost the baker 8s. 9d.
The ofdcers of the Police Board in 1846, were the same as in 1845,
with the exceptions that Wm. McBride was appointed assessor. In
January, 1846, the room for Police Board was rented from Timothy
Cook, on Ridout street, for £1 per month. The officials at this time
were very exacting. John Becket had to pay fourteen shillings " for
standing with his team on one of the crossing places on the street, con-
trary to by-law." October 9, 1848, Councilman Doyle's motion, that
all the policemen, except the high bailiff and inspectors, be dismissed,
was carried ; also one providing that the new police force, consisting of
three privates and the high bailiff, should receive £20 per annum and
usual fees, while the inspector was to be paid £30 per annum. Ezekiel
Whittimore was inspector, and Messrs. Wiggins, Boyd and R. Jennings,
policemen. Colonel Clinch, was inspector of licenses.
In January, 1849, Peter McCami was appointed high constable ;
James Dunbar and Michael Kennedy, fee-paid constables for 8t.
Andrew's ; Michael McGarry and Henry Boyd, for St. Patrick's ; T.
Wiggins and J. Wakely, for St. David's ; and T. Ifletcher and W. Robb,
for St. George's; Annesley Griffith, inspector; W. Williams, town
crier ; E. Jennings, pound-keeper ; and J. H. Caddy, engineer.
On January 21, 1849, Miriam H. Rowley, while passing by his
store, observed a light inside ; the ubiquitous Peter McCann was soon
on the scene, when he found Malachi Hart and Michael Young pre-
paring to sleep in Rowley's bed-clothes. McCann took them to prison,
and next day had them fined.
Daniels moved to have the Mayor and two councilmen also sit
weekly as Police Court Magistrates in 1849. In 1854 Thael Van
Valkenburg was appointed high bailiff, but in January, 1855 the office
gavo place to that of high constable. In January, 1855, a report in
favor of establishing a regular police force was adopted. Robert Maw-
hinney, John lies, John Keary, Andrew Pollock, John T. Mitchell,
Henry Shadwell and Christopher Teale were appointed, but Pollock
resigned, and Edward Templeton was appointed. William O'Rielly
270 HISTORY OF THE
was chief constable. In July, 1855, Samuel Parke Ayres was ap-
pointed chief constable, vice William O'Rielly. On September 24,
1860, the police force was discharged and a new one appointed, com-
prising the following members : — Eobert Mawhinney, James Taylor,
Patrick Wallace, William Baskerville, James Guttridge, Henry Phair
and John Larkin. Baskerville was appointed chief, but was succeeded
in February, 1861, by Richard VVigmore.
In 1877 there were thirty-two appUcants for the office of Chief of
Police, recently held by Chief Wigmore. Sergeant W. T. Williams, of
the Toronto police, was chosen, while ex-Chief Wigmore was appointed
head of the detective force, at a salary of $600 per annum.
In I860 the force consisted of a chief and seven constables. There
were no sergeants and no detectives. Brock Stevens was chief, having
succeeded S. P. Ayers, second chief of the London city police, a year
or so before. T. VanValkenburgh was the first to hold office. The
constables were Henry Phair, Robert Mawhinney, Patrick Wallace,
John Larkin, William Baskerville, James Guttridge and Jas. Fletcher.
Three of the above-mentioned seven are still on the force. Baskerville,
wlio afterwards became sergeant-major, is in the city also, and it is
only a short time since Mr. Mawhinney died. Brock Stevens resigned
from the force shortly after, but continued to reside in London until
1876, or thereabouts, when he committed suicide for some unexplained
cause. He was succeeded by Richard Wigmore, previously employed
ill the Sheriff's office, and Mr. Wigmore held the office until 1875,
when, through some difficulties arising on the force, he resigned. He
was succeeded by Wm. T. T. Williams, the present chief, who previous
to that time had been a sergeant in the Toronto police force, and had
also seen considerable military police and detective service in England
and France. The force, as now constituted, comprises one chief, three
sergeants, two detectives, and twenty-four police constables. The fol-
lowing are the names of the officers : —
Chief, W. T. T. Williams; sergeants, Robt. Adams, Thos. Jenkins
and Arthur Maguire ; detectives, Hemy Phair and William Ryder;
police constables, John Larkin, Patrick Wallace, James Hobbins, John
l)oyd, Robert Weir, William Pope, Robert Crawford, Nelson Smith,
Robert Egleton, John Morgan, Richard Ralph, Uavid Dibbs, Walter
Chalcraft, Thomas Nickle, George Campbell, Robert BiiTcll, Thomas
Howie, Thomas McDonald, Wm. McGowan, John D. McColl, Michael
Toohey, Gilbert Woolway, James Gilson and Thomas Whittaker.
The force is in a very efficient state, as Chief Williams main-
tains the strictest discipline. For years now " crooks " have worked
shy of London, owing mainly to the wide-awake character of the city
detectives. The detective department was added to the force about
1871 or 1872, Enoch Murphy being the first appointed. About 1873
or 1874 fire bugs were burning up the city right and left, and Henry
Phair was made a detective and is still on the force. Detective
Murphy was succeeded by Detective Ryder about three years ago.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 273
The other two officers, besides Detective Phair, who were on the force
in 1863, and are still on it, are Patrick Wallace and John Larkin. As
stated above, there were no sergeants in 1863 ; but now there are three
of the most capable police officers in Canada holding these positions.
Robert Adams is the senior, and has seen long service on the force.
Thomas Jenkins comes next in seniority, and has been on the force
about twelve or thirteen years. He is also a very capable officer, as is
Arthur Maguire, the third on the list, also.
Henry Boyd, for over 20 years the city bell-ringer of London, died
in Dec, 1872. Years before, while on the police force, he was beaten
by soldiers, from the effects of which he sutiered until his death.
Richard Dinahan, who was caretaker of the City Hall for over 17
years, was presented an engrossed copy of the Council's resolutions ou
his resignation in Jan., 1873. Robert Mawhinney, who died in 1888,
held the position for years. Henry Merritt succeeded.
Town-Crier Williams was the first, and for a long time the only
advertising medium London possessed. He would go about the town
ringing his bell, and from time to time, as he became the center of a
crowd, would make his announcements. " There will be-e-e an auc-
tion sa-a-ale, on the Market Squ-a-re, this afternoo-o-n, at half-past
two-o-o." And then he would go on and detail what was to be offered.
Town-Crier Williams commenced business in the forties, and continued
until the daily newspapers left nothing for him to do. They absorbed
the advertising patronage, and the profession of the town-crier became
a thing of the past in 1863-4.
London's Water Supply. — In the earlier years of the settlement
the house-keeper carried water from the river in a pail, or where a
large supply was needed, an empty whisky barrel would be rolled
down, filled and rolled back to supply the kitchen, give drink to the
thirsty, or aid in building up the stock of whisky. In April, 1 830, a
well was ordered to be excavated opposite lot 16, on the south side of
Dundas street, and within the street limits, with a water conveyance
thence to the jail, where a reservoir and pump were to be constructed.
Wells then came into general use, and well-water continued to be used
for years. On the organization of the village, the water question
received some attention, but only from 1843 is there reliable informa-
tion of the measures taken to insure a supply. Two tanks, fifteen feet
eight inches long, six feet wide and ten feet deep, were ordered in
November, 1843 — one to be placed near the foundry, and one at the
corner of Richmond and Horton streets. In February, 1844, the town
well on North street, in the rear of Farley's house, was cleaned and
otherwise improved. Leonard Perriu was allowed "to lay down
pipes from lot 15 to lot 16 on Duudas street in February, 184.5." In
June, Lawyer Wilson asked permission to lay down pipe from the
well at the corner of Talbot and North streets to his buildings on
Dundas street. In June, 1846, Robert Gunn complained to the Board
" that John Wilson turned the water out of its proper course in North
18
274 HISTORY OF THE
street." This undoubtedly resulted from Wilson's unanswered prayer
for leave to put down water pipes referred to in 1845. Permission
■was given the people to take water from the pipes leading from the
spring to the tanks in August, 1847. Among the first to take advantage
of this privilege of attaching pipes to the tank at the old Montreal bank,
at the corner of Eidout and North streets, was Dennis O'Brien. A
special assessment of one farthing on the pound was made in Septem-
ber, 1848, on Dundas street from Eidout to Talbot, to pay the expense
of sprinkling the street.
In January, 1851, E. Johnstone, of the Committee of the County
Council on the jail water supply, recommended that the Warden,
Engineer and a member of Council be appointed a permanent com-
mittee to superintend improvements on water- works, and for selling
water to consumers in the town. In February, 1852, Councillors
Barker, Oliver, Code, McClary and Anderson were appointed a com-
mittee to consider the best means for obtaining a supply of good
water for the town. In August there were eleven large tanks in use,
three of which were constructed of brick. A committee of the Council
recommended the erection of eighteen additional tanks — nine of brick
and nine of wood. This committee was presided over by John C.
Meredith.
A petition to the Legislature asking power to erect a system of
■water-works was adopted in January, 185o. In November, 1854,
Elijah Leonard introduced a by-law providing for the establishment of
the London and Westminster Water-works Company. Peter McCanu
was one of the directors. In consequence, however, of a suspicion
that the Pond Mills water contained nothing but surface water, the
company fell through. In 1866 several artesian wells were sunk, but
the water was strongly impregnated with sulphur. One of the wells,
at the foot of Dundas street, has been running since, and it is pro-
posed to build a sanitarium in connection with it at an early date.
After the failure of the artesian wells, and a thorough test of the
Westminster ponds, it was decided to try the Byron springs, about
four miles down the river. The result was the discovery of an inex-
haustible supply of pure spring water, and a natural elevation for a
reservoir commanding the city.
In November, 1871, a report from the committee sent to examine
the water-works at Jackson, Mich., was received.- In March, 1874,
Charles Dunnett placed before the Council Dr. Anderson's reference
to, and Dr. Machattie's analysis of 1870 of, the sulphur springs water.
On October 7, 1874, Thomas C. Keefer, writing to the Council, speaks
of collecting the springs near Coombs's, but suggests that, to avoid
tunnelling the river to put down water pipes, every eifort should be
made to obtain a supply on the city side of the braTiches. On February
15, 1875, Messrs. Macmahon, Gibbons and McNab were authorized to
inform the Council that, should privileges be granted, a private com-
pany with $600,000 capital was willing to undertake the construction
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 275
of water-works. On March 29, 1875, a vote on the question (jf the
by-law appropriating $400,000 for water-works, on the basis of T. C.
Keefer's estimate, was taken, when 243 votes were for and 699 a;i;ainst.
A very bitter feeling was manifested before and during the election.
The disbursements for the year 1874 were S659,202.02.
In September. 1876. a company applied for a charter to supply the
city with water. The members were George S. Birrell, Charles
Murray, Isaac Watennan, Ellis W. Hyman, John McClary, John
Elliott, Thomas Muir and George Moorhead. The committee re-
ported in favor of accepting a scheme proposed by this company or
the establishment of a system by the city. At this time William
Robinson, city engineer, presented estimates for $94,395 as the cost of
a thorough system. Wilson's spring, on the 6th Concession of London,
Lot 4, as described in the engineer's report of 1875, was referred to as
the proper source of supply.
The by-law authorizing the construction of water- works passed at
special meeting of the Council, December 26, 1877, and in March,
1878, a contract for the construction of water-works and reservoir was
sold to Stevens, Turner & Burns, of London, for $194,000. In May
an 18-inch pipe was placed from Waterloo and York streets to Coombs's
Hill, 3^ miles, crossing the Thames south of Westminster bridge. The
reservoir and works were constructed near the old mill, and a dam
constructed to obtain power for the pumping machinery, as it was then
determined to dispense with the use of coal. The building was erected
by Screaton & Gibson, and in it were placed two Holly turbine wheels
of 103 horse-power each. The reservoir on Chestnut Hill — 298 feet
above the river, and 150 feet above the highest point in the city,
except the Catholic Cathedral — has a capacity of 6,000,000 gallons,
being 198 square feet at the bottom, and 400 square feet at the sur-
face, with a depth of 17 feet. The grounds, comprising 62 acres, were
fenced in 1878 by James Biggs, under the direction of John Kitchen,
the Water Commissioners' foreman. On November 11, 1878, City
Engineer Wm. Robinson resigned, and Thomas Tracy, P. L. S., was
appointed. John Carling, R. Lewis and J. R. Minhinnick were the
first Water Commissioners. In June, 1882, J. M. Cousins was
appointed, vice Muirhead, as shown in the municipal history.
The whole of the works, including a reservoir of over 6,000,000
gallons' capacity, about 31 miles of mains, 180 hydrants, valves, a
dam, pump house, machinery, road, etc., also about 1,000 services, was
completed and water turned on in January, 1879. Since that time
extensions have been made each year, including the London East
works, which were connected in 1885 on the amalgamation of London
East with the city. In 1882, steam pumping machinery of a capacity
of 2,000,000 gallons (imperial) was put in, and has given the mo.st
thorough satisfaction, a duty of 82,000,000 feet pounds per 100
pounds of coal consumed having been realized, according to the test of
George C. Robb, M. E. Considerable damage was done to the works
270 HISTOIiY OF THE
by the great flood of July, 1883, but the repairs were quickly and
thoroughly made, the supply being kept up by the steam pumping
machinery. In 1886 the reservoir was cleaned out, relined with
hydraulic cement concrete, improved facilities for emptying and clean-
ing added, and additional storage for the spring water provided at con-
siderable cost, and in August, 1887, Dufton's springs were purchased
for $2,500. The original works were designed by Wm. Robinson, C. E.,
and carried out under the superintendence of T. H. Tracy, C. E., the
present City Engineer, who has had charge of the work since that time.
The present works comprise over 45 miles of mains, 250 hydrants with
valves, and about 5,000 services, which have been put in free to the
consumer to the extent of twenty feet inside the street line. The
offices of the department are located in the City Hall. The neighbor-
hood surrounding the water-works is one of the most beautiful in
"Western Ontario. It is known under the name of Springbank, and
with the boats running on the river, thousands of people visit it week-
ly. The receipts of the department at the present time are between
$40,000 and $45,000 annually, and the running expenses from $10,000
to $12,000. The balance up to 1885 was not only expended on capital
account, but additional sums bon'owed. In 1885, however, the de-
partment had a handsome balance on hand, and since then the show-
ing has been even better.
Analysis of Water. — To point out the difference between the
waters used by the people of ante- water- works days and the present
inhabitants, the following statement is given, founded on the report of
W. Saunders, chemist, on the constituent parts of water in and around
London, made to the Council. Water from the well at the corner of
Adelaide and North streets (the Mayor's residence) contained 25J
grains of solid matter ; from his own well on Dundas, between Waterloo
and Colborne, 29^ grains ; from Dr. Brown's well, Kent street, near
Talbot, 51 grains, and from Harvey's well, Talbot street north, 70
grains. The water at Coombs' springs yielded 16| grains, while it
showed only 9 degrees of hardness, compared with 11 to 17 degrees for
the well waters named.
The Asylum wells water in 1871, as certified by A. T. Machattie,
contained 11.07 grains (east well) and 18.81 gi-ains (west well) of
saline matter. The former showed 6.51 grains, and the latter 14.90
gi-ains of carbonate of lime ; while carbonate of magnesia was repre-
sented by 4,56 and 3.91 grains respectively. The analyst stated that
" the only saline matters present in any appreciable quantity, are the
carbonates of lime and magnesia, which are, as usual, dissolved in
excess of ciirbonic acid. The waters are remarkably free from alkaline
chlorides and sulphates; they contained no organic matter, either of
vegetable or animal origin, a fact which conclusively indicates the
absence of surface water or any contamination from sewage ; they are
perfectly colorless and transparent, and contain nothing in any way
prejudicial to health. The 'east' well being softer than the ' west,' is
COXTNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 277
SO much the more suitable for ordinary domestic purposes ; but there
is nothing in either water to prevent its general use in the Asylum."
A Terrihle Holiday. — The celebration of May 24th, the Queen's
birthday, has been observed at London since 1850, when Councillor
Labatt asked the Mayor to proclaim the day as a town holiday. For
years it was observed by the people in revelry and banqueting. The
barbarous barbecue, roasted ox, whisky and ale, being main features ;
but as men's intelligence developed, a good deal of the barbarian disap-
peared, and the day became one of quiet pleasure. Such was that of
1881 in its beginnings. All day long the loyal people of London
indulged in quiet pleasures ; some at home, some at Springbank, and
others, more fortunate, visiting friends in the country or in other cities
of Canada. The day was ordered for holiday making, the Princess
Victoria and Princess Louise carried hundreds down to Springbank
and back, and all went merry as marriage bells until evening, when
the murky sky gave notice to the merrymakers that the hour for return-
ing was at hand. At five o'clock the Victoria arrived at the picnic
grounds, bringing down many who had passed the day in the city.
Both decks were even then crowded. No sooner was the boat halted
than a greater crowd on the wharf leaped on board, and in a few
minutes about 800 men, women and children, were huddled together
in a space fit only for 100 persons. The captain and crew seemed as
contented as the excursionists ; all were anxious to be at home for
supper. So the boat cleared from the wharf and crept slowly up the
Thames. The swell of the waters sometimes leaped in on the lower
deck, but there was little fear in the hearts of the travellers until the
crowd surged to one side, when that side of the lower deck was sub-
merged to a depth of eight inches. The captain now became aware of
danger, and asked the people to be still ; but the warning was unheeded.
The boat had now reached the expansion of the river, about 1,300 feet
west of the cove bridge, and held its way one-fourth the width of the
river from the bank. Suddenly a volume of water swept over the
lower deck, and the boat turned over, leaving the deck floors almost
perpendicular, then the supports bent and broke, and in an instant
the celebrants were in the water, fighting for life, or crushed to death
in the wreck. The evidence of John T. Fryer before the coroner's
jixry forms part of the olttcial history of this tragedy. He states : —
" Was on the Victoria ; I saw her coming to Springbank ; I was on the
dock ; she came in bow first ; she appeared to be very much crowded ;
a number, myself among the rest, jumped over the bulwarks, and
gained the boat before the gang was lowered. I saw some of the
passengers get off' — not many ; I saw a number getting on over the
gangway ; the vessel then swung around and came up to the dock
with the bow towards London ; she was so loaded then that I could not
get a seat ; my wife got a seat ; my wife got on over the bulwarks ;
when she got in, I handed my child to her : my reason for getting
over the bulwarks was to secure a seat, as I saw the rush was so
278 HISTORY OF THE
great ; there were eight in my party, all of whom got over the bul-
warks, except my father — he came over the gangway ; after the Victoria
came back to the dock the second time, she remained some five or ten
minutes there before she started for London ; I think some got on and
some got otl the second time ; I heard some say that the captain said
he would not start until some of the people got ott" ; but very few got
off ; the boat went towards Ward's hotel, but we did not stop there ;
the boat appeared straight to me ; when approaching Woodland, we
]iassed the Forest City ; the people went to the south side to see it,
and that gave the boat a list in that direction ; immediately after pass-
ing the ]?orest City, I noticed the Princess Louise ; I said to those
near me it was strange the three steamers should all be at Springbank
at the same time ; after passing the Forest City, I saw the Princess
Louise coming around the bend api)roaching Woodland ; it appeared to
me that both boats were making to the wharf ; as we got to Woodland
the people were pretty much to the south side ; it was here where the
vessel commenced to lurch ; just after that I stepped into the wheel-
house with my child in my arms ; after this one or two boys came up
to the captain and told liim, ' We must get the people to go over to the
north side of the boat, as the boat is listing over to the south, and the
water is coming in on the deck below.' After this a deck hand (a
Frenchman) came up ; he told the captain that the people would not
move for him, and for him (the captain) to come down and use his
influence. The captain asked if the engineer had tlie pump or syphon
at work. The captain hurried around to myself and one or two others
to use our influence to try and get the people to trim the boat ; he
said he couldn't leave the wheel. One young girl in front of the wheel-
house asked the captain if there was any danger ; he said, 'If yon don't
go over, I will run you ashore, and you will have to walk home.' Just
after he said this, the boat made a sudden lurch to the south, and then
rolled over to the north and went down, north bow first. When the
people found the boat lurching to the south they then moved over in
a hurry to the north, this causing her to lurch heavily to the north,
and went over apparently north bow first. When I was in the water
up to the neck, the connection to the steam boiler liroke, and the steam
rushed by our faces. In getting on to the hull, I noticed the supports
had all been broken off clean with the deck." Nicholas Forkey, a
deck hand, gave similar evidence.
A thousand stories, relating to that evening on the river, have been
told ; but all, even if given here, could not portray the scene. The first
efibrt to save life was made by Henry Nickles and M. Reidy, of the
Forest City Club, who took two women ashore, and then, undressing,
labored to save life so long as one appeared living in the water or the
wreck. Guy Parks and John Cousins remained in the club boat, and
took the first load of women ashore. Fitzpatrick, night baggageman at
the depot, rescued his wife, daughter and daughter's child.
The boat Princess Louise arrived soon after, but too late to rescue.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
279
She was moored close to the wreck, and near the north bank, and
planks stretched from her deck to the shore. At about seven o'clock
that evening the bodies of the dead were brought on board and ranged
on the upper decks. So great was the number, that the bodies of
children and infants were placed over those of adults. At 10 o'clock
that night 153 bodies were recovered ; later, more were found, and
next day the work of burial was commenced, the streets of London
leading to the cemeteries being devoted to funeral processions for the
remainder of the week.
The grant of .$500 to the Mayor of London, to aid in defraying the
expenses of the care and maintenance of those who needed assistance,
in consequence of the wreck of the Victoria on the Thames, May 24,
1881, was made by the County Council, June 7.
The list of the 182 interments in the various cemeteries is as foUows :
WOODLAND CEMETERY.
vans, Elizabeth, 35, city.
Short, James, 13, dty.
Matthews, Annie, 23, London West.
Matthews, George William, 2, Loudon
West.
Hayman, Henry, 37, London East.
Hayman, Mrs. H., 37 London East.
Hayman, William H., 2, London East.
Abey, Harry, 12, London East.
Kendrick, Maria E. , 24, city.
Major, Charles Edward, 12, city.
LeClaire, John, 15, Westminster.
Harper, David, 47, city,
Stevens, Mary, 35, London West.
Stevens, Ellen, 12, London West.
Stevens, Thomas, 5, London West.
Stevens, Mary, 3, Loudon West.
Smart, Elizabeth, 26, city.
Smart, Laura, 8 months, city.
Swayzie, Jane, 18, city.
Coughlin, Edward, 9, city.
Dyer, W. H., 45, city.
Dyer, Margaret, city.
Dyer, Bertie, 6, city.
Lawson, Elosia, 21, city.
Millman, W. H , 39, city.
Millman, Ontario, 8, city.
Millman, Turville, 6, city.
ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CEMETERY
Evans, Fanny Elizabeth, 9, city.
Evans, Samuel, 6, city.
Evans, George VVUliam, 2, city.
Evans, Albert Ernest, 1, city.
Robertson, James, city.
Siddons, Charles, 13, London South.
Mackay, Miss, city.
Westman, William, B. D., 14, London
South.
Smart, George, 5, city.
Deadman, Alice M., 21, London South.
Swanwick, Lettia, 21, London East.
Roe, Frederick, 17, city.
Graham, Simon Peter, 13, city.
Graham, Mary Jane, 10, city.
Williamson, Alice, 29, city.
Williamson, Edward, 8, city.
Wastie, Alfred, 14, city.
Wallace, Thomas J., 15, city.
Kelly, John, 14, city.
Mcintosh, Adaline, 11, city.
Tatham, Dolly, 8, city.
Craddock, Mary, 18, city.
Box, Emma Jane, 22, city.
Meredith, J. W. C, 72, city.
Maloney, Delia, 22, city.
Glavin, Mrs. Michael, 27, city.
Glavin, Mary, 4, city.
Walsh, Patrick, 20, city.
Walsh, Joseph, 17, city.
Madden, Elizabeth, 16, city.
Madden, Mary, 13, city.
Jones, Annie, 13, city.
Jones, Frank, 7, city.
Hogan, Minnie, 12, city.
Beaton, LiUie, 13, city.
Beaton, Mary. 6, city.
Fitzgibbon, Richard, 14, city.
Stewart, Elizabeth, 18, city.
Daroy, James, 28, city.
Conroy, Henry, 16, city.
McCarthy, John, 12, city.
Quinn, Mary, 15, city.
Tierney, Mary, 13, city.
O'Connell, Mary, 17, cit\'.
Curran, John, 50, city.
O'Brien, John, 17, city.
Laughlin, Eddie, 13, city.
Pendergast, John, 36, city.
Pendergast, Mrs., 36, city.
HISTORY OF THE
MOUNT PLEASANT CEMETERY.
Anderson, Minnie E., London East.
Abbott, Hudson G. , 9, city.
Burns, Jennie M., 13, city.
Burns, Ida M. L., 11, city.
Baskerville, John, 30, city.
Baker Annie.
Breze, Thomas, London West.
Cornish, Ellen, 2(», city.
Gorman, Charles, 13, city.
Short, Wm. E., 15, city.
Harrison, Harry, city.
Shane, Henry, 12, city.
Lister, Thomas, city.
Tremeer, George P., London West.
Treineer, Willie, London West.
McPherson, Mary P., 15, city.
Morrison, Nellie, 16, London East.
Morrison, John, 14, London East.
Morrison, William, 4, London East.
Prescott, Emma, city.
Prescott, Nellie, city.
Fryer, A. R., city.
Fryer, Mrs. A. R., city.
Fryer, William, city.
McLellan, Mrs. Mary A., city.
Fisher, Emma Jane, city.
Shayer, Alfred, 25, city.
Wonnacott, William, 19, city.
McNorgan, Eliza, Port Huron.
Mooney. Fred T., city.
Smith, Mrs. Mary J., 45, Westminster.
Smith, Minnie, 17, Westminster.
Weatherhead. James, 38, Westminster.
Jones, Lizzie E.
McBride, Wm., 64, city.
Marham, Rosetta Ann, 8, London East.
Skinner, Lillie, 16, city.
Delling, Daniel.
Heron, Mrs. Mary Ann, city.
Bailey, Rosetta, city.
Handy, Mrs.
Handy, Nellie.
Dubeau, Mrs. Emma, and two-year-oki
child, city.
Hardy, William.
Wall, John, 33, city.
Wall, Martha, city.
Mustill, Precilla, 13, city.
Glass, William D., 23, city.
Cooper, Fannie D. , 19, city.
Colville, Samuel D., city.
Mageo, Harry, 15, city.
Smith, Orvilie E., 21, Westminster.
Edmunds, Samuel L., city.
Edmunds, W. C, city.
Hall, Benjamin, 25, city.
Hall, Mrs. B., city.
Hall, one-year-old child, city.
Pike, Mrs.
Chapman, Elias, city.
Irons, Mrs., city.
Grafton, Margaret, 19. city.
Vick, Richard, 16. city.
Smith, Edwin A., citv.
Gibling, Walter J., 12, city.
Wiseman, , 13, city.
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH CEMETERY.
Perkins, James, 9, city. McPherson, Miss, 13, London West.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH CEMETERY.
Scott, Mrs. Wm.,
Elliott, Josie, 12, city.
INTERRED ABROAD.
Griffith, Jula A., 17, Brick Street Ceme-
tery.
Oronhyatekha, Henry W. H., 10, inter-
red at Belleville.
Middleton, Janet, 17, at Gait.
Shipley, Lizzie, 15, at Falkirk.
Shipley, Minnie, 12, at Falkirk.
Foxten, Annie, 22, at Clinton.
Foxten, Jane, 20, at Clinton.
Whaley, Henry, 21, at Clinton.
Cole, Albert, 12, at St Thomas.
Kilburn, Mrs., 20, at Kilworth.
Hay, William, 24, at Pinkerton, County
of 15ruce.
Dennis, Hannah, 25, at Palermo.
Pilkey, Joseph, 18, Hamilton.
McEllistrewn, Julia Ann, 21. at Gait.
Anderson, Henry, 10, in country.
Smith, Harvev, 21, at Brick street.
Mrs. J. M. Young's son, 10, at Birr.
Ashbury, Mrs. W.,at St. John's.
Nixon, William. 14, Brick street.
Pile, Samuel, 23, in country.
Diver, Hiram. Rochester.
Diver, Mrs. Hiram, Rochester.
Diver, two children, Rochester.
Nukins. George, in country
Johnson, son of T. Johnson, Lobo.
Hall, George, 29, Toronto.
Deacon, W. S., 10, Birr.
Boomer, Chas., 16, Norwichville.
liatzner, and lady friend, Bothwell.
Hazen, Ida, Port Burwell.
MoV'icker J., in country.
Willson, two Misses, Birr.
Gahan, Jo.seph, 17, Wheatley.
COUNTY OK MIDDLESEX. 281
London never will forget that dreadful day ; yet, every summer,
the small river steamers ply regularly between London and Spring-
bank, and as the excursionists behold the spot where so many sunk to
death, they shudder.
Floods of 1883.— The flood of July 11, 1883, was discovered
about two o'clock that morning by Wm. Thompson of the AdveHiser,
who was returning with his report of the Imperial Oil Works fire, and
went down to the river bank to see what efi'ect the heavy rains would
have on the river. The first act in the drama was the death of two
children of Thomas Malin, one by crushing, the other by drowning.
It appears that when Malin discovered the waters, it was too late to
escape, and so he had liis family climb a tree. While his daughter
was handing up the baby to its mother, the house was swept against
the tree, crushing the baby to death and injuring the mother. The
bodies of Stratfold and his child and Wattam, were among the first
found. The Lacey children were also swept away.
Gas and Electric Lighting. — For over twenty years London may
be said to have been in public darkness ; for, with the exception of
lights erected by the hotel keepers, there were no street lamps. On
April 12, 1853, Barker & Spellman applied to the Council for a charter
to supply the town with gas. Simeon Mon'ill was appointed a dele-
gate to visit Quebec, to secure the charter from the Legislature. Mr.
Morrill's little bill for this trip was £28 7s. 6d. An act was passed,
and the Council gave the required privileges. The order to subscribe
for 500 shares of the London Gas Company was made in August,
1853.
In November, 1854, the Council negotiated with the gas company
for lighting the town, and by April, 1855, there were twenty-one street
lamps lighted by gas, and nineteen more ready to be placed on the
opening of spring. In September, 1855, there were eight street lamps
proposed to be placed on Dundas street, five on Ridout, twelve on
Wellington, eleven on Richmond, four on Clarence, one on North, six
on Talbot, five on King, and three on York, or seventy-seven street
lamps in all, in addition to three at Wellington street bridge. Of tliis
number only twenty-two lamps were actually in place then. The
price suggested was £7 10s. per lamp per annum. On October 15,
1856, a further contribution to the gas company of £2,500 was
authorized. A statement giving a list of shareholders of the London
Gas Company, and a report of business for two years ending July 31,
1857, was presented to the Council. This covered the period of Edward
Glackmeyer's management, and shows a gross profit of £3,379 lis. 6d.,
out of which £482 were paid for losses during Garth's management,
and £1,223 interest on loans during the two years. In April, 1873,
there were 169 street lamps in use. During the last fifteen years,
lamp-posts were erected everywhere within the city limits. Notwith-
standing the existence of the electric light and its very general use.
282 HISTORY OF THE
the gas works of to-day take a large share in supplying public and
private lights.
The Ball Electric Light patent was secured for Canada in Decem-
ber, 1881, by Messrs. Stevens, Turner & Burns, Fitzgerald & Fellows,
John Walker, T. H. Tracy, all of London, and J. B. Scoville, of Boston.
The Company was foimed here simply for the manufacture of machin-
ery. Some years later a proposition to light the city by electricity was
made and received, and about 120 lights placed, the works being on
the river bank on the southern line of London.
Public Market. — The market place of the village was at first
located in front of Peter McGregor's hotel, almost opposite the Court-
house ; and a frame building served as a market shed. But as the
town progressed, the market was removed to the square upon which it
is now held, and a big frame structure was put up. Afterwards the
citizens became dissatisfied, and got into a dispute, and a change was
again made to Wellington street, and subsequently to the spot now
occupied by the Grand Trunlc depot. After remaining there a year or
two, however, it was brought back to the present large square, where
it has since remained.
Tenders for market tolls were opened May 1, 184;!, and the privilege
sold to Maurice Baker for £169 17s. In May, 1843, an adver-
tisement for 25,000 feet of two-inch plank and 6,000 feet of oak
scantling was ordered to be made through the columns of the Inquirer,
presumably to be used on the market grounds. William Carlill was
before the Board on May 8 for not paying market fees. He was com-
pelled to pay the fees (two shillings), and also thirteen shillings and
ninepence fine and costs. Alex. S. Armstrong purchased the market
tolls, for £251 currency, for 1844 John Schofield was fined ten
shillings, and eight shillings cost, " for buying a pig which had not
been taken into the public square," in January. On August 12 the
question of removing the market house to the market ground on the
new survey was discussed, and the building ordered to be moved to
the new site in February, 1845. William Horton, John Balkwill and
others bound themselves to expend £200 on the erection of a market-
house in the new square. On September 9 the contract for building
was sold to liobert Wann. By-law 52 provided that tlie old inarket-
house should cease to be used in January, 1845, and that the hou.se,
erected in the fall of 1844 on the Government grant, between York
and 15athurst streets, should be open from January 27, 1845. John
Jennings protested against the location and the by-law. In February,
1845, Alarcus Holmes proposed to erect a market-house in the west
end of the town, should the Police Board assent. This petition was
stored carefully away. In March, market stalls were sold at £4 each,
the buyers being William Winslow, William O'Rielly, John Balkwill.
Anthony Pegler, Thomas Bickell, Jolni Gordon, John Elson, Martin
Kykard, Joseph Duer and John Talbot. The latter bought the tolls
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 283
and fees for £173 3s. 3d. Dr. Lee was fined for buying lumber with-
out the market fees being paid, on May 1, 1845. Tenders were
opened in January, 1846, for completing the Co vent Garden Market,
and contracts awarded to Biaham & Byman for carpenter work, £35 ;
George Summers, for plastering, £20 ; and to John Boiiser, for paint-
ing, £3 15s. The market tolls and fees were sold to Richard S.
Talbot for the year 1849-50. In December, 1850, a proposition to sell
the old market grounds on Bathurst and York streets to the Govern-
ment, for railroad depot purposes, and purchase suitable grounds in
some other part of the town for market purposes, was carried. Messrs.
McClary, Bennett, Catling, Anderson, and, in fact, all the members of
the Councils of 1849 and 1850, gave this railroad subject much at-
tention.
In November, 1851, Councillors McClary and Anderson moved
that the petition of Samuel Peters, A. Mouutjoy and others, asking
that fifty feet in the centre of Wellington from Dundas to York be
set off for market grounds, be acted upon, was carried. Immediately
the Council ordered the removal of the old buildings to "Wellington
street, and in November, 1852, the market-house on Wellington street
was completed.
In March, 1853, the Council resolved to purchase a tract of land
within the town for the enlargement of Covent Garden Market. A
loan of £20,000, payable in twenty years, was sanctioned, to carry out
the resolution, as well as to erect a town-hall, market-house and other
buildings. A twenty-five teet lot on Dundas street (evidently the
entrance to market on Dundas street), was purchased from L. Lawra-
son at £25 per foot. In April, Councillors Anderson, Oliver and
Barker, were appointed a Building Committee, with W. B. Leather and
Samuel Peters, architects. A former motion by Barker and Scanlon, to
have the town-hall front on Richmond street, was met by petition and
remonstrance ; but their motion caiTied. The market-house contract
was sold to Wm. Niles, Windsor & Green, Whitehead, Grant & Niles,
the price being £3.636 13s. In September, 1853, the City Hall con-
tracts were sold to Windsor & Green, who contracted for brick work ;
Niles & Scott, cut-stone ; Craig & Campbell, carpenter and iron work ;
Haskett & Sous, painting. The total was £7,501 10s. :3d.
In May, 1854, Nellis & Ayers purchased the market tolls of Covent
Garden for £400 15s., and by-laws for the regulation of the market
were adopted. John Kernes leased the market tolls for 1855-6,
paying £808.
The extension of the market square in 1879 necessitated the purchase
of 110 feet frontage thereon, at a cost of $24,833; the owners claim-
ing .$37,550. The arbitrators were : — Geo. G. Magee, V. Cronyn, and
A. S. Emery ; W. R. Meredith, represented the city, and David Glass,
the owners. The property adjoined the Masonic Temple, and was
adjudged to be worth .$225 per foot.
The market prices quoted February 14, 1850, give three shillings
284 HISTORY OF THE
and fivepence for fifty pounds of fall wheat, and two shillings and
ninepence of spring wheat : —
Barley — AVe hear of no transactions. Pork — The quantity exposed for sale these
Oats— per bush. l.i. 2d. @ Is. 3d. Still last eight days has proved large ; 20s.
continue to be delivered from the farm- per 100 lbs. for good quality is about
ers very sparingly. the current price.
Timothy Seed— 7s. 6d. per bushel. Beef— per lb., IJd. @. 2d.
Clover Seed — Several parcels offering, but Mutton — per lb., Hd. @ 2d.
heard of no actual sales, except one Butter — per lb., fresh, 7Jd. ; salt, 6d. (a
small lot of fifteen bushels @ 20s. /Ad.
Hay — per ton, 50s. @ 55s. Eggs — per doz., 7id.
Straw — per ton, 20s. @, 25s. Geese — each. Is.
Flour— per 100 lbs., 7s. 6d. Fowls— per couple, 6d. @ 74d.
Potatoes— per bush.. Is. 7d. @, la. lOJd. Turkeys— each, Is. lOJd @ 2s. 6d.
Apples— per bush., Is. lOJd. @ 2s. 6d.
Hospitals. — So early as 1832 the question of hospital accommoda-
tion came gi'imly before the people. Cholera of the worst type pre-
vailed here ; and so terrible did its ravages become in July, that only
eleven grand jurors remained, and Captain Groves was the only one
left in the settlement who would take care of the sick and dying. Dr.
Donnelly having succumbed to the disease, and Dr. Lee being engaged
in furnishing medicine. The matters connected with hospital relief
since that terrible year are described in the following memoranda from
Council reports : — Alfred Carter was appointed in 1847 to attend to
the sick and destitute immigrants. A shed was ordered to be erected
for them on the Market Square, and the old market-house was opened
for the use of immigrants on August 17, and the same month a bury-
ing ground for immigrants was established. The towu warden was
instructed to provide maintenance for a woman (Mrs. Husband) found
near Water's mill with lier thigh broken, in December ; Dr. Anderson
and Magistrate Morrill having refused her relief on the part of the
district.
A case of small-pox was reported in June, 1848, when a small
building was erected in which to keep the patient. In 1849 a resolu-
tion to petition the Government on the sulaject of removing the hos-
postal from the market ground was adopted, and on April 1 the
immigrant hospital, then condemned, and the market-house, were set
on fire, and the former totally destroyed, the Council ottering £25-
reward for the conviction of the incendiary. The first Board of Health
was established June 18, 1849, when Dr. A. Anderson, S. Morrill, L.
Lawrason, J. Ashton and S. Eccles were appointed. In Jidy a
memorial from Simeon Morrill and fifty other members of the Wes-
leyan Methodist Church, complained that paupers, dying in the town,
were buried in the grounds granted to the Society by the Government.
The Council at once acted on the complaint, and ordered that all such
interments must be made in the grounds then known as Potter's
Field.
In the fall of 1849 Dr. Henry Going had charge of the cholera
hospital, where a number of immigrant patients were confined. In
COUNTY OF MIDULESKX. 285
December Peter McCann was ordered to inquire into the needs of a
number of Scotch immigrants, who swarmed in the village. In 1850
the Council ignored Doctor Going's services ; but ultimately his claim
against the town was referred to Dr. Phillips and Dr. McKenzie, who
reported in favor of granting him a much smaller sum than was con-
sidered by him due.
In September, 1852, a by-law prohibiting the mterment "of
deceased " persons within the town was passed. A committee to locate
gi'ouuds on which to build the city hospital was appointed in 1855,
which resulted in the erection of a small house called the City Hos-
pital, the expenses of which for 1856 amounted to £551 3s. 8d. The
little building, burned down in 1857, was on the Hamilton Road near
the One Horse Tavern. The Council oflered hberal rewards for the
incendiaries. On February 1, 1859, a soup kitchen was established at
London. There were 2,948 quarts of soup served that month, or 3,912
meals; 222 loaves of bread, 218 lbs. rice and (532 lbs. of beef were
consumed, with other foods, costing $59.54. The kettles cost $23.50.
The number of famihes relieved was 83 and the number of persons
346. The corresponding month of 1858 cost the city S132. In 1859
the Masonic body subscribed .$58 for relief, and others $25. In March
John Carling subscribed $100, Edward Emery $20, and John K. Labatt
1,000 lbs. of flour. Several smaller donations were given toward
relieving the poor.
The total cost of city hospital and out-door relief for 1859 was
$3,272. In this year there were 124 patients ; while from 1855 to
the close of 1858 — four years — there were only 364 patients.
The report of the Committee on Hospitals, made April 8, 1861,
charged a few of the aldermen with being too intimate with the matron
and other female attendants at the city hospital. The report was very
severe, but evidently necessary in view of the total lack of morals
prevailing. The steward and matron were recommended for discharge.
In 1862 Kielly's house on York street, near Westminster Bridge,
was leased at $200 per year for hospital purposes. In 1864 Mrs.
Hyman was president of the committee of ladies who managed the
House of Refuge. A Mrs. Noble, then matron, was reported on very
unfavorably to the Council by the Hospital Committee, and her dis-
missal asked for.
At a meeting of the trustees of the late London Savings Bank,
held January 9, 1865, Adam Hope, Lawrence Lawrason, Simeon
Morrill, Alexander Anderson, Charles Monsaratt, William Begg and
John Wilson being present, it appeared that after all deposits and
charges of management were paid oft' $234.39 in currency remained,
with one $100 debenture and nine $1,000 debentures, issued by the
corporation of St. Thomas, November 8, 1864, and one City of London
debenture, dated June 27, 1853, for £500. This surplus was donated
to the county and city, on condition tliat the interest thereon would be
devoted to the sustenance of an hospital for both county and city. In
286 HISTORY OF THE
December, 1872 this fund was brought into use, and the city hospital
made the beneficiary.
In the fall of 1866 the Asiastic cholera scourge extended to Lon-
don, but, owing to the prompt measures taken by the Board of Health,
its ravages were confined within narrow limits.
During the summer of 1870 the small-pox epidemic reached Lou-
don, when a special building for hospital purposes was erected. In
Feb., 1871, the Council asked the authorities for the use of the frame
building formerly used by the troops as an hospital. This request wa.s
granted.
Stephen Grant and Mrs. Grant were appointed steward and matron
respectively, March 28, 1 870, of the City Hospital. Old Mr. Busby,
the former steward, was retired on account of age. For some years,
indeed during tlieir administration, the management of the establish-
ment was excellent. Dr. Moore was appointed city physician in 1871.
The small-pox epidemic of 1872 carried off a number of residents. Iii
1872, plans for a new hospital building were called for, but new ac-
commodations for the afflicted did not seem to clinch the disease. In
the winter of 1872-3 there were a number of deaths from small-pox.
In October, 1876, Dr. D. M. J. Hagarty took charge of the City
Hospital.
The Mount Hope Orphan Asylum was opened October 2, 1869,
when two children were admitted ; but before the close of the year the
number increased to fifty. In 1875 there were twelve Sisters of St.
Joseph in charge, and six engaged in the work of education in the city
schools. Prior to the establishment of this gi'eat institution, the prison
formed the general house for orphan children
The new hospital, or new addition to the Mount Hope House of
Eefuge, was completed and opened October 16, 1888, Eev. Father
Tiernan presiding over the religious services.
On the morning succeeding that 24th of May, 1881, as soon as the
dread intelligence was conveyed to the Sisters of Mount Hope, ten of
their immber formed themselves into a faithful band, going two and
two to various parts of the city, visiting alike the homes of the
bereaved Protestants and Catholics. Many orphans, left poor and
helpless, were dressed and kindly cared for. Some of the scenes they
witnessed were harrowing in the extreme.
The Protestant Home was organized fourteen years ago. In No-
vember, 1888, the following named officers were elected : — Patrones.ses,
Mesdames (Dr) Eyckman, (Bishop) Baldwin and Henry A. Smith;
president, Mrs. Morphy (re-elected by a standing vote) ; vice-presidents,
Mesdames Eobinson, Hyman and Jeflery ; secretary, Mrs. Garlick
(re-elected by a standing vote) ; assistant secretary. Miss Fowler ;
treasurer, Mrs. Gregsten (re-elected by a standing vote) ; auditors,
Messrs. Wright and Thomson. After brief remarks from the officei's
elect, the Standing Committee were elected for the year as follows : —
Trustees, new members, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. J. W. Little, Mrs. Parker,
COUNTY OK MIDDLESEX. 287
Mrs. Shuttleworth and Mrs. Blackstock ; re-elected, Mesdames Boomer,
Belton, A. Brown, Bremner, Cleghorn, Carfrae, De la Hooka, James S.
Duffield, jr., Dawson, Douglass, Edge, Fitzgerald, William Glass,
Gordon Garlick, Samuel Glass, John Green, Gregsten, Gordon, E. W.
Hyraan, Charles Hutchinson, Ingram, Jeffery, Thomas Kent, R. Lewis,
KcKenzie, McCallum, VV. R. Meredith, Morphy, Hamilton, Moort',
Owrey, Priddis, Robinson, G. F. Robertson, Rock, W. J. Reid, Henrv
Smith, Smart, A. Thomson, Geo. Webster, Col. Walker. H. Weld, and
the wives of the Protestant city clergymen. Advisory Board, new
members, Messrs. V. Crouyn, C. S. Hyman, J. W. Little, George C.
Gibbons, William McDonough and C. McCallum ; re-elected, Messrs.
Wilham Bowman, Hon. John Carling, F. Davis, J. H. Flock, John
Elliott, Wm. Glass, Samuel Glass, John Green, Chas. Hutchinson,
Alex. Johnston, Joseph Jeffery, R. Lewis, Thomas McCormick, Mr.
Muir, Oliver McClary, Lieut.-Col. Moffat, George Robinson, A. Thomp-
son, John Walker, John Wright.
Following is an extract trom the statistical return made to the
Government on October 1st, 1888, showing the number of children in
the Home on Oct. 1, 1887, as 35 boys, 19 girls; admitted during the
past year, 18 boys, '.I girls ; discharged,- 12 boys, 10 girls ; deaths, none ;
remaining inmates on September 80, 1888, 41 boys, 18 girls ; total,
59. Average stay of each child, 257 days; collective stay of all the
children, 20,355 days. Number of beds made up each day, 68. The
children are nearly all Canadians, and all Protestants, with two
exceptions.
In Jan., 1867, the Council granted for the use of the proposed
Magdalen Asylum the building then known as the old Grammar
School ; but later decreed that, unless occupied as such before three
months, it should be sold to Samuel Stansfield for $50. However, it
became the residence of Jane Doyle, then jail matron.
The Protestant House of Refuge Association, organized in April,
1865, reopened their house in December. Mrs. Hellmuth was presi-
dent ; Madames Scott and Stone, vice-presidents ; Mrs. J. C. Thompson,
secretary ; and Mrs. Samuel Glass, treasurer.
The corner stone of the Protestant Home was placed by Mrs.
Gregsten, president, Sept. 14, 1876. The lot and buildings cost $13,-
000, and the work of construction was carried out under the direction
of James Cowan and members of the building committee.
The Women's Refuge was established March 2, 1876.
TJie Guthrie Home. — A number of years ago a home for English
orphans was established here, and later the house on the first conces-
sion of Westminster founded. In 1885 John T. Middlemore, who
founded the Orphan Children's Emigration Charity in 1872, brought
thirty girls and seventy boys hither from Birmingham. This was his
thirteenth visit, each fonner visit contributing a large number of such
people to the Canadian population. In 1886 he brought out fifty girls
and seventy boys from Birmingham to the Guthrie Home, London.
'JUa HlSrOUY OF THE
In Juue, 1887, his fifteenth party of fifty girls and one hundred boys,
(orphans) from Birmingham, England, arrived to aid in building up
the interests of the Dominion. This work Mr. Middlemore has made
a study. During the fifteen years of his career in ridding England of
an unprofitable class of persons, he has bestowed upon Canada at least
12,000 members of that class, a few of whom are said to have made
useful residents.
Schools of London. — The Collegiate Institute, the twelve public
schools and three separate schools of the city, may be estimated in value
in round numbers at $200,000. There are also the new Medical College,
Huron Divinity College, Hellmuth Ladies' College, Sacred Heart
Academy, Hellmuth Boys' College (not in use), the Art and Design
School, the Commercial College, and at least half a dozen well-ordered
private schools. Steps are also being taken to secure for the city a
Normal School, admittedly the chief need of Western Ontario in the
direction of educational appliances ; and here is the seat of the county
Model School, for the training of teachers.
In 1828 the first school was opened at London by Peter Vauevery,
who was temporary jailer and man-of-all-work around the new court-
house. The name of the teacher, and the time and place in which he
taught, convey an idea of the very humble beginnings of education
here. His residence was a small frame house, which stood where
Somerville's gi'ocery store now is.
Edward Allen Talbot tauglit school in a frame building on the
south-east corner of liichmond and Queen's avenue. Among the
pupils were his two son.s, James McFadden, jr., W. H. Niles, Ralph
Lee, a son of the doctor, Edward Gibbons and Ira Schofield, jr. Sheriff
Glass, in his reminiscences of the early schools of London, states : —
"The first school (remembered by him) was opened in 1833, on Dun-
das and Richmond, by one Taylor, an asthmatic, consumptive person,
who could scarcely master ' the three R's.' He was assisted by his
wife, a tough, wiry little woman, with less education, but greater
energy. They combined lath making with their educational duties ;
the male teacher cleaving the large bolts of oak and cedar until quite
exhausted, when his wife would take up the work, and, with draw-
knife in hand and astride the draw-horse, she would thin down the
thick ends and prepare the lath for market. Then followed in rapid
succession the opening and closing of other schools. Miss Stinson,
Mr. Busbee, Miss Dyer (a resident in 1877), John Talbot and Rev.
Mr. Wright, all taught private schools between 1833 and 1836.
Most of these teachers were but poorly educated. They were strong
believers in the doctrine, ' to spare the rod is to spoil the child,' and
enforced most lessons with a liberal application of blue beach gads,
which were then found in a swamp at or near the corner of Richmond
and King streets. The total number of children at this time of suit-
able age for school did not exceed 10 or 12. The schools were opened
by the persons named as a private enterprise, without government or
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 289
municipal aid. The usual charge was from from $1.25 to $1.50 per
quarter. It will be readily seen that the probable return was not such
as to command the best talent, and this will also account for the rise
and fall of so many schools in so short a time. Mr. Taylor (father of
Wm. Taylor, who died in 1876-7), who taught for many years sub-
.sequently in Loudon Township, opened a school on Horton street in
1838. He was far in advance of the others, educationally, and taught
for many years afterwards in the same place." W. H. Niles states, this
Taylor was a robust Irishman, who taught school in a house rented
from W. Niles on the east side of Talbot street, opposite the present
In October, 1835, Mrs. John H. Miller opened a children's school on
Dundas street, the rate being one dollar per month. John H. Miller
opened a senior school in the same home, at $2 per month. In 1841
the Common School Board was presided over by Rev. Benjamin
Oronyn, with Eev. W. F. Clarke as secretary. The Grammar School
was held in the court-house, with B. Bayly as principal. Thomas
Parke was commissioned in May, 1843, to obtain the school money
for 1842, and pay it into the bank of Upper Canada at Kingston. The
tax levy for school purposes in 1844 was £81. On April 1, that year,
the Superintendent of Public Instruction informed the Board that the
apportionment of the Common School Fund was £79 18s. 4d. On
April 8 Eev. Benjamin Cronj'n was appointed Superintendent of
Education for the Town of London, and on June 10 he was ordered to
district the town for school purposes. His report was in favor of mak-
ing each Ward a district, and this was adopted.
The total amount of assessment for school purposes in 1845 was
£124 3s. 3d. The amount of the tax roll for 1844-5 was £372 9s.
In January George Eailton received £3 7s. 6d. as clerk to the
Superintendent of Education, and John McDowell £6 3s. 4d. as
collector. In February, the appointment of Edwin Eowley as school
teacher, and the refusal of Eev. Mr. Cronyn to examine him for a
teacher's certiiicate, was before the board. It appears that on April 13,
Philo Bennett and E. P. Elhs, trustees for St. Andrew's ward, were
anxious to employ Edwin Eowley as school-teacher, but Eev. Superin-
tendent Cronyn refused to examine Eowley, on the gi'ound of his
being an alien ; then the trustees asked the Board to take the necessary
measures to compel Mr. Cronyn to examine the teacher, and certify to
such examination, but the proceedings were as unsatisfactory as they
were boisterous. £106 were transferred to Eev. Benjamin Cronyn,
representing the school moneys of 1846. In June, 1848, the school
trustees asked the Council " for a larger appropriation, for erecting a
school-house on a large scale." This petition was granted, and in 1849
the Union School was built, and opened in the following year, with
Nicholas Wilson as principal. He was succeeded by Eobert Wilson,
and he by the late Hamilton Hunter, who retired from teaching to
accept a Government position.
19
290 HISTORY OF THE
In January, 1849, James Reid and George G. Magee were appointed
Trustees of Common Schools, vice Harding O'Brien and J. S. Buchanan,
retired. A special assessment of three farthings per pound valuation
was authorized to be used in paying teachers and erecting buildings on
the grounds granted by the Government for school purposes. This
resolution was carried, but Mayor Dixon's opposition to a similar one
on January :^9th resulted in vexatious proceedings. Debentures for
£550 were authorized May 7th, the proceeds to be applied on com-
pleting school-house. In November, 1849, Architect Thomas declared
the building complete, and £411 were paid Joseph F. Rolfe, the con-
tractor. On October, 29, 1849, Simeon Morrill presented a large bell
for the use of the new common school. About this time the colored
population of the town was over 200, and a colored school was estab-
lished by the members of the colony. In January, 1850, Miss E. J.
Dawsey petitioned the Council to compensate her for teaching a colored
school of forty pupils during the year 1849. This petition was sent to
the School Board, with a recommendatioa to grant her pay, where it
was reported favorably.
In April, 1850, the four school sections were united. The by-law,
as drafted by H. C. E. Becher, pointed out the desire of the people to
have one large school building, where scholars could be classified
according to their knowledge. Each class should have a teacher, and
all work under the direction of a head master. £150 were ordered to
be levied for school purposes. In May, Councillors Barker and Carling
pointed out the necessity for a school-house in St. George's Ward, and
asked the appointment of themselves and Mr. Becher to purchase a
site and obtain plans, etc. A motion to this effect was carried, and
£300 appropriated for building. The Central School at London was
opened in 1851, with N. Wilson, head master, and Eobert Wilson and
Patrick Murtagh, assistants. The head master's salary was then £150
per annum.
On Jan. 28, 1852, a petition from the Trustees of the Grammar
School, asking the erection of a school building, was reported unfavor-
ably ; but the application of the Board of Public Instruction of the
Town of London was received favorably, and the Council recommend-
ed the renting of the Mechanics' Institute for school purposes.
Such were the steps taken to build up a school system here from
1841 to 1854, that the new city of 1855 found herself in possession of
good schools and good teachers, which compared favorably with other
towns of Upper Canada. The school statistics from 1855 to 1868 tell
the story of progress : —
Tear.
Pupils
ReKis?ered.
1,823
Avtrage
Attendance.
973
No. of
Teachers.
Averaee Cost
2,737 .. .
2,459
1858 . . .
1859
1,337 ....
1,461
17 ....
20 ....
20 ....
. . 6 11
1860 ...
2,301
1,443 ....
6 01
COUMY OF SUDDLESEX. 291
Tear.
1861
Pupils
Registered.
2 527
Average
Attendance.
1 537 ..
No. of
Teachers.
21 ....
Average Cost,
per Pupil.
5 18
2,661
1865 ....
1866
3,218
.. . 3,237
1,930
1 990
24 ....
25
4 30
4 73
1867
3 372
2,053
2,153
25 ....
25 ....
4 63
1868 ....
3,586
4 55
J. B. Boyle became principal in 1855, with twelve assistant teach-
ers— six male and six female. Among the best known teachers of the
city schools within the period to which the above figures refer, were
J. B. Boyle, Adam Anderson, William Irwin, Nicholas Wilson, John
Taaffe, Hamilton Hunter and John McLaren, Miss A. B. Corrigan,
Miss Eliza Ellis, Miss Bella Norval, Miss McElroy, Miss Harriet
Oakley, Miss Eliza Coyne, Miss Isabella Coyne, Miss H. Gillespie,
Miss M. Yates, ^liss Jane Kessack, Miss Lester, Mrs. Elizabeth Hop-
kins, Miss Christina Eobertson, Miss Dora Gurd, Miss D. Eobertson
(18(32, and resumed in 1865).
The School Board of 1863 was composed of the following: — -Messrs.
WUliam McBride (chairman), W. Wade, R. Gunn, J. G. Mcintosh,
James Dunbar, S. H. Graydon, D. McPherson, .lohn Ross, Jas John-
ston, 0. Baynes, Alex. Gunn, Thomas Webb, A. G. Smyth and Alex.
Johnston. The School Trustees elected in January, 1872, were Eobt.
Eeid, Alfred G. Smyth, James Dunbar, William Rowland, John
Phillips, Alex. Gunn and Ezra A. Taylor.
A reference to the general chapter on schools will show the names
of the old-time school superintendents of Loudon village. J. B. Boyle
is inspector of the city public schools, having been appointed to the
position in August, 1871. A. S. Abbott was appointed secretary of
the School Board in December, 1850, and is still holding the office.
The late Judge Wilson was local superintendent of schools up to 1863,
as shown in the general history. The Bishop of Huron subsequently
held that position. Rev. W. F. Clarke was superintendent for awhile
before Judge Wilson's time. The outlay for school purposes in 1863
was some $14,459 ; the estimates of 1888 placed it at $57,511, includ-
ing S3,340 to the separate schools. An early public school principal
was Robt. Wilson, then N. Wilson ; next Hamilton Hunter, who was
succeeded by Mr. Boyle.
Following is the personnel of the Board of 1888 : — James Wright,
chairman. Collegiate Institute Trustees — CI. T. Campbell, Charles F.
Colwell, James B. Cook, John D. Shamian, Francis Love, Moses
Masuret, Alfred W. Woodward. Public School Trustees — Jas. H.
Wilson, \Vm. J. Craig, James Wright, Albert 0. Jeffery, Joseph M.
Wilson, Alexander A. Durden, John Turner, Thomas Howard, Henry
Childs, F. W. J. Ball.
The list of teachers in October, 1888, is as follows : — Central School
— Messrs. Carson (head master), and Stewart, Misses Booth, Yates, MiUs,
292 HISTORY OF THE
CanneU, Pitcher, Dunbar, Coyne, F. Buckle, S. A. Buckle, Sinapson,
Magee, Eobertson, Christie, and H. Buckle. King street — Mr. Jas.
Learn (head master). Misses Webbe, L. V. Porter, Hay and Johnston.
Horton street— Mr. E. M. Graham (head master). Misses Ferguson and
Eogers. Waterloo South — Mr. H. A. T. Hobbs (head master). Misses
McDonald and Skelton. Hamilton road — Mr. J. Wright (bead mas-
ter), Misses Fairbairn, Luke and Brock. Colborne street — Mrs. Gahan
(principal). Misses Mulveuy, Eougvie, Pocock and Purdom. Princess
avenue — Mr. Woodbura (head master). Misses Tyler, Macklin, John-
ston, Fleming and Simpson. Talbot street — Misses Miller (principal),
Mcintosh, Weatherson and Lynch. Waterloo North — Mr. E. F. Wil-
son (head uiaster), Misses Wrighton, Ferguson and Evans Lome
avenue — Misses Boon (principal), Oliphant, Winnett and Cathro.
Rectory street — Mr. W. D. Eckert (head master). Miss Macklin, Mrs.
Oliphant, Misses McLeod, Cameron and Black. Park street — Mr. S.
G. Gibson (head master). Misses Mohr and Young. Protestant Home
— Miss Crosbie. Tow7i Hall (East End) — Miss Walton. Music —
Mr. J. L. BaiTou.
The city system is at the present time in the course of a greatly
needed reorganization, whereby what is known as the Central School,
formerly called the Union School, established in the year 1849, will be
abolished, the property sold, and the Ward schools will in time be all
graded. By the old mode, pupils reached the Collegiate Institute by a
course through the Central ; but under the new order of things, each
ward will cany on the curriculum up to the point of passing the
entrance examination, and so become direct feeders of the Collegiate
Institute. Number Five Ward has a well equipped school of that des-
cription already doing splendid work, and a new building has been
completed on Simcoe street in accordance with the graded plan. It
will displace the old Horton street school. The new graded school
building on Horton street, between Clarence and Wellington, is lOOx
110 feet, each of the three floors being of this area. Over each of the
main archways are what is purported to be the likenesses of ex-Chair-
man Sharman and Chairman Wright, of the Board of Education, but
it would take a rather acute observer to recognize the faces of either
of these gentlemen in the stone cutting. The building was designed
and its construction superintended by T. H. Tracy, city engineer. The
cost of the structure is placed at about $30,000, divided as follows : —
Masonry, Joshua Garratt, $11,000; carpenter work, John Purdom,
$8,340 ; Credit Valley dressings, T. J. Heard, $4,500 ; slating, George
Eiddell, $904 ; plastering, Murray Bros., $873; painting and glaziiig,
A. T. Corp, $1,067; furnaces and air vents, Smead & Co., $2,480.
Old Grammar School and the Collegiate Institute. — The London
District Grammar School was established in 1834 at Long Point, on
Lake Erie. On its transfer to London, a graduate of Trinity College,
Dublin, was appointed master. This was Francis Wright, the same who
married the eldest daughter of W. K. Cornish. After ten years' service
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 293
he resigued, and James C. Thompson, of Adelaide, was appointed;
but, on his removal to the old St. Thomas school, Eev. IBenjamin
Bayly, of Dublin, Ireland, took charge of the school, and for thirty-
seven years presided over the Grammar School in the old court-house,
until 1861, afterwards in the Central School, and later in the new
Collegiate Institute, Mr. Thompson assisting for some time in the
mathematical department. Mr. Bayly settled on Manitonlin Island in
1837 with Archdeacon Brongh, and about 1841 received his ajjpoint-
ment at London, where he died in January, 1879.
In September, 1878, the present commodious buildings on Dufferin
avenue, erected at a cost of over §16,000, were first occupied ; and in
the January following, the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. Bayly
was filled by the appointment of the Rev. F. L. Gheckley, B. A., who
administered the at^airs of the school for nearly eight years. Just
after the removal, the status of a Collegiate Institute was conferred
upon the school, which honorary distinction it still retains. On the
retirement of Mr. Checkley, in 1887, the jiresent head master, Samuel
Woods, M. A., was appointed. Mr. Woods has been identified with
High School work since 1862, a longer service than any other High
school master in the Province, so far as is known. A new feature in
Canadian High School work was introduced by him at the opening in
September last. This is to give a thorough scientific and literary
education to every pupil in the Institute, while not neglecting or
overlooking in the slightest degi-ee the claims of the language courses
in both the ancient and modern tongues.
The present staff is composed of the following members : — Principal,
Samuel Woods, M. A. ; English ma.ster, E. Ferguson, B. A. ; classics,
R. A. Little, B. A. ; science master, A. Hotson ; modern languages, T.
C. Somerville ; mathematics, R. Grey, B. A. ; commercial, N. Wilson ;
assistant mathematics, A. Andrus ; assistant English, Miss F. Hanson ;
drawing, S. K. Davidson ; music, St. John Hyttenrauch ; janitor, J.
Jury.
Collegiate School. — The London Collegiate School, built at Mount
Pleasant in 1865 (after plans by Wm. Robinson), by Geo Taylor and
Fowler, was opened Sept. 1. The principal promoters were Arch-
deacon Hellmuth and the Bishop of Huron.
Divinity School. — In 1861 Bishop Cronyn decided to establish a
Diocesan Divinity School, and Rev. I. Hellmuth was sent to England
to collect funds. His success was represented by $62,000, of which
the Rev. Alfied Peache gave .S25,000. The college was opened Dec.
2, 1863, and must be considered the beginning of Huron College.
Huron College. — This institution was incorporated by an act of
Parliament, which received the royal assent May 5, 1863. It was
opened by the first Bishop of Huron, Dec. 2, that year ; the inaugural
address on the occasion being delivered by the Dr. Mcllvaine. The
first principal of the college was Dr. Hellmuth, afterwards Bishop of
Huron. The first students matriculated on Jan. 9, 1864. This insti-
294 HISTORY OF THE
tution rose out of a need felt by Dr. Cronyn, for a supply of ministers
of the church for the wants of his diocese. On his consecration to the
episcopal office in the year 1857, he found that, out of 138 townships
in the thirteen counties constituting the Diocese of Huron, not more
than thirty were supplied with the ministrations of the church ; so that
there were, in round numbers, only two clergymen to an entire
county. For some six years the wants of the diocese were partially
supplied from various external sources. At the present time, 1888,
there are 125 clergymen engaged in pastoral work in the Diocese of
Huron, of whom 63 were trained at Huron College. The number of
students who have passed, or are passing, through Huron College is
about 132. Bishop Hellmuth was associated with Bishop Cronyn in
the work of developing Huron College, and the divinity chair was
endowed by the Rev. Alfred Peache of England, with the munificent
sum of £5,000 sterling. Rev. R. G. Fowell, M. A., is now principal
of the college, having succeeded the late Rev. Dean Boomer, LL. D.
Boys' College. — Hellmuth Boys' College, subsequently Dufferiu
College, named after Lord Dufferin, Governor-General of Canada, was
founded in 1865, with Rev. Dr. Darnell as principal; but it was not
successful, and closed some years ago.
Hellmuth Ladies' College. — This school was founded by Bishop
Hellmuth, and inaugurated by Prince Arthur on Sept 23, 1869, though
actual work was begun in the college on Sept. 1. The week of the
formal opening was a great occasion for London and the West. The
Provincial Fair was in progress, and, in addition, Prince Arthur and
suite, Sir John Young, Governor-General, Lady Young, and Sir John
A. Macdonald visited the city. They were welcomed by the corpora-
atiou, the Fair Association, the militia and multitudes ; fireworks, band
music, and a ball and supper being part of the programme. Col.
Taylor was D. A. G. at the time, and Lieut.-Col. Lewis and Lieut.-Col.
Sbanly were with him at the depot when the royal party arrived ;
Capt. J. ^^'alker being in command of the guard of honor. Hellmuth
College is now under the principalship of the Rev. E. N. English, M.A.
The original cost of the site was $3,000 ; but, owing to the many im-
provements made upon and around it, it advanced in value to $40,000
in 1877, a figure which it easily commands in the market. The build-
ing and grounds form two of the features of London improvement,
although two and one-half miles north of the city. Hellmuth College
was conceived soon after the establishment of the Diocesan school,
and on Oct. 17, 1864, the corner-stone of the buildings was placed.
Western University. — The Western University of this city grew
out of a desire to extend and strengthen the educational machinery of
Huron College, and Bishop Hellmuth was its most ardent promoter.
The initiatory meeting was one of the professors and alumni of Huron
College, held in Christ Church on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1877, Dean
Boomer in the chair, and Rev. J. W. P. Smitli (now Canon Smith),
secretary. Au organization to promote the University was thereupon
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 295
formed, and the name " Western University " was chosen at a meet-
ing held on Nov. 1, 1877. Early in 1878 the Ontario Legislature
passed an act incorporating the University, conferring all necessary
powers and prerogatives, including those of conferring degrees in arts,
divinity and medicine ; and on June 20, 188 L, an order-in-council was
issued, conferring university powers. Subsequently the Hellmuth
Boys' College property was .taken over, and on May 20, 1881, Huron
College was affiliated. The inauguration occurred in presence of a
large gathering at the Chapter House on Oct. 6, 1881, Bishop Hellmuth
presiding. The late Hon. Adam Crooks, Minister of Education at that
time, delivered an address, and short speeches were also made by Dean
Boomer, V. Cronyn, Chancellor, Dr. Moore, Dean of the Medical
Faculty, and Eev. Mr. Haney, of Ireland. The first convocation for
the conferring of degrees was held on April 27, 1883. Details of the
organization of Huron College and the London Medical College appear
elsewhere. The London Law School was organized a couple of years
ago, but has not had an active existence.
London Medical College. — The meeting to organize this depart-
ment of the Western University was held at the Tecumseh House
May 24, 1881. The first faculty completed organization October 3,
1882, when the department was iuaugurated, the professors being the
following named : — Chas. G. Moore, M. C. P. S., L. C, Professor of the
Principles and Practice of Surgery, Dean of the Faculty (member of
the Consulting Staff, London General Hospital); John M. Eraser, B. A.,
M. D., M. R. C. S., England, Professor of the Principles and Practice
of Medicine (member of the StaH', London General Hospital); R. M.
Bucke, M. D., Y. R. S. C, Professor of Nervous and Mental Diseases ;
William Saunders, F. R. S. C, Professor of Materia Medica and
Pharmacy; J. A. Stevenson, M. D., Professor of Therapeutics and
Toxicology (member of the Staif, London General Hospital); James
Bowman, Professor of Theoretical and Practical Chemistry ; Charles
S. Moore, M. D., C. M., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women
and Children (member of the Staff, Loudon General Hospital); F. R.
Eccles, M. D., M. R. C. S., England, F. R. C. S., Edin., Professor of
Physiology ; Wm. Waugh, M. D., C. M., Professor of Anatomy,
General, Descriptive, and Surgical (member of the Staff, London
General Hospital); H. Arnott, Si. B., Professor of Clinical Medicine ;
James Niven, M. B., M. R. C. S., I., Professor of Clinical Surgery
(member of the Staff, London General Hospital); W. H. Moorhouse,
M. D.,L. R. C. S., and L. R. C. P.. Edin., Professor of Histology and
Dermatology; G. P. Jones, M. D., Professor of Sanitary Science
(member of the Staff, London General Hospital); Alex. G. Fenwick,
M. D., M. R. C. S., England, Professor of Medical Jurisprudence ; John
Wishart, M. D., M. R. C. S., England, F. R. C. S , Edin., Demonstrator
of Anatomy (member of the Staff, London General Hospital) ; Secre-
tary-Treasurer, J. A. Stevenson, M. D. ; Dr. McGugan filling Dr.
Eccles's chair while the latter was in Europe. The school has already
296
HISTORY OF THE
turned out some twenty^two graduates, and they are proving a credit
to the professorial work." Until this year the lectures were delivered
in the old Hellmuth Boys' College building on St. James street, but
on October 2, 1882, possession was taken of the new structure at the
corner of York and Waterloo streets, which, with the lot, cost about
$10,000. The college will accommodate about 100 students. The
site is part of the Central School property. •
The present faculty is made up as follows : — Dean, and professor of
clinical medicine, H. Arnott, M. B. ; principles and practice of medi-
cine, John M. Fraser, B. A., M. D. ; nervous and mental diseases, E.
M. Bucke, M. D., C. M., F. E. S. C; materia medica, Wm. Saunders,
F. E. S. C. ; theoretical chemistry, Jas. H. Bowman ; physiology and
gynecology, F. E. Eccles, M. D. ; surgery and surgical anatomy, Wm.
Waugh, M. D., C. M. ; clinical surgery, J. Wishart, M. D., C. M. ;
principles and practice of medicine, W. H. Moorhouse, M. B. ; pathol-
ogy and histology, D. B. Fraser, M. B., of Stratford ; obstetrics and
sanitary science, G. P. Jones, M. B. ; medical jurisprudence and
toxicology, A. G. Fenwick, M. D. ; practical chemistry, W. E. Saunders';
anatomy, general and descriptive, J. M. Jackson, M. U., C. M. ;
demonstrator of anatomy, W. J. Mitchell, M. D. ; physiology, H. A.
McCallum, M. D. ; materia medica and therapeutics, H. Meeks, M. D. ;
botany and zoology, John Dearness, I. P. S. The officers of the
faculty are: — Dr. Arnott, dean; Dr. Waugh, registrar; and W. E.
Saunders, treasurer.
The London Law School. — This school was opened December 4,
1885, Judge Frederick Davis delivering the inaugural address. The
faculty comprised William Elliot, Senior County Judge ; W. H. Bar-
tram, registrar ; W. W. Fitzgerald, bursar ; W. P. E. Street, Q. C, LL. B.,
professor of equity jurisprudence, now Assize Court Judge ; David
Mills, LL. B., M. P., of Parke, Mills & Purdom, professor of Interna-
tional law and rise of representative government ; J. H. Flock, of
Flock & Flock, professor of criminal law ; James Magee, of Harris,
Magee, Clark & JeHery, professor of real property law ; M. D. Fraser,
of Fraser & Fraser, professor of personal property law ; I. F. Hellmuth,
LL. B., professor of constitutional history; W. E. Meredith, Q. C,
LL. B., M. P. P., of Meredith, Fisher & Beattie, professor of municipal
law ; and George C. Gibbons, of Gibbons, McNab, Mulkern & Har)ier,
professor of law of contracts.
The list of the first students enrolled is as follows : —
Babcock, G.
Bartlett, P. H.
Bayly, R.
Beattie, J. H. A
Bowman, T. M.
Brydges, C. H.
Chapman, F. E.
Cowan, R. K.
Cronyn, E. S.
Dignan, R. H.
Emery, E. C.
Fisher, R.
Fitzgerald, W. C.
FitzRerald, W. E.
Flock, Ed.
Graham, R. M.
Gunn, G. C.
Harding, F.
.Johnson, E. H.
Johnson, T. F.
.Johnson, W. F.
.ludd, J. C.
Lucas, I. B.
Macbeth, H.
McPhillips, Jas. J.
McPhillips, John J.
Mills, N.
Mills, W.
Moi-ehead, (!.
Moore, .J. I'.
O'Neil, J. D.
Purdom, A.
Reid, Thos.
Scandrett. The
.Smyth, W.
Sutton, A. E.
Walker, J. S.
Weekea, G. N.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX' 297
Many of the above named are now barristers, and some of them
associated with old firms in London.
Art School. — The Western Ontario School of Art and Design, one
of the first and best in tlie country, was established about 1878. It
has efficiently conducted departments of painting in oils and water
colors, china painting, industrial designing, modelling, etc. The
Canadian Gazette, London, England, speaks in high commendation
of the designing and painting on china done in the London Art School,
which was exhibited at the Colonial. The teachers at present are
Messrs. J. H. Griffith and J. R. Peel, while the institution is under
the able presidency of Colonel Walker, county registrar. The studios
are located in the Mechanics' Institute building. There are several
excellent private art enterprises earned on in the city ; and the Western
Art League, composed of London artists and others, promises to be of
service. Charles Chapman, who died in October, 1887, was the father
of the Western Ontario Art School. John H. and James Griffith came
to London in 1854; but in 1875 the former retired to his Westminster
farm. He suggested the establishment of the Art School at London,
and has been connected with it since organization. He was the first
to introduce into Upper Canada the art of porcelain painting and
photography on china, and the first to introduce photos in carbon.
Forest City College. — This is a practical business school, presided
over by J. W. Westervelt and J. H. W. York. Its establishment at
London was well received by the people, and its success has been
noticeable.
Separate Schools. — There are three Roman Catholic separate schools
— the principal school, St. Peter's, on the same block with the cathedral ;
the next, the comparatively new Sacred Heart school on Queen's ave.;
and third, St. Mary's school, at the corner of South and Maitland streets.
On January 21, 1874, the original school-house was burned. The
trustees offered $100 for the conviction of the incendiary. The ele-
gant school buildings on Park avenue were completed in September,
1882, at a total cost of S9,000, and opened by Head-master Brown,
who, on November 6, 1888, resigned the principalship after a service of
eighteen years. Peter Naven, of Ashfield, was employed as his suc-
cessor. One of the departments of the Sacred Heart Convent is
devoted to the Separate school of the Dundas street district. In 1888
a part of the new buildings was designed for separate school purposes.
The English Church in Canada — The early history of the English
Church in Canada is given very fully in former pages. Rev. Mr.
Macintosh, of Kettle Creek, appears to have been the first minister of this
denomination, who held services at or near London about 1827. In
1829 Rev. E N. Boswell was placed over the district, and named the
parish St. Paul's ; and from his coming, to the present time, there is
little difficulty in finding out the material history of the church here,
much relating to its earlier years being narrated in the chapters referred
to above. Mr. Boswell's short term at London was not attended with
298 HISTORY OF THE
such pleasures as would induce him to stay. In 1832 Rev. Benj.
Cronyu came from Ireland, and that year he preached in the old
grammar school, court-house, dwelling, or, if you please, a house-of-
all-work, yet standing. In 1834-5 a frame building was completed
where the custom-house now stands, fronting on Queen's avenue ;
some years later an organ was introduced, and in 1843 a bell placed in
the belfry. All were destroyed in the fire of Ash Wednesday, in
February, 1844. At that time the old Mechanics' Institute held its
place on the Court-house Square, and in it services were held until a
new house of worship could be completed. Among the leading mem-
bers of the church in London and neighborhood in 1842-4 were Judge
H. Allen, H. G. Allen, J. B. Allen, J. B. Askin, H. C. R. Becher, H.
Chisholm, John Givens, G. J. Goodhue, L. Lawrason, Monsarrat, W.
Horton, John Harris, W. W. Street, Freeman Talbot, John Wilson, C.
S. Gzouski, and others, whose names occur in many pages of this work.
They decided that the new edifice should be a large and commodious
one, and not a frame like its predecessor. Many, if not all, the bricks
used in its construction were actually burned in the present church-
yard. So rapid was the progress made, that the ceremony of laying
the corner-stone was celebrated on June 24, 1844, St. John's Day.
The presiding clerical dignitary was Bishop Strachan, of Toronto ; for in
those days there was no iJiocese of Huron. The ceremony was per-
formed with Masonic honors. St. John's Lodge, No. 209(a), then the
only Masonic lodge here, assembled at 1 p m. in their room in the old
Robinson Hall, and, having been marshaled by the late Worshipful
Bro Niles, proceeded to the court-house building, from which, after
divine service by Rev. Mr. Cronyn, an imposing procession was formed
and marched to St. Paul's churchyard, where the stone was duly laid.
Subsequently, the streets were paraded, and a Masonic banquet was
held at night. Samuel Peters used the trowel, the same which is held
by his son to-day. In 1845-6 St. Paul's church loomed up after plans
by Thomas, of 'Toronto, and soon after a chime of bells was placed iu
the new building.
St. Paul's Cathedi-al is a handsome, old-fashioned church, seating
about 1,400. The nave is 95 feet by 65 feet, with galleries. The
chancel is 40 feet by 30 feet The organ is a grand instrument, built
by Messrs. Warren, of Toronto, and put up in 1872. When the
Diocese of Huron was erected in 1857, the Rector, the Rev. Dr. Cronyu,
was elected first Bishop, though for some years he still continued
Rector of St. Paul's, but resigned in 1867, when the Rev. Dr. Hellnuith
was appointed. In consequence of the declining health of Bi.shop
Cronyn, Dr. Hellmuth was elected as Coadjutor Bishop, and succeeded
to the full charge of the diocese the same year, 1871, when the Rev.
Canon Innes was appointed ; this positiou he still continues to hold,
as Dean of the Cathedral. St. Raid's was consecrated by the Right
Eev. Maurice P. Baldwhi, third Bishop of Huron, in 1884. It is a
well endowed church, and from its surplus revenues the several
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 299
parishes of the city and county receive assistance. The following
parishes have been formed, and churches erected, from the original
parish of St. Paul's : — Christ church, 1883; Memorial church, 1872 ;
St. John the Evangelist, built in 1 888 by the parishioners of the Chap-
ter House, which was erected into an organized parish in 1873 ; St.
George's. London West, 1874; St. James's, London South, 1875 ; and
St. Matthew's, London East, 1882. Among those who at various times
officiated as assistant clergy in the church, were the late Rev. Mr,
Bayly, for many years High School head master. Rev. H. H. O'Neil,
Rev. Mr. Hayward, Rev. John McLean, late Bishop of Saskatchewan,
Rev. G. J. Lowe, Rev. Mr. Starr, Rev. S. B. Kellogg, Rev. J. G. Bay-
lis, Rev. J. Gemley, Rev. A. Brown, and R. Hicks, present curate.
A. G. Smyth is an'^old-time official about St. Paul's, having been vestry
clerk continuouslv since about 1859. He was preceded in that office
by Wilson Mills and W. J. C. Meredith.
Christ Church. — Prior to 1862, when a mission embracing the
the territory south of York street was established, with Rev. G. M.
Innes in charge, St. Paul's was the centre of English Church worslrip.
This mission was founded in the Central School building. On week
nights, out-door services were held on the site of the proposed church,
which had been presented by Bishop Crouyn for that purpose. An
amusing incident is related of one of these services. In lieu of a
better stand, the missionary used to speak from the top of an old
hollow stump, with a congregation of from 60 to 100 gathered about
on the grass. On the occasion in question, some mi.schievous boys had
filled the stump with dry leaves, which, in the middle of the sermon,
they contrived to set on fire. The preacher had speedily to descend
from his perch and seek a cooler atmosphere. Above the ashes of the
old stump arose the present pulpit. The building was consecrated by
Bishop Cronyn in 1863 ; and Col. Moffat collected funds that paid for
the first organ, and Rev. Mr. Innes, who continued rector until 1865,
presented the communion table, chancel chairs, and small oak font.
The second rector was the late Rev. James Smythe, who was in charge
until 1876. In 1872 Rev. B. Bayly was assistant, when the Rev. J.
W. P. Smith (now canon), previously rector of St. John the Evange-
Hst, Strathroy, was appointed. In connection with tliis church is the
Church of England Temperance Society and Band of Hope. The
church building was valued in 1872 at $7,000, and the parsonage at
$3,000 ; while in 1888 the total value is placed at $8,000. In 1872
the congregation numbered 600, and the communicants 100. The
building is well located on the corner of Wellington and Hill streets.
|. • TIte Memorial Church. — This building was erected to the memory
of the late Right Rev. Benjamin Cronyn, first Bishop of Huron,
through the liberality of his children, and was opened for public wor-
ship Dec. 13, 1873, declared free of all debt and encumbrance, and
consecrated by Bishop Hellmuth. The house, which occupies a fine
site on the corner of Queen's avenue and William street, is noteworthy
300 HISTOIIY OF THK
among the edifices of London, not only because of its appearance, but
by reason of its associations. It is the monument of a great and
worthy pioneer. It is of Gothic architecture, built of white brick
faced with red, and heavily buttressed. The congregation had a begin-
ning in a small frame chapel on Adelaide street, whence they moved,
fifteen years ago, to the present building. The late Eev. W. H. Tilley,
who had bee a curate of St. Paul's Church, was appointed first rector.
He labored zealously and successfully for upwards of three years, and
in 1877 removed to Toronto, and became assistant minister at the
Cathedral. Mr. Tilley was succeeded by the present rector. Rev.
Canon Richardson. In 1879 the building was enlarged. In 1884 a
lot adjoining was purchased and the parsonage erected ; later the sex-
ton's house was added, making a property valued at about $40,000.
St. John's Chapel is named in 1863, with Rev. Isaac Hellmuth
and Rev. H. Halpin in charge. In 1866 Rev. W Wicks and Mr.
Halpin had charge of this chapel and of Huron College. Rev. I.
Brock came in 1868, with Mr. Halpin still assistant. In 1874 a chapel
bearing this title was opened on George street by Bishop Bedell, of
Ohio. This building was closed by Bishop Hellmuth in 1884, wheu
the congregation worshipped in the Chapter House.
Church of St. John the Evangelist. — In October, 1886, Rev. Richard
G. Fowell was asked to become pastor of this congregation. He
accepted, and at once entered on the task of church building, and on
March 9, 1887, the corner-stone was placed. Later, this project was
pushed forward, the rector being assisted by Rev. D. Williams, with I.
Banks and Colonel Fisher, wardens. Rev. W. T. Hill, the present
rector, aided in the work which Mr. Fowell commenced, and soon the
church building on the corner of St. James and Wellington streets
was completed, and opened in November, 1888. The property, when
the Sunday school room is completed, will have cost little short of
$13,000. The original services in this parish were held in the Huron
College library until 1874, when St. John's Chapel, George street, was
opened.
The Chapter House, a quaint, solid, stone building, out on Rich-
mond street, was designed by Bishop Hellmuth to form the nucleus of
a cathedral, and was built in 1874. The Chapter House contains the
offices of the large and wealthy Diocese of Huron, with the Diocesan
archives and Synod records, which are in the charge of E. Baynes
Reed, secretary-treasurer and registrar, a position which he has held for
many years, and the duties of which he discharges with marked ability
and great zeal. In the Chapter House are held the meetings of the
Synod, and of the Executive and other sy nodical committees. In 1873
Very Rev. Dean Boomer had charge of the Chapter House. In 1876
he and Rev. W. F. Campbell presided. In 1879 Rev. P. B. DeLom
was curate, and in 1882 Rev. A. J. Gollmer. The ministers since
1882 are named in connection with the college or with other churches.
St. James's ChurcJi. — The corner-stone of St. James's Church, oa
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. oOl
Askin street, London South, was placed May 24, 1877, by the Bishop
of Huron, Hevs. M. Boomer, J. VV. Marsh and Evans Davis. The
building committee were Henry Taylor, John Beattie, John Pope,
John Unglis G. S. Birrell, Thomas Churcher, A. J. Moore, A. Pontey,
C. E. Brydges, C. M. Mayne and E. B. Hungerford, with architects
Tracy, Robinson and Fairbairn. Story & Wattam, masons, and A.
Purdom, carpenter, were the leading contractors. The building was
opened Nov. 1 8, that year. Eev. Mr, Davis is still pastor.
St. Mattheiv's Church. — This church was an outgrowth of St.
Luke's, which, for a time, existed on the Hamilton road, east of Eectory
street. In 1879 Eev. J. B. Richardson attended this church; in 1880
l!ev. R. Fletcher, and in 1882 the present name appears instead of St.
Luke's, its former title. Rev. W. M. Seaborn is the present minister.
The building is east of the fair grounds, on Dundas street.
St. George's Church. — This congregation dates back to 1874, when
Eev. Evans Davis established a mission there in connection with the
new parish of London South. A brick building was erected, which
has since been used as a house of worship. Eev. G. B. Sage is now
minister in charge.
The Church of England (_'ity Mission was established in 1867, by
the Dean of Huron and Rev. J. Smythe.
All Saints' Chapel. — The old brick Primitive Methodist Church
building, at the corner of Adelaide street and the Hamilton road, is now
an English mission in connection with the Memorial Church. Rev.
(."anon Richardson is pastor, with the Rev. 0. H. Bridgman, assisting.
;S^. Ann's Chapel. — The corner stone of St. Ann's Chapel, in con-
nection with the Hellmuth Ladies' College, was placed May 30, 1877,
by Mrs. Hellmuth, to whom a trowel was presented by the teachers
and students of the college. The building was erected by Elms &Son,
from plans by Lloyd, of Detroit. Among the ministers connected with
college and chapel may be named : — Reverends A. Sweatman and W.
A. Young, 1869 ; F. Checkley, 1872. In 1880, Eev. C. B Guilleraont
was pastor of St. Ann's and Hellmuth Ladies' College, and he, with the
Rev. H. Riener, in 1881 ; and Eev. E. N. English, in 1884.
Methodist Church. — This organization, in 1874, comprised the former
Wesleyans, Protestant or Primitive Methodists, and New Connexion
Methodists. The first general conference of this church was held at
Toronto in September and October, 1874, and there London conference
was represented by forty-eight members. The statistics then presented
showed 73,557 Wesleyans, 20,950 Methodists of Eastern British
America, and 7,439 New Connexion Methodists, — or a total of 101,946.
In 1884, the union was strengthened by the admission of Episcopal
Methodists and Bible Christians.
Speaking of old-time churches, A. G. Smyth says : — " The first
Methodist edifice was an old rough-cast building on Ridout street, near
where Mr. Weld lives, or old Mr. Hamilton's. — That must have been
away back about 1832. Two early ministers were Rev. Mr. Stoney
302 HISTORY OF THE
and Rev. A. S. Newberry. The next Methodist church was a frame
one on the corner of King and Talbot, where Dulmage's Hotel after-
wards stood. James Odell and Capt. John Smyth, my father, who was
a great Methodist, were its chief promoters. I'll tell you whom I was
talking to the other day — Mr. Henry Roots ; and, do you know, he put
up in that church the first ornamental piece of ceiling plaster ever seen in
London. It was considered a wonder in those days. That church was
finally turned into a double dwelling, aud afterwards became an hotel.
The Methodist parsonage of that day is standing yet on the east side of
Talbot street (No. 350). Its a small white frame house. One of the
Ryersons — John, I think — used to live there. In those days the
women sat alone on one side of the church and the men on the other,
like the sheep and the goats. After the Talbot Street Chiu'ch, another
was built on the east side of Richmond, about opposite where the
Albion Restaurant now stands. Ultimately, the property was sold to
John Elson and Samuel McBride, preparatory to the building of the
North Street Church. Away back about that time a division occurred
among the Methodi.sts, and the New Connexion people put up the
building which now forms part of Victoria Hall.
Queen's Avenue Methodist Church — In 1823 London Township
was set off as a circuit of the Wesleyan Church, with Robert Corson
in charge. In 1824-5 Edmund Stoney, who came hither with the
Talbots, was here ; succeeded in 1826 by Daniel McMuUen and Matt.
Whiting. In 1827 John S. Huston was here alone ; in 1828-9, Mat-
thew Whiting; in 1830-1, John Bailey, with Messrs. Dean and Biggar,
assistants; John K. WillLston came in 1832; John Beatty in 1833;
Wm. Griffiths in 1834; David Wright, with Messrs. John Law and
Johu Flanagan, in 1835-6; Edmund Stoiiey, with Hugh Montgomery
and A. S. Newbury, in 1837-8, and Adam Tainley, with Messrs. Steer
and Byers, in 1839, when the house on King and Talbot streets was
erected. Up to 1831 Methodists, like others, had few rights which the
law might respect; but under the legislation of that year ministers of
that denomination showed their hands. The first meeting-house was
a small rough-cast building, 18x24, situated at the corner of Carling
and Ridout streets, many years afterwards built on by the Bank of
Montreal. This house was finished and opened for divine service
about the year 1833. There was no settled minister here at that
time. London was merely a passing preaching place, where occa-
sionally a minister stayed over and held service. In 1839 the con-
gregation had increased to a size that would warrant them to erect a
more commodious building. Accordingly, a neat frame chapel, about
30x40, was erected at the corner of King and Talbot streets, now used
as an hotel. London at that time became a station, and there were
regular services held in the new church every Sabbath. This was
then the central church of a large circuit, of probably ten miles around.
The Willises from the north, and the Beltons from the north-east,
made it their place of worship. Old Mr. WiUis was the door-keeper at
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 303
the quarterly meetings. The most prominent members in 1840 to 1847
were the English family, old Squire Morrill, the Daltons, the McBride
family, Murray Anderson, etc., living in London or immediate vicinity.
In 1846, owing to the union of the Canadian and British Conferences,
the London congregation then came up to the church occupied by
what was then known as the British Missionaries, and there continued
till the year 1854. The old building, a heavy frame, 40x60, plain
gothic, is now extinct ; and the stores of Messrs. McBride's stove ware-
house, Taylor's bank and Mountjoy's store, Richmond street, now
flourish over the site.
The first preacher in this old church, was the Rev. Ephraim Evans,
afterwards Dr. Evans, who is still a hale and hearty old gentleman,
who located here as a superannuated minister. In 1852, owing to
the crowded state of the Richmond street church, the trustees under-
took the erection of the large brick church which may now be seen on
the corner of Park and Queen's avenues, then known as the North
Street Methodist Church, but now Queen's Avenue Church. The lot
was bought from Anthony Pegler January 18, 1852, for $700. On
April 9, Architect Hodgins, of Toronto, was engaged, receiving $100
premium for his plans. On June 26th the contract for excavation was
sold to Wm. Ellis for £39 15s.; and on January, 1853, that for brick
to Screaton & Grant ; for carpenter work to Geo. Watson ; for glazing
to John Bonser ; and for plastering to W. Tibbs. This structure wa.s
two years in building, and was opened with great pomp and ceremony
early in July, 1854. The size of this structure was 120x66, with
tower and steeple, and was at that lime acknowledged to be the finest
church west of Great St. James Street, Montreal. The trustees, or build-
ing committee, were : Mun-ay Anderson, Wm. McBride, Samuel Mc-
Bride, Samuel Glass, John Elson, James Coyne, Samuel Screaton, Samuel
Peters, Geo. Tyas. The chairman was the Rev. Wm. Pollard, then
pastor ; the late Wm. McBride being secretary and presiding steward.
According to a minute in the secretary's books, Mrs. Raymond was
engaged as organist in November, 1853; and in July, 1854, the trustees
fixed the yearly rental of pews, and decided to sell them by auction to
the highest bidder. Samuel McBride received the important appoint-
ment of pew steward and collector of rents during the same month.
The time at length arrived when the all-important work drew to a
successful close, and the church was opened for public worship on July
16, 1854, the collections of the day amounting to £50 15s. Rev.
Dr. Evans, now in his eighty-sixth year, and actively engaged every
day in charge of the headquarters of the Western Ontario Bible
Society branch in this city, took one of the services on that memorable
occasion. Rev. Mr. Pollard, who was in charge during the building of
the edifice, left about the time of opening, or before, and was succeeded
by Rev. William Wilkinson. In the year 1856 came the Rev. J.
Douse, and a couple of years later the Rev. Dr. Cooney, a remarkable
man in his way, as some of our readers may remember. The St.
304 HISTORY OF THE
Paul's peal of chimes were wont to ring out their music across the
street while the Wesleyan service was in progi-ess, and one morning
Dr. Cooney stopped to inform the congregation that the only pleasure
those bells ever gave him was when they stopped ringing. In 1860
Eev. G. R. Sanderson became pastor. After a continuous, active,
ministerial service of fifty-two years, he was superannuated at the
London Conference of June, 1888, held in the same old edifice, and he
is now, in his declining years, a member of the congregation over
which, twenty-eight years ago, he presided as pastor.
The Trustees in 1862-3 were: Messrs. Peters, Tyas, Abbott, S. and
W. McBride, Screaton, Lawless, El.son, Garrett, A. Johnston, Ware, M.
Anderson and Leary. Passing on down to November, 1872, Messrs.
Thos McCormick, Geo. Robinson and A. B. Powell were added to the
Trustee Board, and about that time the resolve was made to erect the
brick school-room in rear of the church, which cost some $13,000, and
is now popularly known as Wesley Hall. In 1873 the old Methodist
cemetery east of the city was sold, and a new plot west of Petersville
having been purchased, the Mount Pleasant Cemetery Company, an
organization distinct from the church, was organized. In October,
1874, the late Wm. McBride resigned the secretaryship of the Trustee
Board, and Ambrose B. Powell was chosen to fill the position, and has
acted in that capacity ever since. Thos. Green, R. J. C. Dawson and
James Eaton were chosen trustees in 1874. 1!. J. C. Dawson has
been recording steward since George Robinson resigned the position.
Among the incidents of 1878 was the resignation of Samuel Screaton
from the position of choir leader, after a quarter of a century's faithful
and valuable aid in the service of song. In the same year, Wm. Glass
was chosen a trustee in place of his father, Samuel Glass, deceased.
Among other worthies whom the church has lost by death were S.
Peters, Wm. McBride (drowned in the Victoria disaster), John Elson,
Geo. Tyas and Jas. Coyne. IMessrs. John Green and Geo. C. Gibbons
were chosen tru.stees in 1883. About the close of 1880, important
improvements, destined to revolutionize the interior of the church,
coupled with the introduction of a $9,000 organ, built by Warren, of
Toronto, were resolved upon ; and the next year saw all this accom-
plished before August, involving an outlay of some $15,000. The
reopening services began on Aug. 5, 1881, those taking part being Rev.
Leo. Gaetz, the new pastor. Rev. Dr. Nelles, of Victoria College, and
others ; Dr. Verrinder, the organist, giving a concert at night. On
Aug. 7, Rev. Dr. Nelles and Eev. Dr. Hunter, then of Toronto, preach-
ed, and on Aug. 14, Rev. Wm. Williams and Rev. J. A. Murray.
In the introduction to the history of this church, all the early circuit
preachers are named from 1823 to 1831). Their successors are now
given as follows : — James Nonis, with Samuel Rise and William
Coleman, 1840; Rise and William Price in 1841; Edmund Shepherd,
with M. Holtby, Jeffries and Lovell, assisting, 1842-4 ; E M. Ryerson,
1845 ; C. Lovell, 1846 ; E. Bothwell and Goodfellow, 1847 ; John
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 305
Carroll, with A. S. Byrne, S. S. Nelles and G. Yoiing, 1848-50 ; Wm
Pollard, with Ames, Laird and Pearson, assistants, 1851-3; H.
Wilkinson, with T. Stobbs, E. Creighton, J. L. Samedy and J. E. Sand-
erson, 1854-5 ; John Douse, with James Preston, 1856-7 ; Eobert
Carney, with James Dixon and G. E. Sanderson, 1858-9, the latter
presiding in 1860-1, with W. C. Henderson, assistant ; Eichard Jones,
with John Potts, 1 862-4 ; James H. Bishop, with William J. Hunter,
1865-7; James Elliott and William Briggs, 1868-70, E. M. Collum,
assisting in last year; Dr. W. Jetters and B. B. Keefer, 1871, and the
latter with James Hannon in 1872-3, when Mr. Keefer was succeeded
by J. J. Hare, assistant.
Under the union of 1874, the Methodist Church of Canada became
the title, with James Hannon in charge, and Messrs. Hale and T. J.
Eeid, assistants. From 1875 to 1878, James Graham and William
Walsh attended this church; John Philp, 1878-81, while the member-
ship was 260 ; Leonard Gaetz, with E J. Treleaven, assistant, 1881-4 ;
Daniel G. Sutherland, 1884-6, and J. G. Scott, 1887-8, now Secretary
of London Conference. The present membership is 503, with 585
pupils in Sabbath School, which is superintended by J. F. Jefters and
R. J. C. Dawson. The stewards are Geo. Eobinson, Thos. McCormick,
John Green, William Glass, Alexander Johnson, H. H. Nelles and
E. J. C. Dawson.
MetJwdist New Connexion Church. — This denomination, adapted
by the secessionists from John Wesley's doctrine in 1797, was estab-
lished in London Township in 1835. This branch of Methodism was
suggested by Alexander Kilham. It will be remembered that, in 1829,
the Canadian Wesleyan Methodist Church was organized by Henry
Eyan and James Jackson, who seceded from the Canada Methodist
Episcopal Church. Soon after, the new faith took root in the Thames
valley. In 1841, a union between the Canadian Wesleyan Church
and the New Connexion Church of Canada East was formed, and the
name, Canadian Wesleyan Methodist New Connexion Church, adopted.
In 1843, the Protestant Methodists of Eastern Canada were admitted,
and, in 1864, the title. The Methodist New Connexion Church in
Canada, was chosen.
London City Circuit of the Methodist New Connexion Church, was
set off from London Township in 1850 (see history of London Town-
ship), with H. 0. Crofts and J. B. Kershaw, preachers. From 1851 to
1853, William McClure presided, with Barnet, Caswell and Savage,
assistants. Joseph Eobinson was preacher-in-charge from 1854 to
1858, his assistants being Savage, Scott, Williams, Shaw and Leach.
John Shuttleworth was here from 1859 to 1861, Leach and Holmes
assisting. James Caswell ministered alone in 1862-3 ; John Cleaver
and J. E. Gundy in 1864; J. A. Miller and J. L. Wilkinson in
1865-6 ; J. C. Seymour and J. J. Lutze in 1866 ; David Savage,
1867-9, with J. T. Pitcher assisting the first year; George Eichardson
alone in 1870-2, and George Buggin alone in 1873-4.
20
aOb HISTORY OF THE
Wellington Street Methodist Church. — This Cliurcli dates back to
1875. Upon the union of the New Connexion Methodists with the
Wesleyans, the congregation, who had worshipped for a number of
years in the old New Connexion Church, Clarence street (part of
Victoria Hall), decided to vacate the old edifice and erect a church more
in keeping with their new condition. Under such circumstances, the
house now known as the Wellington Street Church had its origin. The
old building on Clarence street was sold, and the net proceeds of the
sale devoted to the funds for the erection of the new. Operations
upon the edifice were immediately commenced, and in the spring of
1876 the foundation-stone was placed by John Macdonald, of Toronto,
and in December dedicated by Dr. Ives ; the cost of church and parson-
age being about $15,000. Among the first members were : — Eev. Thos.
Hadwin, Thomas Green, John IVIcClary, Samuel Stewart, John Watson,
Wilham Thomas, A. AVestman, Thomas McCormick, Rev. David Eyan,
Rev. E. Tucker and Leonard Bartlett. No extensive alterations have
taken place, and the edifice now stands as when first erected. Last
year the Young People's Society of the church devoted some $1,000 to
a general renovation, and the building was elaborately frescoed and
painted, and additional comfort added to the furnishings. A lot at the
east end of the church has been acquired recently, in anticipation of
the need of increased accommodation, and the entire church property
is now valued in the neighborhood of $20,000. On the completion of
Methodist union, the congregation of the Bible Christian Church, that
formerly worshipped on Horton street, disbanded, some joining. The
church was established under its new name in 1875, with John Kay,
pastor, who had two appointments and 131 members. Mr. Kay and
James Watson were ministers in 1876, when the circuit claimed only
one appointment. George R. Sanderson, D. D., presided from 1877
to 1879, and David Savage in 1880-2, the membership being 230.
At this time Thomas Hadwin, R. E. Tupper and D. Ryan were super-
annuated ministers. John V. Smith presided in 1883-0. Dr. E. B.
Eyckman, the present pastor, was appointed in 1880. The membership
is about 300, while the Sabbath school, under William Yates, claims
about 500 scholars.
Fall Mall Street Church. — At a meeting held at Rev. Wm. Pol-
lard's parsonage, Sept. 17, 1853, the minister presiding, with Cieorge
Fitzgerald secretary, it was decided to build a frame house for worship,
on St. James street, east of Waterloo, where John Raynor resided.
James Thompson was appointed treasurer, with Thos. Barns, James
Thompson, Geo. Fitzgerald, James Bailey, James Penn and John
Griffiths as building committee. Among the first subscribers to the
building fund were : — James Bailey, D. F. Ware, John Griffiths, Wm.
Coad, Benj. Dawson, William Glass, William Barker, Mr. Bennett,
John W. Carlin, Mrs. Van Zant, David Carter, Thomas Carlin, Jas.
Penn, George Fitzgerald, Mr. Bennett (second), James Thompson
and James Whiting. The contract for frame, plastering, &c., was sold
COUXTY OF MIDDLESEX. 307
to William Coad for £210 ; but he was not to sujiply puljiit or pews,
as they were to be taken from the Eichmond Street Churcli. The
church was duly opened on Jan. 29, 1854, sermons being preached by
Kev. S. Eose, Eev. Dr. Skinner and Eev. W. Pollard. Services were
afterwards held there byEevs. Wilkinson, Preston, and others. Disaster
was ahead, however, for, in an exciting municipal contest, the church
was set on fire and destroyed The School Trustees granted the con-
gregation the use of the old St. George's school, and in 1859, during
Eev. Dr. Cooney's time, steps were taken to build the present brick
edifice on Pall Mall street. Among the trustees at that time were E.
Bennett, B. Dawson, John Griffiths, Woodward, Fitzgerald, Holland
and E. Matthews. Here is a resolution that appears in the minutes
while the church was going up : — " Moved by Bro. Fitzgerald, seconded
by Bro. Dawson, that we have the name in marble, ' Wesleyau Metho-
dist Church, A.D. 1859,' the cost not to exceed eight dollars. — Camed."
The little slab is to be seen yet in the side of the church. The open-
ing service occurred in November, 1859, sermons being delivered by
Eev. Mr. Mu.sgrove and Eev. Mr. Bredin. Among those whose
names are variously associated with the church history were : — G. E.
Sanderson, Dr. Potts, E. Jones (1863), J. H. Bishop, James Elliott,
James Hannon, James Turner, J. Allan and W. Kettlewell.
Pall Mall Street Church was set off from Queen's Avenue in 1875,
vnth Thomas J. Eeid, minister; Jas. S. Eoss was pastor from 1876 to
1878, Joseph M. Hodson, from 1879 to 1881; and Lewis W. Crews,
1882-4. Since the second union of 1884, the pulpit has been filled by
L. W. Crews, F. B. Stacey, Wm. Godwin and E. B. Lanceley, the latter
now being minister in charge, with W. D. Buckle, secretary of quar-
terly meetings. The proposed new church building, estimated to cost
$12,000, is to stand on the corner of Colborne and Piccadilly streets.
Dundas Street Centre MetJiodist Church — This church dates back to
1850, when N. Enghsh, Geo. Webster, Murray Anderson and L. Perrin
aided in organizing a congregation away out east on the Dimdas road.
That year, a lot situated on the corner of King and Adelaide streets was
purchased as the intended site for the edifice. The response to the
building fund was, however, too meagre to allow of the erection, even
upon the smallest scale ; and in the following year, to keep the spark
of life aglow, a small cottage was taken on Adelaide street, at an
annual rental of £15, and utilized as a place of worship. The Eev.
John Douse was the first to occupy the pulpit. At the outset, the
efi'ort to establish a congi'egation in the locality seemed as if it would
prove futile, and at a meeting of the trustees, held in September of the
same year, pecuniary assistance and numerical support had ebbed so
low that it was decided to abandon the attempt, and sell the furniture
in order to realize the rent. On subsequent consideration, the resolu-
tion was rescinded, and more strenuous exertions decided upon. James
Preston succeeded Mr. Douse, then Dr. Eooney preached here, followed
by G. E. Sanderson. In 1860, the lot purchased previously was called
308 HISTORY OF THE
into service, and a frame structure, capable of seating 8(10, was erected
Revs. Eichard Jones, James Bishop, W. J. Hunter and James Elliot
followed as pastors in the order named, each remaining for three years.
In 1869, in the second year of the pastorate of Wm. Briggs, now in
charge of the Methodist Book-room, Toronto, the circuit had become
so populous, that the erection of the present brick structure was decided
upon. The corner stone was placed May 17, 1869, at the corner of
Dundas and JIaitland, by Reverends W. M. Punshou, President of
(.Conference, and Messrs. Elliot, Briggs. Bishop and Bredin. The cost
of the buUding was estimated at $12,000. The contractors were Thos.
Green, Thos. iShort, J. W. Smyth, and Richards & Hardy. The paint-
ing and glazing were contracted for by Robt. Lewis. Wm. Watson was
the architect. The cost of the church and parsonage was about S20,-
OOO. The church was dedicated April 3, 1870. On Dec. 13, 1867,
the project was conceived at the house of Rev. J. H. Bishop, when
subscriptions, amounting to i?2,000, were received. The trustees at the
time were :^Alex. Johnston, Anthony Keenleyside, Murray Anderson,
Isaac Webster, Geo. Burdett, John A. Nelles, John Green, Ed. Smith,
Geo. Robinson, C'has. Douthwaite, Thomas McCormick, Amos Bradford,
Obadiah Richards and R. Lewis. In the meantime, the sale of the old
fi'ame church had been effected to the Episcopalians, for $500. After-
wards, it passed into the hands of the Baptists.
In 1871, Rev. Alex. Langford was called as pastor, and he presided
here until the union of 1874.
The pastors after the union were : — Wm. R. Parker, 1874-6 ; G. N.
A. F. T. Dickson, 1877-9; James S.Ross, 1880-2, with Joseph H.
Robinson, superannuated ; and Edward B. Ryckman, 1883-4. In this
year the church was known first as the Dundas Street Centre. Rev.
J. V. Smith took charge in 1886.
In the spring of 1887, large transepts were added to the east and
west of the church at a cost of some $6,000. The entire church
property, at the present time, is valued at about $30,000 ; and the
edifice, since the addition of the transepts, will accommodate 1,200 to
1,300 worshippers. The trustees of 1888 were Messrs. Dr. Eccles, R.
Lewis, Thos. McCormick, ex- Aid. Wm. Bowman, Gilbert and J. H.
Glass, Isaac Webster, W. Lewis, Frank Cooper, A. Bradford, A. Keen-
leyside, J. G. and Geo. Shutf, G. Burdett, A. McBride, A. Johnston, J.
Oreen, G. Robinson, W. Plewes, W. Willis, J. A. Nelles, and Mr. C. J.
Beale, recording steward.
The Sunday school, under Mr. Birks, claims a membership of 537,
with 36 teachers.
Queen's Park Methodist Church. — On Dundas street east, not far
from the new Western Fair Grounds, stands the Queen's Park Metho-
dist Church, of comparatively recent origin, and is now under the
pastorate of the Rev. E. Holmes. This was detached from Dundas
Street Church in 1877, Ciilled Dundas East, and placed in charge of
Geo. W. Calvert, in 1877-8; of James S. Ross in 1879; of Geo. R.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 309
Sanderson in 1880-2 ; and of Geo. W. Henderson in 1883-4, when it
received some additions by the union of that year. An unauthenti-
cated note says : — -London East was established as a Wesleyan circuit
in 1873, with Wellington Jeffers, pastor, the membership at that time
being seventeen.
King Street Methodist Church. — This church dates back to Decem-
ber, 1859, when a building was completed by the Primitive Methodists.
The question of replacing the old church on Hill and Grey streets by a
new house on King, between Wellington and Clarence, was carried in
May, 1865, and in November, 1865, the house was dedicated by Eev.
Robert Wood, then superintendent of this district — E. I. Walker
presenting a silver communion service. W. Wade, James Cassell,
W. Eolph, E. J. Walker and James Daniels were associated as trus-
tees. The late Wm. Trebilcock was, also, long prominently identified
with this congregation. The cost of erection was in the neighborhood
of $11,000. The more recent pastors have been Eev. Wm. Herridge,
Eev. Eli Middleton, and the present able clergyman, Eev. J. Holmes,
who assumed charge two years ago. Messrs. John Friend, Chas.
Thorne, John Goodge, J. J. Mason, Frank Miller, W. Gray, E. Grenfel
and A. W. Spry, comprise the present Board of Trustees. Extensive
alterations in the interior, together with the addition of a large porch
at the entrance, are now in course of completion, at a cost of some
$1,900. A gallery, horse-shoe shaped, has been erected, and other
improvements made. At one time the old society worshipped in a
small house adjoining the present Wellington Street Church, which
was ultimately converted into a dwelling-house.
The Primitive Methodist Church, on Adelaide street and Hamilton
road, was completed, and dedicated on November 21, 1873. The frame,
32x40, cost $1,200. This building is now u.sed by the English Church
as a mission house, in connection with Memorial Church.
Bible Christians. — The Bible Christian Church was represented
in the London District in 1868 by E. Eoberts and \V. Hodnett It
appears a house of worship was erected about that time, for, in February,
1873, it is recorded that the building was restored at a cost of $3,500, and
reopened. Their church in London East was dedicated Oct. 15, 1876,
by Eevs. E. Eoberts and J. A. Murray. London Centre Circuit was
established in 1878, with Eev. W. Quance pastor. In 1881, Eev. W.
H. Butt took charge, under the union of 1884 ; he is now presiding
pastor of the united Methodist churches of Glencoe. In 1879, London
East Circuit of the Bible Christian Church was set otf, with G. H.
Copeland in charge. In 1882, L. W. Wickett succeeded as pastor, who
served until the union of 1884. The church at the corner of Dundas
and Elizabeth streets is now in charge of Eev. S. G. Livingstone, of
the Methodist Church of Canada. The old Horton street building,
where the other congregation of Methodists used to worship, is now
occupied by building contractors.
Methodist Episcopal Church.— The history of Episcopalian Metho-
310 HISTORY OF THE
dism is so suiTounded with all other forms of that denomination, it is
diflicult to point out its beginning. Up to the period of Mr. Eyan's
rebellion against American Methodism, the Episcopal form was observed
here (1823-8) and in Westminster (1816-28). The first church-house
is said to have been erected by the Wesleyan, ilr. Huston, on the site
of the present O'Callaghan terrace, and, as he was stationed here in
in 1827-8, that must have been the year of its building. After the first
Catholic Church was finished, about 1834, the ]\Iethodist Episcopalians
claimed some place of worship ; but no one seems to remember its
locaUty. Tiieir church building on Colborne and North streets was
opened August 11, 1867. The cost of the building was $3,000. The
services were conducted by Bishop Smith, father of Rev. P. Smith,
the pastor at that time. This was a frame building, which was subse-
quently used as a roUcr-rink, and later as a dwelling-house. Tlie
society next erected tlieir brick building on Colborne and Queen's
avenue, which, after the union of 1884, was ufsed as an opera house,
but later converted into a double brick dwelling.
Hamilton Road Methodist Church. — On the Hamilton road, just
west of llectory street, is another branch of Methodism, in cliarge of
the Rev. S. J. Allin. This church formerly stood at the north end of
Park street, near the car-works property, and was brought into exist-
ence by the Rev. Dr. JeH'ers. The building was afterwards moved to
the Hamilton road.
Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. — This church building, now
a brick on Grey street, dates back over many years, the congregation,
early in the sixties, worshipping in a frame on Thames street, after-
wards purchased by Thos. Macnamara, and used as a residence. Rev.
S. Peaker is the ])resent Grey street pastor.
Catholic Church. — In the chapter of general history devoted to
church aflairs, the story of the introduction and growth of the church
in Canada is related, and its beginnings in the Erie peninsula described.
The first church erected was of logs, with an earthen floor, and stood at
the corner of Maple and Richmond streets, opposite the Huron Hotel.
It was begun in 1833 and dedicated in 1834, Rev. Father Downie,
tlien stationed at St, Thomas, officiating. Later, Rev. Father I )empsey
officiated liere, coming at intervals from St. Thomas. In 1851 was
begun the erection of the old brick cathedral, which was dedicated in
18o2 by Bishop De Charboimel, of Toronto. The log churcli was
burned Aug. 24, ] 851 , and on tliat day mass was celebrated in a frame
building used a.s the Town Hall, afterwards known as Balkwill's Hotel,
at the corner of King street and Talbut, west of market square. The
frame building on King street, known as the Universalist Church, was
then Iciised by the Catholics, and occuijied by them until the opening of
their new ])lace of worship. Tiiat old King street building lias had a
varied history — fir.st a Universalist cliurch, then a Catholic place of
worship, afterwards a Congregational church, then Presbyterian, and
last of all it was used as a Salvation Army ban-acks until burned down
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 311
on Jan. 25, 1888. Services were held in the brick church for 33 years,
the farewell sermon being delivered by Bishop Walsh on Sunday,
April 19, 1885, on which occasion vespers was sung by the late Rev.
Mgr. Bruyere and Father Walsh ; Fathers Dunphy, Coffey (then editor
of the Catholic Record), Tiernan and Kennedy, assisting in the
sanctuary.
Prior to the completion of the old log building, the services of the
church were conducted in the few Catholic homes of the district round
the village, notice of the arrival of a priest being generally given to the
people by Patrick Smith, John Cruickshank, Hugh McCann, Jas. Reid,
and Dennis O'Brien. Among the first Catholic families in the town
were the above named, together with Garret Fan-el, Capt. McLoughlin,
A. McCausland, Patrick McLoughlin (who lived opposite of where J. B.
Smyth's grocery store now is), J. Wilson, J. O'Byrne, J. Wright, Patrick
O'Flynn (who was chief clerk in O'Brien's store), Flood, Peter Mc-
Cann, John Orange, Peter Kennedy, M. Kiely, John Martin, Dr. Alex.
Anderson, James Reid, John O'Brien, P. Burke, Edmund Burke, John
Clegg, Wra. Darby, P. Tieruey, Wm. Daltou, Charles Colovin, Matthew
Colovin, E. Hillen, John M. Carey, John Walsh, R. Dinahan, P. Cleary,
Henry O'Brien, P. Corbett, the McLean, Anderson, Dignan, Scanlan,
Bruce, Milne, and Redmond families, and a few others referred to
hereafter.
Among the heads of families represented in the baptismal register
of 1843 — Rev. M. R. Mills, recorder — are the following: — Charles
Lamond, James Sinclair, John FuUerton, James Doyle, Charles Mc-
Loughlin, Geo. E. Foster, Thomas Heenan, James Blighe, Charles
Colquhon, John Maguire, Patrick Judge, Thomas Brady, John Carley,
Patrick Bobier, Cornelius Shea, James Briody, Thomas Hatton, Henry
Ostrander, John Teehan, Michael DeMeurs, Michael McDonald, Martin
Green, M. Finnegan (Jane Leutz and Mary Green, from the Baptist
Church), Maria, Harriet and Anne E. Bezzot, H. J. G. Forbes, Daniel
Corcoran, Wm. Flannagan and Felix McWilliams. The registry of
1844 contains the names of Andrew Wigget, James Coleman, Michael
Murphy, Anthony Case, James Casey, Cornelius Coghlan, John
Magin, John Tracy, Patrick McFadden, John McNeil, Wm. Hickey,
John Dowling, C. Fisher, John Laugau, Dennis Donohue, Patrick
Byrne, James Morgan, Thomas Somers, M. Brougham, Wm. O'Connor,
James Kearns, John Dalrymple, James O'Neil, Bernard Rielly, Daniel
O'Neil, Martin Rose and John Coveny. On Jan. 12, 1845, Jos. Doyle,
son of Lawrence and Eliza (Philane) Doyle, was baptized. Among
other members of the church in 1845 were James Lynch, John Feehan,
Wm. Shaw, Dennis Regan, John Coghlan, Patrick Regan, John Tray,
B McEnnifl', James Lynch, John Scanlon, Thomas McCarthy, Bernard
Smith, Peter Mount, Thomas Moore, Patrick Brady, Wm. Hubbart, 0.
Coleman, Joseph O'Keefe, Arthur Lyons, H. Ostrander, Patrick Judge,
Daniel Coghlan, James O'Neil, Patrick Sweeny, John Calcott, Jeremiah
Haggarty, Lawrence Early, John McVeigh, or McVey, and Edward
Mahon.
312 HISTORY OF THE
In September, 1843, Bishop Powers presided at the confirmation of
Mary Kildea, aged 15 years; Michael Cronyn, aged 25; Margaret
Flaunagan, 17 ; Bridget Flannagan, 20 ; and Margaret Sullivan, 17
years. The ceremony was performed in the old chm'ch at St. Thomas.
The church records are signed by Rev. P. O'Dwyer, February 7, 1847.
In March, 1849, Very Rev. John Carroll, administrator, visited London
and baptized the children of Charles Wallis, Cronyn, M. Birmingham,
James Gleesou and Edward Brennan. Father Kirwan, who recorded
these baptisms, took charge of the London parish April 19, 1849.
Among the family names on the records of this year are Charles and
Edward Collovin, Thomas McCann, Bartholomew Egan, Richard Fisher,
Terrence McAulitte, John Scanlon, Thomas Ryan, Timothy Gleeson,
Patrick Kenny, Paul Keenan, John Tomline, Stephen Daly, James
Morrison, William Corbett, Hugli Mara and Peter McCann. In 1850
the following-named converts were received by Dean Kirwan : — Wm.
Thompson, the Widow Scott and Widow McConua ; in 1851, Alex.
Lyons, Mrs. McNally, John Gordon, Mrs. Anne Forbes, Thomas But-
ler and Isabella Uagg. The same year Rev. J. D. Ryan received the
following named : — Gerald Fitzgerald. Mrs. Adeline Burns, Henry
Brownstead, Mary Fortier, John O'B. Ward, Eunice A. Snow; in
1852, Annie Elliott, Margaret McCarthy, Isabella McLean, James
Welds, James Vincent, Annie 0. Gorman and Frances Hall. In 1851
Bishop De Charbonnel held confirmation services at London. His
second and third visits, March, 1852, and February, 1853, were also
made for the purpose of administering that sacrament. Dean Kirwan
was transferred to another mission in June, 1856, on the arrival of
Bishop Pinsonneault. In 1854 Rev. P. Crinnon was priest at London.
In 1856 the marriage and baptismal records are signed by Rev. E.
Bayard and Rev. A. Musard ; in 1857 by Rev. Joseph 0. Bayard,
Rev. 0. Trochon, Rev. Robert Kelcher ; in 1858, again by the first-
named priests, with Revs. M. J. Lynch and James Murphy; and, in
1860-1, by Revs. Jose])h Bayard, James Quinlan and Joseph Gerard.
In November, 1857, the use of the Town Hall was gi'anted to the
ladies of the Catholic Church by the Council for benevolent purposes,
when a bazaar, or fair, for the benefit of the church was held. From
1861 to 1868 the Dominican Fathers had charge of the parish, with
Rev. R. Rockford, Superior. He was created Vicar-General in 186;i.
The community here was represented by Revs. M. A. O'Brien, H. P.
Ralph, J. B. Hallisy ; in 1863, D. A. O'Brien, J. M. Heaney, J. B.
McGovern ; in 1864, W. F. Henrion and S. Ryan, with Fathers Byrne
and Kelly. On November 13, 1867, Bishop Walsh was received
at London, while en route to Sandwich. In 1868 the new bishop
re-established the Diocesan See at London, and came to reside here,
Rev. C. F. Crinnon being Vicar-General.
In 1868, Venerable J. M. Bruyere, V. G., came from Sandwich
with the new Bishop ; and Rev. J. W. White and Rev. P. Stone, secre-
tary of the diocese, were here in 1871. In 1872, Rev. N. Gahan and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 313
Rev. B. Watters, took the places of the last two named priests. In
1873, Eeverends E. B Kilroy, H. B. Lotz, and P. Corcoran were
assistant priests at the cathedral. In 1876, He v. G. Northgraves was
secretary of the diocese, with Revs. J. Brie and L. A. Wassereau,
assistant priests. In 1878, Rev. M. Tiernan took Father Northgraves's
place as secretary, while Rev. M. Dillon and Father Northgraves with
Monsiguor Bruyere were also priests at the cathedral. In 1880, Rev.
P. Feron was secretary ; Rev. M. J. Tiernan, rector, and Rev. M. F.
O'Mahoney, assistant priest. Since that time. Father Tiernan has
been appointed secretary ; and he with Fathers Mugan, Walsh and
Kennedy, are the priests of the cathedral at the present time, and they
also attend St. JMary's churcli. Hill street, a chapel at Mt. Hope
Asylum, and the new chapel in connection with Sacred Heart Academy.
The Cathedral building was begun July 1, 1880, after plans by
Architect Connolly, of Toronto. It adjoins the site of the old church
on Richmond street, the main entrance facing southward ; and plans
show a nave, aisles and transepts, choir or chancel, chapels, baptistery
towers, sacristy and morning chapel. The length of the interior is 180
feet; breadth about 68 feet; breadth across transept over 100 feet;
height from the ground to ridge of main roof 88 feet ; and each imposing
tower, with its spire, about 215 feet. The style of architecture adopted
is that of the early French period, in which many of the grandest
mediaeval cathedrals were designed and completed. Mr. Connolly
succeeded in combining beauty of detail with majestic proportions, and
richness of finish with a stately interior, the adornments of which are
rare and costly marbles and beautiful pictures, the vaulted roof being
supported by a massive double row of polished granite columns. The
contractors whose tenders were accepted are as follows : — Thos. Green
& Co., carpentering, $18,000 ; McBride & Boyd, galvanized iron and tin
work, $3,600 ; A. S. Corp, painting and glazing, .$3,020 ; George Riddle,
slating, $1,500 ; Gould & Stratfold, plastering, $1,995, and Drew, of
Clinton, brick and stone work, $52,300. The corner-stone was placed
May 22, 1881. Among the clergy present were: — Archbishop Lynch,
of Toronto ; Bishop Crinnon, of Hamilton ; Bishop Jamot, of Sarepta ;
Bishop O'Mahoney, of Toronto ; Bishop Cleary, of Kingston ; Bishop
Walsh, of London ; Right Rev. Mgr. Bruyere, of the Cathedral, Lon-
don ; Very Rev. Father Vincent, Vicar-General of Toronto Diocese
and Provincial of the Basilian Fathers ; Very Rev. Father Heenan,
Vicar-General, Diocese of Hamilton ; Very Rev. Father WiUiams, 0.
S. F., Chatham ; Very Rev. Dean Wagner, of Windsor ; Very Rev.
D. O'Connor, President of Assumption College ; Very Rev. Dean
Murphy, of Irish Town; Rev. Dr. Kilroy, of Stratford; Rev. John
Brennan, P. P., Picton; Rev. J. Quirk, P. P., Hastings; Rev. John F.
Cofley, P P., Almonte ; Rev. Father Kelly, Sec. to Bishop Cleary ;
Rev. W. Flannery, P. P., St. Thomas ; P. Brennan, P. P., St. Mary's ;
F. J. Ouellette, Maidstone ; Joseph Bayard, Sarnia ; Joseph Gerard,
Belle River ; J. Connolly, P. P., Biddulp'h ; J. Molphy, P. P., Strath-
314 HISTORY OF THE
roy ; J. Carlin, P. P., Woodstock ; B. Boubat, P. P., Ingersoll, together
■with the local clergy. The Cathedral was dedicated June 28, 1885, by
the Venerable Bishop, Archbishop Lynch also being present, together
■with Bishops O'Mahoney, Jamot, Carbeiry and Cleary. The sermon
was delivered by Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester, N. Y , Bishop O'Far-
rell, of Trenton, N. J., occupying the pulpit at night. The spires have
not yet been constructed, although a number of the Bishop's fellow-
citizens of other religious denominations offered to build one should
the congregation build the other one.
Presbyterian Church. — In the chapter of the general history
devoted to the establishment of religious associations, references are
made to the lieginnings of Presbyterianism at London, and the names of
ministers who were allowed to perform the marriage ceremony as well
as tliose of men and women they joined in matrimony. In Jan., 18.30,
Alex. Ross of the congregation of the Churcli of Scotland, took the oath
of allegiance, and was authorized to celebrate marriages. The follow-
ing year he was the only legal Presbyterian minister in the whole
district, while Mr. Gale held a similar position in the western district.
A few years later the act of 18ol began to bear fruit, and Presby-
terianism appeared among the harvesters.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. — The history of St. Andrew's
Presbyterian Church, as prepared by Rev. John Scott. May 25, 1868,
points out that up to 1833 the Presbyterians of London regarded
themselves as belonging to the Church of Scotland. In that year they
began to form a distinct society, and received preaching from Irish,
English and Scotch missionaries, as well as neigliboring ministers and
students, until 1850. As many of those who joined the new church
resided in the Hyde Park neighborhood, services were held in the old
school house there frequently ; while the grammar school, court-house.
United Presbyterian Church, then on York street, and the Congrega-
tional Church, then on Richmond street, were used at London. The
Rev. Mr. Miller was the pioneer preacher of 1833. He was shortly
after drowned in the Bay of Fundy. Dr. Bayne, of Gait ; Dr. John
Bonar, of the Free Church ; Mair, of Fergus ; and Gale and Robb, of
Hamilton, all deceased in 1868, were among the early preachers here.
Among the old ministers living in 1868 were : — Messrs. Donald Mc-
Kenzie, of Zorra ; Allen, of Northeasthope ; McMillan, of Lobo ; Graham,
of Edgemoiidville ; and Meldrum, of Han-ington. Among the mission-
aries fi'um Scotland were Messrs. Commerville, of Glasgow ; Fraser, of
Kirkhill ; McLachlin, of Edinburgh; and McGillivray, of Aberdeen.
Dr. Robert Burns, of Toronto, preached here once in 1845, and once
in 1849 ; and Dr. Willis in 1849. Rev. Wm. Burns, later in China,
preached here in the summer of 1846. For a few years prior to 1850,
the })ulpit was supplied by young men, such as Sutherland, of Ekfrid,
McColl, of Chatham, McPherson, of Stratford, McPherson, of Wil-
liams, and Fraser, who was in Scotland in 1868.
In April, 1842, a lot for churcli and cemetery purposes was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 315
obtained from the Crown, and a meeting was called to consider the
uses of such grant. Mr. Findlay, missionary, was present. Duncan
Mackenzie presided. A committee — composed of John Mitchie, John
Birrell, Thomas Kerr, Wm. McMillan, Wm. Clark, James McLaren,
James and Charles Grant — was appointed to superintend the erection
of a house of worship, and as a result, on Oct. 12, 1842, a contract for
a frame building, 45 x 60 feet, was sold to Alex. McDonald for £500,
and the fouudation-stone placed by Duncan Mackenzie. Wm. Mc-
Killican, then minister at St. Thomas, preached. This building was
opened the Hrst Sunday in September, 1843, by Revs. Donald Mac-
kenzie, Duncan McMillan and Robert Lindsay. Two weeks later a
Sabbath school of 21 pupils was inaugurated. On September 29,
Alex. Ross, John Mitchie, Wm. Clark, James McLaren and Andrew
McCormick were elected elders, the church was organized, and the first
communion service held by Revs. Mackenzie and McMillan in Novem-
ber, 1843.
The disruption of the Church of Scotland and the division in the
Presbyterian Church of Canada, led to a meeting here September 10,
1844, when all, save one member, declared adherence to the Free
Church of Scotland. In 1 844, John Fraser, agent of the Montreal
bank, came to reside here. He, being an oixiained elder, cari'ied on
services in English and Gaelic for years in Wm. Clark's house on
North street. On October 10, 1850, Rev. John Scott was inducted
the first pastor of St. Andrew's. At this time there were 115 com-
municants, increased to 410, May 25, 1868. The corner-stone of the
now St. Andrew's church, Nortli and Waterloo streets, was placed
May 25, 1868, by Rev. John Scott, pastor, assisted by Rev. Donald
Mackenzie, of Zorra. The elders were : — Wm. Clark, Wm. Begg,
Charles Grant, James McWilliams, and James T. Boyd. Trustees —
John Birrell, Wm. Begg, Geo. M. Gunn, John J. Mackenzie, John G.
Mcintosh, Daniel Lester, and John Ross. Treasurer — Wm. Begg.
Deacons and Managers — John Birrell, Robert Moore, Daniel Lester,
J. G. Mcintosh, Edward Rowland, James Anderson, John Tytler, A.
J. G. Henderson, Andrew Thomp.son, Thomas McCracken, James Gil-
lean, John Ross, A. Davidson, and Duff Cameron.
The cost of this edifice was more than $27,000, which the congre-
gation cheerfully paid, and it was not long until the church was free
from debt. Among the most liberal contributors to the building fund
were the following : — John Birrell, $600 ; William Begg, Alexander
Campbell, $200; Andrew Chisholm, $oOO; John Campbell, $150;
David Bogue, John M. Burns, Thomas Browne and W. H. Birrell,
$100 each; Ewen Cameron, $120: John Cousins, William Clark,
Duncan Campbell, $100 each; James Durand, R. S. T. Davidson,
$200; David Denham, $100; William Durand, $100; John Elliott,
$200 ; J. H. Fraser, $100 ; William Gordon, $300 ; G. M. Gunn, $200 ;
Alex. Gauld, $200 ; James Glen, $200 ; Alex, Graham, $200 ; A. J.
G. Henderson, $200 ; W. Kent, $400 ; Daniel Lester, $200 ; Mrs.
316 HISTORY OF THE
Lyle (New York), $100 ; Mr. Lumi (Montreal), $100; Mrs. Mitchie,
$100 ; R. S. MuiTav, $200 ; J. G. Mcintosh, $600 ; Alex. Mcintosh,
$300; Joseph McKay & Bro,$lOO; Thomas McCracken, $100 ; John
Ross, $l2o ; Edward Rowland, $125 ; Warren Rock, $100 ; A. M.
Ross, $100; Hugh Stevenson, $200; John Stewart, $100; William
Stephenson & Co., $100 ; and Rev. John Scott, $125.
In the early part of 11^75, Rev. Mr. Scott resigned, and for the
following months various ministers were invited to fill the pulpit.
After hearing the Rev. J. A. Murray the congregation gave him a
unanimous call, and he commenced his duties late in the year. Under
him the church's prosperity has continued, and to-day he has one of
the finest congregations in Canada. The collection plate has been
abolished, and the pews have been made free ; a fine new organ and
excellent choir have been added ; and to-day in St. Andrew's Churcli
the Word of God is literally free to all in every sense of the word.
The Board of Trustees at present comprises Messrs. J. G. Mcintosh,
Daniel Lester, John Ferguson, Dr. Fraser, John Elliott, and H. E.
NeUes. Mr. Alex. Mcintosh is the energetic secretary and treasurer;
and the Board of Managers for the current year comprises D.
McDonald, D. Denham, D. Fraser, A. G. Chisholm, Dr. Macarthur,
Thomas ]\Iuir, C. McCallum, James McSween, Thomas Bryan and
James Mills. The Board of Cemetery Trustees consists of A. J. G.
Henderson, William Gordon, R. S. Murray and D. Denham.
First Presbyterian Church. — The First Presbyterian congregation,
worshipping in the church at the corner of Park and Dutterin avenues,
was so designated because it was the first congregation in connection
with the Scottish United Presbyterian Church, formed in what was
called Upper and Lower Canada. It is one of the oldest congregations
in this city, having been started in September, 1832. Its frame church,
erected a few years afterwards, was situated on the lot on York street
in the rear of the Tecuraseh House, which was then covered with the
primeval forest. The congregation embraced, also, what are now the
congregations of North and South Westminster, Dorchester and South
Nissouri, not to mention fractions of other congregations. Between
the years 1851-5, these four congregations were disjoined from it, and
erected into independent congregations. The secession of these con-
gregations, which was due to the large area occupied by the original
congregation, reduced it to one-third of its former strength. This,
although geographically necessary, was prematurely done. In Decem-
ber, 1859, the frame church was burned. The present church was
erected the following year. During the last 25 years improvements
have been made in the church, including the erection of a gallery,
an organ, a large lectiu'e hall and Sabbath school, class-rooms and
internal decorations, costing about $10,000. The revenue of the con-
gregation this year, including $1,000 .spent on decorations, will, it
is expected, exceed $5,000, exclu.sive of bequests or donations from
any external source whatever. This is tliree times as much as it was a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 317
quarter of a century ago. The first pastor, who was also the founder
of it, and of very many others, was the late Rev. W. Proudfoot, who
was pioneer missionary and professor of theology to the late United
Presbyterian Church in Canada. The present pastor, John J. A. Proud-
foot, I). D., succeeded his father in the spring of 1851. He, like his
father, spent much of his time in missionary and professorial work.
For 25 years, partly previous and partly subsequent to the union of the
Free and United Presbyterian Chnches in 1861, he was convener and
secretary of the Home Mission Committee, which had for its sphere at
one time a large part of Western Ontario. He had also been lecturer
in pastoral theology, church government and homiletics in Knox
College, Toronto, for twenty-two years. The first organ used in a
Presbyterian church in London was that introduced into Mr. Proudfoot's
church in 1872
The first meeting of the new London Presbytery was held in this
church in September succeeding the establishment of such Presbytery.
Among those present were : — Revs. Dr. Proudfoot, J. Rennie, M.
Fraser, J. K. Wright, Geo. Cuthbertson (Sarnia Presbytery), A. Hen-
derson, J. M. Muuro, A. Beamer, J. Wells (Sarnia Presbytery), F.
Ballantyne, M. A., L. Cameron, N. McKinnon, K. McDonald, W. A.
Sutherland, John M. Morris, D. B. Whimster, Hugh Cameron, J.
Johnson. D. Stewart, D. McGillivray, J. Stewart, D. Mann, and Geo.
Sutherland. Elders — Messrs. Jas. Shields, A. Sutherland, Thos. Gor-
don, Wm. Brown, Adam Murray, Jas. Bell, D. Turner, A. McMillan,
D. K. McKenzie, James Scott, D. McNair, Neil Munro and James
Douglas.
St. James's Presbytenan Church was erected in the year 1860, on
land given by the Government to the church. The site occupied by
St. Andrew's was originally given by the Government to the Presby-
terians, but the Free Church was established first and took possession.
The body known as the Presbyterian Church, in connection with the
Church of Scotland, commonly known as the Old Kirk, did not become
strong in any degree until the fifties. Then they laid claim to the St.
Andrew's property, and the Crown, to settle the dispute, presented
them with the gore of land lying between Clarence street (now Park
avenue) and Richmond street. This was in 1859. Before that, for
years, the congregation had been worshipping in the old Mechanics'
Institute, on Talbot street. Then the Rev. Francis Nichol was per-
manently located here in 1858, and by 1860 had the congregation
sufficiently worked up to undertake the building of the edifice now
known as St. James's. The corner-stone was laid with Masonic honors
on the Queen's buthday, I860,* and the church was duly opened in
February, 1861. The original board of trustees comprised Rev. Francis
Nichol, the pastor, George Macbeth, Alex. McArthur, James Duubar,
William Chalmers, James Cowan, Duncan Mackenzie and John
* A contemporary record gives September 9, 1859.
318 HISTOUY OF THE
Mackenzie. Of these eight, James Cowan is the only one who is aHve
to-day. Among other prominent supporters of the churcli at that
time, too, were the late Judge Daniels, William ]Miiir, Daniel Macfie,
Andrew Cleghorn, and others. Eev. ilr. Nichol was succeeded ahout
1868 by the Eev. Mr. Campblon, who remained for a number of years.
The union took place in 1S75, and then the memorable split in the
congregation followed, when St. James's received a blow from which it
is only now recovering. The church was locked up by the managers,
James Dunbar and John Bailey, who procured new locks. On Sunday,
December 20, 1875, a few anti-unionists, ]\Iessrs. Wright, Dunbar,
and Bailey, were present to watch proceedings. James Cowan, John
Woods and Daniel Macfie, trustees, and Mr. Aloncriett', arrived, visited
Eev. Mr Gordon at the manse ; and, returning to the church, asked
for the keys, which Mr. Dunbar refused. W. H. Ironsides ottered to
open the doors by force, if so instructed by the trustees; but they pre-
ferred to wait, and so Sunday services were held in the manse.
The Auld Kirk congregation opened their new house of worship
August 27, 1876. Part of the congregation refused to go into the
union, and part wanted to go. The non-unionists claimed the pro-
perty, having a majority, and a lawsuit followed, with the result that
the party of union won. The dissidents sul)sequently bought the old
Congregational Church property, on Kuig street, which afterwards
became the Salvation Army barracks, and worshipped under the
pastorate of Eev. Mr. Galbraith there for a few years, until they
dissolved. Mr. Galbraith subsequently went to the West Indies as a
missionary, and died there. During the last few years, imder the
pastorate of Itev. Jlr. McGillivray, St. James's Church has materially
recovered, and is once again showing signs of prosperity.
King Street Presbyterian Church. — The large brick edifice, called
the King Street Presbyterian Church, was established by the members
of that body living in the east end about 1876. St. Andrew's might
justly be termed the parent of the east end congregation, and she has
every right to be proud of her ofispring. When the Presbyterians, of
what was then called London East, found themselves strong enough to
build, they resolved to put up a substantial brick edifice, capable of
accommodating a greatly increased congregation in years to come.
Having completed the church, they next looked around for a capable
head, and their choice fell upon Eev. Mr. Wright. Mr. Wright was
one of the best pastors who ever had charge of a congregation, and
under him the church prospered exceedingly. When finally he resolved
to go abroad as a missionary, the news was received with feelings of
the deepest regi-et by his many friends in London. He was succeeded
by Eev. W. M. Eoger, the present pastor, who received a unanimous
call to the pulpit, and has jiroved himself a fit successor to Mr. Wright.
Congregational Church. — Eev. Win. Clarke settled at London in
.lune, 1837, and preached to the Congregationali.sts in the old Gram-
mar school, near the court-house, or in OdeU's school building, until a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 319
house of worship was built where the Free Press office stands in later
days. He died at Dresden, Ont, in April, 1878. In the beginning
of 1838, they worshipped in a large room on Dundas street, placed at
their disposal by a Mr. Farr. Soon afterward, a chapel was erected on
Eichmond street, a short distance north of Dundas. Mr. Clarke
resigned at the end of 1842, and was succeeded by Edward Ebbs in
August, 1843, who resigued in September, 1847. John DuiTant,
father of Mrs. E. Eaymoud, succeeded in December, 1847, and W. E.
Clarke, jr., was appointed in 1849. Subsequent pastors were Mr. Boyd,
Chas. P. Watson, J. A. R. Dickson, more recently of the Presbyterian
Church, Gait. R. W. Wallace followed in 1874, and, under his pas-
torate, the new church was built. Between the time the congregation
ceased to occupy the church on Piichmond street and the erection of
the present structure, their church was the frame building on the
north side of King street, near Wellington, afterwards occupied by the
Presbyterians, and, last of all, used as a Salvation Army barracks. The
present pastor of the Congregational Church is the P>,ev. H. D. Hunter,
who came in January, 1881. The present church building was erected
on the lands purchased from Thomas Scatcherd. It was opened on
August 27, 1876. Dr. Ebby, of Detroit, and J. H. Robinson preach-
ing the dedication sermon ; the foundation-stone having been laid the
year previous by the then Mayor, B. Cronyn. Ample in its propor-
tions, novel in architectural design, and attractive in its adornments,
the First Congregational Church occupies a particularly fine site on the
south side of Dundas street, midway between Waterloo and Colborne
streets. Many of the first members of the society find mention in the
general chapter on churches.
The Baptist Church. — The early history of this church in Middle-
sex is related in the general history of the county, where many of its
early ministers and members find mention. The first Baptist services
in London are said to have been held in 1844, in the old Mechanics'
Institute structure, on the court-house grounds. With occasional
sermons from visiting ministers, the meetings were continued until
1846, when "The Regular Baptist Church of London " was organized
with nine members — Wm. Wakeliug and wife, J. H. Haines and wife,
Lieut. Allright and wife, James Hitchens and wife, and Mrs. Henry
Groves. Upon the church being formed, services were held in the old
Methodist Church, at the corner of King and Talbot streets, and the
first pastor was the Rev. Jas. Inglis. In the year 1850, the congrega-
tion took possession of the church at the corner of York and Talbot
streets, where they worshipped for some thirty -one years, the name
"York Street Baptist Church" being adopted in 1877. The congregation
grew in numbers and prospered, until a larger and more pretentious place
of worship became necessary, and, under the pastorate of the Rev. A.
Grant, a commodious brick building, decidedly attractive iu appearance,
was erected on the west side of Talbot, between Maple and Kent
streets. This was in 1882. On Dec. 4, 1881, the last services were
320 HISTORY OF THE
held in the York Street Church. Some years ago, through the unselfish
labors of several members of the Talbot Street Church, a mission school
was established in the north-eastern part of the city, where a large
population was growing up without adequate Sunday school or church
privileges. The building used is on the north side of St. James street,
near Adelaide.
The successor of Mr. Inglis was the Rev. Robert Boyd, for five
years ; Rev. Charles Campbell, one and a-half years ; Rev. W. Ailing-
ton, four years ; Rev. Thomas Ure, three years ; Rev. Henry Watts,
two years ; Rev. James Cooper, D. D., fourteen years : he died in
Scotland in 1883 ; Rev. James B. Montgomery (co-pastor), two years;
Rev. A. Grant, now superintendent of missions, five and a-half years;
and Rev. W. H. Porter, the present pastor, since May, 1885.
Adelaide Street Baptist Church. — This church owes its origin to a
mission instituted by members of the First Baptist Church and other
Christian workers about thirteen years ago. The mission grew and
prospered, and the little band became a substantial organization. A
place of worship was secured on Adelaide street, just north of King —
a jilain-looking frame building that had been used as a church by the
Anglican and Methodist denominations, respectively. After the lapse
of a year or two, it was decided to form a second Baptist Church — a
resolution which was carried out on the 2nd of November, 1887, when
the Adelaide Street Baptist Church was regularly organized with a roll
of fifty-nine members. For a time the pulpit was supplied by the pastors
of York street, Rev. Mr. Montgomery, Prof. Torrance, of Woodstock
College, and the venerable Dr. Cooper, preaching alternately at both
churches, until, on the 9th of August, 1878, the Rev. P. A. McEwen
(now stationed at Stratford) was ordained pastor of the young church.
Mr. McEwen was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Forth, a pupil of the
world-renowned Spurgeon. Mr. Forth took the pastoral charge in
October, 1880, which he held for upwards of two years, wheTi he
resigned and accepted a call from Dresden. On the 13th of November,
1883, the present pastor, Rev. Thomas S. Jolniston, of Sarnia, took
charge of the church, which, under his untiring and well directed
efforts, has continued — in spite of numerous discouragements — to grow
and prosper. The old place of worship having become altogether too
small for the increasing congi-egation, it was decided to build a new
one, and, on March 1, 1885, the present church edifice was formally
opened and dedicated. The value of the building and lot is about
$10,000 — a large projiortion of the debt on the edifice having been
wiped out. The church has a membership of 250, while the Sabbath
school scholars number 260, with an average attendance of 190. The
old frame building in which the church was organized, after passing
through several hands, was finally turned into a roller rink, and not
long afterwards fell a prey to the flames. Several members of the
Adelaide Street Church, assisted liy members of sister denominations,
have organized a mission in the southern jiart of the city.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESp;X. 321
For many years on Horton street, west of Wellington, has stood
the Second Baptist (colored) Church, Rev. Mr. Washington being now
the pastor.
Other Religious Bodies*. — London has within its bounds a con-
siderable number of devout Hebrews ; and, last March, a congi-egation
was regularly formed in charge of Rabbi L. Gordon, a learned and
zealous man.
On the east side of Maitland street, between King and York streets,
exists the Church of the Latter Day Saints, established about fifteen
years ago, now under the pastoral care of Elder Richard Hewlett.
The Salvation Army have flourished in London for several years,
occupying at various times the Westminster Rink, City Hall, the old
frame church building on King street, where they were burned out,
and latterly the Mechanics' Institute Hall. They propose erecting on
the King street site a brick-aud-stone barracks, costing from §12,000
to $lo,000. On August 9, 1882, the Army assumed definite propor-
tions at London, under such officers as Happy BOl, Glory Bailey and
other captains, and now march after a very fair brass band, and appear
well disciplined.
Mechanics' Institute. — The Institute has, in an important sense,
been one of the educational organizations of London since its establish
ment, January 5, 1841, when the pioneer officers were elected : — Presi-
dent, Elijah Leonard ; first vice-president, Henry Dalton ; second vice
president, S. Morrill ; treasurer, E. P. Ellis ; recording secretary,
James Dall ; corresponding secretary, John F. J. Harris, librarian,
Wnham ]McBride. The remnant of what was for many years
occupied as a Mechanics' Institute, now stands on the west side of
Talbot street, opposite Queen's avenue, but it has lost its historical
appearance, having been used for factory purposes, and was, during the
summer of 1888, badly damaged by fire, as shown in the history of fires
herein. The Institute was regularly incorporated on July 15, 1852, but
for several years was sleeping, until reorganized May 9, 1870, with F.
Westlake, R. Lewis, and T F. McMuUen, presidents and vice-presi-
dents ; H. A. Baxter, corresponding secretary ; M. D. Dawson, record-
ing secretary ; Adam Begg, treasurer ; Isaac Waterman, T. Brown,
J. R. Peel, A. J. G Henderson. W. Skinner, H. I. Brown, S. McBride,
Alderman Siddons, James Smith, R. Reid, Wm Noble, and Geo. Ander-
son managers. The old library of 1,500 volumes was re-opened. The
corner-stone of the present building was placed November 2, 1876,
with Masonic ceremony. Lieut.-Col. John Walker was then president ;
T. H. Tracy and Thomas Green, vice-presidents; J. O'Connor and
Alfred Robinson, secretaries ; \V. W. Fitzgerald, treasurer ; Messrs. R.
Lewis, A. Harvey, B. W. Greer, Dr. S. Mummery, A. J. G. Henderson,
M. W. Fairburn, Dr. J. R. Flock, J. Moses, W. Lewis, W. J. Smart,
directors. The present $27,000 brick building, on Dundas street, was
* Much of the history of the London Churches has been compiled from the elaborate
sketches written by William Thompson, of the Advertiser, for the Quarter Century issue.
21
322 HISTOUY OF THE
opened in September, 1877. It contains a large library and free read-
ing room. In June, 1888, a by-law, providing for the establishment
of a free library, which meant the purchase of tlie Institute library,
and perhaps the building, was defeated at the polls. The officers of the
Institute for 1888 are : — President, Thos. Green ; first vice-presi-
dent, Wm. Scarrow ; second vice-president, J. Johnston ; recording
secretary, J. D. Keenleyside; corresponding secretary, E. T. Essery;
treasurer, Alex. Harvey ; librarian, James Gray.
The Mercantile Library Association was organized in 1852. In
August, 1859, H. Briant was vice-president, and C. S. Ramsey, record-
ing secretary. At that time David Glass was president ; Henry Long,
vice-president ; L. Lawrason, treasurer ; Chas. Ramsay, secretary ; M.
\V. Cummings, corresponding secretary ; Joseph Atkinson, C. D.
Holmes, J. U. Brown, G. Gordon, jr., James Egan, and Chas. Crookal,
directors.
Freemasmiry in London* — The first Masonic lodge, of which
there are any records, was held at John Siddall's (of Siddall'smill), May
12, 1829. The name of the lodge was Mount Moriah, No. 773,
English Register, or No. 20, Provincial Grand Lodge Register. The
exact date of charter is not known, but it must have been about 1820.
The first minute reads : — " The minutes of the last regular meeting were
read and approved, when it was resolved that Arthur Nevill receive an
honorable discharge (demit) from this lodge ; also resolved, that the
brethren be summoned to attend at our lodge-room, on the 24th of
June, on special bu.siness, at the hour of one o'clock." The officers of
this date were :— John Siddall, W. M. ; S. L. Sumner, S. W. ; J. Can-
field, J. W. ; T. Putnam, treasurer ; J. Putnam, secretary, and D.
Cutter, S. D. On June 24th, 1829, J. Putnam presided, with K,
Hartwell, secretary. The minutes from this date, until Dec. 22, are
so badly torn that they cannot be read. The officers elected in Decem-
ber, 1829, were :— G. Merrick, W. M. ; S. L. Sumner, S. W. ; W. Put-
nam, J. W. ; James Canfield, treasurer ; E. Hartwell, secretary ; Abel
Sumner, S. D.; Thomas Putnam, J. D.; John Siddall and Levi Merrick,
.stewards, and Abraham Kilbourn, tyler. At a meeting, Jan. 5, 1836,
J. D. Flanagan was voted eight shillings for nightly refreshments.
This lodge must have been something like a regimental one, as it
travelled from one place to another. l\lay 14, 1830, it was held at
Swartz's, and again on the 29th at Joshua S. Odell's, at the Village of
the Forks, when the following officers were installed : — Samuel L.
Sumner, William Putnam, Joshua Putnam, James Canfield and E.
Hartwell. June 1, 1831, an extra lodge was held in London, with the
same officers. There are no minutes from this date until Dec. 9, 1834,
when a meeting was held at E. Hartwell's for the purpose of electing
officers for the ensuing six months, which resulted as follows : —
William Putnam, W. M. ; William Niles, S. W. ; G. Merrick, J. W. ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 323
E. Hartwell, secretary ; Silas E. Curtis, treasurer ; Abel Sunn, S. D. ;
Samuel L. Sumner, J. D. ; John Putnam and J. B. Flanagan, masters
of ceremonies ; Levi Merrick and Thomas Putnam, stewards ; Dudley
Men-ill, tyler. A committee was then struck to find a room in Lon-
don to hold meetings, and they reported in favor of one at John
O'Neil's, Eidout street, where Josiah Blackburn's residence now is. In
that room John O'Neil was made a mason, Jan. lo, ISMo, and on the
same day Allan (Jameron received a degi'ee. At a meeting, February
10, Thomas Moore and John Brown were initiated ; and in the visitors'
list are to be found these names : — King, Mackenzie, Barllett, Hewitt,
Curtis, Williams, and Parkinson. At this time the tyler was paid two
shillings and sixpence per meeting. On April 7, 1835 ; John O'Neil
receipted to Cornish for £1 lis. 3d, for refreshments. In June, 1835,
the brethren marched to St. Paul's, and, returning, installed Joshua
Putnam, master, and Ira Schofield, marshal. In December, G. Merrick
was elected master and James Farley, secretary. April 26, 1836, the
motion of allowing the landlord to hold office was voted down, after
John O'Neil had been elected to the master's chair. This caused some
trouble, as no records can be found from this date until August 29,
1845.
A meeting was held August 29, 1845, at Balkwill's Inn, when the
following-named officers were present :— Gardiner Men'ick, \V. M. ;
Joshua Putnam, P. M. ; William Niles, S. W.; William B. Lee, J. W.;
James Farley, secretary ; .John Brown, treasurer ; David Doty, S. D. ;
Thomas Putnam, J. D. ; Levi Merrick, tyler ; and the following
brethren : — Henry Sumner, Philo Bennett, William A. Sumner, John
Siddall, Silas E. Curtis, Samuel L. Sumner, Ebenezer Hartwell, Duncan
Mackenzie, James Parkinson, Andrew McCormick, John T. Travers,
James Daniel, Jacob Leclear, Dudley Merrill, E. Gregory, E. Duns-
combe.
On September 9, 1845, a committee was appointed to wait on
St. John's Lodge, 209, in order to enter into friendly and fraternal
feelings with that lodge. It consisted of John Siddall, William Niles,
David Doty and Philo Bennett. In December, Jo.shua Putnam and
the other officers were installed by the brethren of Lodge 209. In
June, 1846, James Daniel was master, with John Norval, secretary.
The last meeting of this took place on the 22nd of July, 1846, when
several brethren kindly consented to form a delegation to meet the
Provincial Grand Lodge, at Toronto, on the 4th of August. The charter
was surrendered, and the majority of the members joined St. John's
Lodge, 209.
St. John's, 209(a). — This is the oldest lodge existing in London,
and is to-day the strongest in the city. In the early part of 1841,
Samuel Peters, J. H. Joyce, William Gunn, James Farley, A. S. Arm-
strong, George Code, and F. Cleverly, who were made Masons in Lodge
No. 83, belonging to Her Majesty's 83rd Infantry, then stationed here,
[it is usual for British Regiments to have charters the same number as
324 HISTORY OF THE
the regiment, which they carry with them] made application to the
Grand Lodge of Ireland for a warrant, the same to be styled St. John's,
No. 209, 1. E. Although the warrant was issued Oct. 4, 1841, it was
not received in London until Oct. 2, 1842. In the meantime a dis-
pensation, under which the first meeting was held, was secured. It
took place in January, 1842, in rooms at Balkwill's Inn, corner of
King and Talbot street. The 8ord Eegiment moved to Toronto, and
the warrant was sent by the secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland
to Alexander Barker, master of Lodge No. 83, as it was the lodge to
which the applicants belong. He, accompanied by Thomas Dillon, of
the same lodge, anived in London, Oct. 2, 1842, and on the 3rd, opened
the lodge and installed the following officers in the order of rank : —
Samuel Peters, J. H. Joyce, William Gunn, James Farley, A. S. Arm-
strong, George Code and F. Cleverly. After installation, the following
applicants were initiated : — Thomas Frazer, Thomas Kerr, John Balk-
will and J. H. L. Askin. The first fine imposed was that of sixpence
sterling upon the treasurer, for being absent from meetings. The same
officers were re-elected for 1843. ilr. Cornish, in the early part of the
year, offered a free gi'ant of a lot of land on which to build a Masonic
Hall ; but lack of funds prevented its acceptance. The master for
1844 was Hugh Falconer.
Mr. Hamel died in February. His apron, sash, mark and brooch,
were sold in the lodge to the highest bidder, and the amount of
seven shillings and sixpence was handed to his widow. March 21, the
remains of James Rivers were interred, the fife and drum band of the
23rd Regiment being in attendance. June 24th, an imposing turnout
took place. The members assembled in force, and, marshalled by Wm.
Niles, marched to the court-house where divine service was performed
by the Rev. B. Cronyu. The brethren afterwards reformed and pro-
ceeded to St Paul's Churchyard, where they assisted in the ceremony
of laying the foundation-stone of the present brick edifice, Samuel
Peters wielding th'e trowel on that interesting occasion. On the 13th
of August, Thompson Wilson offered the lodge a lot on Talbot street
for a Masonic Hall ; but it was never taken advantage of. On Septem-
ber 22, Sir A. N. McNab, Provincial Scottish Grand Master, was created
an honorary member of St. John's, No. 209.
In October, this year, the great fire occurred, during which the
lodge-room was partially destroyed, and the meetings were held tem-
porarily at Probart's hotel. On December 10, the old lodge-room was
refitted, and liusiness resumed there. Joshua Putnam was master in
1845. Mr. Gidley, the secretary, was suspended for bad behaviour,
but, apologizing, was restored. On February 2(i, Mr. Cleverly was
buried, attended by the military fife and drum band. In the evening
Mr. Gordon was presented with a silver cup for his services as secre-
tary the preceding year. June 24, was, as usual, celebrated by
attending divine service at the new Scotch church. Rev. B. Cronyn
preaching. The procession was headed by the baud of the 81st Eegi-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 325
ment, then stationed here. Hugh Falconer was master in 1846, and
A. S. Abbott, treasurer.
On April 16, several jewels were missing, and a committee
appointed to make inquiries into the matter. On St. John's Day, the
brethren marched to church, headed by the band of the 82nd Regi-
ment, where a sermon was preached by Rev. B Cronyn. A. S. Abbott
was master in 1847. October 23, the brethren assisted the Directors
in breaking ground on the Great Western Railway. James Daniel
was master in 1848. February 8, the lodge remitted the treasurer's
dues (William Gordon), on account of losses sustained by him in
endorsing notes for Probart. Gaudy was buried, February 27. H.
B. Hewitt was master in 1849. On January 9, a new lodge-room
was secured at Lewis's Hotel, and in the following April, a committee
was appointed to rent and furnish a suitable place of meeting in the
Robinson Hall (corner of Dundas and Ridout streets), for which pur-
pose the sum of £51 lOs. was set apart from the funds of the lodge.
The new hall was first occupied on May 15. On June 25, the
foundation-stone of the Union School was laid with Masonic cere-
monies. The brethren marched in procession to the grounds, headed
by the fife and drum band of the 20th Regiment, stationed here. The
speakers on the occasion were, Simeon JMorrill, Judge John Wilson,
and Mr. Magill. James Daniel presented the lodge with a Bible, on
November 27. In return for the gift, the lodge ordered a portrait of
the donor to be taken, and placed in a frame on the altar.
The installation of the officers was held on December 27, and, in
celebration of this day, a grand ball was given. James Daniel was
master in 1850-1, and on April 23 he was presented by the
lodge with an address complimenting him upon his zeal and efficiency.
On June 22, the suicide of Mr. Matthews took place ; in consequence
of which the usual semi-annual St. John's Day celebration was omitted.
The funeral was held on the 24th, the fife and drum band of the 2ord
Regiment performing.
A change was made in the election of officers, in which it was de-
cided to hold them semi-annually in 1851. On March 11, a notice
was given by Mr. Moore that the Grand Lodge of Ireland be requested
to withdraw the warrant of 209, with a view to affiliation with the
Grand Lodge of Canada. The motion was eventually dropped. On
June 24, William Moore was installed Master. In the morning, the
brethren proceeded to Port Stanley and installed the officers of Middle-
sex Lodge, No. 211. On the 27th of December, J. M. Bennett was
in.stalled master for the first half of 1852. On June 24, 1852, J. F.
Rolfe was installed master. On July 13, the lodge met at eight a.m.,
and proceeded to St. Thomas in stages, with the band of the volunteer
artillery in the lead, to assist Middlesex Lodge, No. 211, in laying the
foundation-stone of the Elgin County buildings. In the cavity were
deposited, along with the roll, the names of the brethren of 209.
On September 13, the first presentation of a Past Master's jewel
320 histoi;y of the
was made to Mr. Daniel. The brethren, or at least those thirsting
for office, again made an attempt to break away, and on November
9, Thompson Wilson presented, for recommendation by the lodge, a
petition to the Grand Lodge of England for a charter for a new lodge,
to be named " St. George's," with the following officers named, viz. : —
Thompson Wilson, W. M. ; A. U. Stone, S. W. ; D. Sterling, J. W.
The required recommendation was granted. On November 12, a
motion was brought up to secure a site for a ^Masonic Hall. The pro-
posed sites were, the spot where E. Mountjoy's fruit store now stands,
and that of the Harris property ; but as they were without funds, and the
lottery system in its infancy, it fell through. On December 27, James
Daniel was installed master for 1853. On March 2, W. J. Harper
and J. Burgess, being about to leave for Australia, were entertained at
supper, and presented with an address by the lodge. On June 24,
James Daniel was installed master for the latter part of 1853, and
re-elected in 1854.
S. P. Ayers was master in 1855. This was a year of considerable
importance to St. John's Lodge. On April 10, the question of throwing
off' allegiance to the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and affiliating with the
Grand Lodge of Canada, came up for discussion, when it was resolved
that it was expedient to take the necessary steps towards that object.
During the evening the sum of £25 was gi'anted from the lodge funds
to the English Patriotic Fund. On May 8, the masters and wardens
were appointed delegates to attend a convention at Hamilton, to con-
sider the question of affiliation — A. S. Abbott dissenting. There was
no election on this occasion. On October 9, another delegation from
209, in relation to the affiliation of the lodge with the Lodge of
Canada, was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Daniel, MoHat and Abbott,
to attend an adjourned convention at Hamilton on the following day.
The result was that, at the next regular communication, October I'A,
it was moved that Messrs. Daniel, Moore and Scatcherd be a committee
to draft a resolution to the Lodge of Ireland, to the elTect that St.
John's Lodge, 209, had ceased to work under its jurisdiction. On the
27th it was further resolved that a necessity existed for the formation
of an independent Lodge of Canada, 209 pledging itself, as a lodge, to
maintain the same ; also, tliat the Grand Lodge of Ireland be requested
to permit the Irish warrant to remain in the lodge.
The Lodge of Canada granted the lodge a charter bearing the
date of November 26, 1855, and registered as St. John's, No. 14,
afterwards No. 20. On December 27, James Molfat was installed
master for 1856. About this time the present Law Librarian Sim-
mons became a member. This and tlie two following years were
seasons of trouble and discord. On the 22nd of April, Kilwinning
Lodge was granted the use of 209 lodge-room to meet in. Shortly
after this period a spirit of antagonism exhibited itself among mal
contents in the lodge and sister lodges working under the Lodge of
Canada, some wanting to join No. 14, and others to remain as they
COUNTY OK MIDDLESEX. 327
were. Immediately after this, everything relating to the lodge appeared
in a state of chaos, on account of the new St. John's Lodge officers
having taken all books in connection with 209.
There are no records from July 8, 1856, to May 13, 1859. Any
meetings that were held were informal. The loyal members, however,
retained their old Irish warrant, and continued to work under it as
209. On May 13, 1859, the installation of officers, which should have
taken place in the previous December, was held, and Edward Garrett
was chosen master. For some time previously the Grand Lodge of
Canada refused to recognize St. John's, 209, as a lodge, simply because
it preferred to work under the Lodge of Ireland. The second installa-
tion in this year took place on November 16, with Edward GaiTett as
master. On the same date the lodge forwarded two years' dues to the
Lodge of Ireland, and the initiation fee was temporarily fixed at $12.
On June 20, 1860, the lodge moved its quarters to the new hall in
the Albion buildings, Richmond street, on which evening Edward
Garrett was again installed master. On September 26, the secretary
was instructed, by a vote of the lodge, to apply to St. John's, No. 20,
for the records of 209, or copies of the same, held in its possession.
On December 27, Richard Irvine was installed master for 1861.
The lodge now began to show signs of prosperity. On the 24th of
June, George Taylor was installed master, and a dinner was given at
Dulmage's Hotel. On July 10, a deputation from 209, appointed to
visit the Grand Lodge of Canada, then in session at London, reported
that they had been refused admittance. Mr. Tully, the representative
of the Irish lodge, promised to visit 209 and explain, but failing to do
so, a vote of censure was passed upon him by the lodge, and, on Novem-
ber 28th, a resolution was passed to communicate with Representative
Tully, and request him to take immediate steps towards demanding a
recognition of 209 by the sister lodges in London. At the same meet-
ing, a letter was read from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of
Ireland, guaranteeing to sustain the rights and privileges of 209 as
long as any of its members desired to remain under its jurisdiction.
Edward Garrett was installed master, 1862. April 2, a proclama-
tion was submitted, issued by the Grand Lodge of Canada, forbidding
Masonic intercourse by the Canadian lodges with 209. On June 24,
Francis Evans Cornish was installed master. On July 16, a letter
was received from the Grand Secretary, announcing that in view of the
action of the Grand Lodge of Canada, in forbidding intercourse with
209, it had instructed its representative Tully, to withdraw from the
Grand Lodge of Canada. This action proved, to a certain extent, effec-
tual in bringing matters to an issue, for on November 20, a letter was
read from Tully, announcing that the Grand Master of the Grand
Lodge of Canada, had revoked all edicts and decisions passed by said
Grand Lodge, against 209, and had declared it entitled to full and free
recognition by the Grand Lodge of Canada, and all her subordinate lodges.
Francis Evans Cornish was master for 1863. The war was continued
328 HISTOKY OF THE
this year on the part of No. 20, with unrelenting vigor. On the 18th
of March, Mr. Jacobs reported that he was refused admission to No.
20, because he was a member of 209. After this, a more couciHatory
tone was evinced by the opposing lodges, and eftbrts suggested by
them to come to terms. To this end, therefore, on April 2, 209
appointed a committee to meet similar committees from Kilwinning
and St. John's, 20, to discuss the question.
On June 24, an address was sent to the Duke of Leinster, con-
gratulating him upon attaining the election of Grand Master of Ireland
for the fifteenth time. On June 24, Francis Cornish was installed, and
banqueted at the Francis Hotel. On December 28, Thomas Winnett
was installed master for 1864, and presented Mr. Cornish with a past-
master's jewel. The other city lodges still treated 209 as clandestine
Masons. All the troubles was simjJy this : St. .John's, 209, desired to
pursue theii' labors under the Irish wan-ant, and the other lodges
wished to prevent it ; and, as they could not, hence this treatment. On
Feb. o, Mr. Morrison was charged by Mr. BalkwiU with exposing the
grips and signs of the order in a public tavern. He was found guilty
of the charges, and expelled. On March 2, a communication was
received from St. John's, 20, to this effect, that if 209 would withdraw
all claims to the jewels and furniture in the possession of 20, that
lodge would surrender to 209 all books, papers, and other documents
originally the property of said lodge : this was not acted upon. On
April 27, it was i-eported to the lodge that the warrant had been stolen
from the hall, and a committee was appointed to unravel the mystery.
In the meantime, it was decided that a new warrant should be applied
for fi-om the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The committee could find no
trace of the stolen warrant.
On May 18, a proposition was submitted to the lodge from the
joint committees of St. George's, Kilwinning and St. John's, 20,
offering a warrant from the Gi'and Lodge of Canada, free of charge.
The offer was treated with contempt. On July 6, a new duplicate
warrant to replace the stolen one was received from Ireland. Thomas
Winnett was installed master in June. On August 17, word was
received that the Grand Lodge of Canada, at its recent session, refused
to take action upon Mr. Tully's representations respecting the Can-
adian lodges. December 27, Richard VVigmore was installed master
for 186.5,"and in June following, S. W. Abbott. W. S. Smith was in-
stalled master for 18(i6, and ^X. T. Fairbrother was installed for the
second half-year. Small-pox being prevalent, the usual dinner was
dispensed with. On December 27, James O'Connor was installed mas-
ter for 1SG7.
The number of meetings held this year averaged four per montli.
On June 24, A. S. Abbott was installed master. On December 27,
David Buckler was installed master for 1868. On .Fune 17, James
O'Connor was charged with conspiring with other members to compel
young members to sign a document calculated to subvert the govern-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 329
ment of the Grand Lodge of Ireland. On June 24, David Buckler
was again master. Under the difficulties in which 209 labored at this
period, and for some time before, the Grand Lodge of Ireland did
everything to restore harmony, and instructed its representative. Tully,
to lend his best eH'orts to attain this object : 209 received no satisfac-
tion from Tully ; and, it was reported, that he was working for the
interests of the Grand Lodge of Canada. Everything that was possible to
be done to outrage 209 was done by the malcontents. The lodge collars,
aprons, jewels, and other property were stolen, the windows broken,
and other indignities offered. Still, 209 remained solid ; although, on
one occasion, it was necessary to get tin jewels and tin swords for
the tyler. David Buckler was master in 1809. On June 1(5, it
having been ascertained who were the guilty parties concerned in
abstracting lodge property, a call was made upon Messrs. Ferguson,
Morden, Thomas Powell, Fletcher and John Gray, to return the
articles. On July 21, Andrew McCormick was installed master.
S. W. Abbott was master for 1870, and re-elected in June of tliat
year. On May 18, the lodge contributed a sum of $50 in aid of the
Masonic Boys' Orphan School, Dublin. On October 19, the lodge
made another grant of $50 towards the Female Orphans' School, at
Dublin. On December 21, Thomas Peel was installed master for
1881; and June 21, a gi'ant of £2 was .sent in aid of the lifeboat service
on the Irish coast. On December 20, John Shopland was installed
master for 1872. This year opened with bright prospects. On April
17, a motion was submitted to the lodge, " That, in order to restore
harmony among the brethren, application be made to the Grand Lodge
of Canada for a charter, provision being made that 209 retain its num-
ber and be permitted to continue its present ancient Irish work." On
June 19, the new warrant was received; but, no guarantee accompany-
ing it that the lodge would be allowed to proceed in its present work, it
was ordered to remain in statu quo until such guarantee was forwarded.
On July 17, John Shopland was installed master. The guarantee
referred to had by this time been received, of which the following is a
copy : —
"Special permission granted, with warrant, to St. John's, 209(a), G. R. C.
" To all whom it may concern : —
"This is to certify that St. John's, 209, I. R., meeting at London, Province of
Ontario, having affiliated itself with this Grand Lodge, authority is hereby given to
Master, Wardens and Brothers of said Lodge to continue their work as heretofore.
" Given under our hand and .seal of Grand Lodge this 9th day of July, 1872.
" By command,
"Thos. B. Hauri.s, Grand Secretary."
The report was adopted, and the lodge, from that date, has worked
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada, in harmony with
other lodges. After installation, A. S. Abbott was presented with an
address and a service of plate, for distinguished .services said to have
been rendered the lodge. On December 27, James O'Connor was
330 HISTORY OF THE
installed for 1873, being the first installation under the new warrant.
The ceremony was performed in concert with the other lodges, in their
hall, Buckley's buildings, Eichmond street. The lodge now returned
to its old form of annual elections in December. The bitter feeliug
existing between the two St. John's lodges was not yet healed, for, on
April 16, Mr. Hawthorn reported that he had been refused admission
to No. 20. On motion, the Grand Lodge of Ireland was ordered to be
communicated with, asking it to return the original warrant of 209,
cancelled, that it might be retained and hung up in the lodge-room as
a reminder of days gone by. On October 15, the committee on lodge
accommodation reported that terms had been made whereby 209(a)
might occupy the hall in which the other lodges met, in the Huron &
Erie buildings, Eichmond street. On December 17, Duncan McPhail
was installed master for 1874. On February 18, the terms of agree-
ment between the lodges for occupying the new hall by 209(a) were
signed, and, on August 1 9, the first meeting was held there.
On December 27, Thomas H. Tracy was installed master for 187o,
and re-elected for 1876. On November 11, 1875, a new organ was
purchased at a cost of .S250. On February 10, Mr. Burnett was pre-
sented with a past-master's jewel. On December 27, Wm. Hawthorn
was installed master for 1877. Benjamin W. Greer was installed
master for 1878. On February 9, Thomas Haskett was buried with
Masonic honors. March 14, the lodge presented W. Hawthorn with a
past master's jewel, and on ]\Iay 9, D. McPhail was made the recipient
of a jewel. On June 20, the brethren attended the funeral of Wm.
Taylor, and November 27, the remains of Mr. Eapley were interred
with the usual rites. A. J. B. Macdonald was installed master for
1879. On this occasion a past master's jewel was presented to Mr.
Greer. On June 8, the funeral of W. S. Smith took place. On
December 21, L. Hessel was buried with the usual honors. On Decem-
ber 24, William H. Uooks was installed master for 1880. On January
8, the lodge presented A. J. B. Macdonald with a past-master's jewel.
August 12, a grant of $50 was made by the lodge towards expenses
incurred in the celebration of laying the foundation-stone of the
Masonic Temple.
Henry C. Owens was installed master for 1881. On February 10,
Mr. Eooks was presented with the customary jewel. On November
24, resolutions of condolence to the secretary were passed by the lodge,
engrossed and framed, on the death of his two sons, one of whom was
drowned in the Victoria disaster on May 24 of that year. J. S. Dewar
was installed master for 1882, and they met for the first time in the
Masonic Temjile. On January 12, Mr. Owens was presented with a
past-master's jewel. William J. .Johnstone was installed master for
1883. On January 11, Mr. Dewar was presented with an address
and a past-master's jewel. On April 12, the secretary was instructed
to communicate with the Grand Secretary and prefer a claim u]ion St.
Jolm's, No. 20, for tlie jewels and records of 209, which No. 20 held
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 331
in its possession and refused to give up. On the 10th was the funeral
of James O'Brien, of Dorchester. In July, of this year, the Grand
Lodge was held at Ottawa, and J. S. Dewar, of this lodge, was elected
junior warden. On August 9, notice was received from the Grand
Secretary notifying the lodge that No. 20 had been ordered to produce
and hand over to 209 a certified copy of its old records. On the same
evening, one of the o]d sets of jewels belonging to 209, while working
under the Irish register, and found among the effects of Mr. McMuUeu,
deceased, were presented to the lodge by Mr. Baxter. These jewels
were purchased in 1846, and abstracted from the lodge-room during
the troubles of that period. The jewels are now in a case in the
Masonic library.
William Noble was master for 1884. On Feb 14, a past-master's
jewel was presented to Mr. J. Johnstone. The same evening the
certified copies of the minutes of 209, from the year 1842 to 1854,
were handed into tlie lodge in conformity with instructions from Grand
Lodge. Alexander McDonald was installed master for 1885. In the
early part of March, a very pleasant conversazione, under the auspices
of the lodge, was held. A past-master's jewel was presented to Bro.
Noble, March 12. April 9, an engrossed address was presented to each
of the military brethren absent on duty in the North-west quelling
the Kiel insurrection. The brethren were Messrs. Tracy, Peters and
McKenzie. On Dec. 10, the Grand Master and other Grand Officers
were present to see the work exemplified. The Most Worshipful
was presented with an address, beautifully engrossed, and the party
were afterwards entertained at supper in the banqueting hall. The
same evening Mr. Abbott presented the lodge, through Mr. Cooper,
with an ancient pocket-piece, some eighty years old, formerly belong-
ing to John McDowell, one of the old members of 209. The watch is
now to be seen among the other curiosities in the cabinet library.
William O'Brien was master for 1886.
On February 10, A. S. Abbott was, with due formality, made an
honorary member. The lodge presented Mr. McDonald with a past-
master's jewel. On May 6, the remains of George Taylor were
interred with Masonic honors. On August 12, the lodge was
honored by a visit from Henry Robertson, the newly elected Grand
Master, on which occasion, the third degree was exemplified. On
November 25, the lodge was officially visited by the D. D. G. M , of
No. o District, R. W. Slater. A. E. Cooper was installed master for
1887. In March, of this year, they visited Strict Observance Lodge,
No. 27, of Hamilton, to give an exemplification of their work. On
Wednesday, November 30, Hamilton returned the visit. On the
27th of December, James Smith was installed master for 1888. So,
after years of trouble, 209(a) remains the strongest and most popular
lodge in the city. Richard Irvine is the oldest living member of this
lodge.
St. George's, Xo. 43, A. F. d- A. M., G. R. C— This lodge verged
332 HISTORY OF THE
out of 209 in the year 1852, as will be seen in the history of 209, and
is, consequently, the next oldest lodge now in existence in this city. Its
wan-ant was granted by the Grand Lodge of England through Sir A.
N. McNab, then Provincial Grand Master of Canada, dated November
22, and called St. George's, 895. The following is a correct copy of
the charter members: — Thompson Wilson. Ashbell Charles Stone,
David Sterling, J. M. Bennett, Thomas Hasket, William Barker,
Wm. Shiphin, Patrick Hennessey, and William Niles, who was a past
master of Mount IMoriah Lodge 77o, and the founder of the village of
Nilestown. The first meeting was held in Robinson Hall, Decem-
ber 1, 1852, when the following officers were installed, in the order
of rank, by Past j\Iasters Shepphard, Bennett and Hennessey : —
Thompson Wilson, A. G. Stone, David Sterling, Parke, Hyman, W.
Smith and D. Mackenzie.
On December 21, this lodge acted in conjunction with 209 at the
installation of King Solomon's Lodge, Woodstock. On the 19th of
January, 1853, Lieutenant Charles Carnegie, of the 20th Eegiment,
was initiated into the first degree, being the first in this lodge. He
being only 19 years old, a special dispensation was granted by the
Provincial Grand Lodge for his initiation. On June 24, the lodge
went to St. Thomas to assist at the installation of a new lodge.
On September 1-1, the master asked the lodge to advance the
amount of a Eoyal Arch Wan-ant, about to be obtained from the
Supreme Grand Koyal Arch Chapter of England, by a number of
Eoyal Arch Masons belonging to this lodge, and which chapter is to be
attached to St. George's Lodge. The amount was ordered to be
advanced, and to be repaid as soon as the chapter was in a position to
do so. About this time the members were anxious to build a hall, but
not having sufficient funds, the subject was dropped, and they agreed
to use the same hall as 209. On the same date, Decemlier 14, an
invitation was received from St. Thomas Lodge, No. 232, to attend a
ball to be held there on the 27th. On that date, Thompson Wilson
was installed master for 1854. On January 11, the master ordered
that if any of the officers absent themselves from the lodge without
showing just cause, they pay the sum of sevenpence half- penny ;
but this fine was afterwards abolished. An invitation was received
from J. T. Lundy to assist at the opening of the revived LTnion
Lodge, No. 494, Grimsby. This was accepted. The amount of work
up to this time was very large. The following are some who were
initiated : — Frederick Brock, captain 2,')rd Eegiment ; Jas. Dull', lieut-
enant 2ord Eegiment ; Eichard Burrows, Ethan E. Paul, Wm. Warren
Street, George Macbeth, John B. Smyth, Chas. Hutchinson, M. Holmes
Hammond, Edwin Heathfield, and John Kipp Brown. On the 24th
of June, this lodge joined with 209 at a dinner at J. McDowell's
hotel, tickets being ten shillings each. On December 27, John Hard-
ing was installed master for 1855. On June 6, the master appointed
Messrs. Holmes, Hennessey and Muir to find a suitable room for the
COUNTV OF iMlDULESKX.
lodge. W. K. Muir was at this time connected with the Great Western
Railway in this city. On June 24, they again associated with 209 at a
dinner in celebration of the day. At the regular meeting, July 11, it
was moved by A. G. Smyth, and seconded by Mr. Urquhart, that the
delegates from St. George's Lodge to the Provincial Grand Lodge do
u.se every lawful endeavor to support any motion that may unite aU
Masons in the Province of Canada under one Canadian Grand Lodge.
This was can-ied ; only a few members objecting. Strife again began to
show itself a little.
On August 22, a lodge-room was procured on the fourth story of
Whitehouse's building, corner of King and Pdchmond streets, at a rent
«f £30. On September 5, the lodge attended the funeral of William
B. Lee, of 209. On October 3, it was moved by J. B. Smyth, and
seconded by J. K. Brown, that Mr. Harding be a delegate to the
Grand Lodge, in Hamilton, on the 10th inst. This was carried, while
the amendment by W. K. Muir, seconded by R. E. Grindly, that this
lodge take no action relative to convention to be held in Hamilton, as
they wished to remain under the Grand Lodge of England, was lost.
This time things were getting in a bad state, for, at the same meetmg,
W. K. Muir moved, seconded by J. B. Smyth, that the master, wardens
and the past-masters attend the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, to
be held in Toronto, October 25th, and this lodge pay the expenses. The
first meeting was held in the new hall November 7, when it was
moved by J. K. Urquhart, seconded by Geo. Holmes, that the thanks
of St. George's Lodge, No. 89.5, be tendered Mrs. S. W. Scobell for her
valuable present to the lodge, the same being a cushion. By the minutes
of this meeting, it was not allowed for any member to receive a degree
unless he was able to pass a proper examination. On November 28,
Mr. Muir moved, seconded by Mr. Grindly, that the thanks of this
lodge be tendered to the members of St. John's, 209, for their kindness in
allowing them so long the use of their room and furniture ; and, that
they wish to reciprocate by offering the use of St. George's Hall to
said members, provided they are allowed by the Grand Master. This
motion was lost.
In December John Harding was installed master for 1856. Among
the members of this year are found Andrew Cleghorn, P. T. Worth-
ington and T. W. Thomas. On March 12, the lodge was styled
St. George's, No. 895, English register, and No. 35, Provincial
register ; for this reason, the Grand Lodge of Canada was in its
infancy, and at least a dozen others were trying to get the lead, while
nearly everybody was seeking office of some kind or other. On May
28, the master read to the lodge instructions sent to him by the
Provincial Grand Master, which were that he was to suspend the
members of St. George's Lodge who had formed Kilwinning Lodge.
The Master, not wishing to be arbitrary in the matter, gave such
members two months to consider their position. (The members' names
will be found as the charter members of Kilwinning Lodge.) W. G.
334 HISTORY OF THE
Chambers, in the heat of the debate which followed, refused to pay
proper respect to the chair. He was admonished, and, upon apology,
he was pardoned. On June 4, Harding was ap])ointed by the Grand
Lodge of New York as their representative. On December 17, the
petition from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Canada, wherein it
requested the Grand Lodge of England to give them entire indepen-
pence, was read. It was moved by P. J. Dunn, seconded by John K.
Brown, that the prayer of said Provincial Grand Lodge be received and
adopted. Moved by H. D. Moorhouse, seconded by T. JIackie, that
this lodge request the Grand Lodge to use their best endeavors to
secure the co-operation of the fraternity in Canada East, so that, if
possible, it may be a Grand Lodge of Canada East and West. Both
resolutions were carried, and a copy of the above sent to the Provincial
Grand Secretary.
On December 27, John K. Brown was installed master for 1857.
This was a year of great importance to the lodge, for in it occurred the
separation from the English Grand Lodge. On January 7, a sum-
mons was read from the Provincial Grand Secretary to send delegates
to a meeting of the Grand Lodge at Toronto, on the 8th. Past-master
Harding was appointed ; his report was never taken any notice of. On
the first of April, L. S. King was appointed. The first lodge of instruc-
tion was held by the lodge. May 14, 1857. On June 17, a communi-
cation fi-om the Provincial Grand Lodge, desiring a full attendance of
representatives, was received. It was then moved by P>ro. Barnard,
seconded by Bro. Mackie, that, inasmuch as the memorial sent to the
Grand Lodge of England by the Provincial Grand Lodge, upon the sub-
ject of complete independence, has not been even recognized, this
lodge, therefore, resolves to alienate itself from the Grand Lodge of
England, with a view to an amalgamation with the Grand Lodge of
Canada, as such a step is conceived to be of immense importance to
the welfare of the Masons in this country. The master, with Messrs.
Harding and Wilson, were asked to attend the meeting, and vote in
accordance with the foregoing resolution. No notice was taken of the
report brought back by these members. Again, on September 2, the
master and past-master were asked to act as delegates to the Provincial
Grand Lodge, to be held in Toronto, September 7 ; at the same time,
giving them full powers to act as they saw fit, saving, that the old
charter be retained by them, and returned to the lodge. These members
did act as they saw fit, for they brought back a charter, styling the
lodge, St. George's Lodge, No. 37(a), G. E. C. The finst meeting of this
lodge was held October 7, 1857. It was moved by A. G. Smyth,
seconded by J. K. Brown, and carried, that this lodge receive the
explanations of P. M. Harding as satisfactory, for giving up the warrant
of St. George's Lodge, No. 8U5, E. E.
St. George's Lodge, No. 895, did not cease to exist at this date, nor
for some time after, as will be seen. After ceaseless bickerings as to
which lodge owned the jewels and furniture, it was settled that they
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 335
belong to No. 895. Among the members who remained under the old
warrant, were Thompson Wilson, Edwin Heathfield, David Sterling, F.
McMullen and Thomas Francis. No meeting was held, of which there
are any records, until I\Iarch 24, 1858, with Thompson Wilson as
master. At this meeting it was carried that the lodge meet in St.
John's Lodge, No. 209, and that the initiation fee be $40. Thompson
Wilson was elected master. The following were declared members-
elect, for the assistance rendered the brethren of St. George's Lodge,
No. 895, in getting them together: — Past-Masters, S. P. Ayres,
Thomas Francis and James Moflat; also William Pickett, Thomas
Allen and T. F. McMullen. On July 26, 1858, it was moved by Mr.
Heathfield, and seconded by Mr. Sterling, that the warrant of the
lodge be returned to the Grand Lodge of England ; moved by Mr.
Sterling, and seconded by Mr. Taylor, that the furniture, etc., be sold,
and the proceeds applied to the purchase of R. Morrison's Masonic
Library, and it be presented to the Masonic bodies of this city. The
furniture was sold to John Thompson, master of Mount Brydges Lodge,
Mount Brydges ; and so ended St. George's Lodge, No. 895.
W^hen the first meeting took place, with J. K. Brown, presiding officer,
John Smith was the first to receive a degree in this lodge, October 7,
1857. This lodge was charitable, for on December 2, the sum of $5
was granted to Mr. Lee, a travelling brother in distress. On Decem-
ber 28, Eichard Eoe Grindley was installed master for 1858. The
festival was celebrated in conjunction with St. John's, No 20, and
Kilwinning, No. 64. On January 20, a committee reported that
Mr. Wilson, D. G. JNI., would agree to give St. George's Lodge, 37, the
furniture, with this proviso : — " That the St. George's Lodge, No. 895,
E. E., have the use of it twice a year while they hold the English
charter." On March 3, it was moved that Mr. Wilson be com-
pelled to give up the furniture without any conditions. Nothing
would please either party. Finally this lodge had to leave the old
room. They then moved to the hall occupied by St. John's Lodge, to
which lodge the sincere thanks of St. George's, No. .i7, were tendered,
for the kind way they aided them in their trouble. On the same date,
the thanks of the lodge were tendered to Kilwinning Lodge for the
loan of their jewels and the many kindnesses rendered by them. At
this same meeting, a resolution condemning the actions of Mr. Wilson
was passed, but was expunged on the 7th of May, 1858. On March
17, a concert was given in aid of the widow of Mr. Eugemer, the
sum of $200 being realized. On April 14, the lodge attended the
funeral of James Moflat, sen., of St. John's Lodge. This year J. K.
Brown was appointed delegate to attend the Grand Lodge.
The festival of St. John was again celebrated in conjunction with
Kilwinning and St. John's Lodges. On September 1, circulars were
printed and sent to the members of the late St. George's Lodge, 895,
requesting them to state whether or not they considered themselves
members of this lodge.
S/iC HISTORY OF THE
On account of its beiug necessary to fill up the blanks sent from
the Grand Lodge of Canada, the names were given, and now all is
]ieace and harmony. On December l!7, H. D. Moorhouse was installed
master for 1859. Captain Wilson, P. D. D. G. M., acted as installing
master. On this same date, the lodge presented J. K. Brown with a
))ast-master's jewel. On March 2, the proceedings of the Grand Lodge
were read to the lodge. On August 3, the secretary read a copy of a
letter from the Grand Lodge of England to the Grand ^Master of the
Grand Lodge of Canada, referring to the difficulties now amicably
settled, in which the Grand Lodge of Canada was recognized by the Grand
Lodge of England. On September 7, a communication was received
fiom the Grand Lodge of Canada, with notification of change of number ;
iliat, in future, the lodge should be known as St. George's Lodge, No.
42, of London, Canada West, and was so registered in the Grand
Lodge of Canada. In September, this lodge assisted Kilwinning Lodge
in laving the foundation-stone of St. James's Church.
On St. John's Day, D. D. G. M. Thomas Willson, with a staff of
Grand Lodge officers, dedicated the new hall in ancient form, and in-
stalled Thomas Mackie as master for 1860. At a special meeting, held
April 11, the following resolution was moved by P. M. Moorhouse,
seconded by Mr. Thomas Mahon, " That we, as a lodge, do hereby
signify our disapprobation of the course of conduct pursued by Lodge
209, I. R., throughout, and request our master to refuse "them admit-
tance to this lodge until the views of the Grand Lodge of Canada shall
officially be made known." On June 6, the master ordered that three
medals be struck in commemoration of the union of Masonry in
< anada, one of which was presented to R. R. Grindley as a mark of
esteem.
On December 27, Thomas Mahon was installed master for 1861.
A little wrangling with Kilwinning, over rents, characterized the busi-
ness of the year. On December 27, P. J. Dunn was installed master
fur 1862. In the evening a ball was held in conjunction with the
other lodges. On March 5, a communication was received from the
( irand JNlaster of Canada relative to three lodges working in an
irregular and unconstitutional manner: St. George's Lodge, 64.3, St.
Lawrence Lodge, No. 923, E. R., at the city of Montreal, and St. John's
Lodge, No. 209, I. R., at the city of London ; and requiring all Masons
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Canada not to give
countenance to, or receive into the lodge, any person hailing from the
above-named lodges. On Jidy 2, St. George's Lodge, No. 42,
received an invitation from the master of Grand River Lodge, Berlin,
to assist at the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a church on July
1 5. This was accepted, and the members attended. On December
;!, a circular was received from the Grand Master, containing his
decision in the case of St. .lohn's Lodge 209, I. R., enjoining the
brethren to cultivate and exchange friendly intercourse witii such
lodge and its members. On the same date, a letter of condolence was
COUNTY OF MmDLESEX. 337
sent to the widow of William Maldiu. Oa December 27, George
Burdett was installed master for 1863. On December 29, 1862, a baU
was held at the Tecumseh House, lodges No. 20 and 64 attending.
The amount of work done in 1863 was very considerable, and harmony
prevailed. On December 28, Francis Westlake was installed master
for 1864.
On January 25, a special meeting was called by the master, in
consequence of receiving an invitation from St. John's Lodge, No. 209,
I. E., to attend the funeral of D. McPherson. After consulting the
masters of St. John's, No. 20, and Kilwinning, 64, he decided upon
calling this meeting to hear an expression of opinion from the members
of the three lodges. After some discussion, they decided to attend, on
April 6. M. D. Dawson, of St. John's Lodge, 20, stated, that he
had been instructed to solicit the appointment of the past- masters,
master and wardens of St George's Lodge, No. 64, as a committee, to
act with like committees from Kilwinning, No. 64, and St. John's, No.
20, for the purpose of trying to settle the difficulty, then exist-
ing, between St. John's Lodge, 209, I. E, and the above named lodges.
The committee was appointed. On May 4, a report from the joint
committee was read. This was the offering of a warrant from the
the Grand Lodge of Canada, to St. John's, 209. I. E., free of charge,
which offer was treated with contempt, as will be seen in the history
of that lodge. On October 5, a dispensation was granted by D. D.
G. Master, to confer two degi'ees on S. Bigwood, of No. 4 Battery,
E. A., in one day, on account of leaving the city. Charles S. Askin
was D. D. G. Master at this time. On December 27, F. Westlake
was installed master for 1865.
On February 23, P. J. Dunn was buried by this lodge, as he had
requested the Masons to do so, the priest having refused to perform
any burial service. On March 1, it was moved by Herman Water-
man, seconded by Mr. Ellis, that the members of St. George's Lodge wear
mourning for the space of one month, as a token of respect for the
deceased. On May 3, this lodge, in conjunction with Kilwinning
Lodge, purchased a burial lot in St. Paul's cemetery. On the 24th of
May, this lodge assisted at the laying of the corner-stone of the Pres-
byterian Church, at St. Thomas. On June 7, an invitation was
received from Eastern Star Lodge to attend a picnic at Port Stanley on
June 28. At the same meeting, at the request of the Master of King
Solomon's Lodge, Toronto, Mr. Smith was raised to the subUme degree
of a Master Mason. On December 27, H. Waterman was installed for
1866. December 27, Thomas Mahon was installed master for 1867,
and a ball was held at Tecumseh House in commemoration of the day.
On April 3, the lodge attended the funeral of Mr. Taylor. On August
7, a vote of thanks was tendered to Herman Waterman for the very
efficient manner in which he had represented this lodge at Grand
Lodge, and had paid his own expenses.
On December 27, Thomas Beattie was installed master for 1868.
22
338 HISTORY OF THE
On January 1, St. John's Lodge, 20, was granted one-third share
in the Masonic burial lot in St. Paul's cemetery. On April 1, the sum
of $200 was granted toward an entertainment for the Grand Lodge.
On the 15th of July, the lodge attended the funeral of W. Griflitli. The
amount for charity that was expended this year was very great. On
December 28, by consent of masters of the several lodges, a general
lodge was opened in St. John's, No. 20, by Jas. Moffat, for the installa-
tion of officers-elect for the ensuing year. G. Burdett was master of
St. George's Lodge, No. 42, for 1869. During this year great efforts
were made for the building of a jMasonic Asylum, but they proved
fruitless. On December 27, Wm. Skinner was installed by P. D.
D. G. M., F. Westlake, as master for 1873. At the regular meeting,
March 2, P. M. Baron de Camin, of Industry Lodge, No. 86, London,
England, gave a short lecture, which was well received. On October
5, the master appointed Messrs. Burdett, Arnold and Balkwill to act
with committees from the other lodges to procure a new lodge-room.
On December 7, the committee reported having secured a room over
the new building of the Huron & Erie Savings Society, at an annual
rent of $125.
On December 27, Isaac Waterman was installed master for 1871.
On January 5, occurred the funeral of Mr. Hill. On July 1, this lodge
laid the foundation-stone of the Charing Cross Hotel. On September
G, JNIessrs. Smith, Skinner and Vinney, were appointed by the master
to confer with the committees of the sister lodges, for the purpose of
dedicating the new Masonic Hall — the sum of $50 was granted by the
lodge to assist in defraying expenses of said dedication . On December
27, a joint meeting of the lodges was held for the pui'pose of installa-
tion, and John Balkwill was installed master for 1872. On January
3, the lodge was called for the purpose of attending the funeral of D.
McKinney, of St. John's Lodge, No. 82, Paris. On June 30, the
brethren attended the funeral of Thomas R. Westcott, and on July 2,
that of N. Watson. The membership of the lodge increased very
materially during this year. On December 27, by consent of the
masters of the several lodges, a lodge was opened for the purpose of
installing the officers elect, with F. Westlake presiding. W. F. Green
was installed master for 1873. Tlie first meeting was held in the new
hall, on January 8 ; William Moore (land agent) was the first to receive
a degree in this hall. On December 29, William Thornton was in-
stalled master for 1874. On May 6, the officers presented the lodge
with a silver water pitcher and goblets. William Watson was buried
by this lodge on the 26th of October. On December 27, the lodge
attended divine service at St. Paul's — the sermon being preached by G.
M. Innes, Grand Chaplain. WiUiam Green was installed master for
the year 1875.
On the 19th of May, there was some trouble about the formation
of a lodge styled Eden Lodge, which was organized at that time ; also a
motion, that the Grand Lodge grant Corinthian, 330, a charter. Decem-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 339>
ber 27, William Fleming was installed master for 1876. February 2,
William Green was presented with a jewel and an address. A sediti-
ous Grand Lodge was formed at this time, consisting of members of
the several city lodges. The members were ordered by the Grand
Master to hold no intercourse with them, also requested the master of
this lodge to confer degi-ees on members of Eden Lodge who so desired.
December 27, H. E Nelles was installed master for 1877 ; Dr. Sut-
ton, installing officer. A. S. Murray was master in 1878 and J. C.
Bennett was installed for 1879. This installation was performed in
Corinthian lodge -room, 11. W. Bro. Cascaden, installing officer. Febru-
ary 5, past master's jewels were presented to Messrs. Murray and
Nelles. On June 4, it was moved, that this lodge assist the committee
appointed by Grand Lodge, viz., Messrs. Mottat, Lewis, Birrell, and
Hungerford, to heal the members of the so-called Grand Lodge of
Ontario, by starting a new lodge, to be called Union. On the 19th of
December, the lodge attended the funeral of J. M. Bennett. Andrew
Ellis was installed master for 1880. James Priddis was master in
1881 ; Mr. Hungerford being instalKng officer. On April 6, the com-
mutation of dues was carried. On June 1, a letter of condolence
was sent to Mr. Skinner, on account of the loss of his daughter in the
Victoria disaster. Same date the sum of twenty-five dollars was
ordered to be sent to the Mayor (John Campbell), to assist the dis-
tressed. On December 2, George Angus was installed master for
1882. On February 1, the lodge presented P. M. James Piiddis with
a past-master's jewel, and on September 6, the first meeting of the
lodge was held in the new Masonic Temple.
On November 12, they attended the funeral of Adam C. Johnston.
No business was done this year. On December 27, Thos. H. Brunton
was installed master for 1883. On January 27, George Angus was
presented with a past-master's jewel. On March 7, J. Gauld and J.
Sargent received the first degree in this halL On the 27th of Decem-
ber, Thomas J. Burgess, M D., was installed master for 1884. On
December 29, Thomas Millman was installed for 1885. On the 31st
of January, the lodge attended the funeral of James Heron. On the^
3rd of July, they attended the funeral of Lewis Olmstead. On the 29tb
of July, they attended the funeral of John Oliver. On October 17,
they attended the funeral of John Watson. On December 28, Andrew
Dale was installed master for 1886. On December 27, Wilbur R. .
Vining was installed master for 18S7. On March lo, they attended
the funeral of James Donnelly. On the 27th of December, H. Bapty
was installed master for 1888.
List of Deputy District Grand Masters of London District : — James
Daniel, 1856; Thompson Wilson, 1857; James Moffat, 1858;
Thompson Wilson, 1859 ; T. Wolferstan Thomas, 1860 ; George
Masson, 1861 to 1863; C. J. S. Askin, 1864-5; Francis Westlake,
1866; John E. Brooke, 1868-9; George Billington, 1870-1; Francis
Westlake, 1872 ; D. B. Bui-ch, 1873 ; W. D. McGloghlon, 1874-5 ;
:i40 HISTORY OF THE
Dr. James Suttou, 187G ; J. M. Banghart, 1877 ; J. Cascaden, 1878 ;
R B. Hungerford, 1879 ; Robert McKay, 1880 ; William Milner, 1881 ;
L. G. Jarvis, 1862 ; H. G. Lindsay, 1883 ; W. G.Lumley, 1884 ; John
Simpson, 1885-6 ; Luke Slater, 1887 ; and C. N. Spencer, 1888.
St. John's Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., was chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Canada, November 26, 1855, and registered as No. 14,
and is now called No. 20. The following is a list of the charter mem-
bers:— James Moftat, William Thorn, John T. Mackenzie, WiUiam
Daniel, Joseph L. Kolfe, John McDowell, Thomas Allen, Thomas
Francis. List of Worshipful Masters : — James Moffat, 1856-7 ; Thos.
Francis, 1858 ; Edwin Heathfield, 1859; Thomas T. Irving, 1860-1 ;
William Daniel, 1862; John Inues Mackenzie, I860; John Barry,
1864; John K. Clare, 1865-6 ; E. Booth, 1867 ; James iMoHat, 1868 ;
Graham Glass, 1869 ; M. D. Dawson, 1870 ; William McBride, 1871 ;
Robert Wallace, 1872; William Kollmeyer, 1873; R. Luxton, 1874;
H. L. Kifner, 1875 ; John Wright, 1876 ; A. B. Greer, 1877 ; Henry
Dreauey, 1878; Levi Hall, 1879; F. H. Mitchell, 1880; William
McCadden, 1881-2; Joseph Hook, 1883; James Dunn, 1884; James
H. Wilson, 1885 ; A. B. Greer, 1886 ; George Elliott, 1887 ; Joseph
H. Marshall, 1888. James Moftat, P. M. W. G. "SL, is the only
charter member left.
Kilwinning Lodge, No. 61,., A. F. & A. M., was chartered by
the Grand Lodge of Canada, July 30, 1856, with the following charter
members : — William Muir, Wm. Gore, Chambers, T. Wolferstan
Thomas, D. Mcluness, C. M. Smith, S. W. Scobell, D. McDonald, S.
A. Allen, T. F. McMulleii, Thomas Francis, Charles Lea Davidson, A.
C. Hammond. List of Worshipful Masters : — William Muir, 1856 to
1858; T. W. Thomas, 1859; John Hamson, 1860; James H. Flock,
1861 ; Robert Lewis, 1862 ; David, Glass, 1863 ; John Wylie,
1864^5; Robert Lewis, 1866; T. F. McMuUen, 1867 and 1869;
Morgan L. Morgan, 1868 ; John E. Peel, 1870 ; William Carey, 1871 ;
H. A. Baxter, 1872; John Overell, 1873; John Ferguson, 1874; C.
A. Sippi, 1875-6 ; Thomas Brock, 1877 ; R. B. Hungerford, 1878 ; W.
R. Browne, 1879 ; James Smith, 1880 ; Rev. E. Davis, 1881 ; John
Hargreave.s, 1882; A. 0. Jeffery, 1883; A. L. McMullen, 1884;
Henry Sutherland, 1885; J. H. Ferguson, 1886; Peter Birtwi.stle,
1887; Charles C. Reed, 1888. Robert Lewis is the only charter
member left belonging to the lodge.
TliA Tuscan Lodge, No. 195, A. F. & A. M., was chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Canada, July 9, 1868, with the following members : —
Thompson Wilson, John Macbeth, Gilbert L Barnwell, James Moffat,
Thomas McCracken, Edward l)e la Hooke, Thomas D. Mahoii, -Tohn
Beattie, Charles Hutchinson, John Hetiry Jackson, E. B. Griswold.
The first master was Thompson Wilson, 1868; Alfred G.Smyth,
1869-70 ; James Moffat, 1871 ; George S. Birrell, 1872 ; Edward De
la Hooke, 1873-4; Charles Richardson, 1875-6; A. W. Porte, 1877;
E. W. Smylie, 1878 ; Charles F. Goodhue, 1879 ; Charles S. Hyman,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 341
1880 ; John Taylor, 1881 ; John Macbeth, 1882; A. W. Porte, 1883;
E. W. Barker, ] 884 ; William J. Eeid, 1885 ; George F. Durand, 1886 ;
G. D. Sutherland, 1887 ; E. Paul, 1888.
Eden Lodge, A. F. & A. M. — A dispensation was granted to this
lodge May 19, 1875, by the Grand Lodge of Canada. Charter mem-
bers : — Francis Westlake, John B. Peel, William H. Street, James F.
Latimer, W. W. Fitzgerald, Daniel M. Bowman, William D. McGlogh-
lon, Stillmau P. Groat, Charles A. Conover, John H. Ley, and others.
The first and only master was W. W. Fitzgerald. The lodge
applied for a warrant at the annual meeting of the Grand Lodge, but
it was not granted ; although E. W. Bro. Francis Westlake did his best
to procure it. The only concession allowed by the Grand Lodge was
that the work begun might be finished, and then for the Worthy
Master to return the dispensation. A return of the work done was
sent to the Grand Secretary, but the dispensation was not.
February 7, Mr. Francis Westlake asked the M. W. the G. M.
(Mr. J. K. Kerr) for a dispensation, either general in its terms, or to
extend until the next meeting of Grand Lodge, that they might again
apply for a warrant, but the M. W. explained to him that until the
dispensation be returned, he, the G. M., could not trust him (Westlake)
with another, nor would he say on what terms the new dispensation
would be granted. On account of this interview and certain actions
of other members of Eden Lodge towards the D. D. G. M., Dr. James
Sutton, and having secured the incorporation of the Grand Lodge of
Ontario, this lodge and the brethren were suspended by the M. W.
the Grand Master.
Corinthian Lodge, 330, A. F. d; A. M., received its charter from
the Grand Lodge of Canada, June 1, 1875, with the following charter
members : — William Fleming, William Mills, WiUiam A. D. Fraser,
William Hayman, Samuel Crawford, Titus McNaughton, M. D. Daw-
son, D. Y. Hoyt, A. M. Eoss, James Cook, William D. Eckert, James
Ardill, Isaac Waterman and James Campbell. The first place of
meeting was Allister's Hall, Adelaide Street, London East. The fol-
lowing is a list of the Worshipful Masters : — William Fleming, 1875 ;
A. M. Eoss, 1876, died 1880; James Cook, 1877; James Ardill,
1878-9, died 1883. On December 27, 1878, the new Masonic Hall
(Crawford's Block) was dedicated by E. W. Bro. Cascaden, assisted by
E. W. Bros. Waterman, Tracy and Eev. Richardson. Basil W.
Hamilton, 1880, died 1883; Herbert C. Simpson, 1881; George F
Childs, 1882; Eobert Bonney, 1883; Charles N. Spencer, 1884;
Alexander Irvine, 1885 ; Otto E. Brener, 1886 ; Frank W. Lilley,
1887 ; J. J. Cuthbertson, 1888.
Union Lodge, No. 380, A. F. & A. M., was chartered September
10, 1879, with the following members : — William Halton Street, Jas.
Francis Latimer, George M. Becher, Eichard B. Hungerford, James
Moffat, George S. Birrell, Eobert Lewis, William W. Fitzgerald,
William D. McGloghlon, Edward Lounsbnry, William L. Judson, Joseph
o42 HISTORY OF THE
B. Sabine, David B. Burch, Edward K. Slater, O. J. Bridle, William
Miller, John R. Peel, Daniel M. Bowman, Egerton R. Robinson, Archi-
bald McPhersou, W. Y. Bvuuton, Charles A. Oonover, Alfred Y. Brown,
Basil W. Hamilton, J. W. Jones, John C. Brown, Benjamin W. Greer,
W. T. Edge, F. C. Hood. The masters of the lodge are named as
follows :— William Halton Street, 1879-80; L. G. Jarvis, 1881; E.
R. Robinson, 1882; OHver J. Bridle, 1888: C. L. Sanagan, 1884;
David Schwaitzer, 1885 ; James Peace, 1886 ; A. C. Stewart, 1887.
Enoch Council, No. 10, R. <& S. M., received its warrant from the
Grand Council of Canada, July "23, 187-4, with the following charter
members : — James O'Conner, John Burnett, W. R. Browne, H. L.
Kifner, Joseph Pigott, W. D. McGloghlon, H. A. Baxter, D. B. Burch,
and William Thornton. List of Thrice Illustrious Masters : — James
O'Connor, 1874 and 1870 ; H. L. Kifner, 1877; W. R. Browne, 1878;
H. A. Baxter, 1879 ; William Hawthorn, 1880 ; W. H. Rooks, 1881.
No meetings have since been lield, but the Council still holds the
charter.
St. John's Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., G. G. C, was originally
numbered 209, I. R., connected with St. John's Lodge, 209. The
charter was granted ]\Iay 18, 1844, by the Grand Chapter of Ireland,
to the following members : — lohn McDowell, Samuel Peters, William
Gunn, Alexander S. Armstrong, David Coombs, James McDowell,
George Code, Henry Groves, Andrew McCormick. Tlie list of High
Priests is as follows: — John McDowell, 1844; Samuel Peter.s, 1845.
No trace of the minutes from this date up to 1859 ; neither can be
found the exact date of the different High Priests, viz., Joseph F.
Rolfe and Edward Garrett. Joseph F. Rolfe, 1856-7. There was
some trouble in the year 1859 The charter was surrendered by
some and iield by others, who continued to work at odd times, with
Joseph F. Rolfe as High Priest.
No miimtes from Mav, 1859, to March, 1863. Edwin Heathfield,
1861 ; James Molfat, 1862 (bv Grand Chapter return) ; A. S. Abbott,
1863; Richard Irvine, 1864;' George Taylor, 1865; W. S. Smith,
1866; James O'Connor, 1867; Andrew McCormick, ISOS; S. W.
Abbott, 1869; Richard Irvine, 1871; S. W. Abbott, 1872; James
O'Connor, 1 87-"> ; wliile Thomas Winnett, Richard Wigmore and F. E.
Cornish were also Higli Priests of this Chapter.
A chartei' was granted by the Grand Chapter of Canada, 13th of
August, 1873, to the following members : — S. W. Abbott, Andrew
McCormick, James O'Connor, A. S. Abbott, John Siddons, George S.
Birrell Thomas Peel, Duncan McPhail, John Scandrett, John Burnett,
Richard Irvine, Josejih Pigott, Richard Wigmore, AV. S Siuitli, Thomas
AYinnett anil George Taylor. The list of Fii'st Princi])als is as follows :
— James O'Connor, 1S73-6; Thomas H. Tracy, 1877; Duncan Mc-
Phail, 1878; Wilham Hawthorn, 1879-80; William H. Rooks, 1881 ;
William Hawthorn, 1882-3; Benjamin W. Greer, 1884; John S.
Dewar, 1885; Joseph Hook, 1886; Alexander McQueen, 1887; A. E.
Cooper, 1888.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 343
St. George's Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M., received its wan-ant from
the Grand Chapter of England, February 1, 1854. The charter mem-
bers were : — Thompson Wilson, Patrick Hennessey, J. M. Bennett,
J. W. Little, G. F. Parke, A. G. Smyth, Mark Burgess, A. Walsh,
T. F. McMullen. The list of First Principals is as follows : — Thompson
WUson, 1854-55; Patrick Hennessey, 1856-57; Thompson Wilson
1858-59. A charter was granted by the Grand Chapter of Canada,
March 8, 1860. The list of First Principals is as follows : — Thomp
son Wilson, 1860-61 ; James M. Bennett, 1862; Thompson Wilson,
1863-64-65 ; A. G. Smyth, 1866-67 ; Thomas F. McMullen, 1868 '
A. G.Smyth, 1869; Thomas F. McMullen, 1870; F. Westlake, 1871
William Carey, 1872 ; W. D. McGloghlon, 1873 ; H. A. Baxter, 1874:
Isaac Waterman. 1875; E. Lewis, 1876-7; M. D. Dawson, 1878:
John Fergason, 1879-80; John Overell, 1881; Thomas Brock, 1882:
Andrew Ellis, 1883 ; Albert 0. Jeffery, 1884 ; H. C. Simpson, 1885
Edward Burke, 1886 ; A. B. Munson, 1887-88.
Kilwinning R. A. Chapter, No. 10, was chartered July 10, 1858.
The list of Excellent Companions comprises the name of William
Daniel, 1858-62. As there were no returns made to the Grand Chap-
ter, the warrant was taken back August 11, 1863.
London Chapter of Rose Croix, C. H. R. D. M., Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite, was warranted by the Supreme Grand Council
of England and Wales and the dependencies of the British Crown,
July 14, 1868.
July 13. 1888, Colonel McLeod Moore, Sov. G. Ins. G., 33°; Capt.
Thomp.son Wilson, 18°; J. W. Merton, 32° ; WiUiam Reid, 32° ; Chas.
A. Bu-ge, 32°; William Edgar, 32°; Hugh A. Mackay, 32°; and Rev.
James D. Gibson, 32°, held a meeting in the Masonic Hall, and pro-
ceeded to constitute the following brethren Knights of the Eagle and
Pehcan : — Rev. St. George Canfield, Thomas McCracken, A. G. Smyth,
G. T. Barnwell, Thomas B. Robbs, Thomas B. Harris, James Motf'at,
Thomas Beattie, W. S. Smith, David Borland, Benj. F. Byron, and
Thomas F. McMullen.
Thompson Wilson was installed Most Wise Sovereign for 1868-70 ;
James Moffat, 1871-3; William Simpson Smith, 1874-5; William
Carey, 1876; Thomas Beattie, 1877; George S. Birrell, 1878; John
Macbeth, 1879 ; Andrew W. B.rte, 1880 ; James Priddis, 1881 ;
Hamilton A. Baxter, 1882; James Ardill, 1883; Dr. James Niven,
1884; I. Danks, 1885; C. Norman Spencer, 1586; aud John Shar-
man, 1887.
London Lodge of Perfection, No. A, Ancient and Accepted Scot-
tish Rite, is worked under the same warrant as the chapter, but was
started separately, May 30, 1884. The following is a list of Thrice
Puissant Grand Masters : — A. W. Porte, 1884-6 ; C. Norman Spencer,
1887; J. D. Sharman, 1888.
Saltanat Tem2jle,A. A. 0. U. M. S., was warranted by the Imperial
Grand Council of the United States, Grand Orient, New York, on the
344 HISTORY OF THE
13th of July, 1886. The charter members were John S. Dewar, Thomas
Beattie, Joseph Beck, George S. Birrell, Albert E. Cooper, William
Hawthorn, Frederick J. Hood, Charles B. Hunt, Alexander Irvine,
Eobert F. Kingsmill, A. W. Porte, John A. Eose, H. C. Simpson, C.
N. Spencer and W. R. Vining. J. S. Dewar presided in 188C, and A.
W. Porte in 1887.
Richard Coeur de Lion, No. 4, K. T. & K. M., was warranted
by the Grand Commander of England and Wales, May 29, 1857. The
charter members were, Thompson Wilson, James Daniel, Peter James
Dunn, Andrew McCormick, Andrew Walsh, John Stewart, William
Grey. List of Commanders, Thompson Wilson, 1857 to 1850 ; William
Muir, 1860; T. Wilson, 1861 ; Thomas McCracken, 1SG7-8 ; Thomp-
son Wilson, 1869 ; James Mofliit, 1870 ; A. G. Smyth, 1876 ; David
B. Burch, 1877-8; Thomas H. Tracy, 1879; William Hawthorn, 1880;
H. A. Baxter, 1881; Dr. James Sutton, 1882-3; John B. Smyth,
1884 ; John S. Dewar, 1885 ; Herbert C. Simpson, 1886 ; Thomas
Brock, 1887 ; William Hawthorn, 1888.
The list of Pught Excellent Grand Superintendents is as follows ; —
James Daniel, 1858-60; Thompson Wilson, 1860-2; Edwin Heath-
field, 1863 ; Thompson Wilson, 1864 ; Charles Kahn, 1865-8 ; T. F.
McMuUen, 1869-71 ; John A. McKenzie, 1872 ; William Gary, 1873;
Thomas McNab, 1874 ; James O'Connor, 1875 ; George E. Murphy,
1876 ; A. G. Smyth. 1877 ; Eobert Lewis, 1878 ; H. A. Baxter, 1879 ;
St. George Caulfield, 1880 ; William Hawthorn, 1881 ; James Noble,
1882; Eobert McKay, 1883-4; E. B. Hungerford, 1885; David
Trotter, 1886 ; Samuel S. Glutton, 1887 ; Edward Burke, 1888.
The Grand Lodge of Ontario was formed by Francis Westlake,
John E. Peel, William H. Street, .lames F. Latimer and William W.
Fitzgerald. These brethren, without the consent of one lodge, pro-
claimed themselves a grand lodge, although there were at that time
305 lodges, representing 16,000 Masons in active membership, and at
least an equal number unaffiliated. They found many discontents
and dupes, and flourished in a small way for a short time. Lodges
were instituted in this city, also in the suiToundiug towns ; but now
all is passed, and only the name remains, for all the brethren of any
consequence were healed at the formation of Union Lodge, 380, and
King Solomon Lodge, 378.
The Masonic Temple was begun May 12, 1881, when the following
contracts were sold : — For the brick work, Messrs. Goldsmith & Gar-
rett ; carpenters' and joiners' work, Thomas Green & Co. ; cut stone
work, John Matheson ; slating, George Eiddell ; galvanized iron,
Messrs. Douglas Bros., of Toronto ; plumbing and gas fitting, S. Saun-
ders ; steam fittings, McLennan & Fryer; plastering, F. Mcintosh;
painting and glazing, W. Noble ; iron stairways and gallery fronts,
Poulson & Eger, Brook'lyn, N. Y. ; stone and wood carving, Holbrook &
MoUington, Toronto. The gentlemen who have represented the stock-
holders are : — President, Col. Lewis ; vice-president, Geo. S. Birrell ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 345
treasurer, H. Waterman ; directors, Messrs. W. J. Reid, J. Beattie, C.
S. Hymaii, I. Waterman, H. D. Long, and J. Priddis. Of these,
Messrs. Lewis, Birrell, H. Waterman and C. S. Hynian, composed the
building committee. To Messrs. Tracy and Durand belong the credit
of designing the structure and bringing it to a successful completion
March 7, 1882, when it was opened with great ceremony. The con-
tract price of the structure was $82,500.
Eureka Lodge, No. 30, Tudependevt Order of Oddfellows, was
instituted by dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the United States,
January 9, 1854, making it the oldest lodge in the city. The charter
members wei'e : — William Smith, Geo. W. Ashton, William Bissell, H.
G. Hughes and James Westland. Eureka joined the Grand Lodge of
Ontario, August, 1861, with the same charter members. The list of
Noble Grands comprises the following names : — Richard Anderson,
William Atkins, H. G. Abbott, G. M. Anderson, .1. Atkins, J. Barron,
T. Brown, sen., Thomas Brock, L. W. Crawford, W. F. Darch, T. Ellis,
E. T. Essery, Samuel Flory, J. Hunter, T. Howard, J. Hay, Rev. W.
T. Hughan, I. B. Inglemals, James Jury, R. Kirkpatrick, J. Milne,
John Mitchell, J. Mills, George Mortimer, Joseph Newman, George
Powell, sen., George Powell, jun., Samuel Powell, Frank Riddell, E. R.
Robinson, James Rogers, Wm. Skinner, A. C. Stewart, William Wvatt,
J. G. Watson. Ed. Yealland.
Forest City Lodge, No. 38, L. 0. O.F, was instituted under a dispen-
sation from the Grand Lodge of the United States in February, 1857 ;
but joined the Grand Lodge of Canada West (now Ontario), August 6,
1861. The charter members were, William Smith, 0. B. Maples,
Thomas Partridge and George S. Bradway. The list of Past Grands
comprises the names of Thomas Partridge, James Smith, Andrew Mc-
Cormick, William Harrison, AVilliam Bissell, Edmund Beltz, F. C.
Hanson, C. S. Collett, M. D. Dawson, Henry Beltz, H. E. Buttery, A.
J. Bremner, George Shaw, J. W. Fletcher, Solomon Perry, R. F.
Matthews, J. M. Weir, William Bell, John J. Porter, Thomas G.
Lowe, Thomas Lawrence, William Risk, W. H. Wigmore, James Bell,
W. H. Warren, A. B. Greer, J. F. Howie, C. F. Colwell, John
McDonald, D. A. McDermid, Fred. Wilmott, John Fairgreaves, J. M.
Shaw, William Maddiford, John Tweed, John Brown, George Fox, P.
J. Edmunds.
Dominion Lodge, No. 4-S, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted by dispensation
September 18, 1867. Charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Ontario
August 10, 1868. Charter members : — J. J. Dyas, J. W. Jones, Hiram
Kordes, Donald McPhail, J. (J. Dodd, Angus Grant, Isaac Hogg.
Meet in Oddfellows' Hall, Dundas street. List of Past Grands: — J. J.
Dyas, J. D. Dodd, J. W. Jones, William Jones, Isaac Hogg, CI. T.
Campbell, M. D., James Smith, Angus Grant, sr., C. H. Cooper, W. F.
Howell, C. D. Tuftord, M. D., T. W. Smart, Wilmot Wood, John
Hislop, Henry Bell, sr., Henry Merritt, William Greer, J. K. Master,
H. J. Boyd.
346 HISTORY OF THE
Victoria Lodge, A^o. J, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered by
the Grand Lodge of Ontario, December 3, 1869, the members being : —
William Bissell, James Heron, J. J. Dyas, F. S. Dewey, John Bagley,
Mary Bissell, Sarali E. Partridge, Harriet Pringle, Agnes Douglas, and
Margaret Heron. The list of Noble Grands is as follows : — J. J. Dyas,
John Atkins, Robert Kirkpatrick, James Bell, John Ferguson, T. G.
Lowe, Isaac Leighon, and Mrs. Church. Meet in Oddfellows' Hall,
Dundas street. Victoria, No. 1, has seen many ups and downs ; but
still it IS the mother of the Eebekahs, not only in this jurisdiction, but
in the Continent of America.
Chorazin Lodge, No. 190, I. 0. 0. F., was organized rmder dis-
pensation, August 7, 1876, and chartered August 16, 1877, with the
following members :— W. J. Shaw, F. Bickley, A. Efner, J. Hayman,
D. L. Hardy. The Past Grands are named as follows: — W. J. Shaw,
0. Richards, C. Crosbie. H. T. Staiidfield, Rev. G. W. Calvert, William
Reid, J. Hardy, T. W. Standfield, T. Lee, F. Showier, Wm. Jacobs,
J. A. Mathews, W. G. WiUis, H. Maxwell, C. R. Somerville, James
Fitzgerald, J. Cairncross, A. Somerville, Wm. Allister, James Smith,
James Welford, Wm. W^atts, John Whittaker,
May Queen Lodge, No. 5, Daughters of Rebekah, was chartered
March 14, 1884, the members being:— D. L. Hardy, T. W. Stanfield,
William Jacobs, James Fitzgerald, A. E. Sommerville, Emma Hardy,
Mary Statidfield, Allie Standfield, C. N. Cunningham and Mary L.
Fitzgerald. The Noble Grands have been : — D. L. Hardy, Mrs. D. L.
Hardy, Mrs. H. C. Merritt, William Jacobs, Mrs. J. Smith, A. Som-
merville, Miss Mary Saunders.
Harmony Encavipment, No. 3, I. 0. 0. F., was organized under
dispensation by the Grand Lodge of the United States, September 8,
1865, with the following members : — James Smith, M. D. Dawson,
George Powell, John R. Peel, Richard Wigmore, Robert Chapman,
Robert Anderson and Edmund Beltz. Upon the formation of the
Grand Encampment of Ontario, they received a charter from that body,
August 11, 1869. The list of Chief Patriarchs is as follows: — James
Smith, M. D. Dawson, Edmund Beltz, C. Miners, T. G. Lowe, C. F.
Bingham, (r. Mortimer, W. Darch, T. Blackwell (I). D. G. P.'s, as
well), E. R. Robinson, John Mitchell. J. Watson, Estey Lowe, J. Shaw,
Samuel Powell, R. J. C. Dawson, William Bissell, Isaacs, John
Milne, John Hunter, Samuel Flory, Thomas Brock, J. Howell.
Adelphinn Encampment, No. 38, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered June
27, 1879, with the following members :— Edmund Beltz, E. R. Robin-
son, CI. T. Campbell, F. Riddell, J. S. McDermid, F Harding, W. T.
Stenberg, T. P. Blackwell, William Riddell, Harry J. Boyd, C. F.
Ayers, W. M. Greer, C. F. Colwell, W. J. Craig, James Burriss, J. W.
Maclaren. Meet in Oddfellows' Hall, Dundas street. The Past
Chief Patriarchs are :— E. R. Robinson, Edmund Beltz, Dr. CI. T. Camp-
bell, H. J. Boyd, Henry Merritt, W. T. Stenberg, T. P. Blackwell, C.
F. Bingham, Frank Riddell, L. W. Crawford. G. M. Anderson, R. J.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 347
Blackwell, W. F. Darch, W. Jacobs, James Hardy, A. K. Ferguson,
Wm. Maddiford, J. L. Spry, John Brown, Frank Barnard, and John
London Uniform Degree Camp, No 1, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered
with the following members : — Edmund Beltz, H. J. Boyd, E. R. Eob-
inson, W. T. Stenberg, John Herald, George Heron, James Burriss, R.
J. Blackwell, A. K. Ferguson, E. A. McCormick, U. F. Avers, W. T.
Fletcher, A. Sommerville, D. L. Hardy, W. T. Darch, H. W. Wheeler,
J. Hardy, John Dunn, A. K. Shaw, Fred. Showier, James L. Spry,
William Kinsman, R. J. Southcott, R. McBride, J. M. Shaw, H. C.
Merritt, John Dawson, W. J. Craig, Francis Barnard, William Maddi-
ford, William Jacobs, John Brown, H. C. Allison, Frank Riddell, Wm.
Riddell, Alex. McDonald, John Mitchell, W. E. Stanley. John John-
ston, Frank Harding, W. H. Shaw, John Tweed, (J. M. Anderson,
John Hayman, T. P. Blackwell, W. J. Minhinnick, C. R Sommerville,
S. Shaddock, T. Lee, M. D. Dawson, W. H. Payne, (ieorge Mortimer,
J. W. Rowlands. This was finally done away with, and London
Canton, No. 1, of Patriarchs MiHtant, formed in its stead, with the
same brethren as charter members.
London Canton, No. 1, Patriarchs Militant, was organized Dec.
31, 1885, as a thoroughly military organization, with Captain John
Brown, Lieutenant Frank Riddell, Ensign W. T. Darch ; Lieut-Colonel
E. R. Robinson and Major W. T. Stenberg, 1st Battalion, forming the
staff.
Loyal City of London Lodge, C. 0. 0. F., in connection with
the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows of Canada, was organized under
dispensation by the Grand Lodge of Canada, January 3, 1870, the
witnesses being W. Parsons, T. Willing, J. Way, T. Hobbs, S. Harris,
C. Bickell, D. Evans, L. Clarke, T. Tindal. The list of Past Noble
Grands is as follows: — W. Phillips, W. Hudson, J. P. Sherrin, R.
Clarke, W. H. Phillips, George Hodges, W. H. Essery, George Jarman,
James Thorn, J. A. Phillips, William Row, A. Dick, John Day, W.
Buckingham, S. King, J. Go ward, R. J. Cripps.
The Oddfellows' Hall was completed and dedicated in August,
1875, by Forest City. Eureka and Dominion Lodges, the owners.
Court Pride of the Dominion, No. 5660, A. 0. F., is the oldest
court in the city. The charter was granted by the Executive Council
of the High Court of Ancient Foresters of England, at a meeting held
in York, January 3, 1872, with Francis Rawlings, High Chief Ranger.
The charter members were: — H. T. Reason, John Bignall, Thomas
Cope, William Chamberlain, George Medhurst, Alfi-ed Goldsmith,
Joseph Garrett, John Home, John Nutkins, Peter Bailey, G. W. Cox,
Simeon Hott, Charles Marham, William Taylor, Richard Morris,
Richard Terry, Alfred Butler, Henry Stratfold, William Calder,
Arthur Cook. T. S. Minton, T. A. Harley, J. E. Hughes, Samuel
Trapleton, J. Taylor, J. H. Tollhurst, George Berry, Phil. Burroughs,
John Penecott, John Henderson, C. HiUyard, William Kingsworth,
348 HISTORY OF THE
Charles Wheelhouse, James Rice, James Thompson, Charles Maker,
Charles Gower, David Oxley, John Madden, Richard Button, Richard
Davey, Frank Rngg, Levi Hodgkinson, John Cole, Joseph Jinkinson,
Henry Holder. This lodge first met in Mon-ill lodge-room, Rich-
mond street, now in Albion Block. The Past Chief Rangers are :
— R. Dutton, A. Bending, W. Moore, T. S. Minton, T. Cole, J. Wilkins,
A. J. Marsh, W. Foster, R. Taylor, J. Heaman, C. E. Keene, R. S.
Eockett, Edwin Lee, T. Cope, H. Stratfold, G. Taylor, H. J. Carter,
W. H. Bartlett, E. Hickson, J. Cook, W. H. Brookmg, \V. Riley, H.
Graham, Matthew Looney and Frederick Rossiter.
The Forester Club was organized in November, 1872, with William
Balkwill, president; B. Drake, V. P. ; James Smith, S. T. ; S. G.
Moore, James Glenn, jun., and H. Hayward, managers.
London United, No. 1, A. 0. F., Juvenile Branch, was chartered
by the Subsidiary High Court of Canada, the guardians being James
W. Woonton, H. James Carter, and Richard Taylor, of Court 5660.
The presidents of this lodge were Richard Taylor and S. Yelland.
CouH Forest City, No. BlJ^Jf, A. 0. F., was chartered by the High
Court of England, October 21, 1872, the members being George
Calver, Peter Toll, and Edward Clayson. The list of Past Chief
Rangers comprises : — Peter Toll, Thomas Butler, Wm. Whitehead,
John Phillips, W. H. Brown, R. W. Timson, T. C. Bartlett, Charles
Pugh, George Berry, T. A. Wright, Joseph Newman, Edmund Head,
J. H. Martin, Wm. Gammage, Joseph Simmons, John Dilloway, George
Taylor, F. Ball, and James Falkner.
CouH Forest Queen, No. 6563, A. 0. F., was chartered by the
Executive Council of the High Court of Ancient Foresters of Eng-
land, June 1, 1881. The charter members were : — Thomas Flinton,
W, R. Nichol, and M. J. Walsh. The Past Chief Rangers are :— J,
Hislop, M. J. Walsh, W. Tyler. W. Loughrey, F. W. J, Ball, J. H.
Nichols, G. E. Pickell, E. Pierce. J. Kelly, A. Drewe, Dr. W. J. Mitchell,
A. E. Lewis.
Glenwood Conclave, No. '24, K. 8. F., received charter from the
Supreme Conclave of the United States, October 25, 1883. The mem-
bers being : — Maurice Scarrow, W. T. Duff, J. Deacon, J. M. Piper, M.
D., John Thorburn, John Goshng, R. S. Rockett, A. Sutherland, Fred
Templar, S. R. Maimess. The Past Commanders are : — Fred Temp-
lar, Maurice Scarrow, John Thorburn, and J. Deacon.
Knights of Sherwood Fm-est, No. 25, received charter from the
Grand Conclave of the United States, November 1, 188.i. The mem-
bers were : — Thos. P. Hobbs, E, Reynolds, John Dilloway, R. W.
Timson, Jas. W. Woonton. John A. Elms, F. Toll, John Martin, Chas.
Pugh, Thos. Nickle, and W. Smith. The Commanders are named as
follows : — T. P. Hobbs, F. Reynolds, William Gammage, George Young.
Court Stella, No. 70^7, A. 0. F, was chartered by the Subsidiary
High Court of the Dominion of Canada, February 13, 1884, the mem-
bers being : — Alex. K. Shaw, John Nutkins, and Robert Moule. The
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 349
Past Chief Rangers are : — James Vanstoue, J. J. Cuthbertson, George
Ewen, John Nutkins, Joseph Amor.
The Supreme CouH of Independent Order of Foresters was or-
ganized July 1, 1881, at London, with Dr. Oronhyatekha, Supreme
Chief Eanger; E. S. Cummer, Supreme Secretary; T. G. Davis,
Supreme Treasurer; and the following members of the Executive
Council :— Dr. Oronhyatekha, E. Bottreli, Prof. Herbert C. Creed, E. S.
Cummer, T. G. Davis, Thomas Milman, M. D., and John A. Mc-
Gillivray.
Court Hope, No. 1, I. 0. F., was chartered by the Supreme Court
of Canada, August 22, 1881, the members being Alexander Aikman,
T. G, Sutherland, Frank Kirchmer, Thomas Holmes, A. M, Shrieves,
Thomas ]\Iotley, Thomas Hartford, William Cooper, George Pacey,
J. K. Flock, M. D., and Thomas Gerrie. The Past Chief Rangers are
T. G. Sutherland, A. E. Hourd, Thomas Hartford, Thomas Gerrie, T.
F. Gibson, J. W. Cryer. H. Gibbons, H. P. Allen, A. McQuire and P.
Matthews.
Court Bufferin, No. 7, 1. 0. F., was chartered by the Supreme
Court of Canada, January 1, 1883, with the following members : — Jas.
Crawford, William Trafibrd, Hiram Charlton, J. Fred. Cryer, A. B.
Murdock, Franz Ashenback, Silas G. Moore, L. N. Vail, George R.
Sanderson, George Parish, Alexander B. Fenwick, M.D., John L. Vail,
Vincent Teneck, J. Andrews, John Edwards, Robert Munroe, John A.
Schneider, James Palmer, George Porter, John Porter, En(jck Murphy,
John Leathorn, R. H. Elliott, J. R. Gilroy, W^. Spence, and J. Woodall.
The Past Chief Rangers are James Crawford, Richard Hancock, Franz
Ashenbach, A. E. Fessenden, F.J. Bowen, Fitzwater, Henry Gib-
bons, Alexander Aikman, A. Swazie, Henry Pratt and Thos. Aitkeus.
Court Welcome, No. 12, I. 0. F., was chartered September 21,
1885, with the following members : — William Bryant, George H. Mc-
Clelland, Joseph Amor, iVI. Walmsley, R. Bissett, A. E. Johnson,
Henry Hull, John Macredy, 0. M. Belfry, M. D., U. Gilmour and
A. Tait. The list of Chief Rangers is as follows : — William Bryant,
George McClelland, and W. L. Dundas.
Court Maj^le Leaf, No. 16, A. 0. F., (juvenile branch) was organ-
ized under dispensation, December 15, 1885, with George Berry,
Thomas C. Bartlett, Walter Richards, of Court Forest City, iSTo. 5744,
as guardians, and the following officers : — President, Thomas Wilkey ;
vice-president, T. C. Bartlett ; treasurer, John Nutkins ; secretary,
Walter Richards.
Mystic Court, No. 359, I. 0. F, was instituted Aug. 3, 1887, with
R. B. Hungerford, George Durand, J. Callard, R. F Wright, M. C.
Fitzgerald, Charles McDonald, John Overell, James H. Hodgins, W.
S. Rycard, G. W. Lampkin, Thomas Hood, James Ferguson and Dr.
H. H. McCallum filling the respective positions. The Chief Rangers
of this Lodge were : — John Callard, J. D. Sharman and Franklin
Wright.
;^50 HISTOUY OF THE
Court Robin Hood, No. 59, C. 0. F., was chartered by the High
Court of Canada, January 1, 1881, the members being :— George Trace,
J. L Tweed, T. G. Sutherland, J. H. Leavens, (J. H. Allen, John
Fleming, Wm. (iray, Charles Sturges, William Young, M. Connors,
Charles Elms, J. K. Flock, Enos B. Smith, George H. Westlake, John
ilasou, John Screaton, Samuel Screaton, George Pacey, R. W. Wilson
and C. W. Flock. The Past Chief Rangers, are : — George Trace, J. L.
Tweed, Solon Wolverton, John W. Elliott, John Fleming, G. F. Ryder,
Thomas Fleming, John Mason, William Gray, Neil Cooper, Andrew
Kirkpatrick, and Ed. Walton.
CcniH Victory, No. Jj., C. 0. F., was chartered by the High Court of
Canada, September 8, 1882, with the following members : — Alfred
Allen, Robert Allen, John Ashworth, J. N. Beattie, John H. Chapman,
Charles Doe, William R. Falls, Henry Ferns, James Granger, B. W.
Greer, Charles Horton, Robert Howard, John Hollingsworth, Josepli
Hamilton, William Hawthorn, A. H. Hawthorn, J. B. Jennings, Ed.
Kettle, T. L. Luscombe, John Lapthorn, James Law, John jMitchell,
George McBroom, H. McLaren, William McNeill, George McNeill, A.
McPherson. John McGill, R. M. McElheran, B. S. Gates, F. H. Robin-
son, Maurice Scarrow, J. W. Standfield, Edward Towe, H. A. Thomp-
son, James W. Thorpe, J. D. Wilson, M. D. The following are Past
Chief Rangers : — R. M. McElheran, Edward Towe, Maurice Scarrow,
H. A. Thompson, J. W. Standfield, Charles Doe, J. W. Thorpe, F. H.
Robinson, H. Cater, D. C. Kennedy, Jolin Law, John Reed.
Court Defiance, No. 7, C. 0. F., was chartered August 28, 1882,
with the following members: — Alfred Cave, W. J. Crone, Thomas
Burridge, Francis Forman, Benjamin Slade, C. W. Walker, W. J.
Element, Thomas Ellis, Paul Wyrtz, Richard Adcock. The Past Chief
Rangers are: — J. F. McLachlan, Alfred Cave, C. W. Walker, Paul
Wyrtz, A. Anderson, William J. Niclde, E. A. Reed, J. R. Barrell,
George Harper, John Ellis and L'homas Atkinson.
Court Orient, No. 150, C.O.F., was chartered September 22, 1886,
with the following named members : — John Walkei', Thomas Burton,
Dennis Hartson, Austin M. Robinson, J. G.Dean, James Lucas, J. W.
Eraser, R. T. McBride, G. H. Grafton, H. G. Collamore, C. N, Spencer,
T Sweeny, J. H. Wilson, Thomas Crofts, A. R. Priugle, W. H. Frencli,
W. M. Allaster, James Greenway, George Meers, H. D. Lee, W. C.
Arbuckle, W. H. Anderson, Frank Kirchmer, John Glen, A. McBride,
and Neil McNeil. The Past Chief Rangers are C. N. Spencer, James
Greenway, and Neil JIcNeil.
London Council, No. i'o3. Royal Arcanum, was chartered May o,
1880, the members being:— W. H. Street, W. H. Bartram, E. Palmer,
Charles F. Colwell, J. A. Moorhouse, Charles A. Stone, James McMar-
tin, John W. Kelly, C. M. Hume and W. D. McGloghlon. The hst of
Past Regents is as follows : — Edmond Palmer, W. H. Bartram, C. F.
Colwell, J. M. Logan, Alexander McBride, A. H. Fessenden, A. B.
Munson, Cl. T. Campbell, M. D., John Millar, Walter Bartlett and J.
H. Adams,
COU.N'IY OF MiUDLESEX. 351
Paragon Council. No. 75, Royal Arcanum, was chartered May
1, 1883, the members being : — N. Wilson, John Porter, A. R. Galpin,
Thomas Haddocks, M. F. Tupper. M. J. Glass, G. A. Kalus, A.
Wheaton. "William Pudney, Frank Kirchmer, Alexander Aikman, A,
McMichael, J. L. Barnwell, Thomas McGoey and Eobert M. iJraham.
The Past Regents are: — Alexander Aikman, Thomas Maddocks, James
M. Smith, H. C Symonds, T. T. Mortimer and T. G. IJavis.
In May, 1888, the following represented London at the meeting of
the Grand Council of the Royal Arcanum, which was lield in St.
Catliarines : — From London Council, Walter Bartlett, Past Regent ;
Paragon Council, Thomas Mortimer, Past Regent; and London South
Council, A. C. Johnson, Past Regent. The officers of Grand Council
from London are : — CI. T. Campbell, M. D., A. B. Munson, Past
Regent, and J. Pope, Past Regent,
Myrtle Lodge, No. S, Knights of Pythias, was chartered June 24,
1873, with the following members: — James Smith, S. Gilbert Moore,
Samuel Grigg, Thomas Shelton, Joseph Percival, Peter Wyckoff, Wm.
D. Riddell, John Williams, Joseph Bilton, John White, Samuel F.
Robinson, Thomas Partridge and Richard Wigmore. The list of Past
Chancellors is as follows : — James Smith, John Williams, F. T. Richard-
son, Thomas Mackey (died 1877), Frank Sauagan, Frank Campbell (died
1886), R. Carrothers, Phil Burroughs, H. A. Willis, 0. E. Brener, J.
Fisher, C. Dunne (died 1881), C. Wlieelhouse (died 1884), T. A. Harley
(died 1884), Wm. H. Street (died 188(3), F. E. Hall, Jas. Adkins, Ed.
Galpin, William Battershill, T. J. Boyd, W. Darville, Milo J. Baker.
Pythagoras Lodge, No. 12, K. of P., was instituted July 30, 1875,
by G. V. C. Hawthorne, with D. F. Cordingly, P. C, and G. Waddell,
K. of S. & R.
Mizpah Lodge, No. 23, K. of P., was chartered by the Grand Lodge
of Ontario, June 10, 1884, the members being : — J. F. Fitzgerald, Benj.
S. Case, Richard Poulton, George Usherwood, G. W. Johnson, Henry
Thomas Smith, W. H. Brown, Thomas Hetherington, J. A. McGenuis,
William Heathfield and Ira Landon. The list of Past Chancellors
embraces Alexander (lardiner, John F. Fitzgerald, Richard Poulton,
G. W. Plastow, T. F. Mitchell, J. A. McGenuis, Benj. S. Case, T. S.
Bradford, Thomas Hueston, James Fitzgerald, Charles E. Jarvis, M.D.,
Thomas Hetherington.
Beatrice Council, Order of Chosen Friends, was chartered by the
Supreme Council of Chosen Friends of the United States, June 15,
1882, the members being : — Dr. C. H. Moore, John Turnbull, A.
Whittaker, Samuel Rouse, J. F. McDonald, Robert Hornsby, Alfred
Crouch, Robert Logan, James Porteous, Thomas Fitzpatrick, A. Lucas,
J. Walmsley, John Waters, David Allison, Frank McLean and Chas.
Bredin. The Cliief Councillors are : — John Turnbull, Alfred Crouch,
James Malcolm, John A. McHarg and T. C. Porteous.
St. George's Society was organized as a social club in 1847, with
the late Edward Matthews president. The first dinner was held at
oo2 HISTORY OF THE
Balkwill's Hotel on the 23i'd of April, 1847. It was usual on the 23rd
of April (which is St. George's Day) to roast an ox, which the members
earned in procession through the streets, and then had a great jollifica-
tion, which often lasted a week. This was finally abolished, and the
club disbanded. On December 9, 1867, it was reorganized in its
present state, with F. Westlake president, having for its object the
uniting of Englishmen and Welshmen and their descendants, and to
render assistance to one another. The former presidents were : — Edward
Matthews Francis Westlake, John Siddons, H. Taylor, W. H. Essery,
James Grifiin. George Pritchard, Thomas Heaman, John Phillips, J. H.
Pritchard, William Trebilcock, J, H. Barons, Edward De la Hooke, W.
H. Bartram, R. W. Barker and John B. Cox. The society was incor-
porated in 1871.
St. Patnck's Society was organized in 1850. In March, 1851,
Patrick Smyth and Freeman Talbot, of London, Patrick Mee, of
Adelaide, and Edward Mahon, of St. Thomas, were admitted mem-
bers; and in 1852, James Shanly, jr., J. Daniel, A. S. Abbott, Francis
Smith, P. G. Non-is, C. Montsarrat, Dr. Phillips F. McGiU, B. Cox, P.
Murtagh, Nicholas Wilson, P. Hart, John McDowell, W. ]Ashberry, J.
Talbot and J . Brown, were officers. For a number of years this society
exercised a powerful influence for good ; but the organization of the
Irish Benevolent Society tended to the disruption of St. Patrick's,
and appropriated many, if not all, of its useful principles.
The Irish Benevolent Society was organized JNIarch 18, 1877, with
Lieut.-Colonel James Shanly, president; Hugh Macmahon, Q. C„ John
Beattie and Daniel Regan, vice-presidents ; John F. Mahon. treasurer ;
James Magee, corresponding secretary; John Smith, financial secre-
tary ; H, D. Long, W. R Meredith, James Egan, Richard Bayly, J, J.
Gibbons, .John Taylor, John Wright, Benjamin Cronyn, Henry Wilson,
Martin O'Meara, Dr. Sippi and A. B. Powell, executive committee ;
Drs Moore, Haggaity, Going, Brown and Mitchell, physicians, There
were nine life members and forty active members enrolled, the receipts
being $130, among whom were : — Thomas Coffey, W, Hud.son, Hiram
Lee, R. Wigmore, 'M. Flaharty, J. M. Keary, Peter McCann, R.
Keightley, M. D. Eraser, J. O'Connell, Thomas Peel, D. Lester, A.
[.oughrey, J. McAuliffe, M. Walsh, P. F. Boyle, M. Curry, J. M. Mc-
Donald, Alderman, Thompson, J. D. Sharman, J. Martin, J. Taylor,
James A. Roe and T. Phelan. The presiding ofUcers of the Society
for the last decade are named as follows : — Hugh Macmahon, now
.Fudge of Queen's Bench, 1878; H.D.Long, 1879; D. Regan, 1880;
Benj. Cronyn, 1881; John M. Keary, 1882; John Smith, succeeded
by John Labatt in 188.3; Dr. C A. Sippi, 1884; .James Magee, 1885;
W. J. Reid, 1886 ; B. C. Mc( "ann, 1887 ; and Thomas H. Smallman,
the present president. The first secretary, .Tames Magee, was suc-
ceeded by P. F. Boyle, and he by Christopher Hevey. B. C. McCann
.served as secretary from 1882 to 1887, when -T. B. Vining was elected.
Wm. Thompson, of the Advertiser, is the jjresciit incumbent, fiUing
PHEASANT HUKTIHG.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 353
the office with that attention which marks his joumahstic career. In
August, 1 888, the annual meeting was held. There were present : —
Messrs. B. C. McCann, president ; J. B. Vining, recording secretary ;
P. F. Boyle, financial secretary ; W. J. Eeid, H. D. Long, J. M. Keary,
W. Thompson, P. Mulkern, T. Phalen, J. P. O'Byrne, Jerry Collins
and J. Kearns. The annual financial statement submitted by Mr.
Boyle showed a cash balance on hand of $54.18 ; assets (market value),
S708.45; liabilities, $56.66 ; excess of assets over liabilities, $651.79.
Officers were elected as follows : — President, Thos. H. Smallman ; first
vice-president, Dennis Daly ; second vice-president, P. Mulkern ; third
vice-president, Thomas Phalen ; treasurer, J, M. Keary ; financial secre-
tary, P. F. Boyle ; William Thompson, recording secretary. Executive
committee :— W. J. Reid, H . D. Long, J. W. Little, B. C. McCann,
Stephen Grant, J. P. O'Byrne, James Magee, J. B. Vining, John
Labatt, D. Eegan, J. J. Gibbons and Thomas Connor. The aimual
picnic of this society is said to form one of the most pleasant meetings
held in all Canada, From the circidar issued in November, 1888, it
is learned that the Society was organized irrespective of creeds, classes
or parties, in the year 1877 ; it has been, and is, the only successful one
of its kind in Canada, and it has had a useful and honorable career.
Its objects are to cultivate fraternal relations among Irishmen and
descendants ; to cherish the worthy memories of the Emerald Isle ; to
relieve those in distress, and to promote the well-being of Irishmen
generally. The motto is, Quis separabit.
The Catholic Literary Society was organized in November, 1881,
by Eev. Father O'Mahony, who was elected first president, with P.
Mulkern, vice-president, and M. J. Gleason, secretary. In November,
1882. Ptev. M.J. Tiernan was elected president; W. J. McGuigan, M. A.,
and F. F. Harper, vice-presidents ; Eev. Father Walsh, chaplain ; T. J.
O'Meara, treasurer ; P. F. Boyle, financial secretary ; M. J. Gleason,
recording secretary ; B. C. McCann, J. J. Blake and James Vining,
managing committee ; J. Starr, J. J. Blake and Charles Harper,
amendment committee ; M. Masuret and L. Wieser, auditors. Bishop
Walsh was the patron of the society.
The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association, Branch No. 3, was
organized in May, 1878, by T. A. Burke, S. D. D., with Dr. Phalen,
president; Thomas Coffey and P. O'Eielly, vice-presidents; T. Mar-
shall, recording secretary ; E. Gibbons, assistant secretary ; A. Wilson,
financial secretary; J. J. Gibbons, treasurer; John Dennehy, marshal ;
M. Hartman, guard ; with Messrs. Coffey, J. J. Gibbons, Wilson,
O'Eielly and Burke, trustees. S. E. Brown was elected Grand
Recorder of the Canadian association in 1888.
The Ontario Catholic Mutual Beneficiary Association was organ-
ized July 14, 1879.
Clan Eraser, No. ^3, 0. S. C. was chartered by the Eoyal
Scottish Clan, March 2, 1888, the object being to unite Scotchmen and
give benefits. The_ charter members were : — Tlios. A. Browne, Francis
354 HISTORY OF THE
Love, Walter Fairbairn, John Fairgrieve, John G. Jones, Thomas Gray,
James Reid, Robert K. Cowan, J. W. Mcintosh, Ludwig K. Cameron,
John W. Jones, Thomas Gillean, Alexander McTaggavt, M.D., Robert
Reid, jr.. Dr. James Macarthur and Alexander Fraser. John Fair-
grieve is chief, with L. A. Browne, Secretary.
London Circle, No. 1^8, was chartered by the Supreme Circle of
Canadian Home Circles, June 13, 1887, with the following members :
C. A. Kingston, Robert Kirkpatrick, T. H. Purdom, W. J. Carson, W.
T. Strong, William Jones, W. T. Gartley, W. S. Rhycard, James Fair-
bairn, James Muirhead and John Hargreave. The Past Leaders are,
C. A. Kingston, Robert Kirkpatrick and William Jones.
British Lion Lodge, No. 53, Sons of England, was chartered
November 24, 1887, with the following members : — Henry Thomas
Smith, John Nutkins, Henry Stanyer, Peter Pope, Joseph Simmons,
C. S. Thome, James Legg, Wm. Trick, Samuel Yelland, W. Pickard,
L. Wells, C. W. Belton, M. D., and George RawUngs. The presidents
are H. C. Simpson and Joseph Simmons.
Clielsea Lodge, No. 37, Sons of England, was chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Canada, March 26, 1886, with the following mem-
bers : — H. J. Caster, Henry Popham, Wm. Grindley, A. E. Ashton,
Wm. Moore, F. St. George Thompson, G. T. Hiscox, E. R. Robinson,
Dr. Stevenson, Dr. Jarvis, Dr. Pringle, Dr. Jones, Wm. Bridgman, and
W. Court. The presidents are named as follows : — E. R. Robinson,
H. J. Carter and F. St. George Thompson.
Fidelity Lodge, No. 5, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was
chartered by Supreme Lodge of the A. 0. U. W. of Ontario, May 29,
1878, with the following members : — F. J. Hood, M. D. Dawson, W.
R. Browne, William Dodson, J. A. Mitchell, J. W. Kelly, J. H. Ten-
nant, J. Ashberry, J. A. Rose, Jas. A. Kennedy, R. B. Hungerford,
F. H. Mitchell, M. p.
Ontario Council No. 209, was chartered by the Senate of the
National Union, April 20, 1886, the members being : — Walter Bartlett,
Geo. S. T. Bryce, Alex. McDonald, Charles Stevens, J. S. Deacon, R.
K. Cowan, Alfred Talbot, Peter McVean, David A. Smith, K. G. Bowie.
The list of presidents is as follows : — Walter Bartlett, Geo. S. T. Bryce,
Alexander McDonald.
London Division, No. 6S, B. L. E., was chartered by the Grand
International Division of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in
1868, the members being William Windtield and Thomas Brock. The
Chiefs are :■ — Thomas Brock (the first to bring a charter into Canada),
and Peter Temple at the })resent time.
Beaver Lodge, No. 117, B. L. F., was chartered by the Grand
Lodge of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen of the United States
and the Canadas, August 14, 1882, with the following members : —
Thomas Bell, Edwin Chapman, Charles Collinson, Charles Bredin,
John Elliott, George Ryder, George Bowman, William Strongman,
Robert Lister, Alfred Crouch, S. S. Fletcher, John W. Cox, William
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 355
Temple, Patrick Packham, Henry Angles, William Young, George
Angles, John Dickson, Edward Lowe, Alfred Prodger, Thomas Cass-
well, William Emsley, E. Gowanlock, Robert Hornsby, William Robin-
son, Alexander P. McLean and George Hall. The presiding officers
were R. Gowanlock and Robert Hornsby.
Forrest City Lodge, Ko. '''40, B. R. B., was chartered by the Grand
Lodge of the Brotherhood of Kailroad Brakenien, September 10, 1886,
the members being : — G. H. Hawthorn, James A. Sloan, James F.
McDonald, M. Driscoll, A. Douglass, John Wilson, D. J. Hopkins,
Wm. H. Farrell, D. Murray, C. A. Johnston, J. I). Fortune, John
Law, John Gillinan, J. B. Adams, Henry ScarclifPe, A. McDonald,
Samuel Welsh, John Connors, Ed. McCarthy, John Rich. They meet
in Albion Block, Richmond street. The list of masters embraces the
following names : — G. H. Hawthorn, James McDonald and M.
Driscoll.
London Branch, Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners,
was organized December 15, 1871. Of this Fergus R. Lloyd is presi-
dent ; Robert Bonney is secretary.
Bricklayers' Union, No. 5, was chartered by National Union of
Bricklayers of the United States, September 30, 1881, with the follow-
ing named members : — Edward Haughton, Scott Murray, Walter
Gibling, Alexander Todd, T. W. Chennal and Abraham Bending.
Frank Gray is president, with Joseph Hawthorne, secretary.
Master Bricklayers' Association was organized Dec. 21, 1885.
The presidents since that date are named as follows : — Wm. Heaman,
H. C. Simpson, and E. North, with H. C. Simpson, secretary.
London Unioii, No. 1, Brotherhood of Painters and Decoratws,
was chartered by the General Assembly of Painters and Decorators,
May 1, 1887, the members being W^. T. Pace, E. W. Timson, James
W. Woonton, F. J. Fitzgerald, C. Fitzgerald, and David Spence. The
list of presidents embraces the names of W. T. Pace and R. W.
Woonton.
Laborers' Union of London, No. 2, was chartered by the Builders'
Laborers' National Union of Canada, July 25, 1887, the members
being John Layzell, Patrick Barrett, and David Jennison. John Lay-
zell and H. Delaney have served as presidents.
Semi-religious Societies. — The Y. M. C. A., of London, dates back
to November, 1856, when its organization was perfected. In February,
1873, at meetings held at the residence of Mr. Denton, North street, it
was resolved to organize a regular Young Men's Christian Association
upon a more systematic and larger basis. Subsequently, rooms over A.
Johnston's leather store, on Richmond street, were leased and occupied
by the association, which at a later date removed to apartments in the
Oddfellows' Hall. They also held meetings in the old Morrill Temple,
and about ten years ago the former New Connexion Methodist Church,
on Clarence street, was secured, thoroughly overhauled, a new white
brick front, with red trimmings, erected and opened for Y. M. C. A.
356 HISTORY OF THE
purposes, under the name Victoria Hall. The property is said to have
cost some $15,000, but it has been greatly improved at various times,
and is now undergoing extensive repairs preparatory to the coming
season.
The Religious Tract and Book Society was organized June 5,
1865, with Rev. J. Scott, president ; Revs. John McLean and Andrew
Kennedy ; Dr. Salter, William Bowman, James Shanly, Andrew
Drummond, J. T. Boyd, J. W. Lester, A. Murray, and others, managers.
The Bible Society, established years ago, is still in existence, while in
connection with the numerous churches, are aid societies, sewing
circles, missionary societies, etc , etc.
The London Evangelical Alliance was formed November 12,
1888, and the following officers were elected: — President, Right ReV.
M. Baldwin, D. D. ; vice-presidents. Rev. George Sanderson, D. D., and
Itev. J. A. Mun-ay, M. A. ; secretary. Rev. E. B. Ryckman, D. D. ;
treasurer. Rev. W. H. Porter, M. A.
Temperance Societies. — The Olive Branch Section, Cadets of Tem-
perance, is the first society of that class referred to in the records of
1850, and Sons of Temperance next. Forest City Lodge, No. 2, B. A.
O. of G. T., arose in Dec, 1858. This lodge and kindred ones of the
order existed for some years; for in 1865, E. R. Robinson speaks of
joining such a society of which John W. Jones was president. He
also relates the story of his separation from the Good Templars, as fol-
lows : — " One New Year's night, three of us, all members of the lodge,
were together, when Bill C says, ' Boys, I'm going to buy a bottle
of wine to celebrate New Year's day, temperance or no temperance ;'
and he did. Well ; we helped him to drink it, and after that I was
afraid to go back again, and I never belonged to a temperance lodge
since. That was my first experience in lodges."
Edward Hillan, president of the Catholic Teetotal Society, Feb-
ruary, 1862, asked the use of the Town Hall for meeting purposes.
John Wright was secretary at this time. Many branches of the Father
Matthew organization were established, and exercised a most salutary
influence in connection with the several societies of the other religious
bodies. In later years, the Women's Christian Temperance Union
came into existence, continuing the great work down to the present
time. The Young Men's Prohibition Club, a political temperance
organization, was formed in October, 1888, when the following-
named officers were elected : — President, Wm. Scarrow ; 1st vice-presi-
dent, J. H. Bowman ; 2nd vice-president, W. H. Winnett ; secretary,
J. D. Keeuleyside ; assistant secretary, R. V. Matthews, jr. ; financial
secretary, D. A. McDermid; treasurer, J. F. Kern. The following
were elected as an executive committee : — C. Hutchinson, Dr. Irvine,
W. Y. Brunton, J. Dearness, Wm. Gurd, J. Wilkens, and I. M. Mayell.
Anti^Slavery Society. — In September, 1852, Rev. S. R. Ward,
agent of the Anti-Slavery Society, visited London, and, although a
colored man, preached in the Methodist New Connexion Chapel. After
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 357
his lecture, a branch of the society was organized, with Rev. Wm.
McClure, president; Rev. R. Boyd, secretary-treasurer; Revs. John
Scott and W. F. Clarke, Dr. Salter, John Fraser, Dr. Wanless, Wm.
Rowland, and A. B. Jones, directors. The Fugitive Chapel followed
this organization, and measures were taken, not only looking to the
comfort of refugees, but also to means for rescuing the slaves from
their inhuman condition.
Base Ball. — In the fall of 1868 the first base ball tournament was
held at London. At this time the Young Canadians, of Woodstock,
were the champions, but were beaten by the Maple Leaf Club of
Guelpb, who held the championship until 1876, when Fred. Gold-
smith, Pliil. Powers, George Latham, Mike Dinneen, Joseph Hornung,
Mike Ledwith, Thomas Gillean, Thomas Brown and William Hunter,
the Tecumseh nine, won, the score being nine for Tecumsehs and eight
for Maple Leafs. In 1878 the Tecumsehs disbanded, after having
been awarded the International Base Ball Championship, February 19.
This action of the club was considered mystical a decade ago, some
persons stating that, having won everything, the nine determined to
close on the honors.
The present club of the same name is one of the leading ones in
the International League. The London syndicate, by whom it was
organized, watch closely after its interests. The old club of 1868,
looking on at the game of to-day, would indeed be puzzled at the
changes which twenty years have brought round ; and yet some pioneer
ball players cannot be satisfied, some preferring the game of former
times, and others making comparisons like this : —
" Oh, yes, I saw the players and their parti-colored socks.
And the ' captain ' and the ' umpire ' and the ' pitcher ' in the box ;
They are modern innovations that I noted as I sat
Aloft with you ; it won't compare with Two Old Oat !"
In June, 1869, a new base ball club was organized, with D Perrin,
John Harris, W. McLellan and James Woods, officers. The title
adopted was Tigers. A large number of nines have been organized
since 1869, but the old and new Tecumsehs have so shaded them, that
little or nothing authentic can be learned of their beginning or end
The F. and G. P. A. — The Fish and Game Protective Association
celebrated the sixth anniversary of organization on May 17, 1881. Dr.
J. S. Niven was elected president ; Dr. W. Woodruff and W. C. L.
Gill, vice-presidents ; David Skirving, treasurer and secretary ; S. C.
Elliott, John Puddicombe, A. McRae, Thomas H. Smallman, H. Bruce,
W. S. Strong and L. McDonald, executive committee. The associa-
tion accomplished many of its objects, and to-day, under the inspector-
ship of Peter McCann, there is no place in Canada where river fisheries
are better protected.
Social Clubs. — In early years the social club was introduced;
for it is said that in 1832, in the wilderness of Adelaide, the com-
muted pensioners erected a club house and carried it on until the hard
358 HISTORY OF THE
work of clearing the forest reminded the members that their club
days had passed away. During the garrison days of London a militaiy
or civil club always existed ; but not until the organization of the
present London Club, and the completion of their house, did such an
association attain permanency. The London Club of to-day claims a
number of representative men, and represents a great deal of the
wealth of the city. The house stands on the site of an old hotel, on
tlie south side of Queen's avenue, just east of Eichmond street
Tlie Brunswick Club (formerly called " The Bachelors' ") was
organized in 187L having for its aim the promotion of social inter-
course and moral improvement. Their rooms were for some time in
Hunt's Block, afterwards in the Oddfellows' Hall, and now in the
Masonic Temple. The presidents of the club since its organization are
named as follows : — William Green, 1871 ; A. W. Porte, 1872 ; James
Priddis, 187o; Frank Leonard, 1874; John Bland, 1875; George
Priddis, 1876 ; W. L. Blake, 1877; C. W. Leonard, 1878. In Decem-
ber, of 1879, the name was changed to " Brunswick Club," on account
of some of the members having ceased to be bachelors and not wishing
to give up their membership. Eobert Wallace was president in 1879 ;
John W. Colcleugh, 1880 ; George D. Wandless, 1881 ; W. E. Turner,
1882; W. Elliott, 1883; Edwin Paul, 1884; W. A. Gunn, 1885;
M. D. Dawi3on, 188G ; Eobert Eeid, 1887 ; W. J. Nicholson, 1888.
The Youtig Men's Conservative Club was organized in 1878. The
list of presidents gives the following names : — J ohn Smith, James B.
Cook, John Pritchard and Henry Vivian. Since the reorganization of
1885, the following-named have been presidents : — Patrick Mulkern,
Richard Bland and Alfred Wigmore.
llic Baconian Club, of London, was founded iu 1884. The presi-
dents are named in the following list : — J. L, Payne, George More-
head, John Stevenson, A. D. Hardy and C. G. Jarvis. The secretaries
have been : — T. H. Pope, E. A. Bayly, J. P. Moore, E. A. Little, with
G N Weckes, recorder.
The German Aid Society was organized February 1, 1888, with
eighteen members, as a social club, and also to render mutual assist-
ance, with President Webber and Secretary Featherstone, principal
officers.
An Old-Time Chd>. — A. K. Thompson's reminiscences, published
in the Quarter Century issue of the Advertiser, syieak of a strange
organization that existed here about 1863. He states : — " We had a
club then, you know, with IMll Norris, Arthur Sydere, myself, D. C.
Macdonald, Jack Macdonald, George Birrell, Ed. Meredith, Wm. Bir-
rel, Angus Webb, Tom Clegg, Fred Ashton — and he could wi'ite a good
article, too — all these young fellows in it, to the number of about 40.
It was just a social club. It was called the Hellfriar Club AVe
didn't give it that name. Outside folks did after they got on to us.
We used to get posters printed, lampooning anyone who made himself
conspicuous ; and one morning the people would wake up and find the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 359
town placarded with these posters, and they wouldn't know where they
came from. I have often heard people discussing them, and one
would say : — ' I tell you, that thing was never written in this place ;
there's not the talent. It's someone in Toronto has done that.' And
then the others would agree with him. All the same, they were all
written up in our club room in John Cootes's block. After they were
written and approved of, we used to get hold of old Peter Cavanagh.
You have heard of him. Some woman in Australia left his daughter
£150,000 afterwards, and he's a pretty rich man now. Well ; we used
to get hold of Peter, who was the city bill poster, and fill him up with
liquor, and he'd lend us his brush and paste. There wasn't much of
a police force then, so about two o'clock in the morning we would
sally out, and in two hours have the whole city billed. But the people
who got it worst were the mushroom aristocracy. They could hardly
sleep at night for fear next morning they would be posted all over the
city. And how we did rip them up. How some of the of&cers in the
gan'ison would get it, too. But ' The Magenta Rangers ' was the best
thing ever came out. You know, at the time of the Trent affair,
there was great military ardor awakened all over Canada. Companies
were being raised, and regiments formed; so we raised the ' Magenta
Rangers,' on paper, and we had pretty nearly everybody in the city
dubbed captain or colonel. That was the best of them all. Just ask
Cammie Macdonald what he remembers about the ' Hellfriar Club,' and
hear what he says."
Early Theatres, etc. — There can be but little learned of the early
amusements provided for the villagers. The tragedies of 1831-7, the
stocks and the whipping-post, formed the grim amusements of very
early days. Later, the gamson theatricals claimed attention. Prom
the records of the city, however, the following memoranda is taken ;
they, at least, give a name and a date which are authentic : — A license
was issued to Kickwell & Stone to hold a circus at London, the tax
being fifty shillings per day, in June, 1843. On June 6, 1843, a
license to Mr. Wall, for a lecture on phrenology, cost thirty shillings.
On August 28, 1843, a Hcense was issued for the officers' performance
at the 'Theatre Royal, the fee being seventeen and one-half shillings.
A license to sell si^irits at the Theatre Royal for one evening was
issued to Sergeant Lloyd, September 11, 1843, and Martin Rykard's
license was transferred to William Winslow. On October 2, 1843, a
theatrical license was issued to Messrs. Raymond, Rivers & Co., to
perform in the Mechanics' Institute, the fee being $4 for the first night
and $1 for each succeeding night. T. E. Osborne paid thirty shillings
for the privilege of exhibiting his learned pig on October 31, 1843 ;
while Michael McGarry applied for license without costs on the part
of the London Theatrical Company, in October, 1844. W. Tulford &
Co. held an exhibition of wax figures here in 1844, paying twenty
shillings license. A circus company was also here that month, paying
fifty shillings per day license. The London Theatrical Club gave an
360 HISTORY OF THE
entertainment iu March, 1847, for the relief of the famine-stricken
people of Ireland. The club paid thirty shillings license, and this sum
was refunded to Secretary Montserratt, of the relief committee. During
the two succeeding decades, music and the drama made some progress.
Musical Organizations* — The first real musical society in London
was organized about 1865, Mrs. Raymond being its chief promoter,
assisted by Mr St. John Hyttenrauch, a gentleman who came to Lon-
don in 1858, and who has ever since been prominently identified with
musical affairs. After several years' work, that society dissolved, and
the London Musical Union was brought into existence, Mr. St. John
Hyttenrauch being the conductor. There were nearly 100 voices in
its ranks, and its operations extended over a period of about three
years. The vocal strength of the organization was supplemented by a
fine orchestra, Mr. Geo. B. Sippi performing the duties of leader. The
concerts were given in the City Hall, where large audiences assembled
to enjoy the rendering of such choice compositions as " Spring " and
" Mozart's Twelfth Mass." The Musical Union having become a part
of the silent past, another organization was brought into existence —
" The London Philharmonic Society," which enjoyed several successful
seasons, but ceased to exist some four or five years ago, chiefly owing
to the lack of public support. Dr. Verrinder was its conductor during
the gi'eater part of the time, but about the last season Mr. St. John
was chosen to fill the position. Among the compositions given were
" The Messiah " and " The Eose Maiden." The society lapsed into a
dormant state, and has not since revived. One reason for the lethargic
condition of the society at present, doubtless arises from the fact that
our best and most energetic choir leaders are devoting their best efforts
along the line of improving the organizations under their charge, to the
exclusion of any general society. There is not a little rivalry among
the chief choirs of the city, and good voices are quickly picked up and
trained for public service. One general organization existed four
years, and must not be overlooked. This was composed exclusively of
male voices (about twenty-five in number), under the leadership of
Mr. W. J. Birks, who has scored great success in this city as a choral
leader.
Church Choirs. — The largest in the city at present is that of the
Dundas Street Centre Methodist Church, with 75 voices, Mr. Birks as
leader. The organ in this church cost S3, 000, including improvements.
The St. Peter's Cathedral instrument, as it stands, cost $7,000, but
when the organ builders have finished their work it will have reached
the large sum of SL">,0II0. Dr. Verrinder, a brilliant organist and a
thorough master of musical science, is the presiding spirit at this instru-
ment, and has an excellcTit choir of over 40 effective voices.
St. Paul's Church is the fortunate possessor of a beautiful $6,000
organ and a surpliced choir of 48 voices, who render a cathedral service
under the talented directorship of Mr. George E. Sippi.
• By William Thompson.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 361
In the Queen's Avenue Methodist Church stands a magnificent
organ, costing $9,000, over which Mr. J. W. Featherstone presides
with acknowledged skill. He has a choir of some 70 voices.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church possesses a handsome new
$5,000 pipe organ, with a choir of some 30 voices, under the efficient
direction of Mr. Wilson.
Miss A. McLeod plays the organ in the Adelaide Street Baptist
Church, and in Queen's Park Methodist Church Miss L. Holmes is the
organist, and Mr. D. L. Hardy, leader.
Miss Bella Cole is the regular organist of the King Street Presby-
terian Church, but recently the position has been filled by Miss.
Marriot.
The Memorial Church congregation are also favored with the ser-
vices of an excellent choir, in which there are over 40 voices, well-
trained and doing admirable vocal work under the directorship of
Mr. William Barron, whose talents as a musician and teacher, and
whose zealous, untiring efforts in the promotion of good music are well
known to the public. The Memorial Church organ cost $2,000, and is
a very fine instrument.
The Wellington Street Methodist Church possesses a pipe organ of
considerable compass, which is presided over by Miss Eogers, the choir
leader being Mr. Geo. Bragg.
The pipe organ used in Christ Church is of creditable dimensions,
costing about $1,500, and is played by Mr. W. Halle, a skillful
musician.
Eecently a fine new organ, costing $2,000, was introduced into the
London South Methodist Church, and the organist is Mr. J. E. Thorne.
A fine organ in Knox Presbyterian Church in that suburb is also a
source of attraction. It is played by Mr. A. Geiger.
In St. James's (Episcopal) Church there is an excellent instrument,
played by Mr. Wm. Ellis.
Miss Minnie Raymond presides at the handsome instrument which
adorns the interior of Park Avenue Presbyterian Church.
The organ in St. James's Presbyterian Church cost about $800, and
presents a fine appearance. Miss Alice E. M. Summers is the player,
and Mr. W. J. Crone is the choir leader.
An excellent pipe organ is used in the King Street Methodist
Church, played by Miss Daniels. The choir numbers about twenty
voices, and is under the leadership of Mr. Chas. Thorne, an enthusi-
astic and successful tonic-sol-fa man.
In the Congregational Church the musical service is led by an
effective choir, of which Mr. T. AUen has been the leader for years.
Mr. A. Allen presides at the instrument The introduction of a fine
pipe organ is contemplated by the church authorities.
An efhcient choir leads the singing in the Talbot Street Baptist
Church, Mr. T. H. Thornhill presiding at the organ. Those mentioned
above are the leading church musical organizations of the city, and afford
362 HISTORY OF THK
an idea of what London can boast in this respect. All the other
churches are supplied with organs of moderate size, and enjoy the
presence of choirs that do themselves credit.
Bands. — Any musical sketch that made no allusion to the bands of
London would be incomplete. One of the first combinations of this
class was the Phoenix Fire Company Band of 1858, Mr. Sheiller, a
German, being the leader. Next came the Artillery band, formed
about 1859, and which subsequently was organized into a brigade
band for the whole volunteer force of the city. This band did duty
during the first Fenian raid. Mr. St. John resigned the leadership after
the raid, and the band then ceased active existence. After the forma-
tion of the battalion a new military band was organized, and was for
a time in charge of Mr. Metcalfe, the organist in the Roman Catholic
Church. Mr. St. John succeeded him, and about 1873 or 1874 Mr. W.
E. Hiscott took charge, and retained it until last spring, when Mr. Aug.
Andersen, an expert and accomplished musician, took control. For
three years the 2Gth Battalion had their headquarters here, and Mr. St.
John was leader of the band until the expiration of that period, when it
was removed to Strathroy. At the present time there are also three other
excellent bands here, viz , the London South or Foresters' Band, Mr.
Kettlewell, leader ; the Forest City (colored) Band, led by Mv. Ions ;
the Salvation Army and several string bands. Mr. Andersen is also
the popular director of the Grand Opera House orchestra.
Not a few amateur musical organizations have gone forth in Lon-
don to amuse the public, and this city has been always the home of
that old organization, the Holman Opera Company.
The London Miisical Union, as permanently organized in October,
1875, claimed the following-named officers : — Mayor Cronyn, president;
Lieut.-Colonel Lewis, Hermann Waterman, W. R. Meredith and Alder-
man Egan, vice-presidents ; St. John Hyttenrauch, conductor ; John
Cameron, honorary secretary, 11. W. Smylie, treasurer ; W". H.
Macqualter, assistant secretary ; Dr. Sippi, S. Chadwick, E. Plummer,
J. H. Griffiths, John Marshall, J. H. Eraser, G. B. Sippi, Samuel Peters,
W. Furness, Josiah Blackburn and A. T. H. Johnson, executive com-
mittee. Among other well known names were those of Harry Gorman,
J. Skeffiugton and Thomas Coll'ey. The orchestra comprised twenty-
three members; the vocal circle, eighty-eight members ; and the non-
performing members, eighty-three.
Board, of Traxle. — The London Board of Trade dates back to April
22, 1857, when forty-two residents signed the constitution, in fact, by
giving their names as subscribers to the amount of £1 annually. The
names of the original members were : —
Adam Hope. Win. Goriioii. Edward Adams. Fred. Rowland.
J. I. McKenzie. David Farrar. L. Lawrason. M. Anderson.
H. Chisholm. Chas. J. Hope. Robt. Reid. William Thomas.
Alf. H. Vennor. Walter Simpson. E. H. Hyman. John R. Labatt.
G. M. Gunn. James Coyne. A Paul. Edwin Heathlield.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 363
J, G. Mcintosh. Hugh Rose. Chas. Monsarrat. John C. Meredith.
Lionel Ridout. D. Macfie. Charles \V. Kent. John B. Smyth.
John Birrell. J. M. Bennett. Wni. W. Street. John Carling.
C. D. Shaw. Jas. C. Maeklin. S. Morrill. Wm. McBride.
T. H. Buckley. E Leonard. F. Smith. Wm. E. Sanford.
Wm. Glass. Henry Mathewson.
The first meeting after organization was held in the Mercantile
Library room, Crystal Block, (since extinct, the Palmer Block now
occupying its site) when a draft of constitution was presented and
adopted, and the following officers elected : — President, Adam Hope ;
vice-president, Lionel Eidout ; secretary, J. C. Maeklin ; council, J. I.
McKenzie, John Birrell, H. Chisholm, C. D. Shaw, Walter Simpson,
Chas. J. Hope, T. H. Buckley, G. M. Gunn, James Coyne, D. Farrar,
E. Leonard, Chas. Hunt, and Joseph Anderson.
The actions of the Board from the time of its organization to the
present date have been characterized in tlie main by a jealous regard
for the general interests of the community, and a perusal of the
minutes is all that is necessary to demonstrate the fact that their influ-
ence was exercised upon the broad principle of equal rights to all. In
noticing briefly a few of the more important events in which the
Board took an active interest (which interest had a direct influence in
shaping legislation principally of a civil character), it must not be
thought that that the Board ignored the requirements of municipal
reform. Their action in this respect was equally prompt and active,
the interests of the city and citizens being kept well to the fore.
The first matter that occupied the attention of the Board was the
amending of the usury laws so as to increase the rate of interest from
6 to 7 per cent., and to enable persons to collect on promissory notes,
etc., any rate of interest that might be agreed upon.
The Bankruptcy Act was also felt to afford inadequate protection to
the creditor so as to fortify such against the intrigues of the fraudulent
debtor. The Board strongly advocated that the consent of two-thirds
of tlie creditors should be required before arrangements could be made
with the debtor, and that a majority of the former approve of the
judge's decision before a full discharge could be obtained. Petitions
embodying the former views were forwarded in each case to the Legis-
lature.
In 1858, the Board offered vigorous opposition to the application
of the Great Western Kailroad for power to create .$8,000,000 of pre-
ferential stock for the construction of a road principally through
Michigan. They objected to raising such a large amount on a Canadian
enterprise, to be spent in opening up a foreign country.
In the same year the Board condemned the proposed increase of
tariff, as being subversive of the principles of free trade, and a policy
that sought the protection of the few at the expense of the many. In
1859, in reply to the Inspector-General, the Board denounced the
•excise duties as class legislation, and recommended their total abolition.
A petition was forwarded to John Carling in 1860, for presentation
364 HISTORY OF the
before the House, recommending the postponement of Mr. Gait's
scheme for establishing a bank of issue, in order to give the country an
opportunity to consider the proposition. In 1861, the establishment of
a grain exchange in connection with the Board was discussed. In the
same year the attention of Parliament was called to the action of the
Grand Trunk Eailway and Great Western Eailway in withdrawing
rolling stock and refusing to provide sufficient facilities for the trans-
portation of cereals, and discriminating in favor of the United States,
especially as the railways were considered to be greatly indebted in a
pecuniary manner to the city and surrounding country. The year
1862 witnessed a general outcry against the influx of United States
silver currency, as the latter Government had lowered its standard of
value. In the stopping of its excessive circulation in Canada, the
Board took an active part. In I860, with C. D. Shaw as president,
the Board decided to avail themselves of the advantages of incorpora-
tion, and a petition to that effect was forwarded to the Legislature,
which received assent on August 15, 1866. The Board in 1864
expressed themselves strongly in support of the Reciprocity Treaty of
1854 between Great Britain and the United States, as it had proved
beneficial to the agricultural and manufacturing intere.sts of the
Province, and they were prepared to strongly deprecate any attempt to-
abrogate the existing treaty. The abolition of local market tolls was
also advocated, which suggestion was ultimately adopted by the
municipal authorities. The Board also strongly opposed a proposal '
to amalgamate the Grand Trunk Railway with the Buffalo & Lake
Huron Road, as it would remove competition ; and Parliament was
memorialized to refuse the application.
In 1869, the scheme of the Great Western Railroad for the construc-
tion of a line to run from Glencoe to Canfield, was opposed by the Board,
who considered that the adoption of the proposed jjlan would divert the
through traffic, and the main line of London would be converted into
a branch. A deputation was apjiointed to wait upon the Government
and secure the refusal of the charter for the proposed extension.
The Board at various times indulged in discussions of questions
affecting the trade policy of the country, such as protection, recipro-
city, etc.
The construction of the London, Huron & Bruce Railroad, in 1 870,
was decided upon mainly through the exertions of the Board ot Trade,
who appointed a committee and a board of provisional directors for the
furtherance of the scheme. Ou their appeal, the city gi-anted a bonus
of $100,000, and the various townships through which the line was to
pass were a,ssessed for bonuses to the amount of S240,000. The cost
of the construction was estimated at $1,200,000, some $700,000 of
which was raised by bonus and Government grant, leaving about $500,-
000 as the whole amount for which a rate would have to be earned
and dividend provided.
In 1871 the Board expressed themselves as favoring equitable
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 365
reciprocity with the United States, and appointed delegates to attend
the convention held in St. Louis to discuss the question. In 1874,
however, the Board, considering the circumstances under which the
treaty had been terminated, thought that proposals for further reciprocal
relations should emanate from the United States.
The Board in 1875 took an interest in the establishment of the
present excellent waterworks system. In the following year they bent
their energies to the securing of the taxation of all city property, save
sacred edifices, according to their actual value, with no exemptions.
In 1880 the Board petitioned for the removal of the coal tolls at Port
Stanley, considering it prejudicial to the interests of the London &
Port Stanley Eailroad.
Chamber of Commerce. — This was organized November 19, 1875,
with : — J. B. Laing, president ; Joseph Jefier}^, vice-president ; H.
E Nelles, secretary; A. B. Powell, E. W. Hyman, W, F. Bullen, John
McClary, Elijah Leonard, George Robinson, Colonel John Walker,
George Randall, F. A. Fitzgerald, M. Knowlton, J. G. Mcintosh, John
McMechan, D. Macfie, John Marshall, D. Regan, S. Peters, J. Atkin-
son, T. Peel, A. Keenleyside, A. J. G. Henderson and Henry Taylor,
directors. Its rooms were located upstairs above the Old Arcade, near
the present hardware establishment of James Cowan & Co., Dundas
street. The chamber was a popular commercial resort, the reading
room being supphed with mercantile and other papers and mar-
ket quotations. An active interest was taken in shaping commercial
and other legislation, and, under its auspices, lectures on political
economy and other topics were delivered by Mr. Sully and others.
This organization, like the old Board of Trade, fell; but in 1881 was
revived.
Merchants' and Manufacturers' Exchange. — At a meeting held
in the Tecumseh House on August 15, 1881, a new organization, the
Merchants' and Manufacturers' Exchange, with objects similar to those
of the Board of Trade, was projected. It was officered as follows : —
President, George S. Birrell ; first vice-president, John McClary ; second
vice-president, M. Masuret ; treasurer and honorary secretary, J. W.
Little; council, Messrs. Finnemore, McCormick, Hobbs, Watson, Hunt,
W. J. Eeid, Marshall, Smallman, Labatt, Hyman, Burns and Muir.
At a subsequent meeting a room in the Masonic Temple was selected
as a place of meeting, and J. A. Nelles was appointed secretary. At a
meeting held on September 19, 1881, a committee was appointed to
confer with the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade, with a
view to the amalgamation of the various commercial bodies in the city.
In due time the desired end was accomplished, in December, 1881.
Present Board of Trade. — Was organized December 21, 1881, out
of the Merchants' and Manufacturers' Association, which included
among its members many who belonged to the defunct Chamber of
Commerce. The name. Board of Trade, was adopted so that the liberal
character of the old body of 1857 might be enjoyed. The original
members were : —
366
HISTORY OF THE
T. Beattie, Pres.
J. N. Nelles, Sec.
Thos. Asiiden,
Robert Ai-kell,
J. Blackburn,
John Beattie,
Geo. Biriell,
Jas. Burns,
W. Y. Brunton,
Wm. Bowman,
Thos. Bryan,
J. Carling,
Thos. Churcher,
H. J. Carling,
Chas. Chapman,
H. F. Carling,
A. Cleghorn,
Chas. S. Hyman,
Jas. Watson,
Wm. Lind,
Jas. Eaton,
F. A. Fitzgerald,
A. Finncniore,
R. A. Garlick,
G. M. Gunn,
Wm. Green,
Chas. B. Hunt,
John Hunt,
W. B. Heath,
T. D. Hodgens,
Alex. Johnston,
D. Just,
W. K. Kains,
Thos. Green,
J. H. Elliott,
Thos. McCormick,
M. Masuret,
Jas. Slater,
John Plumnier,
T. F. Kingsmill,
T. H. Marsh,
Wm. Bryce,
John Green,
Geo. Burns,
D. S. Perrin,
John Marshall,
C McCallum,
W. R. Hobbs,
T. H. Smallman,
J. W. Little,
A. E. Pavey,
Robt. Reid, jr.,
C. W. Leonard,
John Campbell,
Wm. J. Elliott,
Thos. Muir,
Jas. Cowan,
J. D. Saunby,
Jno. McClary,
J. F. Mahon,
Robert Lewis,
H. D. Long,
John Labatt,
J. M. Lougan,
H. Long,
B. A. Mitchell,
J. R. Minhinnick,
J. C. Merritt,
A McCormick,
Wm. McDonougb,
John Overell,
J. Priddis,
J. S. Pearce,
A. Pontey,
Robt. Pritchard,
Geo. Pritchard,
John Pritchard,
A. B. Powell,
Geo. Phillips,
J. Robertson,
John A. Roe,
John D. Ivey,
L. C. Leonard,
John Walker,
John Cameron.
N. Reid,
M. Lewis,
John Wolfe,
A. D. Cameron,
Geo. Merritt,
Geo. Robinson,
Thos. S. Hobb>,
John Callard,
Jas. A. Kennedy,
John Osborne,
Josiah Dalton,
Mr. Despard,
J. E. Dawson,
M. D. Dawson,
J. M. Denton,
W. J. Reid,
Robert Rich,
C. Richardson,
Geo. Robinson,
Fred Rowland,
C. P. Smith,
W. S. Smith,
G D. Sutherland
Albert Smith,
R. W. Smylie,
John Smith,
Thos. Plummer,
E. A. Taylor,
R. W. Vining,
G. F. Winlow,
H. Waterman,
Isaac Waterman,
Jas. Wright,
John Wright,
Robt. Wallace.
At the first annual meeting after the amalgamation, the following
officer.? were elected : — President, G. S. Birrell ; vice-president, Thos.
McCormick ; secretary-treasurer, J. A. Nelles ; council, M. Masuret,
F. A. Fitzgerald, John Labatt, James Watson, Thos. Beattie, J. H.
Laing, H. D. Long, C. B. Hunt, C, S. Hyman. J. W. Little, W. J. Eeid,
and John Marshall ; board of arbitration, John McClary, Geo, Robin-
son, Thos. Green, John Beattie, James Slater, Jas. Priddis, Andrew
Cleghorn, Wm. Lind, John Campbell, Alex. Johnston, Geo. Burns, and
T. H. Marsh.
In the same year the question of municipal reform was broached,
and the Board pledged themselves to support only such aldermanic
candidates as would vote for the abolition of the ward system at that
time prevailing. A committee was appointed, who took active ]iart in
the election, securing in the majority of cases the election of their
candidate, and as a result the redistribution of the wards followed.
The shaking up did the city good. In 1885, in view of the proposed
readju.stmeiit of the financial relations between the Government and
Canadian Pacific Kailroad, the Hon. John Carling was asked to aid in
securing, if possible, for his constituents the benefits of additional
railway competition. Subsequently, a petition was presented by the
citizens to the Board of Trade, which was forwarded to both the city's
representatives, with instructions to offer and obtain all the assistiince
possible for the securing of an extension of the Canadian Pacific Railroad
from Woodstock to London. The Board worked energetically all the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 367
while, and to their efi'orts largely is due the credit of securing the
Western extension. The Board also worked energetically for the pro-
posed London Junction Eailroad, and latterly, for the securing of the
Michigan Central Eailroad, which was accomplished. The interest the
Board has taken in the rapid progress of the Western Fair, and the
securing of a more practical course of studies in our schools, are recent
events, still fresh in the memory of every citizen. The securing of the
re-erection of the Grand Trunk Railroad car shops in this city, as is
well known, is at present a matter that has largely occupied the atten-
tion of the Board, and is stdl in abeyance. The present officers are : —
President, John Campbell; vice-president, T. H. Marsh; secretary-
treasurer, J. A. Nelles ; board of arbitration, John McClary, J. S.
Pearce, W. Y. Brunton, A. D. Cameron, T. H. Marsh, A. M. Smart,
Jas. Slater, Geo. Eobinson, E. C. Struthers, T. H. Smallman, E. Eeid,
jr., A. Cleghoru; council, M. Masuret, John Labatt, W. E. Hobbs,
J. W. Little, E. Lewis, John Marshall, John Bland, W. J. Eeid, G. S.
Birrell, John Green, C. S. Hyman, T. E. Parker; board of examiners^
James Slater, J. D. Saunby, J. S. Pearce, C. B. Hunt, Jas. Muirhead.
Westei-n Commercial Travellers' Association, — This association
was organized at a meetmg held in the Tecumseh House in December,
1876, H. D. Long being the first president ; William Lind, first vice-
president, and Joseph Atkinson, secretary-treasurer. The deed of in-
corporation was issued on September 11, 1880. In it the following
officers are named : — President, James Watson ; first vice-president,
Samuel Wilkins ; second vice-president, Alfred Eobinson ; third vice-
president, G. Eowat ; secretary-treasurer, Joseph Atkinson ; trustee,
George Eobinson ; directors, H. D. Long, E. L. Peddie, T. P. G. Bryan,
John Dromgole, William Mayo, W. S. Case, J. A. Miller, J. W.Lester,
John J. Quany, E. K. Hope, John Anderson. George Watt, jun., James
Smith, James Dow and John G. Watson. The solicitors were Fraser &
Fraser. Alfred Eobinson, the present efficient and popular secretary,
was appointed to that office in May, 1884. In 1881, the membership
was 3G6, being an increase of 110 over the number of 1880. The
surplus increased from $2,754 to .$4,188. The annual banquet was
held at the Tecumseh House in December, 1881, William Lind, pre-
siding.
The staff of officers for the year 1888 consisted of the following : —
President, Samuel Munro; first vice-president, W. S. Case; second
vice-president, George H. Walker; third vice-president, E. H. Greene;
treasurer, S. N. Sterling ; secretary, Alfred Eobinson ; directors, George
M. Eeid, James F. Smyth, D. Mackenzie, John A. Craig, E. 'i'ait, C. E.
Sterhng, James Snow, E. K. Hope, John Booker, F. W. Heath, John
J. Quarry, James Dow, James Maxwell, George Watt, John G. Watson,
E. 0. Felt, W. T. Cockrane, W. L. Underwood ; trustee, J. W. Little ;
auditor, George F. Jewell, F. C. A. The association looks after the
interests of its members in connection with railway rates and privileges,
and has life, accident and sick benefit funds. At the present time the
368 fflSTORY OF THE
reserve fund amounts to §12,000, and the membership has increased
to 720.
Manufactunng Industries. — One of the first manufacturing in-
dustries in the immediate neighborhood of London was Ezra & Nathan
Griffith's brickyard, on Lot o2. Con. 1, Westminster, established in
1816. In 1819 there was not a brick house near London; but Grif-
fith's bricks were used in building chimneys, a cow being the price of
enough bricks to build one. The first bricks manufactured in Ontario
were those at Sidney, five miles east of Trenton. They were made in
1794, and used iu the first brick-house ever erected in Upper Canada
— Capt. Myer's house at Belleville — the same year. Iu Eobert
Summer's reminiscences, he says that Nixon & Hale established their
brickyards on the Flats, preparatory to building the court-house, and
in June, 1828, the court-house walls were built up breast high. They
continued making white bricks for ten years. It is not supposed that
Dennis O'Brien purchased from them, as the bricks used in building
his store were of a reddish color. Following this were the brickyards
on Bathurst street. In March, 1847, Bissell & Brown were grauted
leave to build a brick-kiln.
Grist and Flouring Mills. — The people of the ueighborhood were
fairly served in regard to mills, Doty's being situated about six
miles from the city. A man named Gardner also had a mill at Spring-
bank, and Brayne's mill stood near where the ladies college now is.
The manner in which the settlers used to convey their grist to mill was
a rather primitive one. They would select the crotch of a tree, which
would be cut down and trimmed, and used as a kind of sled, being
mostly drawn by oxen. Boards would be placed across the limb, and
the bags thrown upon it ; but in a few cases settlers had a frame set
between two great, creaking, wooden wheels.
Tom Waters's grist mill was the first ever erected. within the limits
of London. It stood on Carling's Creek, or the stream that connects
Lake Horn with the Thames. Some years after its erection it passed into
the hands of James and Charles Grant O'Brien's mill, however, was
the first important industry, but as the history of the mill and its
budder is previously given, all that is necessary here is to state that it
is identical with Blackfriars mill of today, without the modern
improvement.
Henry Fysh came to London in 1848, and purchased the old mill
of George jNlurray, opposite Archdeacon Brough's dwelling. This he
carried on for twenty years.
\Vm. Plewes came here in 1870, when he purchased the " Meadow
Lily Mills," situated three miles cast of the city, on the Hamilton
Koad, and known as one of the most picturesque spots to be found
anywhere. The mills are said to have been erected fifty years ago,
and iiave had dilVerent occupants during that time. Since Mr. Plewes
jjurchased the property he built additions, and in 1883 introduced the
roller process. In 1885 the property suifered by fire, but was rebuilt
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 369
in 1886. The capacity of his mill is 125 barrels daily, giving employ-
ment to twelve hands.
Hunt Bros.' Flouring Mills were established in 1854, by Charles
Hunt. On his death, in 1871, Charles B. Hunt became proprietor,
and, in 1878, he was joined by his brother John. In May, 1888, fire
gutted this building, destroying the roller machinery which they intro-
duced in 1885. Hunt's Block, on Eichmond street, was erected by
their father in 1866, and in this building the business othce is located.
The coal business was entered in 1868, their grain business in 1854,
and, in later years, the brothers organized the Forest City Electric
Light Co. In 1868, they sold about 400 tons annually ; now they sell
8,000 tons, with twenty competitors in the field.
Saunby's Mills may be said to have been established in 1862, when
he and William Hilliard purchased the property from the Bank of
Montreal and carried on the old North Branch Mills, iu London West.
They were erected in 1854 by Jos. Anderson, and later by James
Smith ; a woollen mill also stood on the same lot. In 1874, Hilliard
retired.
Blackfriars mills were purchased by J. D. Saunby in 1877, from
George Phillips, and in 1882 he introduced the roller process. The
original building and machinery were the property of Dennis O'Brien,
the pioneer merchant.
Muirhead & Gartley's oatmeal mill, is in existence since 1867, when
it was started by Muirhead & Gray. Mr. Gray died about 1879. Mr.
Gartley has been connected with the business since 1884. The mill
stands on the site of the old Hyman tannery, on Talbot street, on the
north side of the Grand Trunk Railroad. The building is a large,
four-story one, and is well fitted up with improved machinery. It
was gutted by fire in the summer of 1888, but restored.
E. Leonard & Sons, manufacturers of engines and boilers, dates
back to 18o9, when Elijah Leonard, who commenced business at St.
Thomas in 1834, moved to London and built a foundry on Fullarton
and Eidout streets, where he carried on the business until 1865, when
fire destroyed the works. In 1853 he also erected a large building on
York street, between Waterloo and Colborne streets, in which he car-
ried on the business of car building in connection %vith his foundry.
When the latter property was burned down he converted the York
street premises into a foundry and machine shop, and has continued
in that line of business ever since. In 1875 he admitted his two sons,
Frank and Charles Leonard, into partnersliip. In 1881 their premises
was destroyed by fire, but they rebuilt immediately. They employ a
large number of men and do a very extensive business.
The McClary Manufacturing Company is presided over by John
McClary ; George McClavy, vice-president, and W. M. Gartshore,
secretary. The capital is $500,000. This business was established in
a very small way in 1847 by Oliver McClary. About four years
afterwards he was joined by his brother John, under the firm name of
24
370 HISTORY OF THE
J. & 0. McClary. They continued a rapidly increasing trade under
this style for about twenty years, when the business was merged into
a joint stock concern. Their buildings cover some two acres, employ
about 300 men, and do a most extensive business, having branches in
Winnipeg, IMontreal and Toronto. They manufacture all kinds of
stoves and tinners' supplies, pressed, japanned and spliced wares. The
works were destroyed by fire November 30, 1888, entailing a loss of
$100,000.
John Elliott & Son's factory was commenced by John Elliott and
George Jackson in 1850, in a building on Fullarton and Ridout streets.
They were shortly afterwards burned out and then moved into a build-
ing on Wellington and Bathurst streets, where Dodd's planing mill
now stands. The partnership was dissolved after being together about
two or three years. Jackson retired when James Burgess took his place.
This partnership continued for about three years, when Burgess retired
and Mr. Elliott continued alone until 1879, when he took his son
William into partnership. In 1877 the firm erected a large building
a few doors east of their old one. The building was destroyed by fire
May 29, 1885, but was rebuilt the following fall. In 1882 they
bought the plough business together with the j)remises, of the estate of
George Jackson, situated on Ridout street, which they carry on in
connection with their principal works. They employ about 200 men,
and are the first in Canada to manufacture a wire or twine binder.
Their output is about $200,000 per year.
The Western Peninsular Stove Works were established three years
ago by Joseph A. Childs and George Darvill. They demolished some
wooden houses which stood on the lot, and erected their present exten-
sive premises. The building is 43x109, in which fourteen hands
are employed. Mr. Childs was formerly engaged in the coopering
business, and Mr. Darvill in the furniture line. Tiieir place of busmess
is situated on Talbot street, immediately south of King.
The London Machine Tool Company, of which William Yates and
L. Gibson are proprietors, dates back to 1873, when Yates engaged in
the manufacture of engines in a small frame building formerly used a.s
a cooper shop by Mr. Scale. In 1881 he was burnt out; but rebuilt
almost at once on a much larger scale, and opened out in the manu-
facture of all kinds of iron-working tools for machinists, boiler makers
and brass finishers ; also, presses and punches for tin work, and special
lines of large machinery. In 1883 he was joined by Mr. Gibson, who
superintends the office work. The ]iremises are situated on York
street, between Talbot and Ridout. They occupy two brick buildings,
and give employment to from forty to fifty men.
Stevens & Burns, iron and brass founders and finishers, manu-
facturers of engines, &c., established their works here in 1876,
in a building on King street between Talbot and Ridout, formerly
known as Darvill's foundry. They contiiiued there until the spring of
1881, when they moved into their present premises, on Bathurst and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 371
Eichmond, which they erected for the purpose. The building is 200x50,
and is three stories in height. They employ about 100 men.
Essex & Co., brass and iron workers, commenced business here
in 1879, on King street, just east of Eevere House, in a building
owned by John Farncomb ; continuing there about five years, when
they purchased the present premises on Carling street, in the year 1884,
from the John Birrell estate. The building was erected by T. Craig &
J. Johnston in 1856, and has been occupied successively by the Gore
Bank, John Birrell & Co. and J. C. Merritt & Co., and more recently
by Mr. Essex. They employ about twenty-six men, and manufacture
engineers' and brass goods, iron valves, &c.
Forest City Machine Works. This business was established by
Geo. White, fourteen years ago ; but Mr. AVhite has been in business
here over thirty years altogether. Since commencing in engine build-
ing he erected different buildings for the purpose of manufacturing
threshing machine engines and boilers of all descriptions. The works
give employment to forty men, and the product is shipped to all points
in the Dominion. A specialty is the White threshing engine.
E. Winnett & Son, boiler makers, established this business where
they are at present located, on corner of Bathurst and Adelaide streets,
in 1855. The senior partner admitted his son into partnership some
years ago. In 1870, they erected a refinery in Ea.st London, which
they have operated at different periods, but it is at present idle, con-
fining their attention to the manufacture of boilers exclusively.
E. & E. Winnett, boiler makers, had their works established by
Henry Winnett and Eichard Winnett, his son, in 1868, in the premises
occupied by the present firm, situated on the Hamilton Eoad, east of
Adelaide street. The partnership continued until 1884, when the
senior retired, and Eichard admitted his brother Edward into partner-
ship. They opened a branch at Petrolia immediately after, which is
managed by Edward, while Eichard manages here. They supply the
oil refineries and other institutions with boilers.
Wortman & Ward Manufacturing Co. was established in 1879 by
W. H. Wortman, who came from Illinois, U. S., and John Morrow, a
resident of this city, in the upstairs part of Yates's foundry. In 1882
they dissolved, and Morrow retired. Mr. Wortman then formed a
partnership with Frank Ward. The firm at once proceeded with the
erection of their present building on York street. In 1886 Mr Ward
severed his connection with the business, and it is now in the hands of
W. H. Wortman. The business has gi'own from a small beginning to
its present large volume, employing thirty-five hands in the manu-
facture of iron pumps, horse and hay forks, barrel churns, wagon
scones, and general iron casting.
The Ontario Car and Foundry Company was established in 1871,
under the style of the Ontario Car Company and London Car Wheel
Company, with James McMillan, of Detroit, president, and Thomas
Muir manager. In 1883 the company experienced a financial pressure,
372 HISTORY OF THE
and the business, for a time, was in the hands of the bank ; but Mr.
Muir shortly after took over the concern himself, and is at present the
ostensible proprietor of the works. He employs about 180 men, and
is doing an extensive business. Most of the railroads in Canada have
been equipped to a greater or less extent by this company. The yards
and buildings are situated on Rectory street, south of the Grand Trunk
Railroad track, and comprise 16i acres of freehold and 20 acres of
leased land. The manufactures of this company consist of cars, car
wheels and castings.
John Fox, scale manufacturer, came here from Hamilton and com-
menced business in the spring of 1881, in a small building on King
street, near Ridout. He at once commenced the erection of his present
building opposite, and moved into it in December of that year. The
manufacture usually calls for the employment of sixteen hands. The
lot on which his building stands was formerly occupied by a Uvery
stable, which was burnt down a number of years ago.
Alex. Smith, manufacturer of carriage hardware, commenced busi-
ness in 1871, in a frame building on Dundas street, at present occupied
by Roger Dart. In 1877, he moved into his present factory on the
east side of Wellington, between King and York. The property was
previously occupied by Rowe & Judd, carriage makers. Mr. Smith
employs seven men.
John Dymond, the first brewer of Loudon, made the first beer here
in his little brewery on the north side of North street ; John Balkwill
following him as manufacturer.
John Labatt's Brewery owes its inception to Mr. John Balkwill,
who commenced in a very primitive way about the year 1828, in a
log building. This building was destroyed by fire, and a small stone
one was erected in its ]Jace. Mr. Balkwill disposed of the business
in 1847 to Messrs. Labatt & Eccles. In 1857 the partnership was
dissolved. Mr. Eccles withdrew, and J. K. Labatt assumed the entire
charge of the business, which he conducted until the time of his death
in 1866. His son, John Labatt, then took hold of the brewery, and
has succeeded in extending the trade and maldng the business rank
among the first in the Dominion. In 1874 the buildings were
destroyed by fire, but were rebuilt at once on a much larger and more
modern plan. The capacity of this establishment is 30,000 barrels of
ale and porter per annum, and the capacity of the malt-house is about
85 000 bushels. His ales and porters are well known all over this
continent, and obtained medals from such exhibitions as the Centen-
nial, of Philadelphia, World's Fair, Sydney, Australia, and Paris
Exhibition. He contemplates pulling down the brewery building
shortly, in order to re -erect it on a larger and more complete plan. This
industry gives employment to seventy hands.
Carling Brewing & Malting Company was established by Thos.
Carling about the year 1 840, in a small wooden building on Waterloo
street, which in the course of a few years gave place to a large brick
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 373
building, now standing. He was joined by his sons, William and John,
a few years after. The senior retired from the business in a very few
years, and his two sons continued it. Their ales and porters increased
in popularity very rapidly, and their business increased in a corres-
ponding degree. Finding their premises altogether too small for their
trade, they commenced the erection in 1873 of their present great
buildings on the banks of the Thames, immediately south of Oxford
street. David Eoberts, of Toronto, was the architect of this colossal
pile. They moved into the new building on its completion, July 1,
1875, when Messrs. T. Harry Carling and Josliua D. Dalton were ad-
mitted partners. Their trade now made more rapid strides than ever,
as if in sympathy with the change of premises. However, on Feb.
13, 1879, a sudden check was put on all their operations by a dis-
astrous fire which broke out early on the morning of that date. Their
loss was very heavy, but undeterred by such a misfortune, the firm
quickly set about rebuilding, and on May 29 of the same year they
were enabled to recommence business. To prove how substantially
the building was erected, the walls were standing almost entire after
the conflagration. In the summer of 1882 Mr. Dalton died, and in
the following December the business was merged into a joint stock
concern, and has remained in this shape ever since. The president
and manager is Daniel Macfie ; vice-president, J. R. Minhinnick ;
superintendent, T. Harry Carling. The capital is $200,000, and the
men employed are 100. The output is about o2,000 barrels of ale,
porter and lager per annum ; capacity for malting is 80,000 bushels
per annum, and the quantity of hops used about 400 bales.
Joseph Hamilton's brewery was established originally by Marshall
& Dundas. John Hamilton purchased their interest about twenty-five
years ago, and carried it on until his death in October, 1887, when his
son took hold of the business. The premises form one of the oldest
landmarks in the city, and are situated on Ann street.
J. Tune & Son's soda-water works were established in 1882 by the
above firm in Piatt's building, on Clarence street, north of York street,
where they remained two years, when they moved into their present
premises in Tanton's block, on York street. The building was enlarged
and otherwise altered for their convenience by Mr. Tanton. They
have the most modern machinery, employ eight hands, and ship as far
west as Windsor and east to Ingersoll, Woodstock, etc.
L. V. Ludwig's manufactory of cider and vinegar dates back to
1886. About two years ago, Mr. Ludwig leased a portion of the old
Slater malt-house, and commenced business in a moderate way.
James E. Oliver also commenced business about a year ago in part
of Slater's old malt-house.
The workmen for W. J. Eeid & Co.'s new china manufactory
arrived October 9, 1876.
Glass Bros.' Pottery is successor to the London Crockery Manufac-
turing Co., one mile east of the city limits. The firm was formed in
374 HISTORY OF THE
March, 1888, for the manufacture of salt-glaze stoneware and Rock-
intjham and Bristol ware. The London Crockery Manufacturing Co.
failed in 1887, and the plant was purchased by the present firm, who
employ thirty men. Their clay is brought from Akron, Ohio, Amboy,
N. J., and Devonshire, England. The original cost of the plant was
about $70,000. They have switch-room in yards for fourteen cars and
excellent shipping facility. A village has been built up, known as
Pottersville, and a post-of&ce established. The wares are known
throughout the Canadas.
C. S Hyman & Co., tanners and manufacturers of boots and shoes,
was commenced by E W. Hyman in connection with David 0. Marsh
in the year 1835, in a frame building on Talbot street, on the site of
the present oatmeal mill occupied by Muirhead & Gartley. They
were in bu.^iness as tanners and harness-makers, aiid the first in this
city to get the contract for making boots for the military. They
dissolved ])artnership in 1850, Jlr. Marsh retiring On his with-
drawal, Mr. Hyman continued the above until the year 1857 or 1858,
when he was joined by John McPherson in the wholesale shoe de-
partment. In the year 1868 or 1869 they bought out a wholesale
boot and shoe business in Hamilton, and ran that in connection with
their business here for some five or six years, when Mr. McPherson
purchased Mr. Hy man's intei'est, and the latter once more devoted his
whole attention to his London interests. In 1867, Mr. Hyman ad-
mitted Mr. Charles Dunnett into partnership. The latter only remain-
ed in the firm three years and then withdrew. On April 18, 1873, the
boiler in the tannery hurst, killing two men. In lieu of rebuilding, he
added to his sole-leather tannery on liichmond street a light stock
tannerj'. The buildings are situated on what is now known as Carling's
Creek, contiguous to Richmond street. In the year 1874 he erected
the present immense shoe factory facing on Carling street and running
back to North street. Mr. Hyman was a very successful man of
business, and usually had interests in various outside schemes. In the
year 1877 he built the crockery works in London East, occupied at
present by the London Crockery Company. Tliis building was used
by Mr. Hyman as a pork packing house for the export trade. On the
12th of April, 1878, Mr. Hyman's busy life was closed by death. He
and John Carling were the first water commissioners elected in the
city ; their election took place on the 14th of January, 1878. On Mr.
Hyman's death, his two sous, Charles S. and J. W., took hold of the
business. .1. W. Hyman retired from the firm some six years ago, and
the business is now run by Charles S. Hyman, C. J. Beal, John G.
Watson and John H. Glass. The capacity is 300 hides per week,
using 3,000 to 4,000 cords of bark per annum ; and employ a large
number of hands, as the boot and shoe business and tamiery are now
under one management.
R Arscott & Co 's t^innery was commenced on the corner of George
and Ann streets in 1866. They pulled down a dwelling which was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 375
standing on the lot, and built the tannery on its site. On July 9,
18G9, he suffered by fire, but rebuilt at once, and started again with
J. F. Burnett and Joseph Elliott as partners. Burnett remained in
the firm about ten years, when he retired, and Mr. Elliott has just
withdrawn and left Mr. Arscott alone in the business. The works
employ about ten men, while the capacity is 100 hides a week.
Stevens, Clark & Stevens's boot and shoe factory on Clarence street
was established about four years ago, and now gives employment to
twenty-six hands.
E. F. Lacey & Co., manufacturers of boot and shoe uppers, are
successors of A. J. Webster, who conducted it in connection with his
boot and shoe trade. He sold out in 1875 to Air. Lacey, who has greatly
extended the business. The premises are located on Clarence street,
south of Dundas, in the upstairs part of the building owued by Wm.
McDonough. They employ four or five hands.
Reid Bros. & Co., manufacturers of blank books, paper bags and
boxes, and wholesale dealers in stationery. This business was com-
menced originally by Robt. Reid, sr., in 1848, and is the oldest establish-
ment of the kind in Ontario. ]\Ir. Reid continued the business until
1876, when he sold out his interest to his sons Robert and George,
who have successfully carried it on ever since. They erected their
present house in 1886, and moved into it in January, 1887. They
employ, on an average, eighty hands, and ship their goods as far east
as Montreal, and as far west as the Pacific coast.
The Chapman book bindery was established by Charles Chapman.
Mrs. Chapman conducts the business, with Joseph Choquette as man-
ager, since Mr. Chapman's death, about twelve months ago. He
started in a small way many years ago ; occupied an up-stairs room in
a building about a block east of the present bindery ; afterwards moved
into a small wooden building, which in course of time, he moved to the
rear of the lot to make room for the construction of the present spacious
premises, which were erected in 1864. About eight hands are
employed.
E. H. Kordes' book-bindery has been carried on successfully by
Mrs. Kordes for some years in the building on Richmond street, just
south of the Free Press office. The business is well managed in all
departments.
I). S. Perrin & Co., manufacturers of confectionery, biscuits, &c.,
commenced back some twenty-eight years ago, when D. S. Perrin
carried on a small business on the Hamilton Road. He removed to
premises on Richmond street, where Andrew McCormick is now
located. Finding this building in the course of time also too small, he
purchased his present premises on Dundas street some twenty years ago.
About five years ago he purchased adjoining property, which he added
to his establishment, making it one of the most extensive in the
Dominion. They employ on an average about 130 hands, and push
their trade into the remotest corners of Canada. The building this firm
376 msTORY OF the
occupies was in the early history of this place used as a residence by
Mayor Dickson, and also as a bible depository.
The McCormick Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of confection-
ery, biscuits, &c., may be said to have been started in April, 1858, by
Thos. McCormick, in a small building on Dundas street, north side,
between Clarence and Wellington, In three months time he moved
into a brick building a few doors west, being one of the stores in what
is known as Smith's block ; remained there seven years, and then
built a factory south of Dr. Proudfoot's Church, on Park avenue ;
remained in that building for about eight years, and then built his
present extensive premises in 1873. The business has rapidly in-
creased since its inception. About eight years ago the business was
merged into a joint stock concern. Thos. McCormick, president ; Geo.
McCormick, cashier ; and A. W. Porte, managing director. The build-
ing is 100 X 112 feet, of four floors. The company gives employment
to from 100 to 150 hands.
London and Petrolea Barrel Company.- — This company was organ-
ized in January, 1886. John Forrestal, William Hockin and Edward
V. Taylor are the proprietors. They ])urchased what was known as
the Burrows property iu East London, situated on Simcoe street,
between Adelaide and Eectory streets. There was an old sawmill on
this property, which they utilize in their present business, and have
also erected a large cooperage shop on the same lot. They do a very
extensive business, employ sixty to eighty men, and supply customers
all over the Dominion with barrels of all kinds. Hockin and Forrestal
were engaged in the cooperage business for a number of years before
the organization of the present company. The former started business
in the year 1868 on the corner of Wellington and York streets, sub-
sequently moving to the corner of York and Burwell streets, where he
built a shop in the year 1877. He also erected a cooperage on
Bathurst street two years later, where he conducted business up to the
time of his connection with the present company.
C. R. Somerville, manufacturer of paper boxes, bags, &c., started in
1885. He might be said to have succeeded Mr. Swazie, who formerly
conducted the same line of business in the premises. He employs
fifteen to twenty hands.
John Watson, packing-box maker, has been in business about two
years, renting a part of old Mechanics' Institute, and employing three
hands.
P. Hendershott & Co., manufacturers of paper bags and boxes and
wholesale stationers, came here from St. Catherines nine years ago.
Commenced business on his arrival in a building now occupied by A.
Beck & Co., on Albert street, but subsequently moved to East London,
where he conducted business for a short time. He purchased his pre-
sent premises, on Dundas street west, in the year 1881. Employs
fifteen hands all the time.
The North American Manufacturing Company's business was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 377
established by Samuel Crawford. Afterwards, he took in partnership
James and John Mahon. In 1881, the Messrs. Mahou obtained com-
plete control and ran it under the style of the " Globe Co." In the
year 1883 the firm got into difficulty, and the business passed into the
hands of the North American Implement & General Manufacturiug
Company, and it has been carried on under this style until quite
recently, when the name was changed to North American Manufactur-
ing Company, with G. C. Jolly, manager. They manufacture wagons
and agricultural implements, but at present are confining their atten-
tion to the former. The number of employes is fifty (July, 1888), but
generally a larger number.
John Campbell, manufacturer of carriages and wagons, commenced
on the corner of Richmond and Albert streets in 1855, and continued
the business there for ten years, and then purchased Marcus Holmes's
carriage shop, on King street, where he now carries on business. He
has since made extensive additions to his premises. This industry
gives employment to fifty men.
J. H. Moran, manufacturer of carriages, wagons, etc., established
his business in partnership with W. J. Thompson, as Thompson and
Moran, in 1864, in a building situated on Dundas street, where the
present Mechanics' Institute now stands. The partnership was dis-
solved in 1867, and Mr. Moran went out, but he shortly after re-
commenced business partnership with Thomas D. Hodgens in a build-
ing situated on Albert and Richmond streets, where John Turner is
now located. The firm continued the business there for five years,
when Mr. Hodgens went out. In 1877, Mr. Moran moved into his
present stand on Richmond, nearly opposite Dufterin avenue. His
brother James joined him in 1879, but retired from the firm in 1882.
The premises were built by John McKellar many years ago, and were
used by him as a carriage shop.
W. J. Thompson, manufacturer of carriages and wagons, established
his business in 1868, in a building situated on Dundas street, where
the Mechanics' Institute now stands. Remained there until 1875,
when he moved into his present house, on King street, east of Rich-
mond. He erected the buildings which cover nearly half an acre. The
only buildings standing on the lot when he purchased it was a dwelling-
house, formerly owned and occupied by the late Marcus Holmes, also
a wagon shop. The industry employs forty-five hands.
A. J. Jarvis, manufacturer of light caiTiages and cutters, dates the
starting of this business to 1871, when Mr. Pavey built the premises
and conducted the business about one year, when it was turned into
a joint-stock company, under the style of the McClary-Thompson
Carriage Works. This company conducted the business for two years
and then sold out to Willard Sage and A. J. Jarvis. The former
retained his connection with the business until 1881, when he sold to
A. J. Jarvis, who has since been sole proprietor. During the time the
business was under the management of the McClary-Thompson Car-
:378 HISTORY OF THE
riage Works, an addition was made to the premises by the erection of
the present large shop to the rear. There are twenty-five men employed
in the shops.
B. J. Nash & Co, manufacturers of carriages, commenced busi-
ness in 1872, in a building situated on King street, where George
White is now located. In 1875, he moved into the frame building
which is still standing opposite the Firemen's Hall, on King street.
In 1878 he removed into a brick building on the same street, opposite
the market, and carried on there alone until October, 1885, when he
formed a partnership with A. B. Greer, and at once commenced the
erection of the present large factory on corner of York and Talbot
streets. The main building is 30x150, with wing 30x50, and three
stories in height. They employ about fifty men. The building is
located on part of the old Hyman tannery property.
John Turner, manufacturer of carriages, cutters, etc., commenced
in his present house in 1880. Was for a short time previous to that
in jmrtnership with his brother Samuel. This itidustry employs six to
eight journeymen all the time. The site was first occupied by Camp-
bell & Lowry, wagon-makers, about the year 1855. About the year
1867, Hodgens & Moran commenced the carriage and wagon business
in it. In 1877 the stand was occupied for a short time by Mr. Dodd,
builder, etc., but reverted to its original use in 1880.
The Dominion Baby Carriage Company may be said to have been
started by Mr. Milroy, in a building on Ilichmond street north, twenty-
one years ago. In 1875 he sold out to Arthur E. Hourd, who con-
tinued the business alone until 1881, when it was merged into a joint
stock concern, and a large building was erected on the lot formerly
occupied by Moorehead's blacksmith shop, on King street. The
business was carried on two and a-half years as a joint stock concern,
when it was purchased by Arthur E. Hourd and James E. Keenleyside,
who carry it on undei' the style of the Dominion Baby Carriage
Company. They employ about forty hands all the year round, and
dispose of their goods as far east as Halifax, and west to British
Columbia.
T. Herbert Marsh, manufacturer of horse blankets and wholesale
dealer in saddlery hardware and carriage trimmings, bought the old
established hardware business of Smith & Chapman ten years ago,
on Dundas street, near Eichmond ; subsequently purchased premises a
few doors east, and moved into it, and gradually disposed of his hard-
ware stock to make room for his saddlery hardware and carriage
trimmings. Nearly two years ago he purchased the building he now
occiii)ies, on Carling street, near Talbot, from the estate of Jolin Birrell.
The building was erected in 1856 by T. Craig and J. Johnston, and
has been occujiied successively by the Commercial Bank, John Birrell
& Co., Wm. Lind & Co., and latterly by Mr. Marsh. The lot on
which the building stands was formerly owned by a negro who lived
in a small frame house.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 379
J. M. Dufton, woollen manufacturer, commenced business in the
city seven years ago. He came from Byron, where he was in the same
business for many years, and purchased his present premises on King
street west when he started here. He does an important business ;
employs twenty hands, and ships goods to Montreal and other eastern
points. The property he occupies was formerly used as a bakery and
confectionery by Keenleyside & Co.
Thos. Green & Co., builders, contractors and planing mill, was com-
menced by Thos. Green in 1853, in a small frame building on the lot
where the gas-works now stands ; was at that time associated in busi-
ness with Wm. Elliott ; were twice burned out, and immediately after
the last fire, in 1856, Mr. Elliott retired fi'om the business. Mr. Green
at once erected a frame shop on Batliurst street, between Clarence and
Wellington, on the lot where his present shop now stands. In 1873
he admitted John Shopland into partnership. They were burned out
in 1883, but the old frame building was at once replaced by the present
substantial brick building. They employ about forty men.
J. C. Dodd & Son, builders and planing mill owners, date their
name in London back to 1845. In 1879, J. C. Dodd moved into the
shop on the corner of Wellington and Bathurst streets, where John
Elliott & Co. formerly conducted a foundry business. In September,
1880, the old wooden building was destroyed by fire, but was replaced
at once by their present commodious brick building. John G. Dodd
was admitted into partnership in 1863, and the constitution of the
firm has remained unchanged ever since. They employ usually about
thirty hands.
Wm. Gerry, planing mill and builder, commenced this business in
1871, in partnership with his brother. In 1882 they dissolved, and
William has since conducted the business alone. His mill is situated
on Craig street, between Queen street and Wortley road, London
South. He manufactures all kinds of materials for house building ;
takes contracts for building, and generally employs from eighteen to
twenty men.
Hilliard & McRoberts, sash and blind factory, commenced business
as a firm about two years ago. Mr. Hilliard was carrying on business
previously, in connection with other parties. They rent part of the old
Mechanics' Institute, and employ ten to fifteen hands.
Wm. Beck & Co., manufacturers of veneer, thin lumber, etc.,
claim Adam Beck as the sole manager. He commenced here in 1884,
but the bu.siness was established in Gait in 1880, and was conducted
there until his removal to this city. The manufacture of cigar boxes
is combined with that of veneer and thin lumber. Mr. Beck has
introduced the most approved machinery in his works, and employs
usually about twenty-five hands. Spanish cedar is used in the manu-
facture of the cigar bo.xes. The firm import the cedar from Mexico
and Spain.
John Ferguson, manufacturer of furniture and undertaker. — The
380 HISTORY OF THE
proprietor of this business commenced operations in the year 1856, in
a small frame building on the corner of Clarence and King. He
remained there two years, and then moved into a frame building on
the corner of Eichniond and King, on the site of the present Masonic
Temple. The building was only demolished at the time of the erection
of the Temple. About 18G2 he purchased a lot with two frame cottages
on it from Patrick Tierney. He sold the cottages to Thomas Kent,
and erected on the lot the large brick building which he at present
occupies. In 1884 he purchased the lot west adjoining his buildmg,
and added to his premises.
The London Furniture Company may be said to have been estab-
lished by Eobert McLeod. In 1857 he was succeeded by Moorehead
& Brown. They commenced in an old frame building situated on the
west side of the present factory. Mr. Brown did not long remain a
partner. In 1860 the factory was burned. Mr. Moorehead at once
erected a brick building in its place, and also put up a brick wareroom
faciug on King street. He conducted a rapidly-increasing business
until 1871, when he again suffered from a disastrous fire. He rebuilt
at once on a much more extensive scale. The buildings facing on
King street have a frontage of 200 feet. Mr. ]\Ioorehead's business
had become very large by this time, and continued so until June, 1878,
when he became involved, and the business passed out of his hands.
The interest was purchased by F. A. Fitzgerald and C. P. Smith, who
conducted it as a firm for six months. They then organized a joint
stock company, with a capital of $150,000, F. A. Fitzgerald was
elected president and C. P. Smith vice-president. In 1880, Mr. Smith
died, and his brother, H. A. Smith, took his place. The company
employ 120 men, and ship their furniture all over the Dominion
The Bennett Furnishing Company may be said to own its origin to
Charles Bennett, who commenced business in 1858 in a building
situated on the lot now occupied by the Masonic Temple, on Kich-
mond street. He was associated for a short time then with John
Ferguson. In the year 1861 he moved into a building on the north
side of King .street, a few doors west of Clarence street. He was
burned out there in 1871, but rebuilt at once. His sons, Charles,
James, George and IJobert W. Bennett, took hold of the business about
this time. On account of their trade increasing rapidly, they were
coni])elled to look around for larger premises. In the year 1876 they
purchased the old Mechanics' Institute property on Talbot street and
converted it into a factory. They carried on business in that building
until 1882, when the Bennett Furnishing Company was organized,
with John Labatt, president, and Henry Taylor, I. Banks, T. H. Tracy
and the Bennett Bros., directors and stockholders. The company at
once commenced the erection of their present premises on llectory
street, adjoining the Grand Trunk Railway ; they also opened a branch
factory at Glasgow, Scotland. In 188H the company disposed of its
interest to Henry Taylor and the Messrs. Bennett, In 1886 the firm
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 381
opened another branch factory at London, Eng. Henry Taylor's
interest in the business ceased some months ago, and Edward Thomp-
son, of Edinburgh, Scotland, took his place. Three of the Bennetts are
managing the branches in Great Britain and Robert W. Bennett man-
ages here. They employ fifty-five men here, seventy-six at Glasgow
and sixty-three at London, Eng. They manufacture school and church
furniture and seating of all descriptions ; they also ship the bulk of
their goods to Great Britain.
James M. Cousins, manufacturer of pumps, commenced business
in 1843. He came from Nova Scotia to London about that time, and
has since been connected with the manufacturing interests. The fac-
tory is on Bathurst street, between Richmond and Ridout.
Job Cousins, pump manufacturer, commenced business in 1872, in
his present factory. He was burned out in the fall of 1887, but re-
built on the former site,
A, Cole, wood turner and band and scroll sawyer, commenced
about 1879, in a frame building on York street, opposite Grand Trunk
Railroad depot; was burned out in September, 1887, but rebuilt and
recommenced the following November. He employs about six hands.
Has all modern machinery in his establishment, and produces some
excellent work.
Few fail to remember the lively times created by the discovery of
the existence of oil in this county. Many excellent men were attacked
by the oil fever, which finally settled down to oil on the brain, when
the antics of the patients afforded very general amusement for the
outsiders who had escaped the contagion. The brigade, with oil on
the brain, pitched in lively, leased or bought up " rich oil lands," and,
after digging numerous holes in the ground, established the Middlesex
Oil Exchange. Ultimately, oil speculators failed to strike oil ; Chicago
and Toledo men disappeared after reaping whatever harvest there was
to be garnered, and the oil craze ceased ; then the question of refining
crude oil from the paying wells westward was raised, and soon London
East was alive with men engaged in the industry. The works were
owned by H. Waterman & Brother, Carbon Oil Co., Duffield Brothers,
Fitzgerald & Co., J. R. Minhinnick & Co., Spencer & Keenleyside,
Miller & Co., and in 1869, Englehart & Co. From the advent of the
last named — a New York firm — the progress of oil refining here dates.
The oil from the Waterman works took a leading place, and won
prizes at the several national exhibitions of the seventies.
W. S. Wilson's oil refinery may be said to have been started by J.
V. Thompson & W. S. Wilson in 1871. There was a building on the
lot at the time of the purchase, but they erected otlier buildings for
the accommodation of their business. The partnership existed until
the year 1875, when Mr. Thompson withdrew. Mr. Wilson has since
been associated in business with his brother, but is now sole proprietor.
He has been engaged in the manufacture of soap as well as oil, but
gave up the former business not long ago. He has not been operating
382 HISTORY OF THE
much in oil lately, but the api^earances are he will resume again
shortly.
J. W. Mcintosh & Co., oil refinery, was established in 1878. The
buildings were erected by John Eoss, and purchased from him by
J. W. Mcintosh. The latter carried on the business until some five
years ago, when he was joined by John FoiTestal, who still remains a
partner. Their works are located on Simcoe street, in London East.
Imperial Oil Company was organized in 1880, with F. A. Fitz-
gerald, president, and J, L, Englehart, vice-president. The paid up
capital is $500,000. The company owns large oil producing and refin-
ing properties at Petrolea ; they also have a paraffine works here.
They are manufacturers and producers of all kinds of illuminating and
lubricating oils, and paraffine wax and candles. They have agencies
established in St. John, N. B., Montreal, Toronto, and Winnipeg. They
employ in their works and office some 500 men. As will be seen by
their numerous agencies, they dispose of their products in all parts of
the Dominion. The original works were destroyed by fire in July,
1883.
Empire Oil Company was organized in the beginning of 1885, and
is composed of J. R. Minhninick and Herman Frasch. The buildings
were erected by Edward McGarvey in 1876. He only carried on
business until 1877, when he disposed of it to Conover & McMechan,
who rehnquished it in 1879. The property was then lying idle until
its purchase by the present firm They have added to the plant very
considerably, and have now a complete establishment. Manufacture
burning oil, and also machine oils, giving employment to ten men.
The property is situated on the corner of Walker and Eectory streets,
and extends back to Trafalgar street.
W. Spencer & Co., oil refiners, composed of W. Spencer and his
two sons, W. M. and C. M. Spencer, purchased the lot and erected
their refinery in 188C. The senior member of this firm is one of the
oldest oil ojierators in this portion of the Dominion, and established a
refinery in A\'oodstock twenty-six years ago ; has been in the oil busi-
ness at Petrolea and London for the past twenty-one years ; has been
associated with dili'erent persons at various times ; his two sons have
also been brought up to the business. They have introduced the very
best plant in their works, and have complete and commodious premises.
P. M. Lawrason, manufacturer of lard oil, and dealer in soap stock,
has been in business at London for over fifteen years, — at first in the
petroleum trade, but since 1870, has been engaged in the manufacture
of lard oil, near the corner of Trafalgar and Adelaide streets. He em-
ploys about seven hands. The product is shipped to the eastern
provinces, and also sells west of London. Mr. Lawi-ason is assisted by
his son in the management of the business.
The London Drug Company, KeiTy, Watson & Co., Montreal, pro-
prietors, was established by B. A. Mitchell in 1854, and the business
was conducted by him until 1883, when the present company estab-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 383
lished this branch house. The house gives employment to fifteen men,
and their trade, which is entirely wholesale, extends over Western
Canada. James Douglas has been manager since 1883.
The Canada Chemical Manufacturing Company was organized May
21, 1867, with Wm. Bowman president. Mr. Bowman has occupied
this position without interruption ever since. Mr. T. H. Smallman
is the manager. They erected their buildings on Rectory street, south
of the Grand Trunk Kailway, and commenced in the manufacture
exclusively of sulphuric acid, but have since engaged in the manufacture
of nitric, muriatic, sulphuric and mi.xed acids ; also liquid and sulphate
ammonia, copperas, Glauber's salts, and other ingredients. They have
suffered twice by fire — the first time on September 16, 1869, and again
on June 12, 1887. The buildings were totally consumed on both
occasions, but were speedily rebuilt. This industry employs fifteen
hands.
McKay & Co., manufacturers of cigars, was commenced by Hugh
McKay thirteen years ago in a small way, and was joined shortly after
by John McNee. The business was first started on Dundas street next
to Hiscox's livery ; remained there but a short time, and then moved
into the old Buckley block on Richmond street, opposite the city hall,
■where they remained until the erection of their present substantial
premises on Clarence street, over a year ago. They employ about 100
hands, and their product is about $120,000 annually. They manufacture
about o,.500,000 cigars every year, and pay the Government $20,000
revenue.
Atkins & Manness, manufacturers of cigars, commenced business
here about 1863, when Wm. Atkins, who served his time with the old
firm of Tuckett & Kohl, first started for himself in the building now
occupied by Twohy & Screaton, on Dundas street. Mr. Kohl, of the
firm of Tuckett & Kohl, died, and Mr. Atkins carried on the business
in partnership with Mrs. Kohl. The partnership only existed about
two years, and was then dissolved, Mr. Atkins retiring on account of
his health. In the course of three years he again started, but had to
give it up once more on account of his health. He established his
present house in 1885 on Richmond street, where ten men are em-
ployed.
Olmsted Brothers, manufacturers of cigars, was started by George
and Lewis Olmsted, in 1883. The premises they occupied are
situated on the south side of Dundas street, between Talbot and Ridout
streets, and were built twenty years ago by John Glen, who conducted
a tailoring house. The Olmstead Brothers purchased the property
from the Glen estate. Lewis died about two years ago, and the busi-
ness is now run by George, under the old firm name. They usually
employ about fifty hands.
Joseph Smith, manufacturer of cigars, commenced business in
partnership with his brother Albert, in 1873. After being together
about two years, they dissolved. Joseph then removed into Hunt's
Block.
384 HISTORY OF THE
Albert Smith, manufacturer of cigars, dates back sixteen years,
when he commenced in the old Robinson Hall, on Dundas street.
After a year, he admitted his brother Joseph into partnership. They
dissolved in 1875, since which each of them has conducted a separ-
ate business. He employs about forty hands.
0. E. Brener, manufacturer of cigars, commenced business in a
building on the west side of Wellington, between Bathurst and Horton
streets. It was formerly used as a commercial college, and has served
other purposes. He carried on there four or five years and then moved
into the Cruickshank Block on the west side of Richmond street, south
of King. In 1886 he moved into his present stand on Ridout street, a
few doors north of King. The premises were formerly used as an hotel
by Mr. Stausfield, and were also at another period occupied by the
military, when London was a garrison town. Mr. Brener employs
about thirty hands.
William Ward, manufacturer of cigars, commenced business on the
corner of Burwell and King streets in May, 1875, where he remained
until the close of 1876, when he removed over Mountjoy's fruit store,
on the east side of Richmond street. In April, 1887, he again moved
into the upper flat of the Agricultural Loan Company's building, on
the corner of Dundas and Talbot streets. In April, 1887, he purchased
his present premises on Dundas street, north side, near Ridout street,
from Mr. Kelly, who, until recently, conducted a cigar factory in the
same premises.
The Rose Cigar Factory was originally established by W. T. Ruther-
Ibrd about fifteen years ago. Mr. Rose followed him, conducting the
factory for about three years, when Alexander Irvine purchased the
estate and reopened the house in September, 1888.
John R. Peel, manufacturer of monuments, mantels, etc., com-
menced business in 1852, in a building situated on south side of Dundas
street, east of Clarence. He took as partner R. M. Lucas, who was an
accountant in the Ciore bank at that time. The partnership did not
last long. About the year 1S56, Peel formed a partnership with Geo.
Powell, which existed until 1866, when a dissolution took place.
Since then Mr. Peel has been in business alone. For some years he
lias been located next to the corner of Richmond and Maple streets.
John W. Smyth, manufacturer of monuments, mantels, etc., dates
back in business here to 1852, when he commenced on Dundas street,
between Richmond and Clarence. He afterwards moved to the corner
of Dundas and Wellington streets, but for the past few years has been
on the corner of Clarence and King streets.
John Matheson, manufacturer of monuments, commenced business
in Woodstock in 1856; removed to London in 1874, where, for some
years, he kept all his stone at the station, but he now has a small
place on Talbot street. The excellent workmanship of Mr. Matheson
can be .seen in the many monuments adorning the cemeteries in and
around London.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 385
George Powell & Son, manufacturers of monuments, mantel-
pieces, &c., established a yard here in 1856 (then Powell & Peel).
They dissolved in 1866. Mr. Powell remained in the premises and
Mr. Peel opened another yard. At the time of the dissolution, Mr.
Powell took his son George into partnership. The senior lately retired,
and George, jr., now conducts the business alone under the old style.
He generally has about five hands employed.
T. J. Heard, manufacturer of monuments, mantels, etc., commenced
business in 1877, in partnership with Charles Dunnett. They were
only together a few months, when Mr. Dunnett died. He then
formed a partnership with Samuel Flory, under the style of T. J.
Heard & Co. They bought out Samuel Hooper, and conducted busi-
ness in his stand on Richmond street, next to Cronyn Hall. In 1882
Mr. Flory withdrew, and John Matheson took his place. They did
not long remain in partnership. Mr. Matheson went out and Mr.
Flory was again admitted for a short time, but once more withdrew.
Mr. Heard is now alone, and is located on Adelaide street, north of
Dutterin avenue.
I. M. Mayell & Co., manufacturers of coffee, spices, mustards, cream
tartar, baking powders, etc., and also dealers in toilet soaps, extracts,
and sodas, established their business about thirteen years ago, but Mr.
Mayell has been proprietor only since 1883. They employ altogether
nine hands, and have all the latest improved machinery. They buy
their stocks in Europe and New York. Mr. Mayell's partner is liis son,
A. W. Mayell.
Hughson, Ferrier & Co., manufacturers of coffees, spices, etc., com-
menced business January 1, 1888, succeeding Soper & Gustin, who were
running the business over a year before it was purchased from them.
Have all the improved machinery, and generally employ eight to ten
hands. James A. Ferrier & J. L. Jackson are the present proprietors.
Mr. Hughson retired from the firm early in 1888.
Forest City Spice Jlills (Wm. Gorman, D. Dyson & E. C. Eckert,
proprietors), commenced in April, 1886, in a leased building on Talbot
street, formerly used as a carpenter shop. The business requires the
attention of five hands.
London Soap Company is an important industry. The building
used was erected by Wm. Starr, about twenty-five years ago, who con-
ducted a soap manufacturing business in it for ten years. At the end
of that period he sold out to Peel & Struthers, who continued about
two years. About the year 1875, Thos. Churcher purchased their
interest and relinquished it in 1886, when T. Alcock purchased it.
He was shortly joined by H. D. Long, who subsequently bought out
Alcock's interest, and is now the sole proprietor. Mr. Long employs
seven men in connection with this industry, and has no difficulty in
disposing of whatever stock he manufactures.
Frank Haskett, manufacturer of tallow grease, etc., established this
industry in December, 1887. The building was erected in 1880 by a
25
6iib HISTORY OF THE
Mr. Harris, who conducted business in it until 1885, when he sold out
to Eichard Haskett, father of the present proprietor, Mr. Harris, sr.,
continued the business until the date of its purchase by his son. The
property is situate on Trafalgar street, on the banks of the Thames.
He employs three men.
Burns & Lewis, manufacturers of children's, boys' and youth's cloth-
ing, dates back to 18(51, when George Burns opened in the dry goods
business, in partnership with Mr. Higginson, as Higgiuson & Burns.
Their house was on the south-west corner of Eichmoud and Dundas
streets, and they were in partnership four years. Later, they moved
to a stand on north-west corner of the same streets, where the business
was conducted for some time. Eventually, Mr. Burns moved a few
doors west. About the year 1869, he turned his attention to the
manufacture of clothing, and gradually worked clear of the dry goods
trade. He continued to do a large retail business in this line until the
year 1880, when he formed the present partnership with Mr. Lewis.
They at once opened their wholesale house on Dundas street, but, in
1881, moved to their present house, where one hundred hands are
employed.
F. T. Trebilcock, manufacturer of gold rings, has been engaged in
the jewelry business here from 1880 to 188(i, and conducted one of
the largest retail jewelry establishments in Western Ontario. During
this time much of his trade was the manufacture of rings to order, as
well as society jewels, badges, medals, &c. The success he gained led
him to devote his energies in 1886 entirely to the production of rings.
At present he shows over 300 different designs and styles, most of
which are original and registered. He has fitted up a factory at the
corner of King and Eichmond streets, which contains a full comple-
ment of machinery used in this delicate branch of manufacture.
A. & S. Nordheimer, manufacturers of pianos, are managers of a
bran ch of the well-known business in Toronto which was established
here some thirty years ago. They first opened out in the house now
occupied by W. L. Carrie on Eichmond street ; were for some years
located in the Oddfellows' Hall on Dundas street, and latterly have
been conducting their business on Eichmond street, next door to their
first location. Mr. HempiU, the manager of the Hamilton agency,
was the first manager here. He was succeeded by Dr. Sippi, who
held the position for a number of years, until W. E. Hiscott was
appointed in 1887.
E. S. Williams, manufacturer of pianos (branch of Toronto), com-
menced business in this city eight years ago, with A. M. Eegan as
manager. In addition to the large number of hands employed in
Toronto, there are eight employed here.
In August, 1887, the piano factory of Evans Bros. & Littler was
removed to Ingersoll, which city ottered the company a large bonus.
Welford Bros., manufacturers of ropes, twine, cordage and hemp-
dusters, established this industry in 1867. Jesse Welford conducted
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 387
the business alone until 1874, when he was joined by his brother
James. This business is the only one of the kind in the city.
Robert Summers brought from Chicopee Falls, Mass., the first
knitting machine into this part of the country in 1869, estabhshing a
custom knitting shop at Byron. In 1879 his four daughters estab-
lished a house at London, where a large trade is done.
Thos. Bryan, brush manufacturer, began business in 1872, manu-
facturing a complete line of paint, varnish and kalsomine brushes. He
purchased his present house on Dundas street west, some five years
ago. The building is part of the old Robinson Hall. The oldest Masonic
lodge-room in the city is said to have been in the upper story. Mr.
Bryan disposes of his products all over the Dominion.
The Troy Laundry is one of the largest establishments of its kind
in Western Ontario, and very popular at London.
Wahelee Angnee was the first Chinese laundryman in London,
commencing business November 10, 1878.
Parisian Steam Laundry, branch of Detroit business, commenced
here about four years ago, occupied temporary quarters on Richmond
street, until the completion of their present handsome house on Dun-
das street. The company commenced the erection of the building in
1887 and have only been occupying it since Aprd 2, 1888. They
employ about forty hands, and have met with great encouragement
since launching out here. John K. Spry is the manager. The lot on
which their building is erected was formerly used as a marble and
stone yard by Mr. Matheson, and prior to that by some of the first
buildings of the Forks.
Wholesale Houses. — In 1863, there were only three wholesale
houses in the city — Adam Hope & Co., established in 1857 ; John Bir-
rell the same year, and John I. Mackenzie some time later. In 1866
Hope and Mackenzie removed to Hamilton. The following year the
firm of John B. Laing & Co. opened up, and John Green & Co.
followed suit in 1872. Robinson & Little opened out a year or two
after, and within recent years came the ready-made clothing house
of Burns & Lewis ; A. E. Pavey & Co., tweeds and gents' furnishings ;
Struthers, Anderson & Co., dry goods ; and Dickison, Nicholson & Co.,
small wares. The first wholesale grocery, pure and simple, was that of
Edward Adams & Co., and within the past fifteen years this has been
supplemented by the well-known establishments of M. Masuret & Co.
(an important house), T. B. Escott & Co., and A. M. Smith & Co. It is
of comparatively recent date that the wholesale drug trade has been
operated from the city, but now a large business is done by James A..
Kennedy & Co. and the London Drug Company. W. J. Reid & Co..
were the pioneers in the crockery trade, and they are still here.
There is also another flourishing establishment in the firm of Pigot &
Bryan. In the way of shoe houses, this has long been a recognized
centre, and C. S. Hyman & Co. and Sterling Bros, maintain this
reputation, there being, besides, a number of jobbers. MiUinery is also.
388 HISTORY OF THE
something of recent years, now represented by three flourishing firms,
John Green & Co., Lamoine & Co. (successors to the Crawfords), and
Dickison, Nicholson & Co. The first firm in the line of hats and caps
began in 1874, under the name of Marshall, Lind & Macfie, now repre-
sented by John Marshall & Co. and R. C. Macfie & Co. In hardware
proper are the Hobbs Hardware Company and Bowman, Kennedy &
Co., and, in saddlers' hardware, T. Herbert Marsh and William Ellis.
It is estimated that the above firms represent a business of $7,500,000.
Until about 1867 buyers came to the market at least from twice to
four times a year, and the bulk of the business was rushed into two
seasons. Now an army of travellers represent London houses, and
goods are sold from Prince Edward Island to British Columbia. The
stained glass trade by Lewis and the pottery trade by Glass may be
placed with the wholesale houses, as they do a large local trade, outside
their factory trade. There are other large dealers, such as Alex. John-
ston & Co. (established in 1858), George Kerr and H. H. Job & Co.,
dealers in leather, who bring to the city a great circle of customers.
Rowat, McMahon & Granger's new dry goods jobbing house is a most
important addition.
Early Taverns and Groceries. — Abram Carroll, who, as related,
built the first large log- house at London, on Dundas ; kept an hotel in
that building in 1827-8. 'J'here the present William McClary was a
guest in the years named. He did not stay at McGregor's, for although
it was the first inn, Carroll's was the first house of entertainment
deserving the name. Mrs. Nelson Perkins, a daughter of this Carroll,
is now residing in Dakota, whither she moved in 1888 from London.
In July, 1834, Ephraim Ayers was licensed to keep an inn. In
January, 1837, James Farley, William Park, Abram Van Norman,
Samuel Peters, John jMcDonald and Sarah McCann were authorized
to keep grocery stores on payment of twenty shillings each.
In October, 1838, one Samuel Stansfield, formerly a sergeant in the
32nd regiment, was granted a license to keep an inn on payment of
£7 10s. In April, 1843, John Nixon was allowed to keep tavern in
a new house instead of the one destroyed by fire. Hugh Madole was
allowed to keep tavern at London, and Thomas Adkins, at Port Stanley.
On April 26, grocery license No. 1 was issued to James Farley ; while
John Dimond and John P>alkwill were recommended for ale and beer
license on payment of 25 shillings each.
In May, Samuel Mcliride complained that Patrick McCauley kept
a disorderly house. The contrary was proven to be the case, so that
McBride had to pay 13i shilhngs for his error. Grocery licenses were
issued to Samuel Peters, Leonard Perrin, John Wood, John Mead
Imbei' and John Schofield. On May 22, grocery licenses were issued
to Samuel Glass, Patrick McLaughlin, John Scanlon, Daniel Westrop,
William Crosby, John Clegg, William Goodwin, M. Richard and Jas.
Mucklin. Mirain H. Rowley applied for livery stable license, being
the second of that class, the first being issued to Hiscox and the third
to John Coote.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 389
Grocery licenses were also issued in May to Charles C. New-
combe, Benjamin Dixon, Michael McLaughlin, Maurice Baker, John
O'FIynn, George Eailton, Job Herrin and Martin Eykard.
The institution known as the " Sergeant's Theatre " was licensed
in July, 1843, on payment of twelve shillings and sixpence ; while the
assessment of £25 on Rev. E. Evans's carriage, and the taxes due by
Widow Wilkins (sixteen shillings and threepence), were remitted.
John Claypole's grocery license was granted. Charles Joxley was
licensed in July to keep grocery. WilUam Crosby's grocery license was
transferred in August from lot 1, north of Dundas street, to lot 20.
Miss Jane Higgins was granted a license to carry on a grocery on lot
11, south of King street ; while William Glen was licensed to open a
gi'ocery on lot 2, north on Dundas street, in October, 1843, and Joseph
Howell was granted license to caiTy on a grocery on lot 12, north on
Dundas street.
In November, a grocery license was issued to John Bremner for lot
20, north on Dundas, and Cornelius Driscoll was gi'anted a license for
his gi'ocery on Mark Lane, next to Ban-ack Sergeant O'Brien's house.
Duncan Mackenzie was licensed to keep a grocery on lot 17, north
side of Dundas street, and also a beer license. Joseph Essery was
licensed to keep a grocery on lot 20, north side of King street, in
December, 1843.
Patrick Finnegan was licensed to keep a grocery, but subsequently
got Crosby's ; while Joseph Stour and W. Winslow were authorized to
keep beer saloons in January, 1844. Sarah Murray was licensed to
sell beer on lot 12, north of Dundas. Livery stable licenses were
placed at £5 currency ; and J. & J. Forsyth were granted a grocer's
license for their house on Ridout street, in December, 1844.
The grocers of London licensed in 1844 were : — James Hopkins,
Wm. Goodwin, W. Ambridge, Maurice Baker, P. McLaughlin, Hugh
Stevenson, Peter Gandy, all on Ridout street; Charles Travers, lot 21,
King street, adjoining Gaudy's ; Robert Girdy, for beer house, lot 3,
Church street; Wm. Glenn, James Farley, Peter Burke, lot 11, north
Dundas street; John Bremner, lot 20, Duncan Mackenzie, lot 16, T.
N. Baker, lot 16, on Dundas street; Samuel Glass, lot 16, north of
King street ; Thomas Travers, lot 15, Bathurst street ; Sarah Souter,
on King street ; John Clegg, lot 6, south Simcoe street ; Wm. Tittenser,
lot 4, Furnival Terrace ; John Wood, lot 6, Simcoe street; John Scan-
Ian, lot 6, Bathurst street ; also for house formerly canteen, adjoining
log barracks. Licenses were also granted to Joseph Essery, Jane Hig-
gins, J. Claypole, John Talbot, W. Howe, Sol. Schenick, CorneUus
Driscoll, Wm. Howard, John Schofield (opposite Inquirer office), Job
Herrin, Wm. Wliitley, Chas. Joxley, Adam S. Stephen, Thomas Clark,
James C. Mucklin, or Macklin, John O'FIynn, Benj. Dixon, John A.
Jackson, on Dundas street ; A. B. Jones, lot 4, North street ; Wm.
Scott, lot 10, south Dundas street; Henry Hunn, York street; Cyrus
Morrison, and Charles Morrell.
390 HISTORY OF THE
In 1845, Henry Matheison, Richard Philpott, Pliineas Fitzsimons,
John Bowerman and Stephen P. Probitt were licensed ; also John
Wilson, James A. Wilkinson, Thomas Carling, Thomas Smith, John
Salsberry, Simon Robins, Henry Carroll, and John May.
Almost all the above were iDurned out in the great fire of 1845.
Christie's grocery store is mentioned in 1845. John \V. Crunell
was licensed to open a grocery on lot 11, south side of King street, in
November. In December, Richard Bradford, on lot 20, Ridout ; Geo.
Allen, on lot 8, Simcoe ; Robt. Bentley, on lot 14, N. Dundas ; John
]\Iay, lots 13 and 14, Wellington, were licensed to sell ale and beer;
also John Burke, on lot 9, North street ; Samuel Perkins, on lot 6,
W. Waterloo ; Nehemiah Clarke, lot 2, N. North street ; Edward
Irvin, lot 1, S. Dundas; Robert McGirdy, lot 8, Richmond; John
Nison, in the Bee Hive, Wellington street ; Duncan McKellar, Ridout
street; Geo. Syckes, lot 21, King street; Henry Roots, lot 6, S.
Dundas; John Wilson, lot 14, S. Bathurst; Robert Jex, lot 13,
Dundas; Charles Lindsay, lot 15, Dundas ; James Kennedy, lot 14,
York ; Moses Landers, lot 2, N. Dundas. In 1846 Martin i\IcCor-
mick was licensed to sell beer on lot 21, N. King street; William
Louthan, lot 13, S. Dundas; James Moir, lot 2, S. North; John
McKenzie, lot 21, N. Dundas; James Moffat, lot 15, S. Dundas;
and Thomas Webb, lot 1, S. Bathurst. At this time John Raynard
obtained a grocer's license for lot 11, S. Dundas ; also John P. Mason,
lot 1, N. street ; H. O'Brien, lot 13, Market Lane ; Arch. Boyde,
lot 11, Church street; Sam. H. Clissold, lot 14, S. Dundas; James
Hopkins, lot 10, N. King street. In February, 1845, Alexander Mc-
Kenzie was licensed to open a grocery on lot 3, E. Ridout street, and
Boyle Travers a saloon, on lot l(i, N. Dundas street.
In 1845, John M. Parker and Philo Bennett were appointed .special
constables to examine and report on the manner in which the inns of
London were conducted.
In May, 1840, Robert Wyatt opened a beer saloon on Market
lane. At this time the British Exchange and North American Hotel
were popular houses in Western Canada. James McFaddeu peti-
tioned the Board in June, 1840, to have the sidewalk on the south
side of King street planked from the North American Hotel to the
river.
In April, 1847, grocery licenses were issued to Simon Thorns,
Grammer and Isaac Percival. In August, 1848, D. H. Richards,
owner of a billiard table, was asked to pay £40 license for same, in
addition to a license already issued to him, for which he paid £10.
Richards demuiTcd.
In December, 1848, the following licen.ses were renewed : — Robert
Carfrae, Wm. Burns, John Matthews, John Hopkins, Wm. Harris,
John Walsh, Wm. Thompson, John Scott, Wm. Balkwill, Fiiilay Mc-
Lee, Charles Lindsay, Wm. Hatelie, William Barker, Edward Stanley,
Benj, Higgins, Thomas O'Mara, Alex. Allen, John Graham, John
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 391
Clegg, James T. Masou, James Dagg, James McFadden, Capt. John
Smith, and P. McCann. The new licenses gi-anted were issued to : —
Peter Schram, Charles' Hewett, James Budge, James Hector, Samuel
Carney, Adam J. Beveridge, John Brown, Kichard Jennings, R.
Stevenson, and Edward Irwin.
Matthias O'Flaherty, of Kerry Co., Ireland, who settled here about
1848, was for a number of years engaged in railroading, but for sixteen
years prior to his death, in hotel keeping. In 1881, he and his brother
revisited Ireland, where both were arrested under the laws prevailing
there. The prison treatment for men suspected of liberal political
ideas was so severe that Matthias did not recover from it up to his
death in 1882.
The trial of Mrs. Ann Gamble, for selling spirituous liquors with-
out a license, was heard before the Town Council, April 16, 1849.
John Woods testified, that he sent to Mrs. Gamble for a pint of whisky
by a man named Turner, and got a half-pint. George Turner swore
that " on Saturday or Friday last — won't be certain which days — Mr.
\\'oods came to his house and said, rubbing his hands, ' its a cold
morning ; will you get me some whisky ? ' I went to the house of
the defendant. At first she refused, but afterwards she brought some
beer and gave me some whisky. I paid one and one-half pence for the
beer, and took the whisky for nothing." The Court fined the lady
£5 and taxed her with 16s. costs.
Van Valkenburgh was licensed to keep an inn on Dundas street,
George Cook, on Colborne, and Ann Gamble, on Wellington ; also
Robert McGurdy, in 1849, so that by December, 1849, there were
forty-one licenses issued to inn-keepers and others.
John Loveless established the first temperance hotel at London in
July, 1851. On February 16, 1852, petitions by John Frazer and 474
other inhabitants ; by Mrs, Christian Boyd and 73 members of Rising
Star Union, Daughters of Temperance; by Robert Boyd and 106
members of Pioneer Division, Sons of Temperance; by James Kirkwood
and 4a cadets of temperance, and by Duncan McKenzie and 43 mem-
bers of the London Division Sons of Temperance, were presented to
the Council, asking that the number of houses for the sale of intoxi-
cating drinks be limited. The Council at once acted on the petition,
restricting the number of inns to twenty, and ordering a license of £20
to be collected from each.
In January, 1855, John Clegg, of a Council committee, reported in
favor of classifying hotels and taverns for licensing purposes. The
first class was to comprise : — Robinson Hall, the City Hotel, the Golden
Ball, Western, American and Prospect House, hotels, at £25 each ; the
Commercial, Waterloo, Prince ot Orange, Western Railway, Sun Inn,
Hai-p Inu, Farmer's Inn, Great Western Railway Hotel and Farmer's Inn
on Dundas street, £15 each, and hotels of the third class, £8 each. The
first-class saloons at that time were Young's, Hull's, Ferguson's, Litch-
field's and Dunn's. The license proposed for each was £25, and £15
392 HISTORY OF THE
for all other saloons ; shop and livery licenses, £12 10s ; auctioneer's,
£7 lOs. ; cabs, £1 5s. ; carter's, £1 ; peddler's, £5 10s. ; temperance
houses, £5 ; billiard halls, £1 5s. ; ball alleys, £7 10s. ; all exhibitions,
£15. The by-law lowered the rates about fifty per cent. The fore-
going memoranda from records may be said to point out the history
of the early iims, taverns and groceries, and municipal dealings with
them, down to 1856, when the first directory of the city was compiled.
The licenses issued for the year 1856 under the regulations of the
Council, are given as follows :—
Tavern Licenses. — James Watt, Thomas Granger, Benj. Higgins,
John Orange, Levi Stevens, Michael McAuliff, John McDowell, Charles
Lunebeck, William Ferres, Stephen O'Meara, William H. Woods,
Nathaniel Smith, Adam Nicholson, John Graham, Wilham Glen, John
Dulmage, Eobert ArkeU, John ]Mason, James JNlcDowell, John McCue,
John ]\lcLeod, Arcliibald Boyd, James M. Bennett, Eichard Carruthers,
Daniel Rattle, Martin McNamara, John Matthews, John Williams
(McAlpine), Charles Callow, William StaiT, Jeremiah INIcAuliff, Wm.
J. Hayson, Peter McCann, Charles Lindsay, George Nicholl, Nelson
Perkins, John Stubbs, Joseph Dodds, John Keid, Edwin Powers, John
Clegg, William Noden, Anson Strong, John lies, Thomas Richardson,
Thomas Carter, Patrick Finn, George Graham, Michael Kennedy, Wm.
Sutherland.
Saloon Licenses. — John Pannell, Robert Wilson, Samuel Carty,
Charles Dyde, P. J. Dunn, George Trumble, Eobert Morton, Daniel
Carroll, John T. Young, J. M. Davis (Nicholson), John Hughes, Louis
Ernst, Groves & Rooks, William Irvine, William Percy, James H.
Ryan, John Dodsworth, John Ferguson, David Litchfield, John Wilson.
Temperance Licenses. — Anthony Gray, Francis Westlake, James
Livingstone and Mary Ann Brown.
Ball Alley Licenses. — James M. Martin and John Liberty.
Shop Licenses. — Wm. G. Chambers, J. E. Dixon, W. Simpson
Smith, McDonough & Kent, John J. Redmond, W. and R. Simsou &
Co., John Monger, Joseph Malcomson, Cottrell & Whitwell, James
Geddes, John B. Smyth, Alexander Davidson, Forbes & Forde, T. H.
Buckley, F. Smith, John E. JNlurphy, Peter McCrae, William J. Fuller,
Finlay McFee, H. O'Connor, Alexander Smith, McDonald & O'^leara.
Licensed Auctioneers. — Groves & Shaw, Chemman Yeo, Nathaniel
Reid, Emery & Son, Talbot & Bro., Griffith & Palmer, Thomas W.
Shepherd, F. B. Beddome, George Cottrell.
Licensed Caiiers. — John Mason, George King, William Grannon,
J. O'Byrne, George Rogers, J. Loxley, J. Herbert, R. Beer, C. Butler,
John Carty, Reuben Carny, T. Kcllas, Samuel Boyd, William Mitchell,
Robert Carty, W. Waters, Thomas Southgate, E.Nicholls, Hendrie &
Shedden, and F. Buckley.
Licensed Livery Stables. — John Jennings, Odell & Jacobs, Arthur
& Co., Elijah Smith, J. C. Little, Jeremiah McAuliff, James Fahey,
and Joseph Martin.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 393
Cab Licenses. — John Gibbiiis, Benjamin Fieldhouse, and Charles
Lynch.
The Ontario Gazetteer, or the local directory, contains a history of
London from this period forward, so that a mention of a few of the
leading hotels will close this section of the chai:)ter.
Hotels. — The Tecumseh House is the oldest of the modern hotel
buildings of London. It was built in 1855, and opened in 1856. This
building has a frontage on Eichmond street of 20U feet, on York street
of 150, while the southern front on the railroad is also 150 feet. The
building is four stories in height, and admirably laid out for hotel pur-
poses. Among the names connected with the ownership of the house
are those of B. F. Moore, Messrs. Conklin, Winnett, and Bostwick.
James C. Derby managed the house years ago, while to day, one of
the most polislied of hotel managers, Mr. Davis, has control.
The hotels of twenty years ago, locations, and names of owners, are
as follows : —
Reyere House — E. Woodbury, proprie- Westminster Hotel — John Baldie, pro-
tor, Richmond, corner of King. prietor, south side King, near Ridout.
Strong's Hotel — Wm. Hawthorne, pro- Anglo-American Hotel — P. H. Bradt,
prietor, north side Dundas, between Rich- proprietor, northwest corner York and
mond and Clarence. Wellington.
City Hotel — J. & T. Mossip, proprie- Royal Hotel — Francis Campbell, pro^
tors, Dundas, corner of Talbot. prietor, Richmond, between Great West
Western Hotel — J. Mason, proprietor, em Railroad and Bathurst.
Kichmond. Montreal House — William A. Esscry,
Balkwill's Hotel — J. Snell, proprietor, proprietor, York,
northwest corner of King. Haystead's Hotel — David Haystead,
City Arms Hotel — J. Pannel, proprietor, proprietor, southwest corner Ridout and
King, opposite Market. King.
Ontario Hotel — John Dulmage, proprie- Hiscox Hotel — Thomas Powell, proprie
tor, King, opposite Market. tor, Dundas, bet. Richmond and Clarence,
DHayden's Hotel — Thomas Hayden, pro- International Hotel — J. Woods, pro
prietor, corner of King and Talbot. prietor, Dundas, corner Clarence.
American House — Samuel Grigg, pro- Britannia House — T. Loyd, proprietor,
prietor, southeast corner Richmond and corner of Wellington and York.
York. Northern Hotel — R. P. Simmons, pro-
Brock's Hotel — J. McDowell, proprie- prietor, North, east of Richmond,
tor, northwest corner of Talbot and York. Great Western Hotel — Ed. Thomas.
Tecumseh House— B. F. Moore, with proprietor, Richmond, between Great
J. C. Darby, manager. Western Railroad and Bathurst.
In 187o, there were ninety-two tavern, eight saloon, and thirty-
eight store licenses granted. The number was reduced by thirty-eight
in 1874.
The City Hotel stands on historic ground. The site was purchased
from the Glass family years ago, then occupied by Ayers and others,
as related hitherto. In 1845 the great fire destroyed the old brick
building, but another brick building was erected late in the forties for
J. W. Scott, which was kept by John Mason for many years. The
second brick house was also destroyed by fire, and for some years the
lot was vacant, until rebuilt for J. W. Scott in 1865, when the hotel
was opened by Bostwick, formerly clerk of the Tecumseh House. In
1866 the house was leased for the officers of the 53rd regiment. John
394 HISTORY OF THE
Mossip, of the Western, leased the City, and carried it on until the
spring of 1872, when Peter McMartin became lessee, and was proprie-
tor until his death in 1875. J. & J. McMartin carried on the business
in the interest of their mother until Sept. 1, 1878, when they pur-
chased the building. In 188(3, $10,000 were expended on the western
extension, and during the last ten years no less than $20,000 have
been expended by them, transforming the whole house into a new
building, so that now only a few rooms of the old building remain in
use.
The Grigg House was erected in 1879, being completed in Sep-
tember of that year. It was built by Thomas Tracy, architect On Sep-
tember 20, 1879, Mr. S. Grigg took possession of the house, and has
since been the proprietor. The building has sixty rooms, well fitted
up, including five sample rooms.
The Revere House, erected in 1860, was known as Arkell's Hotel
until 1807, when Henry Wilson, then proprietor, gave it its present
name. In 1887, J. B Jennings took possession of the house. Messrs.
T. Hayden, Barnard, J. McDonald, Mrs. White and Mr. Woodbury
have been lessees. Eobert Arkell, who died in 1882, settled at London
thirty years before, and opened the North American Hotel, on Eidout
street.
In August, 1887, E. H. Gustin purchased the residence of Dr.
Lancaster, 368 Dundas street, and converted it into an hotel.
The other hotels of London are the Boswell House, Hodgins's, Mc-
Farlane's, Clarence, Cousins's, Royal, O'Flaherty's, London, Land's,
Eraser's, American, Atlantic, Avey, Britannia, Butchers' Arms, Carro-
thers's, Cass, Canada Pacific R. R., Cullett, Darley's, Fallahe's. Grant,
Hawthorn, Horsman's, Homister's, International, Kincaid's, Lewis's,
Lilley's, McDonald's, McGill's, Maker's, Martin's, Morton's, Morkin's,
Queen's, Richardson's, Albion, Victoria, Westbrook's, Western, Wil-
son's,— in all, forty-nine hotels.
Banks and Bankers. — In June, 1796, the Upper Canadian Parlia-
ment enacted that the British guinea, the Johannes and moidore, of
Portugal, the American eagle and dollar, the Spanish milled dollar and
pistoreen, the French crown, and all French coins, should be legal
tender.
In 1689, the first British- American paper money was issued in
the Upper Province by Sir Wm. Phipps on his retreat from Quebec.
The bills were supposed to be issued to his troops, and ranged in value
from two shillings to 200 shillings. During the war of 1812, army
bills were issued by Quebec, and made available for circulation in
Upper Canada by the act of 1813.
In 1819 the Bank of Kingston was chartered, but later, the name
"Pretended Bank of Upper Canada" was applied. In 1823, John
Macaulay was one of the three commissioners appointed to wind up
the tangled affairs of this institution.
The Bank of Upper Canada was chartered in 1819-21, and con-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 6^0
tinued in operation until its failure and the settlement of its affairs
late in the sixties.
In 1839 W. W. Street was clerk, with Henry J. Askin, of this
bank, at London, and Chas. W. McCormick, agent, at Chatham. Jas.
Hamilton, still living here, was manager in 1857, and for years before,
as well as afterwards, to its close.
The Commercial Bank of Canada had a branch here for some
years, beginning in the forties. J. G. Harper was manager of this
branch for years, and E. Jones Parke was solicitor.
The Gore Bank of Hamilton was another early financial institu-
tion, of which W. W. Street, who studied his business in the Pioneer
Bank, was manager, and H. C. R. Becher, solicitor.
The Bank of Montreal was established in 1817 by leading mer-
chants of Montreal, with a capital of £87,500.* The bank had, no
charter at first, and the origuial notes bore the words " to be paid out
of the funds of the bank and no other." This was done to protect the
promoters from loss in case of failure. It was incorporated in 1818
under the title of " The Montreal Bank," and saw many vicissitudes ;
but during and immediately after the American civil war it made
money, through having control of the New York gold market. At the
present time the bank has a paid-up capital of $12,000,000, with a
reserve fund of $(3,000,000. At the end of May last it had in circula-
tion notes to the value of .$5,184,436. The total liabilities of the bank
on May 31 last to depositors, stockholders and for notes in circulation,
were $29,717,687.84, the assets at the same time amounting to $49,-
126,279.69. This branch was established by D. Fraser. About 1851
he was succeeded as manager by Mr. Home, who gave way to Mr.
Dunn ; he to Mr. Barwick, and he to Mr. Drummond ; W. J. Ander-
son being the present manager. Of Mr. Home the following story is
related by A. S. Abbott, the veteran city clerk : — " Col. Home detested
everything Yankee, and the sight of the stars and stripes would send
him almost into a fit. When the Great Western was being built,
there were a lot of American contractors in town. When the Fourth
of July came round they were having a high old time down at the
Eobinson Hall. The Colonel was down there, too, damning every-
body, and ready to fight on the slightest provocation. While the
Colonel was getting a drink at the bar, one of the Yankees pinned a
large bunch of firecrackers to the back of his coat, and then touched a
match to them. When they began to go off, the Colonel got wild. I
never saw so much fun in all my life. The back was all burnt out
of his coat."
The Bank of British North America was established in 1836 and
■chartered in 1840, with a capital of £1,000,000, and a reserve of
£221,810. This is one of the two chartered banks in Canada whose
shareholders are not under any double liability, it being governed by
* other authorities state this amount to have been $3.50,000.
396 HISTORY OF THE
its original charter. Shareholders are liable only for the par v alue of
their stock. Its capital stock is still the same, is all paid up, and the
bank now has a reserve fund of $1,1 74,565. Thomas Christian was
one of its early managers here, and for some years prior and subse-
quent to 1857 made the London branch very popular. W. C. Menzies
succeeded him, and later James Kobertson. He came to Canada in
1866, and speedily won his way to favor of the bank managers, and,
in fact, to all with whom he had to do. He was made Inspector in
1871, went to Hamilton as Manager in 1872, thence to Ottawa to
manage the branch in 1874 ; there he remained until 1878, when he
was appointed to the branch at London, a position he filled until
drowned on that terrible Queen's Birthday of 1881, when the present
manager, David Cumberland, was appointed. The notes in circulation
of this institution at the end of ilay last amounted to $1,090,671. The
liabilities of this bank only come to the moderate sum of $7,420,703,
while the assets run up to .?12,4'.il,383.
The Merchants Bank was incorporated in 1861, but did not com-
mence business until 1864, and then with onl)' $100,000 paid-up
capital, being allowed by special permission of the Government to
open with that limited capital. Its rapid growth in wealth has been
almost phenomeual. It now has a paid-up capital of $5,799,200, and
a reserve fund of .$1,920,000. The total value of the notes of the bank
in circulation on May 31 last was $2,842,532 ; while the total liabilities
of the bank amounted to .$12,499,545.25. On the other hand the
assets of the bank come to the large figure of $20,323,465.44. The
present manager is W. F. Harper.
The Canadian Bank of Commerce was established at Toronto and
London in 1864. It is the second bank in point of wealth, having a
paid-up capital of $6,000,000. The large business done by the local
branch, under the management of H. A. Nicholson, w^ho succeeded B.
E. Walker, is very apparent, from the fact that the large building for-
merly occupied by the Federal was purchased and occupied by this
institution in the summer of 1888, having been purchased for about
$25,0(10. Its notes in circulation, according to the last quarterly
Government return, amount to $2,117,681, and its total liabilities to
depositors, etc., come to $14,083,224.37. To offset this the assets of
the bank come up to the handsome sum of $20,699,023.48. On June
14, 1867, the Council resolved: — "That this Council regard with sat-
isfaction that the efforts made in the county and city, in establishing a
bank with a local proprietory, have met with success ; and we trust
that the Canadian Bank of Commerce will meet with every encour-
agement."
Molsons Bank began business in 1853 under the Free Banking
Act of 1852, and got a charter in 1855, with a capital of $370,000.
Its growth has been wonderful, and from a local financial institution it
has spread all over the Dominion, now having some nineteen diff"erent
branches. The paid-up capital of this institution is $2,000,000, and its
COUNTY OF MIDDLES KX. 397
reserve fund $1,408,102. Its liabilities to depositors, note holders and
others, on May 31 last, were $8,452,681.42, while its assets exceed
this by a large sum, amounting in all to $11,571,463.09. The business
of the local branch in London, established in 1870, was under the ex-
perienced management of Joseph JefTery, who retired in 1887. He
was succeeded by M. Heaton.
The Bank of Toronto, incorporated in 1855, was established at
London in November, 1887, taking over the business of the defunct
Bank of London, with W. R. Wadsworth, manager. The paid-up
capital of the Bank of Toronto is §2,000,000, and its reserve fund
$l,;-!50,000. The notes of the bank in circulation amount to $987,659,
and its total liabilities to $6,680,304.26. On the other hand, the in-
stitution's assets reach the handsome sum of $10,145,715.13.
The Bank of London suspended payment August 19, 1887. It
appears that on that date the Bank of Toronto was to absorb the
suspended concern, but the agi-eement was not ratified. The nominal
capital was $1,000,000, but only $212,973.68 was subscribed. Henry
Taylor, the president, had 3,134 shares, on which he paid $35,156.83.
All shares numbered 10,000, principally taken by Londoners, who lost
very heavily, while depositors were more fortunate. As a first result
of the suspension, the Bennett Manufacturing Company assigned at
once. iJuring this eventful day, the bank president was not to be seen,
as prior to this he had left on his vacation tour. On August 24, H.
C. Nelles was appointed trustee of the Taylor estate.
The Fawcett Bank failure was reported September 24, 1884. In
November a large meeting of depositors and other interested parties
was held at Watford, when Thomas Fawcett presented his report,
dealing with the condition of his bank at London and its several
branches on October 13, 1884. He pointed out that the liabilities
were only $216,279.92, of which deposits represented $196,279.92,
while the assets amounted to .*?267,228.08, including North-west timber
limits, which he valued at $180,000. A committee was appointed to
report on the actual facts, and the meeting ended in a storm. In
January, 1885, a shortage of $47,000 was discovered in the accounts
of the Fawcett Bank estate by the committee's auditors. Books were
reported to have been removed or burned. At this time Assignee
Lucas gave Chairman Graham of the committee joint control of the
funds.
The Federal Bank was opened at London, September 7, 1874. The
decision to wind up the atl'airs of the Federal bank was arrived at
February 2, 1882, for not until 1888 was their elegant building, on the
northeast corner of Dundas and Richmond streets, sold to the more
successful Bank of Commerce.
The Farmers and Mechanics' Bank may be said to have been
organized in November, 1877.
Loan and Investment Companies. — The loan and investment
companies doing business here in 1 887-8 are named as follows : —
398 HISTORY OF THE
Agricultural Savings and Loan Co., organized in May, 1872. with William Glass
president in 1887, and W. A. Lipsey manager.
Cauadiam Savings and Loan Co., organized in October, 1875, with James Durand
president in 1S87, and H. W. Blinn manager.
Dominion Savings and Investment Society, organized in April, 1872, with Robert Reid
president in 1887, and F. B. Leys manager.
Empire Loan Co., organized April 15, 18S1, with F. R. Eccles president in 1887, and
George Pritchard manager.
Huron and Erie Loan and Savings Co , organized in 1864, with John W. Little
president in 1887, and Robert W. Smylie manager
London Loan Co., organized in 1877, with Thomas Kent president in 188", and Malcolm
J. Kent manager.
Ontario Investment Association, organized in May, 1880, with Daniel Macfie president
in 1887, and Alfred A. Booker manager.
Ontario Loan and Debenture Co., organized in October, 1870, with Joseph Jeffery
president in 1887, and William F. Bullcn manager.
Royal Standard Loan Co., organized in August, 1877, with C. N. Spencer president in
1887, and D. McMillan manager.
The total liabilities were $17,074,031, while the subscribed capital
was only $9,680,500. The liabilities of stockholders, $7,560,150, aud
liabilities to the public, $9,513,881. The secured loan assets amounted
to $15,532,303, and property assets to $1,541,728. At this time there
were fifty-five companies doing business in Ontario under general acts
or charters. The assets of the companies consist of $79,035,804 in
secured loans and $8,051,863 in property. Of loans, the amount
secured on real estate of general borrowers is $74,954,076, aud $2oL',-
957 on real estate of directors and officers of the companies ; while on
shareholders' stock the amount loaned is $852,267, and on stock of
officers and directors, $177,465. Loans otherwise secured amount
to $2,799,039. The property assets consist principally of five classes,
viz., municipal, school section and loan company debentures to the
value of $1,153,165; cash on hand and in banks, $2,201,361; office
premises, $751,971 ; real estate foreclosed, $1,091,961, and other
property, $2,826,033. The aggregate of loan and property assets is
$87,087,667.
Only two of the fifty-five companies passed their dividends for the
year ; and of the fifty-three which declared dividends, one paid 5 per
cent., fourteen paid 6, and one paid 6|, twenty-four paid 7, one paid 7A,
six paid 8, five paid 10, and one paid 12. The average dividend for
all the companies, exclusive of the two non-earning ones, was nearly
7$ per cent, on paid-up capital, or an aggregate of $2,021,207. The
average rate of interest on total amount secured by mortgages in all
the companies ranged from 6 to 8 per cent. ; on amount loaned on
mortgages in the year, from 6 to 8 per cent. ; on debentures, from 4 33
to 5.44 per cent. ; and on deposits, from 3.16 to 5.28 per cent. The
amount of interest paid and accrued on debentures in the year was
$1,552,621, and on deposits $685,138. The amount received as inter-
est from borrowers is not given separately for all the companies, but
the principal and interest so received was $18,987,927. The amounts
received from and repaid to depositors during the year, although differ-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
ing considerably iu each couipany, are almost equal in the
of all the companies — the deposits being $25,283,071, and the with-
drawals $25,283,441. The amount of debentures issued during the
year was $0,263,884, and the amount repaid was $4,346,294. The
amount invested and secured by mortgage by all the companies is
$75,433,882, of which $29,691,591 is on mortgages payable by instal-
ments, and $45,742,291 on mortgages payable at stated periods — the
estimated cash value of all investments being $84,080,682. It appears,
however, that of the $75,433,882 invested by the companies, the large
sum of $45,288,518 has been borrowed by them for that purpose. The
number of mortgages on which proceediugs were taken during the year
was 688, and the amount of such mortgages $1,419,012. The value
of mortgaged property held for sale was $2,540,788, and the amount
chargeable against such property $2,190,465. The cost of manage-
ment for all the companies during the year was $685,905, being about
2 J per cent, ou their paid-up capital.
The Huron & Erie Loan & Savings Co. was organized in February,
1864. The last annual report shows" that of $1,500,000 of subscribed
capital, $1,100,000 is paid up, and the Huron & Erie at present has a
reserve fund of $437,000. Among the original promoters of the Huron
& Erie were the following gentlemen, all of whom will be readily recog-
nized for their energy and business acumen : — The late John Birrell,
the late Samuel Barker, J. G. Mcintosh, Verschoyle Cronyn, Philip
Mackenzie, Senator Leonard, and others. Robert \V. Smylie is the
present manager. The Board for 1888 comprised the following gentle-
men : — President, J. W. Little ; vice-president, Wm. Saunders ; direc-
tors, E. Leonard, J. G. Mcintosh, Philip Mackenzie and John Beattie ;
manager, Piobert W. Smylie ; solicitor, Verschoyle Cronyn ; auditors,
George F. Jewell, F. C. A., and T. A. Browne.
The Ontario Loan & Debenture Company, with its headquarters at
London, is one of the best known in Western Ontario. Its subscribed
capital is $2,000,000, of which amount the very large sum of $1,200,-
000 has been paid up. iloney is loaned on real estate only ; and, as a
consequence, the standing of the Ontario Loan & Debenture is of the
very best. The following gentlemen compose the management : — -
Joseph Jeflery, pre.sident; John McClary, vice-president; Alexander
Johnston, Wm. Bowman and Wm. McDonough, directors ; and W. F,
BuUen, manager. The auditors are A. S. Emery and Geo. F. Jewell.
The gentlemen above named, who have been long connected with the
institution, are to be congiatulated upon placing it on such an enviable
basis. It is to-day one of the wealthiest loan companies in Canada.
The Dominion Savings & Investment Co. was organized about
1875, among its principal promoters being : — Mr. Strathy, ex-collector of
customs. Dr. Cattermole, W. R. Meredith, M. P. P., the late Colin
Munro, sheriff of Elgin, John ElUott, Daniel Macfie, Thomas Beattie,
Hermann Waterman, William DufBeld, and its present manager, CoL
Leys. The capital stock was fixed at $1,000,000, and this was all
400 HISTORY OF THE
subscribed, aud to-day the large amount of $950,000 has been paid
up. The business of the Dominion is strictly confined to Western
Ontario, where its funds are all invested in farm and other real prop-
erty. The Savings Bank branch of the Dominion is also extensively
patronized. Such men as Robert Eeid, collector of customs ; Rev. J.
Herbert Starr, of Toronto ; N. Reid, of W. J. Jteid & Co. ; Wm. Bet-
tridge, M. D., Strathroy ; T. H. Purdom, barrister; Hugh Moore, Dun-
das ; Duncan Coulson, Toronto ; John Leys, jr., Toronto ; Geo. Boyd,
Toronto ; John Ferguson, Chas. U. Elliott and Col. Leys, are on its
directorate ; while E. J. Parke, who was sohcitor for the pioneer bank
of London, holds the same office in this company.
The Canadian Savings aud Loan Company was organized in 1875,
with a subscribed capital of $750,000. Among its original promoters
were Messrs. James Durand, John Christie, Colonel Lewis, James
Armstrong, M.P., John W. Jones, Robert Fox, and H. W. Blinn, the
present manager. The institution, under Mr. Blinn, has had a more
than usually prosperous career, as the last annual report shows. Of
the subscribed capital stock of $750,000, some $682,956.4:8 has been
paid up. The reserve fund amounts to $160,000, and the contingent
fund to $15,750.83. making the total assets of the L'anadian $1,675,-
852.96, while the liabihties to the public only foot up to $817,145.70.
The company places its funds in nothing but good Ontario real estate,
and, as a consequence, its investments are all of the safest description.
The following well-known business men comprise the present manage-
ment:— President, James Durand; vice-presidents, John Christie and
R. Lewis ; directors, Robert Fox, James Armstrong, M. P., John W.
Jones, and H. Becher, Q. C. ; bankers, the Molsons Bank of Canada ;
solicitors, Magee, Greenlees & Thomas ; manager, H. W. Blinn ; in-
spector, Robert Fox.
Agricultural Savings and Loan Company was established with a
charter in May, 1872, with J. A. Roe as manager, and R. Tooley,
president ; John Wright, vice-president ; D. Regan, Andrew McCor-
mick, John Bennett, Richard Bailey, A. T. Chapman, George Birrell
aud .lames Owrey, directors. William A. Lipsey came in as manager
of the bank on July 1, 1886, being accountant of the institution for
ten years previous. The sixteenth annual report of the directors
made the following very satisfactory showing : — Subscribed capital,
$600,000 ; paid-up capital, $616,585; reserve fund, $88,000; con-
tingent fund, $4,539. While the total assets of the company amounted
to some $1,586,908.36, the liabilities to the pubhc only come to $856,-
380.64. The present officers are: — President, Wm. Glass, sheriff of
Middlesex ; vice-president, Adam Murray ; directors, Lieut.-Col. Jas.
Mollat, London ; Daniel Regan, merchant, London ; Thos. McCor-
mick, manufacturer, Loudon ; Donald Mackay, merchant, Toronto ; J.
W. Little, merchant, London; with Richard Bayly, Q. C, solicitor.
The London Loan Comjiany of Canada has now been doing busi-
ness in London since 1877, and under the management of M. J. Kent
LUMDJN MEDICAL SCHOOL
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 403
has experienced a large degree of prosperity. Among its original
promoters were : — Thos. Kent, James Owrey, G. D. Sutherland, Uhas.
Hutchinson, Dr. Nelles, Andrew Weldon, and the present manager,
M. J. Kent. In fact, the president, Thos. Kent, and the manager, M.
J. Kent, have remained at the head of the institution since its incep-
tion, and their capable supervision is best shown by the following
table :—
Deposits and
Years. loans. Debentures. Reserve.
1877 $ 199,952 | 39,381 S15,129 65
1878 331,124 94,999 18,560 34
1879 331,557 111,807 20,463 66
1880 560,438 237,424 21,185 64
1881 840,340 361,078 43,547 67
1882 795,220 276,153 45.565 69
1883 749,605 238,724 47,535 02
1884 856,131 291,543 47,535 02
1885 1,119,248 551,765 50,000 00
1886 1,3.55,810 684,711 53,000 00
1887 1,272,158 567,227 56,703 57
This table shows that the progress of the institution has been
steady and certain. At present its reserve and contingent funds
amount to §66,703.57, and its total assets to $1,276,193.91. The pres-
ent officers are : — President, Thomas Kent ; vice-president, Jas. Owrey ;
directors, Thomas McCormick, G. D. Sutherland, J. A. Nelles, M. D.,
E. W. Puddicombe and Andrew Weldon ; manager, Malcolm J. Kent ;
with Gibbons, McNab & Mulkern, sohcitor.
The Eoyal Standard Loan Company was organized in August,
1877. The capital .stock being $1,000,000, of which some $240,000 is
paid up. C. N. Spence is the president, and Donald McMillan
manager. The other officers are named as follows : — W. H. Ferguson
and Joshua Jackson, first and second vice-presidents ; B. E. Sifton,
John Johnson, John Tampon, L. McDonald, R. Rich, James Cameron
and H. Becher, directors.
The Empire Loan Company completes the list of local financial
companies. It was organized April 15, 1881. Of this institution. Dr.
F. E. Eccles is the president, and George Pritchard, the manager.
The Ontario Investment Association was found to be totally
wrecked in October, 1887, when the shareholders assembled to hear
the directors' report. The liabilities were placed at $1,816,505, and
the assets at $1,835,292, — the balance, $18,788, was all that remained
of $724,247.96 paid-up capital. Charles Murray, the manager, loaned
himself $116,373, all of which was lost except about $30,000. Henry
Taylor, the president, had $389,000, but the auditors could not report
reliably on the disposition of this sum.
Insurance Companies. — At the present time there are 83 com-
panies under the supervision of the office, 42 doing business on the
life plan ; 4, assessment ; 32, fire ; 7, inland marine ; 4, ocean marine ;
8, accident; 3, guarantee; I, steam boiler; and 4, plate glass. The
■deposits for the protection of policy-holders, held by the Receiver-
404 HISTORY OF THE
General in trust for these companies at the 10th of July, 1888, amounted
to $13,673,477.26 in securities; and there was also deposited with
Canadian trustees, in conformity with the Act, $670,699, making a total
of $14,344,174, an increase since last report of $1,806,391. The total
amount of premiums received for all forms of insurance was $12,177,143,
of which $4,605,664 was received by Canadian companies ; $4,633,709
British do. ; and $2,937,770 American do. The policies in force num-
ber : — Canadian companies, .59,829 ; British do., 13,838 ; American do.,
34,440. The average amount of a policy is : — Canadian, $1,698; British^
$2,035; American, $1,768. The total amount of polices is: — Cana-
dian companies, $101,566,100 ; British, $28,163,329 ; American,
$60,878,367 ; total, $190,607,796. The death rate among insured
lives in Canada was about 7.909 per thousand. The average death
rate for the last eight years is 8.442. The total amount paid
to pohcy holders during tiie year 1887 was $3,235,205. For every
$100 premiums received, there has been paid to policy holders $52 99>
leaving $47.01 to be carried to reserve, expense and profits. The
average rate of premium received for every .$100 of current risk is : —
Canadian companies, $2.95; British, $3.20; American, $3.86; and
for all companies the average is $3.28. The average rate of claims
paid for every $100 of current risk is: — Canadian companies, 86c.;
British, $1.52 ; American, $1.57; and for all companies the average
is $1.19.
The London Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized in
April, 1860, with T. H. Buckley, president ; Thomas Stiles, "john W.
Van Wormer, Crowell Wilson, Eichard Biddulph, Wilham Niles,
Hamilton Duulop, directors; and Andrew Chisholm, secretary; Chas,
Monsarrat, treasurer. The first year was very hard, only ninety-eight
policies being issued. A. McDonald was secretary in 1861, when
2,715 policies were in force, averaging $577, and losses by fire $220.
The number of policies in force since 1862, and the amount of annual
loss by fire, are given below : —
1862 9,108 $ 4,463 1875 38,427 $39,192
1863 17,090 9,465 1876 39,575 59,424
1864 23,059 20,548 1877 40,049 64,165
1865 26,582 29,529 1878 40,167 68,358
1866 27,822 33,209 1879 40,932 67,600
1867 28,480 24,768 1880 40,893 85,031
1868 28,764 28,183 1881 39,706 76,102
1869 30,892 31,149 1882 39,899 78,926
1870 32,882 42,318 1883 39,710 60,758
1871 84,528 61,604 1884 40,009 70,211
1872 35,871 26,765 1885 41,011 76,148
1873 36,210 50,165 1886 42,980 78,557
1874 36,897 47,272 1887 41,219 83,868
The amount of property insured aggregates $43,413,717. The
officers for 1888 are : — James Grant, J. P., (treasurer of London town-
ship) president; Daniel Black, vice-president; W. R. Vining, treas-
urer; C. G. Cody, fire inspector; J. B. Vining, accountant; Messrs.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 405
Macniillau and Cameron, solicitors; F. St. G. Thompson, assistant
secretary ; 1>. C. Macdonald, secretary and manager; Angus Campbell,
Daniel Black, Joseph H. jMarshall, M. P., James Armstrong, M. P.,
Thomas C. Hewitt, Thomas E. Eobson, John Hodgson, James Arm-
strong, of Union ; James Grant, of Arva, directors.
The Ontario Mutual is the second oldest local institution of the
kind in London, having commenced business in 1867, with Samuel
McBride, president, and James Johnson, secretary and treasurer;
therefore, this year it celebrates its majority. Ever since the inception
of the Ontario Mutual, its business has steadily increased, and never
more rapidly than during the past two or three years. As an instance
of this, the last annual report issued in January, 1888, shows that in
1887 the number of policies issued was 1,671, against 1,424 for 1887,
an increase of 247 policies, representing §145,650. The total number
of policies in force at the same time was 4,347, insuring property
to the large amount of $2,887,596. The company do business on
two systems, the premium note plan, and the cash system. They are
both good and equally popular. Although the season of 1887 was
very dry and hard on all companies, the losses of the Ontario Mutual
were only slightly over $14,000, and were all promptly met. This
company owes its prosperity to the capable men who have hold of it.
The directors for 1888 are : — A, McCormick, president ; Jas. Egan,
vice-president ; Robert Smith, Thos. H. Tracy, B. W. Greer, and Chas.
Taylor. P. F. Boyle is the energetic manager, and he has aided the
directors very materially in making the Ontario Mutual as prosperous
as it is. Its business is not confined to London, but extends all over
the Province. The total losses paid since 1867 amount to $116,636.47.
The London Life Insurance Company was incorporated iu 1874
under an act of the Legislature of Ontario. Some of the best business
men, as well as the wealthiest residents, were at its back. It was re-
incorporated in 1885 by special act of the Parliament of Canada. The
authorized capital is $1,000,000, of which $223,000 has been sub-
scribed for and $33,650 paid up in cash. In addition to the most
approved forms of life and endowment policies issued by this company
during the past fourteen years, industrial insurance has also been in-
troduced, whereby every healthy member of a family from one to sixty-
five years of age may be insured. The premiums are collected weekly
at the homes of the members, five cents per week and upwards being
accepted at any of the above ages. The manager, J. G. Eichter, is
experienced in the business. Its stockholders are among the most
successful business men of the city, the present Board of Directors
being : — Joseph Jeffery, president ; John McClary, vice-president ;.
William Bowman, George C. Gibbons, Arthur S. Emery, Thomas H.
Smallman, William F. Bullen, George M. Harrison, Sheriff Glass and
Judge Bell.
The Huron & Middlesex Mutual Fire Insurance Company, in ex-
istence about ten years, has had a most prosperous career. The last
HISTOKY OF THE
annual report shows that during 1887 some 1,2G4 policies were issued,
insuring property to the amount of nearly ?1,000,000, while the total
number of policies in force is 2,782, covering property valued at
$2,044,242. The amount paid out for losses during 1887 was only
$1:3,045.72, and the assets increased from $54,187.03 to $72,269.24,
showing a very satisfactory advance of $18,082.21. The present Board
is an unusually good one, consisting of Messrs. L. C Leonard, London ;
R. S. Murray, London ; Henry Johnston, London West ; D. M. Cam-
eron, ex-M. P., Strathroy ; Jas. McKeuzie, Union ; Richard Shoults,
J. P., Parkhill; Geo. Samwell, J. P, Exeter; G. L Walker, Aylmer;
Richard Southam, London. The officers of the company are : — Messrs.
L. C. Leonard, president and treasurer ; D. M. Cameron, ex-M. P.,
vice-president ; John Stephenson, secretary and manager ; W. W. Fitz-
gerald, solicitor; W. Spittal, accountant, London ; W. S. Jackson, But-
ton, and F. Harley, London, general agents ; bankers, Bank of British
North America. The Huron & Middlesex Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
is prepared to take risks on all kinds of manufacturing, commercial,
private and farm property.
The City Mutual Fire Insurance Company is the youngest local
company. In 1866, when the joint stock companies throughout this
country formed a combine, this company was formed to combat the
combine, and it did so very successfully. The London Mutual
did not take commercial risks, and many of those most largely inter-
ested in that company heartily took hold of the new scheme, and as a
result in June, 1886, the City Mutual was launched. The annual
statement issued in January last, when the City Mutual was just a
year and a half old, showed that then the risks covered by the com-
pany amounted to $797,605. The assets were $38,.S.S2.95, of which
$10,000 iu cash was deposited with the treasurer of Ontario, as security
for insurers. In fact, this company has met with unprecedented
success. The officers for this year consist of Mayor Cowan, of London,
president ; James Armstrong, M. P. for South Middlesex, vice-presi-
dent; W. P. Vining, treasurer ; Aid. J. B. Vining, secretary, and G.
A. Blackstock, special adjuster and inspector of agencies.
The London Masonic Mutual Benefit Association was organized
December 27, 1870, and incorpoi-ated March 2, 1874, with Rev. Mr.
Innes, president, and H. A. Baxter, secretary. The directors were
Robert Lewis, vice-president; Hermann Waterman, G S. Birrell, C. A.
Sippi, Thomas Beattie, M. D. Dawson and Isaac Waterman. The
membership in 1872 was 1,740, decreased to 1,447 in 1882, and to
1,135 in 1887. The total amount paid up to July, 1888, is $474,-
799.75, while the reserve fund is $()5,000. Robert Lewis is president,
and Andrew Ellis, secretary, vice Baxter, who died in July, 1888.
Among the directors are M. D. Dawson, J. D. Sharman, Thos. Brock,
John S. Dewar and J. B. Smyth.
When the Camerons first published the Advertiser, there were only
four agencies in the city, and only two of tlie gentlemen of a quaiter
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 407
of a century ago are still in business here. They are, F. B. Beddome
and A. G. Smyth. The former is probably the oldest insurance man
in London, having taken the agency for the Western Insurance Com-
pany about 1851, and retained it ever since. The late J. C. Meredith,
at that time, also had the Phoenix Company. The London Mutual had
some agents residing here in 1863 and doing work in the county.
Among them were Messrs. Leslie Johnston, George and W. T. Kiley,
now controlling, to a great extent, the Toronto Street Railway, and Wm.
Moore, of the Customs Department. The agents to-day in London are
as follows : —
Eobert Waddell, Scottish Union and National, of Ireland. Bed-
dome & Brown, Connecticut, of Hartford ; Northern Fire and Life ;
Norwich Union, of England ; Royal, of England ; Western Assurance
Company. G. M. Gunn & Sons, JEtna, ; British American ; Hartford,
of Hartford ; Imperial, of London ; London Assurance Company ;
Phoenix, of Brooklyn. Hammond & Gillean, North British and Mer-
cantile ; Caledonian ; Phoenix, of England ; Hand in Hand. John Bur-
nett, Royal Canadian ; Ontario Mutual. J. A. Nelles, City of London ;
Fire Insurance Association ; Glasgow and London ; Lancashire and
Manchester. David Smith, Citizens'; London and Lancashire. T. R.
Parker, Commercial Union ; Queen. R. Butler & Son, Gore District ;
Mercantile ; Northern ; Perth ; Watei'loo. E. J. McRoberts, Agricul-
tural Fire Assurance Company, of Watertown, N. Y. ; Economical
Mutual, of Berlin ; Hand in Hand ; Perth Mutual ; Quebec, of Quebec,
— all fire companies.
R. Butler & Sons, Citizens' ; Federal. David Smith, Citizens', of
Canada. J. Frith Jeffers, British Empire Mutual Life Assurance Com-
pany, of London, England. T. R. Parker, Commercial Union ; Queen.
Beddome & Brown, Mutual, of New York. E. J. McRoberts, North-
western Masonic Aid Association. G. M. Gunn & Son, Travelers', of
Hartford. John Burnett, Ontario Mutual, of Waterloo. Hammond &
Gillean, Standard. J. A. Nelles, Sun. C. E. German, Ontario Mutual,
of Waterloo, — all life insurance companies.
G. M. Gunn & Son, Accident, of North America; Travelers', Hart-
ford. E. De la Hook, Accident, of North America. R. Butler & Son,
Citizens'. Hammond & Gillean, Citizens'; London Guarantee and
Accident Company, David Smith, Citizens', of Canada. Beddome &
Brown, Mutual, J. A. Nelles, Sun Life, — all accident companies.
G. M. Gunn & Son, Guarantee Company, of North America.
Hammond & Gillean, London Guarantee and Accident Company, —
guarantee companies.
J. A. Nelles, British and Foreign. G. M. Gunn & Son, British
and Foreign, of Liverpool. T. R. Parker, Commercial Union, — marine
insurance,
J. A. Nelles, Dominion. E. J. McRoberts, Hand in Hand. G. M.
Gunn & Son, Lloyd, — plate glass insurance.
There are also in the city a number of benefit associations open to
408 HISTOKY OF THE
particular classes. There is the London Masonic Mutual Benefit As-
sociation ; the Western Travelers' Mutual Benefit Society, and the
Catholic Mutual Benevolent Association. The Foresters, Order of
Chosen Friends, Knights of Pythias, Scottish Clans, National Union,
United Workmen, and Eoyal Arcanum, — all have benefits attached.
Miscellaneous Paragraplis. — Among the items intended to be
incorporated in one or other of the subjects into which the history of
London is divided, a few did not obtain the proper place, and for this
reason they are given here.
John McLaughlin was a shoemaker at London in 1836-7.
John Smith was charged in January, 1837, with breaking into the
shop of John Philpot Cun-an in London. John Talbot and WiUiam
Farier were bondsmen for Smith.
In 1845, James Farley applied for permission to use part of North
street, adjoining the churchyard, for a brickyard, but was denied.
Michael Segar, who operated a line of stages between London and
Port Stanley, in connection with steamboats at that port, was also
owner of mail routes here.
The trade of the Port of London in 1855 was represented by
£232,552, imports, and £77,973, exports. The respective figures for
1856 were £293,998 and £75,437.
The telegi'aph line from London to Sarnia was completed, and the
first message received, in August, 1859.
In July, 1868, W. H. Boullie and Donald Mcintosh, drug clerics,
of London, were killed near Thamesville depot, while en route home
from Detroit, Mich.
John Norsworthy was killed in J. & 0. McClary's factory, York
street, December 12, 1868.
A female mute, aged ten years, resided with Charles Schrier, a
German laborer, (on Talbot street, three doors from the north-east
corner of FuUarton,) in April, 1869. She was almost fleshless since
her birth.
The flouring mill erected by Elijah Leonard in 1869, adjoined liis
foundry on the west side.
In March, 1869, a New York man, named Pratchey, rented the
tannery in Petersville from Dr. Anderson for the purpose of a glue
factory.
The an'ests made in London in 1872 numbered 1,092. The religious
demoninations accredited to the prisoners stand as follows : — 500 pro-
fessed to belong to the Ej)iscopal Church ; 279 to the Eoman Catholic
faith; 114 to the various sects of Methodism ; 95 to the Presbyterian
and Scotch (Jhurch ; 18 to the Baptist, and 86 did not profess to worship
God at all.
Charles Chapman, a dentist, who had an office over Conover's store,
in the Hiscox Block, committed suicide June 13, 1872. Want and
despair urged him to this deed ; for although equal to anyone in his
profession, he could not obtain work here without holding a Canadian
license.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 409
In January, 1873, a colored man, Jasper Williams, escaped from
his house while suffering from small-pox. He was found frozen to
death within the Palace grounds.
In 1874 there were 1,385 arrests in London, 201 of which were
female culprits. One male and one female were accused of murder ;
eighty-four males and eighteen females of being drunk and disorderly,
and 293 males and seven females of being drunk. Of the persons
arrested 329 were English, 326 Irish, 189 Scotch; 299 Canadians, 198
Americans, and forty-four of other countries.
In August, 1876, a child of S. A. Eakins drank some water off a
fly-poison plate, and died that evening.
In October, 1879, Charles L. Lancaster, of the Merchants Bank,
London, was arrested on the charge of embezzling $1,000 on March 29.
The murder of Frank L. Gundlack, of the Dominion Reporting and
Collecting Agency, was perpetrated by Wm. Drought, at the Grigg
House, at midnight on Oct. 22, 1879.
Henry Fysh was appointed jailer for the County of Middlesex in
1880, and died a few years later.
Robert ArkeU's brewery was destroyed by fire two years before his
death in 1882.
In August, 1882, Patrick Higgins, of Woodstock, was drowned in
the Thames at London.
London and St. Thomas were connected by telephone, Nov. 18,
1888.
A boy, named Albert Brooks, was drowned near Westminster
Bridge, in April, 1885.
The Granite Block, on the north side of York, just east of Eich-
mond, was completed in 1887 for Charles W. Andrus. The four
wholesale firms, A. M. Smith & Co., R. C. Macfie & Co , Bowman,
Kennedy & Co., and Sterling Brothers, were the first tenants.
In November, 1887, a coal stove in Rev. John Linwood's house, on
Maitland street, exploded. Some persons attributed the explosion to
gunpowder, rather than to gas, and as a result, Linwood left the city.
He was an exhorter in the Baptist Church of London East, and also
earnest in Methodist work during the Hunter-Crossley meetings.
C. D. Shaw, who settled at London in ante-rail days, and built up
the largest hardware trade in Canada, died in January, 1888.
London East, now a part of London City, dates back to 1851,
when Murray Anderson purchased a lot in the forest, near Noble F.
English's log-house. In 1854, Squire Anderson built the large brick
residence he now lives in, as he then imagined, away out in the coun-
try, never dreaming anything in the shape of a city could ever reach
him where he was. At that time there were only about four houses in
London East, viz. : — N. F. English, M. Anderson, Samuel Park, ex-
jailer, J. Warwick and A. Isaacs. Shortly afterward, John Allaster
and family, J. Leonard, hotel, J. Sheppard, Richard Gould, and a few
others, all of whom might be termed the pioneers of London East,
410 HISTORY OF THE
moved in, invested in lots and put up buildings. Murray Anderson
moved into his new house — the first brick house, not only ia London
East, but the first brick east of Burwell street — in 1855.
At that time, 1855, there was no business whatever transacted in
London East; not even so much as a tavern or blacksmith shop to be
seen, and the settlers would scarcely number a dozen. Leonard's
Hotel was opened the following year. In 1856, Murray Anderson
built a large frame foundry on the city side of Adelaide street, which
gave steady employment to about one hundred men for a number of
years, until he sold the property to i\Ir. Crawford, who, some years
after, took down the old frame, and erected in lieu thereof a large brick
foundry, to which the company, now known as the Globe Works,
made in 1881 a considerable addition.
This foundry, although standing immediately without the borders,
has always been looked upon as a London East institution. In fact,
it was the means of starting London East, and only for it and some
industries which followed shortly after, London East would never have
been a separate corporation, or indeed a section of any importance
whatever. In 1864, the population of London East was about 500.
During that year, W. Bailey, sr., and Messrs. Dufiield Bros , started
oil refineries on the Hamilton Eoad. Their commencement was small,
but the business increased so rapidly as to draw the attention of other
capitalists to the place, and in 1866, nearly fifty acres were covered
with refineries, among the more prominent of whom were, Bailey,
Dufiield & Co., Spencer & Waterman, Stedwell & Co., L. C. Leonard,
Burns & Co., and many others. The population of the suburb in 1866
was estimated at 1000.
Between 1866 and 1872, London East more than doubled its popu-
lation. During these three years, such mammoth industries as the
Ontario Car Works, giving employment to from three to four hundred
hands ; the Great Western Car Works, giving employment to a similar
number ; Fitzgerald's oil refinery, A. M. Ross's refinery, and the
Victor Oil Worlcs, and immense cooper shops, were established.
The population about this time was estimated at 1^,000 ; but still,
owing to the scattered appearance of the place and low taxes, not the
first whisper was heard in reference to incorporation, and atl'airs went
on prosperously and harmoniously till 1874, when it seemed to strike
the London Easters all at once that they should be incorporated, and
a public meeting was called in the Adelaide street school-house.
Among those present were Messrs. A. M. Boss, Isaac Waterman, M.
Anderson, J. Carlin, Charles Lilley, J. Eflner, R. Gough, A. Isaac, J.
W. Bartlett, W. Gould, T. W. Standfield, J, McMichaeC Peter Allaster,
John Allaster, and about one hundred and fifty others. The chair was
occupied by M. Anderson, and the meeting ajipoiuted Messrs. Carlin
and EHner to take the census, which stroke of business they accom-
plished in a very prompt and efficient manner, so much so, that within
a week they reported on the 500 acres no fewer than 2,500 souls.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 411
London East was incorporated, on motion of W. D. Hammond,
seconded by John W. Campbell, on June 5, 1874. Abram Effner was
appointed returning officer ; Messrs. Effner and Carlin were the census
enumerators. Eeuben Short and 204 others petitioned for the act.
On the 1st of January, 1875, the first election took place, which
resulted in A. M. Eoss being elected by acclamation as reeve, Peter
Allaster, first deputy, and Isaac Waterman, E. Gough and J. H.
McMechan, councilmen ; A. Isaac, clerk ; J. D. Smith, treasurer.
This year the street car track was extended into the village.
In June, 1882, the bylaw empowering the Council of London
East to expend $40,000 on the construction of water works, was carried
by a vote of 167 for and 11 against.
Up to 186.5 the greater portion of the business was confined to the
Hamilton Eoad, part of London East, but from that date the current
of trade began to set in rapidly in the direction of Dundas street.
This was more noticeable when Chas. Lilley, the reeve of 1881, built
up a number of stores near the corner of Dundas and Adelaide streets.
Shortly after, Murray Anderson erected a splendid block of buildings,
containing five handsome stores, known as Anderson Block. Messrs.
Sanborn, Legg and Hicks followed the example set, by erecting large
brick blocks. These, together with a number of other stores, indus-
tries, &c., created a large trade for Dundas street.
The name of Lilley's Corners was changed to London East, Dec. 23,
1876. The agreement between the coixnty and city provided for the
payment by the city of $7,800 to the county, as the debt of London
East on its annexation to the city that year.
The first school — an old log affair, 12x20, two windows and a stove
pipe — was erected amid much rejoicing, on the Gore Eoad, about the
year 1848. The second school is the present low frame building on
Adelaide street. It was built in 1860. Speaking of the schools in
1881, one of the old settlers says : — "This school is supposed to have
turned out more scholars to the square foot than any seminary of its
size in the County of Middlesex, or the city either, Mr. Jas. Park
was the first teacher in London East. (The old log school house re-
ferred to being outside the limits.) He commenced in 1860, and such
was the fame of this school, that in 1868 there were over two hundred
names on the register, many of the scholars hailing from the city.
With the aid of monitors, he handled the host single-handed ; and such
was the size of the school, that Mr. Crowell Wilson hesitated paying
over the Government money till the Inspector came forward to vouch
for the figures. Mr. James Park is a graduate of Dublin University.
After teaching in London East for nearly four years, he left for Chat-
ham, where he was appointed Principal of the King Street School.
Although nearly seventy years old, he is a hale and hearty old gentle-
man, and able for duty another ten years or more. At present he is
visiting his old friends and scholars in London East, where he is spend-
ing his holiday. The next is the Eectory, or Park Street School, a
412
HISTORY OF THE
peculiarly arranged brick building, wbich, at a cost of about $4,000,
■was erected about 187U. The Anderson School, situated on Timothy-
street, a fine, two-story edifice, brick, four large rooms, was built in
1875, at a cost of about $7,000. The Central School marks an era in
the educational annals of London East. It was commenced last June,
and will be ready for the scholars next week. This splendid building
has already been fully described in the Advertiser. It contains six
large rooms capable of seating 350 children. Its total cost will be
about $12,000. For school accommodation, London East is second to
no town in Ontario. The present Principal of the London East
Schools is Mr. W. D. Eckert, who has fulfilled his duties so ably dur-
ing the last ten years, that the trustees have once again secured his
services, and now is about to enter on his eleventh year. When Mr.
Eckert commenced in 1871, ten years ago, he had but one school
house (Adelaide street), three assistant teachers and 250 scholars. In
1881, or rather the beginning of 1882, finds him at the head of four
large schools, containing 1,150 scholars, and presided over by himself
and twelve competent teachers."
The first church in London East was built by the Canada Metho-
dist body in 1860, who afterwards sold it to the Church of England,
who subsequently disposed of it to the Baptists, who now own it. It
is a fine, large, frame structure, corner of Adelaide and King. St.
Luke's (Church of England) was the second sacred edifice built, about
1870. Since then all the denominations are well represented in
London East in the matter of churches.
London East Methodist Church of Canada was established in 1877
with thirty-nine members. John K. Keppel was first preacher, suc-
ceeded by Thos. B. Leith, who served from 1878 to 1880; George
Daniel, 1881-2, with J. H. Keppel superannuated; R. W. Williams,
188.S ; Thomas Cosford, 1884.
The statistics of London City for 1888 are as follows : —
No. 1 , .
No. 2..
No. 3..
No. 4 . .
No. 5..
p
^
•3°-
A
K
4,526
$ 3,029,600
5,020
2,957,450
6,301
1,167,427
6,027
1,314,015
5,086
1,253,725
26,960
$10,322,217
$ 88fi,350$ 443,475
522,().'i0| 454,780
201,100 47,070
1,745,050
$1,004,865
Total value of
real, personal
and taxable.
i
$ 4,3.59,425
3,934,280
1,915,597
1,980,555
1,382,275
$ 796
400
404
242
220
.113,572,132
$2,062
The population of London South and London West may be placed
at 6,500, thus bringing the total number of inhabitants in the three
Londons up to 33,460.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 413
CHAPTER XIV.
STRA.THROY.
The location of the town, near the beautiful spots in the wilderness
which the pioneers of Adelaide selected iu 1832 for their homes, is
excellent. When the pioneer looked into the valley of Bear Creek at
this point and determined to build a village there, the river was a large
stream, clear and swift. He looked beyond it, and fancied the hill
covered by the homes of wealthy residents, with flower gardens, shel-
tered by groves, stretching from porticoed buildings down to the river
bank. The pioneer dream has been practically fulfilled, for, omitting
the swift, clear river and the luxurious porticoes of the dreamer, the
location is all that he pictured it would be sixty-six years ago. The
town is handsomely laid out, and with manufacturing establishments,
well-kept and well-stocked business houses, comfortable homes and a
thrifty population, presents a picture of what a mixed Canadian, Irish,
English and Scotch people may accomplish in a brief space of time.
Its place in the midst of a rich agricultural country has, in conjunc-
tion with citizen enterprise, built up the town, which now boasts of a
number of churches and schools and two excellent newspapers, quite
in keeping with the character of its people.
Early in 1832, John Stewart Buchanan had a clearing made on lot
25, ord concession of Adelaide. In 1834 he erected a small saw-mill
where the Pincombe grist-mill now stands, and close by his residence,
a small shanty. In 183G he added a grist-mill. In 1840, there
gathered round this little manufacturing town a band of fourteen pio-
neers, and that year Hiram Dell opened the first store here. Patrick
Hoban was man -of- all- work round the two mills ; but later, a man
named WeUs shared that position. For eight years Mr. Dell mon-
opolized the trade of Strathroy and vicinity. In 1848 a second general
store, tavern, blacksmith shop, and a shoe shop were opened, and in
that year or the following one, Mr. Keefer opened his store, so that the
beginnings of the present town are credited to Messrs. Buchanan, Dell,
Page, Frank, and Keefer. In 1870, Judge Hughes, of St. Thomas,
speaking of olden times, related the following anecdote of a traveller
who set out from London to Strathi-oy a quarter of a century before : —
" The day was very cold, and after driving for a long time the man
pulled up at a pump. Another man came out of a house and said : —
■■ Won't you come in and warm ? ' ' No,' said the traveller ; ' I'm going
to Strathroy ! ' ' Why,' said the resident, ' you are at Strathroy, now ! ' "
In the winter of 1840, Mr. Dell moved into Strathroy, which then
numbered fourteen inhabitants all told. He states that he sold one
414 HISTORY OF THE
hundred acres in Brooke Township for $100, and with this capital he
determined to start storekeeping. The story, as told by himself, is
substantially as follows : — " I turned out some stock and some cash
and built me a house, and when I bought my first goods, I had only
$40 in money, and I ran in debt $13. I could have carried all my
goods on my back, except one barrel of salt. The neighbors were
greatly pleased to think they were getting a store here. After I got
opened out, I think I took $1 in cash the first day, for some sugar ; the
next day I did something better, as it was getting nearer Christmas,
and the next day still a little more. I sold cheaper than Mr. Brennan
did at Katesville. Then, people coming to the mills were almost sure
to buy something. I fixed up a room with two beds, and kept a kind
of entertainment. I also built a small barn, and had a yard to put
oxen in. After a while I got more goods and a barrel of whisky, and
I found out that the whisky brought me more custom, as nearly
everybody liked a drop, especially in cold weather. In the spring of
1841, Mr. Wells and myself took both mills on shares ; we got one-half
of what the grist-mill made and one-quarter of what the saw-mill made.
I would generally go to London after goods, leaving my wife to attend
store. When winter came, I had considerably more goods than at the
beginning. I could buy $300 or $400 worth at a time, and thought I
was doing a noble business when I would take in $100 in a mouth."
In 184G, Cook and Keefer bought Buchanan's interests in the mills.
De Graw built a small dwelling and store, and opened a grocery,
which, not paying, he abandoned. Hiram Dell's brother erected a house
for tavern purposes, and then appeared the blacksmith, shoemaker and
caipenter. Two years later the Page store was opened. It was time
now to look for postal facilities, and accordingly a petition was mailed ;
but, it is said, that Mr. Brown, the postmaster at the competing city
of Katesville, never forwarded the document. Another petition was
mailed at Adelaide, of which nothing was heard ; but a third petition
mailed at Delaware won recognition, and Cook was appointed post-
master at Strathroy. Mr. Brown, of Katesville, was so initated at
this recognition of the growing settlement, he resigned. A Mr. Fulton
took his place, and held the Katesville office during his life. Mc-
Clatchey succeeded him ; but on his death the office was abolished.
Hugh McColl, the present postmaster of Strathroy, has held the office
many years, his administration being considered very satisfactory.
In April, 1888, the letters of Dr. W. F. Roome, recommending the
building of a post-office and custom-house at Strathroy, was presented
to Parliament.
In December, 1851, a traveller, writing on the village of that
period, says : — " There is a grist-mill, with two run of stone, and a
saw mill, owned by Timothy Cook ; a steam carding machine, owned
by D. M. Kymal, and carried on by Adam Van Valkenburg ; a tan-
nery, owned by Wm. Montague ; a distillery, now building by Thomas
Thody. There are two stores, one owned by Hiram Dell, the other
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 415
by Page & Manson ; two wagon shops, by H. Dell and Henry Cooper ;
two blacksmiths, Abel Wilcox and A. A. Courad ; two shoemakers,
Moses Holton and Thos. Duncan ; one cooper, Asabel Clark ; two
house builders, John Black and James McNiece. There is an excel-
lent school-house, built by the Church of England, and a school, taught
by William Hildyard; a VVesleyan Methodist Church is building;
regular service is held by that denomination, also by the New Con-
nexion Methodists. Regular sessions of the Division Court are held
here ; there is a new public house, the Strathroy Hotel, by John Frank.
The railroad from London to Port Sarnia is expected to pass through
this place. Corner lots in the village sell for $100, front lots at $40.
A post office has recently been established ; Timothy Cook is the post-
master. Farming land in the vicinity is worth about $10 an acre.
Four miles from this place is the Katesville post ofhce, where there is
quite a flourishing settlement. I here noticed a very fine nursery of
young fruit trees, owned by William McClatchey ; among them some
very fine dwarf apple trees. As these trees are raised in this country,
a preference should be given them by those wishing to purchase."
James Keefer, born in Thorold in 1816, settled at Strathroy in
1846. At the time of his death, August 28, 1873, he was County
clerk, secretary of the West Middlesex Agricultural Society, a school
trustee, a justice of the peace and collector of customs at Strathroy.
The old English church was built when he came ; but there was no
hotel. His residence occupied the spot where the Catholic parsonage
stood in 1873. In 1846 he and Timothy Cook purchased the Buchanan
grist and saw-mills. About 1854, on James Keefer's return from
Napier, he built a store-house, where now stands the Catholic Church,
and a steam saw mill at the head of Front street, and established the
first express office at Strathroy. He also built a store at Wanstead,
and carried on business there and at Arkona. It was he who pre-
sented the Wesleyans with the land on which their old chiirch stood
on Front street.
From page one, of Hiram Dell's ledger of 1856, the following
memorandum of account is made : —
1856. JOSEPH BUl'TEET. DR. 1856. JOSEPH IIUTTERY. DR.
£ s. d. £ s. d.
Nov. 8.— 2 J yards print 2 10 Nov. 14.— 1 bunch flowers 2 0
" 2 " cloth 14 0 " 1 pair side combs 1 0
" 6 " denim 1 1 0 Nov. 19. — 6i yards gimp 4 4
1 " print 1 0 Dec. 15.— To hides and skins.. .12 1 2
Nov. 12.— 6 " Coburgh.... 2 1 0 Dec 19.— By cash 13 0 0
" If " denim 2 4 Dec. 22. — 1 B. cotton 1 0
" Trimmings 4 2 " J yard muslin 6
" 7 yards linings 4 8 Dec. 24.-3 lbs. rice 8
Nov. 13 — 1 bottle sugar drops .20 " 1 oz. cloves 6
Nov. 14. — 1 paper pins 10 " 1 oz. nutmegs 1 0
' ' 3 yards blind 1 6 " Pair of mitts 3 0
' ' J yard Orleans 1 5
The above, with other goods purchased up to April 30, 1857, and a
416 HISTORY OF THE
balance from an older book of £10 2s. 2d., amounted to £43 2s. 5d.
At that time, whisky sold for three York shillings a gallon, or thirty-
eight cents ; tobacco, thirteen ceuts for two plugs ; pickles, three shil-
lings a bottle ; tea, six shillings a pound ; sugar, one shilling a pound ;
saleratus, si.x cents a pound ; soap, eight cents a pound ; cheese Is. 4d.
a pound; snuB', four cents an ounce; rubbers, eight shillings a pair,
and nails one shilUng a pound.
Among Hiram Dell's customers in 1856 were : — Joseph Buttery,
Peter Kitchen, Elijah Eastman, Philip H. Read, Sarah Reynolds, John
Keyes, John Frank, Adoram Frank, Mr. Manners, Mary Graham, Geo.
Brown, Wm. Moore, Abel Wilcox, Alvin T. Munn, James Parker,
F. Bullock, Alex. Donaldson, Daniel McKenzie, Mrs. Wallis, Henry
Knight, Case Hannah, John Harrington, Bernard McGuire, Wm.
Smith, John Wells, James Zimmerman, Donald Eraser, Cornelius De
Graw, Wm. Phillips, Robert Nunnemaker, Thomas Cummins, John
Lewis, Sam. Patterson, Solomon Dell, John Barry, Wm. Pannel, John
Culley, James McCawley, RoV)ert Murray, Horace Montague, John
Mclntyre, Wm. Clarke, Adam and Robert Dell, Basnett Dell, Ashall
Clark, Steve Fletcher, Geo. Gurd, James Berry, Charles Boost, Col-
quahoou Campbell, John Scoone, Mrs Delacy, Geo. Lemmon, Geo.
Richardson. Charles Still, Francis Frank, Owen Doyle, John Bolger,
George Geer, Barnabas Knight, Miss Catherine Doyle, Geo. Walsh,
Geo. Goodhand, John Manning, James McNiece, Johnston McNiece,
Henry Ellis, Edwai'd Johnston, Hiram Carroll, James Carroll, Sam.
Sherman, Wm. Randall Thomas Hugh Jay, Wm. Hildyard, John
Hodgson, John Dopp, Thomas and David Thomas, Wm. Smith, David
Hunter, Mrs. Flora McNeil, Thomas Connor, Nelson Gerome, Darius
Kitchen, Wash. Hull, John Keyser, Abram Samis, Samuel Dell, Geo.
Dawn, Andrew Clark, Mr. Danford, Wm. Wilson, Geo. Foster, Andrew
Chalmers, James Britton, Richard Shepherd, James Parker, John John-
ston, John Radcliffe, and Miss Brown, " a colored lady."
Strathroy had a population of 40C) in 1857. The merchants were :
W. H. Armstrong, Hugh Eraser, Hiram Dell, J. Hickson, John Collins,.
Wm. Jury, James Keefer, Edward McGarvey and E. Smith. The
hotel-keepers were :— Sol. Dell and P. Garlick. George Brown pub-
lished the Advocate ; W. Bettridge and Edmund Nugent were phy-
sicians ; Rev. R. L. Tucker, of the Wesleyans ; John Black, David
and Wilham Hull, carpenters ; Hiram Carroll, Donald Eraser, black-
smiths ; -J. W. Montgomery, tinsmith ; James Haldane, J. D. Lauler,
John Manning, blacksmiths and wagonmakers ; Thomas Hand, Hugh
Jay and E. Matthews, shoemakers ; John Smith, cabinetmaker ; Adam
Van, carder, cloth-dresser and chairmaker ; Wm. Hazleton, chairmaker ;
James Harvey, cooper; Orchard & Stover, harnessmakers ; Jas. Mure,
saloon-keeper; J. W. Dean, livery; Timothy Cook, giist and saw-
mill ; James Keefer, steam saw-mill ; Johnston & Winlow, agents for
Trust & l,oan Company of U})per Canada, and Timothy Cook, post-
master.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX 41T
Prior to I860 the business part of the town was in the neighbor-
hood where is now the woollen factory. In that year business extended
westward, when Hayden's boot and shoe store was ei'ected near where
D. M. Cameron's boot and shoe store now stands. Eichard Dumbrill's
general store was soon established close by. On the opposite side
Orchard built his drug store, and Hayden built a store just west of the
Medical Hall, in which W. H. Murray now is, Napper A. Johnston,
the Mansion House (where the Queen's Hotel now is), operated by
Isaac Moore, and J. Lenfestey's general store, whei-e is now Grest's
hardware store. All these buildings from the corner of Frank and
Front streets on the south side, were destroyed in 1867. The fire
department saved that part of the town east of Orchard's Medical
Hall, while a pail brigade saved the town west of Frank street.
C. H. Mcintosh, of Ottawa, speaking of a visit to Strathroj^ in 1862,
as reporter for the London Free Press, says : — " At that time the
population must have been about 950, and the lumber business was
very active." Joseph Wilson was then pushiug a large business for
Quebec firms, and the Eoches, Pattons and others from Quebec were
prominent. Couse's Hotel, afterwards kept by Isaac Moore, stood
where the Queen's Hotel now is. Then there was old Donald Eobert-
son in the Commercial, and William Long in the Exchange shortly
after, and then came George Prangley with his fine building opposite
the market. Speaking of his settlement at Strathroy in April, 1865,
he says : — " Dr. McKellar, Alex. Eobbs, J. D. Dewan, Eichard Pin-
combe, Johnston and Vansladden, Colin Scatcherd, Charles Chapman,
John Frank, D. Eobertson, James English, the station-master, Colonel
English, Colonel Johnston and others, induced me to come to Strathroy
in April, 1865. I bought the old Home G-aard, and changed the name
to the DisjKitch. Our office was in the top flat of a Uttle frame build-
ing where Pearce & Polley's brick store was erected. At that time all
the stumps were not yet removed from Frank street, and in wet
weather mud was a foot thick. In 1862 the Blackburns, of the Free
Press, purchased a lot of land from Moodie, and I came out to see it.
I wrote several articles eulogistic of Strathroy, and in 1863 got a public
dinner, in 1865 a newspaper, and in 1868 a wife. The dinner and
the wife were all right ; but the newspaper kept me pretty busy until
187o, when I went to Chicago to study the protection question, and
became managing editor of the Journal of Commerce, but in Novem-
ber, 1873, returned to Canada."
During the year 1871 a sum of .^120,000 was expended on build-
ings at Strathroy. George W. Eoss and Wm. Murdock erected two
brick stores (.f 5,000) on Front street, on the Hayden property, part of
which they purchased after the destruction of Cameron & Son's house
in February; Alexander Johnston's three-story building on south side
of Front street, just west of Frank, costing $2,800, with T, Crispin's
store adjoining, which cost $2,500 ; James Parker's two story building,
opposite the Mansion House, cost $2,500 ; Hugh McColl had the Age
418 HISTORY OF THE
ofi&ce, on Front and Caradoc streets, erected at a cost of $2,000;
Jacson & Vary, addition to foundry ; the Arcade block was completed
including the Argyle Hotel, opened in July by Culten, and five store
rooms ; Pearce & Policy extended their store ; Cameron & Son extend-
ed their shop ; Prangley built a large addition to liis hotel ; Dr. Mc-
Laren build a small store near the depot, and John Campbell a two-story
frame store and dwelling close by ; Joseph Wilson built an office on
Market and Frank streets for Wm. Eapley's grain business ; Wm.
Rapley's residence was completed at a cost of $5,000, and one by Jas.
Mason at the same cost ; Tooth's residence, an addition to Alex. Fraser's,
Square's and Trotman's houses, James FuUarton's brick cottage, James
Thompson's building, Edward Leake's and Hull's cottages, were built.
The residences of James D. Dewan, $8,000 ; W. H. Mun-ay, $4,000,
and Thomas Fawcett, $4,000, were all completed.
The Arcade Block was completed in April, 1871. The building
was projected by Dr. McKellar, who died in 1870, his intention being
to make the corner of Frank and Wood streets a most important busi-
ness point. The hotel part of this building was leased to Mr. Cutten.
In 1872 the Chalmers, Atwood and Stevenson brick block on Front
and Thomas streets was completed, D. B. Campbell being contractor.
In 1871 the several brick manufacturers at Strathroy — Dr. McTaggert,
A. F. Beattie, Thomas Bogue, H. G. Frank, and W. & J. Pannell—
jn-oduced 4.000,000 brick.
Albert Hall, occupying the upper floor of W. T. Pearce's block on
Front and Caradoc streets, was opened in December, 1878, with
" Genevieve de Brabant," by the Holman Opera Troupe. The three
stores on the gi'ouiid floor were occupied by H. A. Ivor & Co., grocers;
G. A. Mann, boots and shoes ; and J. C. Diggins, jeweler.
In October, 1878, the question of paving front street with cedar
blocks was proposed. The two large poplar trees, which stood on
Front street, opposite Johnstone's bank, were cut down Oct. 1878.
Asphalt sidewalks were first laid down in Strathroy in 1882. In 1883
there were about 2,500 feet of the sidewalk placed, together with 1,145
feet of 15-in. tile drain, 400 feet of 12-in., and 310 feet of 8-in.
Among the leading old residents of Strathroy, who were residing
there in 1880, were : — Thomas H. Bateman and Jacob C. Beer, settlers
of this county in 1832 ; Dr. Billington, 1841 ; James Campbell, 1837 ;
T. W. Crealy, 1842 ; Wm. Cooper, 1830 ; Chris. Cornell, 1828 ; S. A.
Eakins, 1847 ; John Frank, 1845 ; Alex. Hilton, 1842 ; John Ivor,
1838; Charles Napper, 1833; Geo. W. Ross, 1841; R. C. Scatcherd,
and Richard Saul, in 1832 ; J. M. Thompson, 1842 ; William Rapley,
John Seaton, 1837 ; and J. B. Winlow, 1836. Strathroy has long since
emerged from its village condition. Her wide business streets, well
built up by local enterprise and capital, shaded avenues, with numer-
ous fine dwellings and gardens ; commodious church and school build-
ings, a public and a few private libraries ; numerous large hotel
buildings, and round the town excellent farm homes and citizen
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 419
residences. The factoiy whistles calling fairly paid hands to labor, and
again to rest ; church bells ringing the thought of prayer ; school bells
reminding youth of study ; the locomotive whistle speaking of pro-
gress, the telephone, the telegraph, all are here. This is civilization.
Withal, your old country friends may enjoy some advantages which
you do not. They may live in the midst of culture and region of un-
told wealth ; yet would you change places with them ? Who would go
back to a life so poor in experience as theirs ? None. Then tany
here amid these scenes, so full of the romance of promise, where
opportunity — a goddess shy in the older communities, and coy and
hard to win — extends a friendly hand to all, and fairly leads to legiti-
mate success.
The by-law, known as No. 63, incorporating the Village of Strath-
roy, was pa.ssed June 24, 1859, and signed by Benj. Cook, Warden,
and Wilson Mills, County Clerk. Hiram Dell was named as return-
ing officer ; the boundaries of the village were defined, and the town
hall named as the place for holding the first election.
The charter of the town of Strathroy, bearing date Oct. 8, 1870,
was issued by Lieutenant-Governor Howland, and signed by M. C.
Cameron, secretary. This charter was sought for under the Canadian
act, entitled " The Municipal Institutions of Upper Canada," at a
time when the village contained a population of over 3,000 inhabitants.
The charter described the boundaries of the town, and also of the three
wards into which it was divided.
The first officers of the village of Strathroy in 1860 were : — James
Keefer, reeve ; Richard Saul, Francis Frank, William Moody and Wm.
Eapley, councillors ; J. B. Winlow, clerk ; W. H. Armstrong, treasurer ;
Abel Wilcox, collector; J. H. Blain and A. Hilton, assessors. In 1861
Wm. Eapley was reeve, holding the position until the close of 1865.
The Council of 1861 comprised Timothy Cooke, J. H. Blain, Richard
Saul and James Keefer, with George Richardson, clerk ; W. H. Arm-
strong, treasurer ; Moses Street, collector, and A. Hilton, assessor. In
1862, Saul and Cooke were re-elected, with Hiram Carroll and John
Black. J. B. Winlow was then elected clerk, and served to the close
of Strathroy's village days ; so, also, with W. H. Armstrong, who held
the office of treasurer. Abel Wilcox was elected collector in 1862,
and served until 1865, when James Harvey was chosen. He filled the
office to the close of the village government, A. Goodwin was elected
assessor in 1862. In 1863, R. Dumbrill replaced Councillor Cooke,
who was chosen assessor. In 1864, Alex. Robb took Saul's place as
councillor, while A. Hilton was assessor.
In 1865, Wm. Smith, Hiram CarroU, Alex. Robbs and John Frank
were councillors, with Alex. Hilton, assessor. In 1866, Wm. Rapley,
John Frank, J. Lenfestey and R. Nicholson formed the Council, and
Mr. Hilton was re-elected. In this year Alex. Robbs was reeve. The
CouncQ of 1867 comprised : — R. Nicholson, reeve ; J. D. Dewan, Alex.
Eobbs, John Frank and John D. Lauler, councillors ; Richard Saul,
27
420 fflSTORY OF THE
assessor, In 1868, J. D. Dewan was elected reeve. The Council
comprised : — Wm. Rapley, J. Lenfestey, jr., Joseph Wilson and John
Frank, with assessor W. C. Smith. J. D. Dewan was re-elected in
1869, with John Frank, first deputy-reeve. In this year the council-
lors proper were : — R. Pincombe, A. Robbs and John D. Lauler ;
Alex. Hilton was chosen assessor. In 1870, J. D. Dewan was re-elected
reeve, with Joseph Wilson, deputy, with the same council and officers
as in 1869. The election of 1871, being the last for village officers,
resulted in the choice of Joseph Wilson, reeve ; C. G. Scott, deputy-
reeve ; Thomas Fawcett, Thomas Rapley and R. Pincombe councillors ;
with the same clerk, treasurer, collector and a.ssessor as in 1870.
In 1872, J. D. Dewan was elected first mayor of Strathroy ; Alex.
Robbs, reeve ; C. G. Scott, deputy ; R. Pincombe, Thomas Fawcett, J.
W. Smith, Thomas Rapley, A. Meekison, James Noble, John Frank,
W. C. Moore and S. A. Eakins, councillors ; J. B. Winlow, clerk ; W.
H. Armstrong, treasurer ; J. D. Lauler, collector ; with A. F. Beattie
and A. Hilton, assessors ; T. L. Armstrong, wood inspector. In 1873
Charles Murray was mayor ; with Alex. Robbs, reeve, and Thomas
Fawcett, deputy reeve. At this time the following named councillors
were elected : — D. Vary, James Noble, A. Goodwin, Thomas Rapley,
J. W. Smith, C. H. Mackintosh, W. Hodgkinson, A. F. Beattie, and
Duncan De Cow. The Mayor in 1874 was R. C. Scatcherd, who was
re-elected in 1875 and 1876. Charles Murray was reeve in 1874,
with Alex. Robbs, deputy. The Council comprised J. D. Dewan (re-
signed), James Noble, C. G. Scott, Duncan De Cow, John English, F.
J. Craig, Thomas Rapley, W. W. Hull, H. Nicholson, P. J. Allison,
and A. H. Kittredge (resigned) ; J. B. Winlow, Alex. Johnson and J.
D. Lauler, clerk, treasurer and collector respectively, elected in 1873,
were re-elected ; while A. Hilton was chosen assessor, when in 1873
himself and John Lenfestey filled that office.
In 1875, William Rapley was reeve, and was re-elected annually
down to 1878. C. G. Scott was deputy, with same clerk, treasurer^
collector and assessor, as in 1874 ; S. A. Eakins, Geo. Lamon, H.
Nicholson, Duncan De Cow (resigned), A. H. Kittredge, J. W. Smith,
James H. English, Edward Milner, James Noble and John English,
were councillors. The elections of 1 876 resulted in the re-election of
mayor and reeve. W. B. Walker replaced Lauler as collector, while
Assessor Hilton was re-elected annually down to 1881 ; F. J. Craig
was deputy-reeve ; H. Nicholson, James Noble, A. H. Kittredge, John
English, J. H. English, S. A. Eakins, Thomas Richardson, Wm. Milner
and C. G. Scott, were elected councillors. In 1877 Lawrence Clever-
don was chosen mayor ; Wm. Rapley, reeve ; D. M. Cameron, deputy ;
G. G. Scott, George Steer, I). W. Vary, H. Nicholson, Robt. McLarty,
R. Dumbrill, A. H. Kittredge, John English and Hugh McCoU, coun-
cillors. The mayor, reeves and officers of 1877 were re-elected for
1878; Messrs. Kittredge, J. H. English, Nicholson, Dumbrill and
Vary, of the council, were re-elected ; while J. W. Smith, F. J. Craig,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 421
James Noble, M. Springer and Dr. Lindsay (resigned), were the new
members.
In 1879, William Rapley was elected mayor ; F. J. Craig, reeve ;
D. M. Cameron, deputy ; Messrs. Noble, Smith, Dumbrill, Springer,
Kittridge and English, of 1878, were re-elected, with James Bang-
hart, A. Goodwin and R. C. Scatcherd, new councillors. At this time
James Noble was commissioned first police magistrate. The mayor,
reeves and officers of 1879, were re-elected in 1880, with James
Bowley, William H. Saul, S. A. Eakins, J. B. Watson and William
Daniels, new members ; and Messrs. Smith, Springer, Goodwin and
English, old members of the council. The council of 1881 comprised
Alexander Johnson, mayor ; D. M. Cameron, reeve ; J. H. English,
deputy-reeve, and the same clerk, treasurer, collector, assessor and
poUce magistrate as in 1879. The councillors were, P. J. Allison,
John Barnes, James Bowley, R. Dumbrill, A. Goodwin, H. E. Ketchum,
William H. Saul, C. G. Scott, and John B. Watson. In 1S82, F. J.
Craig was elected mayor; D. M. Cameron, reeve; J. H. English, first-
deputy ; William Rapley, second deputy ; George Steer vice Saul,
resigned, R. P. Smith vice Scott, James Fullarton vice James Bowley,
new councillors ; Richard Dumbrill, James Wright, James Robinson,
John Barnes, H. E. Ketchum, and J. E. Lauler, councillors.
The list of town officers for 1882 is as follows : — J. B. Winlow,
clerk ; W. H, Armstrong, treasurer ; W. B. Walker, collector ; James
Noble, police magistrate ; John Cameron, town solicitor ; Gregg Hen-
derson, physician ; Alex. Hilton, assessor ; J. H. Mcintosh and D. M.
Campbell, auditors ; John Mallon, engineer of fire department and
market clerk ; Robert Miller, chief of pohce ; and WiUiam Richardson,
assistant chief; Wm. Phillips, Wm. Wilkinson and Reuben Wilkinson,
fence viewers ; S. Humphries and Sam. Carson, pound keepers.
In 1883, R. Dumbrill, mayor ; D. M. Cameron, reeve ; James H.
English, deputy-reeve ; councillors, H. Nicholson, R. P. Smith and
George Steer ; H. E. Ketchum, A. H Kittridge and D. W. Vary ; W.
J. Dyas, John Barnes and James Wright.
In 1884, James H. English, Mayor; Lawrence Cleverdon, reeve;
D. W. Vary and R. P. Smith, deputies ; councillors, R. Dickenson, J.
H. Hanley and H. Nicholson ; F. L. Hamson, H. E. Ketchum and J.
Saulsbury ; R Dumbrill, L. R. Richardson and James Wright.
In 1885, R. P. Smith, Mayor; Lawrence Cleverdon, reeve; Wm.
Rapley and James Bowley, deputies ; councillors, R. Dickenson, W.
H. Grant and J. H. Hanley ; T. L. Harrison, J. H. Lea and J. Sauls-
bury ; John Berden, A. Carruthers and James Wright.
In 1886, R. P. Smith, mayor; Lawrence Cleverdon, reeve ; Wm.
Rapley and James Bowley, deputies ; councillors, R. Dickenson, J. H.
Hanley and H. Urquhart ; Grant, Harrison and Nicholson ; John Ber-
den, A. Carruthers and James Wright.
In 1887, WilUam Murdock, mayor ; Lawrence Cleverdon, reeve ;
deputies, same as in 1888 ; councillors, J. H. Hanley, James Healy
422 HISTORY OF THE
and R. P. Smith; Grant, Macbeth and Paine; Cox, CaiTuthers and
Wright.
In 1888, William IMurdock, mayor ; D. W. Var}', reeve ; Hector
Urqiihart and F. L. HaiTison, deputies; councillors, Healy, Brown and
Hanley, BaiTy ; Bowley and Hill ; Carruthers, Cox and Wright ; John
Heard, collector ; J. H, Mcintosh, assistant assessor ; D. L. Leech and
John Lenfestey, auditors ; George Wilson, chief of police. Other officers
as in 1882 still hold their positions,
The by-law of December 10, 1860, provided for the appointment of
a fire warden and the regulation of dangerous establishments. By-law
No. 10, adopted March 16, 1861, provided for the purchase of over
nine acres of land from W. H. Armstrong, for cemetery purposes.
This tract was part of lot 21, con. 5, south of Egremont Road, in Ade-
laide Township, the purchase price being §225, the payment of which
was spread over five years at ten per cent. This by-law also provided
for the sale of burial lots. For a lot 8x12 feet, the rate was S5 ; for
sixteen feet square, S8, and in each case a fee of fifty cents. A
$30,000 loan was approved July 30, 1872, to be applied in building a
Town Hall, gi-avelling Front, Albert, Frank and Caradoc streets, acquir-
ing a school site and building school house, and for creating a fire de-
partment. Prior to the passage of this by-law, the debt of the town
was only $5,100. The vote on the question was ordered to be taken
July 29.
By-law No. 64, providing for borrowing $4,500, to be apphed on
the building of Caradoc street school, and other purposes, was approved
June 15, 1874. At this date the total debt was $33,000. On June
15, 1874, the Council of Strathroy adopted By-law No. 67, providing
that $2,000 of the $5,000 of the surplus appropriated by the Ontario
Parliament be expended on the construction and gravelling of the
Mt. Brydges road to Mt. Carmel, and of the sideroad direct to the
Longwood road in Caradoc. On September 7, 1874, By-law No. 70
was passed. This provided for the expenditure of $2,350 of the $5,000,
Ontario surplus, allotted to Strathroy from the Municipal Loan Fund,
on the erection of a brick engine-house, firemen's hall, and council
chamber on the market square, now in course of construction. In
March, 1S75, a further sum of $500 was authorized.
On Sept. 6, 1875, the issue of debentures for $10,000 was author-
ized by the Strathroy Council. This sum was a bonus granted to the
Aucaster Knitting Company on condition that they would establish the
manufacture of woollen goods in the town. At this time the total
indebtedness of the town was .$37,650. By-law No. 14, of Jan. 20,
1879, provided for a bonus of $10,000 to Ilichard Pincombe, to aid him
in moving his steam flouring mill from Alviustou, in Lambton County,
to Strathroy. On June 3 187i', the Council of Strathroy authorized
the mayor to lease to the Dominion Government a portion of the town
lands, on condition that the Government would erect thereon a brick
armory for the use of the active militia, grounds and buildings to revert
to the town so soon as no longer required for militia purposes.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 423
In September, 1879, provision was made for paving Front street,
from Colborne to Thomas street, with cedar blocks ; one-half by general
tax and one-half by special assessment. The tree by-law of April 2,
1883, provided that a premium of twenty-five cents be paid for each
good tree planted within the mimicipal boundaries of Strathroy. The
by-laws of June and July, 1886, provided for $2,500 to enlarge Col-
borne Street School, and ii?2,500 toward the Collegiate Institute. The
debentures outstanding in 1888, amounted to $35,000.
The expenditures of the town since 1876, are given as follows: —
1876 §19,436 35
1877 26,812 67
1880
1881
$29,003 88
32,976 52
29,663 02
46,481 77
1884...
1885
137,924 61
49,817 12
1883... .
1887
48,685 S3
Schools. — Strathroy Grammar School was opened in 1861, with J.
N. Sommerville presiding. On August 4, 1862, the school trustees
of Strathroy were authorized to borrow $1,500 to purchase a site and
erect a school-house. This was rescinded on August 11 ; but a similar
sum was authorized October 9 for the use of the united board of
grammar and common school trustees, to purchase a site and erect a
school-house. In 1866, $6,000 were authorized to establish a market
and enlarge the school-house, and $3,000 to erect a brick school-house.
On November 2, 1880, the new high school building at Strathroy was
opened.
The records in possession of Mr. German, present secretary of the
Collegiate Institute, date back to January, 1874. At that time, E. P.
Toothe, Dr. Edwards, D. M. Cameron, G. W. Vail, B. B. Rogers, H.
McColl, S, G, Chamberlain, secretary, were trustees of the High School.
W. H. Armstrong was treasurer. D. A. McMichael was head master
at this time, with Mr. McKellar, assistant. The latter was burned to
death in the Grand Trunk aflair of 1874, and in March D. A. Stewart
was appointed. In June, 1874, A. H. Kittridge became a member
of the Board. In July a lot was purchased on Caradoc street from
John Lenfestey for $650, and a contract for a school building to be
erected thereon sold to James H. Mihall. Mrs. E. B. Springer was
teacher of drawing. In October, John Dearness became headmaster,
vice Stewart, retired. At this time Champion was appointed janitor of
the new building at $50 per annum, and when, on Oct. 30, the build-
ing was acceptecl, Champion entered on the duties of his office.
In November, John Dearness was appointed In.spector of Public
Schools for West Middlesex, and Alex. McQueen took his place, Mr.
Michael being re-engaged as headmaster at $1,000 per annum, and
David A. Maxwell as assistant at $600, vice McQueen. In L875,
Henry Nicholson and Robert Nicholson were members of the Board.
The former was appointed secretary and the latter resigned, when J.
S. Small took his place. In August, the Board accepted the otfer of
Capt. John Irwin to teach the pupils gymnastics and military drill free,
after school hours. In November the teachers were re-employed for
424 HISTORY OF THE
1876, Assistant Maxwell being granted $750 per annum ; Miss Barnes
and Mr. Galloway were employed as assistant teachers. In April,
1S76, Mr. English took Mr. Small's place on the Board, and in Decem-
ber Hiram Dell was appointed janitor. In January, 1877, Mr. Craw-
ford was hired as assistant teacher at S225 per half year. In August
Mr. Maxwell resigned to accept a position in the public schools, and
R. A. Robinson, a B. A., of Cambridge University, was appointed at a
salary equal to S800 per annum. In 1877 the name of Dr. Stevenson
a]>pears as trustee. In December, 1877, Mr. Robinson was dismissed
for two reasons, and Mr. Barnes appointed teacher.
In December, 1877, W. Graham resigned as teacher. In February,
1878, W. A. Duncan was employed as first assistant teacher. As the
result of J. S. Carson's search through Western Ontario for one, Mr.
Rowan resigned the position of second assistant. In June, 1878, Wm.
Fawcett's bid of $1,000 for building an addition to the school-house
was accepted. In October, D. A. McMichael, W. A. Duncan and D.
L. Leitch were re- employed as teachers ; but, on Duncan's resignation,
H. D. Johnston, of Parkhill, was appointed. In July, 1880, Messrs.
McColl, English, Nicholson and Dr. Stevenson were appointed a build-
ing committee, in re the erection of an addition to the high school.
This addition was built ; but, owing to delay on the contractor's part,
the board took possession of the building and completed it. In
January, 1881, Principal McMichael resigned, when L. E. Embree was
appointed. Later, other teachers were employed. In February, 1881,
Messrs. Nicholson and Cameron, of the Board of Trustees, brought
forward a motion to convert the high school into a collegiate institute,
and Messrs. McColl and Cameron were appointed a committee to carry
out the resolution. This committee reported a memorial to the Lieut.-
Governor, praying that the high school be erected into a collegiate
institute. In April, 1881, H. Nicholson resigned the office of secretary,
when G. G. German was appointed, the salary being a nominal one of
$30. Mr Nicholson also resigned his membership on the board. In
June, E. Rowland took his place, to retire in 1884. The salaries of
teachers authorized in 1881 were :• — L. E. Embree, $1,000 ; H. D,
John.ston, $800 ; D. L. Leitch, $0.50, and W. H. Graham, $600. At
this time the collegiate institute committee was increased, with Dr.
Stevenson, Messrs. McColl, Rowland, Embree and Cameron, members.
In January, 1882, S. W. PeiTy replaced Graham as third assistant.
R. P. Smith's name appears as trustee ; but, in September, his place
was taken by William Dewar. In November, 1882, Embree's and
Johnston's salaries were increased $100 each. The name of JVIr.
Lamareaux and others appear on the teacher's list in 1883, vice Mr.
Leitch. During the first quarter A. L. Langford and P. McLaughlin
were teachers with Mrs. Embree and Jolinston. In March, Embree
resigned, when T. 0. Page was employed, and R. S. I\IcGowan was
teacher of calisthenics about this time
In November, 1883, J. E. Wetherell was employed as head master.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 425
P. McLaughlin, G. F. Lawson, H. D. Johnston and (Jhas. H. Waldron ,
assistant teachers.
In January, 1884, Thomas Gordon and Dr. Lindsay were appointed
trustees. In June, WiUiam H. Smith was appointed master of modern ■
languages. In December, G. W. Van Slyke replaced Mr. McLaughlin
as teacher.
The order establishing the Strathroy Collegiate Institute is dated
December 18, 1884, the title to rank from January 1, 1885. J. E.
Wetherell, H. D. Johnston, W. H. Smith, P. McLaughlin and George
H. Cowan were the teachers in order of rank, with E. S. McGowan
teacher of caUsthenics. In February, Van Slyke resigned and P. Mc-
Laughlin was appointed teacher ; J. E. Tom was appointed science
master. In June, M. S. Clark was engaged, vice W. M. Smith re-
signed, and Mr. Hogarth as fifth master.
In January, 1886, D. M. Cameron, M. P., represented the county,
and W. H. Murray, the town, as members of the Board. In February,
A. De Guerre was appointed, vice J. E. Tom, elected Inspector of
Huron. In June, 1886, the question of building an addition to the
High School was favorably received, and a requisition for $2,500 made,
and in July a building contract was sold to Geo. McBeth, for $2,335.
In August, Mr. Parkinson succeeded Hogarth, as fifth master. In
NovemlDer, 1886, it was agreed to increase the salary of Principal
Wetherell to SI, 500 for 1887, and F. H. Sykes was engaged as master
of modern languages, at $900 per annum, vice Clark. The number of
pupils attending in January, 1887, was 216, the same as in 1886,
against 183 in Jan., 1884. The fees collected for the year 1886 amount-
ed to $1,204, against $.549 in January, 1884. The trustees in Feb. 1887,
were : — D. M. Cameron, W. H. Murray, Wm. Dewar, A. H. Kittridge,
Thomas Gordon, and R. Dickinson. In April, 1887, a legislative gi'ant
of $733.05, and a similar amount fi-om county were received. In
August, the joint payment amounted to $1,547.10. In November,
Messrs. Wetherell, Johnston, De Guerre, Sykes, and Parkinson, were
re-engaged as teachers. In April, 1888, Miss Susie Carson, of Strath-
roy, won the degree of Doctor of Medicine. She is the first female
recipient of first-class honors in this department of the Toronto Uni-
versity.
Fire Department. — Protection Fire Co. No. 1 was organized 1865,
with Thomas Eichardson, chief ; W. W. Hull, captain ; F. J. Craig,
first lieutenant ; A. Waspe, second lieutenant ; Samuel E. Lauler,
secretary ; John Lenfestey, assistant ; W^m. Milner, treasurer ; F. W.
Frank, foreman of hose ; Edward Scott, assistant foreman ; E. J.
Wright, Isaac CaiT, Sol. Frank and Wm. Piper, branchmen ; John
Mallou, engineer of the hand engine ; Wm. Findlay, first assistant.
Among the members were J. D. ]3ewau, now of London ; C. H. Mc-
intosh, who was member for Carleton in the Dominion House ; Wm.
Eichardson, C. T. Portwood, and Eichard Bell. Mr. Lenfestey thinks
there were over forty members in the company. The old hand engine,
426 HISTORY OF THE
made by Marks, of Toronto, in 1865, was the first in use at Strathroy,
and is almost as good to-day as when first brought here.
In January, 1872, a steam fire engine was introduced to Strathroy,
and subsequently purchased by the Council. In February, a fire in
Johnston's bank was put out; but, later, the fire of February 15
destroyed De Graw's saloon and the house of dentist H. McLaren,
entailing a loss of about $4,000. The Strathroy Hook and Ladder Com-
pany was organized September, 1873, with Geo. ]M. Francis, captain ;
Stepler, lieutenant ; James Fullarton, second lieutenant ; H. Urquhart,
secretary; P. Johnston, treasurer. In July, 1S74, a certificate of
honorary membership was presented to Thomas Eicharson by Protec-
tion Fire Co., No. 1, in acknowledgment of his services as captain and
member for over seven consecutive years. The document was signed
by W. W. Hull, chief; John Leufestey, secretary; William Milner,
treasurer ; R C. Scatcherd, Mayor, and J. B. Winlow, clerk.
The fire department of 1882 was made up as follows : — Chief, John
Lenfestey, jr.; captain, H. E. Ketchum ; lieutenant, Robert Argue ; 2nd
lieutenant. Arch. B. McLellan ; secretary and treasurer, William
Richardson; 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th branchmen, Timothy Galavan,
Henry Gooderam, James LaFlammo, Samuel Emmons ; chief
engineer, John Mallon ; 1st assistant, T. Le Gallee ; 2nd assistant,
Zachariah Frank ; foreman of hose, Stephen Waite ; members, Thomas
Hopwood, WilUam Murdock, Jacob Cutter, Ezekiel Gooderam, Charles
Cooper, Samuel Plank, John Sells, D. C. McPhail, John Loynes,
Alexander McKeigan, Sylvester Bradt, George Gooderam, John
Campbell, C. Andrews, W. Bishop, P. J. Stratham, Thomas Nichol,
with F. W. Frank, ex-chief ; Thomas Richardson, ex-chief, honorary ;
Benjamin Burkholder and F. Cruickshank, buglers. The changes in
1888 show :— Captain, James Woods, vice Ketchum; Albert Brady,
vice Argue ; Henry Gooderam, vice McClellau ; John Lenfestey, jr.,
secretary, vice Richardson ; Ezekiel Gooderam, William Bradt, WiUiam
Healy, Charles McGowan, branchmen ; William ]\Iurdock, 1st assis-
tant ; Samuel Plank, foreman of hose ; William Wilson, assistant.
Conflagrations. — The first fire at Strathroy was that of 1857,
when the log-house owned by Mrs. Perry was burned.
Hayden's shoe store and Richard Dumbrill's general store were
destroyed in 1864, being the first fire subsequent to 1860.
The fire of March 20, 1868, originated in the old frame block on
Front street, which went up in flame, John A. Scoon and A. Meekinson,
with their wives, barely escaping. The losses were as follows : — Isaac
Moore, furniture insured for $600 in tlie Provincial ; no insurance on
barn. The hotel owned by McKellar & Strathy. covered by $1,400 in
the Home, of New Haven. Thomas Carre, insured in the Provincial
for $1,200 ; partial loss. A. Johnson & Co., stock insured in Commer-
cial Union for $1,000 ; Western, $500 and Home, $500; building in-
sured for $800 in Commercial Union. A. Meekinson, fruit store,
insured for $500 in Niagara Mutual. D. Dwyer, boot and shoe store.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 427
stock insured in ^tna, of Dublin, for $400, and in Niagara Mutual
for $400. F. Hilton, boots and shoes, stock insured in ^tna for £500.
P. O'Dwyer, groceries, stock insured in JEtna for $900, and $800 in
Niagara Mutual. John A. Scoon, building insured in Home for $450 ;
nothing on furniture. A. Goodwin, groceries, stock insured in Com-
mercial Union for $1,000, and $500 in Niagara ]\Iutual. W. H.
Stewart, confectioner, no insurance ; Napper owned the building. G.
Orchard, $600 on stock and $600 on building in Eoyal, and $600 on
stock and $600 on building in Western. James Wright, boots and
shoes, stock insured in Provincial for $1,500 ; loss partial. The total
loss approximated, $28,000.
The fire of July 19, 1872, originated in rear of Mole's drug store,
in the Exchange Hotel Block, on Frank street ; spread to Kenney's
grocery store and Couse's hotel ; thence across Centre street to Mrs.
Cowan's residence ; destroyed the Couse hotel stables, Doyle and
Quinn's saloons, Sadlier's harness shop, Murray & Barr's saloon, the
bilhard room and Long's grocery, the Cutten hotel stables. Dr. Mc-
Taggart's office, and John Black's building on Frank street. The losses
were estimated at $20,000. Other buildings, including the Methodist
Episcopal Church, were on fire, but owing to the exertions of the
brigade and people the buildings were saved.
The fire of March, 1873, destroyed Munroe's Western Hotel stables.
The fire of July 6 originated in Gunn & Telford's dry goods store.
From this point the blaze spread to German's boot and shoe store,
owned by Eev. J. Learoyd, which was destroyed ; C. G. Scott's dry
goods store narrowly escaped ; Pincombe's flour store was partially
destroyed ; Cameron's stock was damaged ; Eoss & Murdock's Block
and the Oddfellows' Hall were destroyed. The total loss amounted to
$oO,000, of which the insurance companies carried $19,000. During
the fire, Mallon, in charge of the steam engine, and the fire company
in charge of the hand engine, did excellent service. Within the suc-
ceeding two weeks the old verandas were taken down, by order of
the Council, and other safeguards against fire instituted.
In the fire of July 25, O'Connor's Hotel, corner of Frank and
Centre streets, was destroyed, entailing a loss of $4,000. The Town
Hall was also destroyed. In August the work of rebuilding the hotel
was commenced. Pincombe & Pool's tannery, east end of Front street^
was destroyed by fire also in July. The mills were saved by the fire-
men. Another fire on East Centre street destroyed $27,000 worth of
wool stored in Eobbs' old frame building. The insurance carried by
the Woollen ]\Ianufacturing Company was $23,000. In November,
1874, cases gi-owing out of the fire of July 1, 1873, were begun. It
was alleged that A. F. Beattie, a director of the Strathroy Woollen
Company, borrowed $4,000 from the St. Lawrence Bank on a ware-
house receipt, issued on a supposed purchase of 15,000 pounds of wool,
and insured the same, assigning the policy to the bank. He was
arrested, but escaped ; and, in November, Alex. Eobbs was arrested,
but allowed out on $3,000 bail.
428 HISTORY OF THE
The fire of October 2, 1873, destroyed the row of old wooden build-
ings on Front and Caradoc streets, known as Smith's block. Mrs.
Smith's loss on buildings was S2,000 ; Coy's, $800; T. Irvine's
grocery, where the fire originated, entailed a loss of .$3,300 for stock ;
Worthington, the barber, and Woodward, the butcher, escaped with
little loss.
Fitzpatrick's hotel, one of the oldest buildings, was destroyed by
fire ill January, 1874. The buildings were the property of John
Seaton. On March 7, 1873, the old school-house was burned. Eakins's
steam cabinet factory was destroyed by fire February 17, 1874. In
October a new building was completed and work resumed. Isaac
Moore's hotel stables were burned in October, 1874.
The fire of March 14, 1876, destroyed a row of frame buildings on
Front street. The fire was discovered in rear of R. T. Early's grocery
store by A. H. Kittredge and D. W. Vary. It spread to Mrs. Auld's
millinery on the west, and on its eastward course consumed Randall's
furniture store. Parson's meat market, BaiTon's dweUiug house, and
Dumas's house and shop. All the buildings in the block, except the
old one known as " The Bee-hive," were destroyed. Thompson's music
store on the west, and Ciispen's tinshop and Johnston's bank build-
ings on the opposite side, were damaged.
The fire of June 1, 1876, entailed losses amounting to $34,000.
The fire originated in Craig's foundry, spread to Banghart's Hotel
stables, and also to the roof of the Catholic church, thence to the par-
ochial house, which were all destroyed. John Woodcock's dwelling,
south of the foundry, was also burned. The loss to the Catholic people
of Strathroy was $7,0(.tG for church, and $500 for pastor's residence.
The priest's office was the oldest dwelling in Strathroy at that time.
It was built about 1837, by J. S. Buchanan, and there also James
Keefer resided after he and Cook purchased the Buchanan mills. In
June and July the work of rebuilding on the burned district was
begun. Baskerville's cabinet factory was destroyed by fire in Septem-
ber, also his furniture rooms and dwelling ; McMillan's grocery, and
Charles Grist's dwelling.
The fire of February 2, 1877, destroyed the grocery stores of J. W.
Lamon and Thomas Irvine, on Front street, corner of Caradoc. The
Bee-liive, which stood next to Watson & Co.'s hardware store, known
as Worthington's barber shop, was destroyed by fire in April. The
drill shed was burned in September, also Wm. Rapley's grain store.
Samuel Eakins's furniture factory, his barn and Mrs. Geddes's barn were
burned in November, 1877. In February, 1878, the old carriage
works of Craik & Woods, on Caradoc street, were destroyed, also Hal-
dane's cottage. In February, 1879, James Ferguson's blacksmith and
wagon shop was destroyed by fire. Tlie building was owned by R.
Coy. On June 27, 1881, the Fitzpatrick hvery stables and seven
horses, in rear of the Commercial Hotel, were destroyed by fire.
During the burning of Heal & Co.'s dry goods store, on March 6,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 42y
1882, the roof and front walls fell into the street, killing Hamilton
Howe and injuring several others, among whom were Wm. Murdock,
Thomas LeGallee, A. H. Kitti-edge, Eichard Wallace, Dugald Graham,
A. Woodbury (of the Queen's Hotel), J. Spurr, Geo. McEwen, D. Gib-
son, Geo. Francis, and T. Nichol, citizens. John Lenfestey, jr, was
the last to be rescued. The fire of April 27, resulted in the destruc-
tion of one of the warehouses of the Great Western Railroad Co. at
Strathroy, in which the Knitting Co. had about $12,000 worth of cot-
ton and raw material, and Hearvy & Co., of Hamilton, about $6,000
worth of wool. Mansfield & Co. had $12,000 worth of wheat, oats
and wool, in the adjoining warehouse. Through the efforts of the fire
department, one building was saved. On Dec. 23, 1883, Geo. A.
Mann's residence on south Caradocwas destroyed; loss, $1,400. Wm.
Fawcett's factory was burned Jan. 3, 1884. The department served
all day, their clothes being frozen.
On April 2, 1884, McGarvey's wagon shop was destroyed by fire.
On June 20, Charles Parker's grocery was partially burned. A. Car-
ruthers's dwelling house, owned by Cawthrop, on Metcalfe street, was
partially destroyed September 23. The roller skating rink was burned
December 29, 1885. The building was owned by Mr. Fawcett, who
valued it at $2,000. The fire of April 25, 1885, originated in a shed in
rear of Eobinson's confectionery, on Front street, resulting in the de-
struction of much valuable property. J. C. Robinson lost his stock
and building, over $1,000 ; G. W, Adamson, his house and stable,
rented by J. McGarvey, $400 ; J. A. H. Kittredge, his livery, $400 ;
Mrs. Fletcher, her cottage, $400 ; R. Coughlin, a cottage, $400 ; Rap-
ley, Manson & Fawcett, stable, rented by Woodbury, $800 ; Ray's
photogi-aph gallery and stock, $2,000 ; R. Diprose, a storehouse, $500 ;
G. Andrews lost furniture valued at $100 ; J. Longhead's losses were
about $1,500.
On April 30, 1885, David Vrooman's dwelling was destroyed on
Colborne street. The fire of September 19, destroyed P. O'Dwyer's
building in rear of his store, entailing a loss of $2,500. Murray's
stock and Ivor's stock were damaged. George Dudley's dwelhng was
destroyed October 4.
Ketchum's rake and cradle factory was burned February 18, 1886,
entailing a loss of $9,000. John C. Smith's blacksmith shop, on
Caradoc street, was destroyed Feb. 20 ; loss about $200. On July 18,
1886, an accident on the Grand Trunk Railway resulted in the partial
destruction of an Ai-mour Chicago train, but the fire was subdued by the
department. The fire of August 31, resulted in the destruction of
Smith's cooperage owned by Wm. McBride. On Dec. 23, Rooney's
dwelhng house was partially burned. The fire of September 29, 1887,
destroyed the brick dwelhng owned by the IMclntyre estate. On Jan.
13, 1888, the greenhouse of Wm. Trelfa was burned. On April 15
the barns and stables of Jacob Cutler, south English street, were
burned. On June 23, Elijah Thody's dwelhng on Beach street was
destroyed.
430 HISTORY OF THE
Fatal Accidents. — Id April, 1871, Henry Darwin, an hotel-keeper
of Woodstock, was killed by an express train, at Bear Creek Bridge,
near Strathroy. In May, 1871, a child of William Milner, of Strathroy,
was scalded to death by a cup of tea. On April 7, 1874, Peggy Posey
and an unknown man were killed near Strathroy, on the railroad. The
body of Donald Corkindale was found in the river near Strathroy,
April 12, 1874. He was missed on January 27, the last seen of him
being on entering an unfortunate house at Strathroy, then known as
" The White House." Doctors Edwards and Lindsay discovered
wounds over the left orbit, which were sufficient to cause death.
Britain Clarke, John Quinn and William Geary were arrested on sus-
picion, but were discharged in May for want of evidence.
Mrs. Charles Gooden, of Strathroy, was accidentally killed on Kettle
Creek Bridge, March 8, 1880, while returning with her husband from
the funeral of her mother. In January, 1883, a gang of burglars
visited Strathroy, and succeeded in bursting the large safe in E.
Nicholson's office, one m Ketchum's. one in Charles Grist's, one in
Cain's and one in McGibbon's. Chief of Police Miller, in company
with John Johnston, C. A. Andrews and W. Urquhart, chased the
burglars to Demaray's school-house, Adelaide, and thence by Nairn
and Ailsa Craig to Stratford, where Robert Baird, WilUam Manning
and John Lowrie were aiTcsted. Albert Stacy was arrested later.
GliurcJtes. — St. John's Church, English Church in Canada, dates back
to 1842, when a house of worship was built on the site of the present
English Church. When building the new house, this frame was moved
across the street, where it is now used as a dwelling house. In 1846.
John S Buchanan deeded to the Bishop of Toronto lot 2?>, concession
4, Adelaide, south of the Egremont road, or about four acres. In 1841,
Eev. D. E. Blake held services in a house erected that year for school
and church purposes. In 1850, Mr. Blake resigned, when Eev. A.
Mortimer took charge. He only remained a few years, when Eev. A.
5. Falls came. The marriage record kept by him dates back to 1863.
During his time the mission of Strathroy was established and Mr.
Weld held the parish of Adelaide. Prior to leaving in 1865, he built
the brick church instead of the old frame of 1842, the same which now
forms the front of the present building.
Strathroy, or St. .John's, was detached from Adelaide in 1865, and,
with Katesville, formed a new pari.sh. Eev. E. S. Patterson was
appointed rector. Aniong the contributors named, are : — W. H. Arm-
strong, F. Mackintosh, Smalls, Harveys, Youngs, W. F. Lu.\ton, M. K.
Pegley, W. H. Ewer, Colonel Johnson, Dr. Mclniyre, J. Wilson, G.
W. Harris, J. English, P. Carroll, A. Policy, and others. To this, St.
Catharine's, of Katesville, was attached in 1866. In 1870, Eev. J. C.
Gibson took charge ; in 1873, Eev. J. W. P. Smith ; in 1876, Eev. J.
Smythe ; in 1879, Eev. A. C. Hill, who was pastor up to November,
1885, when Eev. L. Des Brisay succeeded. In the fall of 1887 the
peculiarities of the church building were abolished, the former addition
converted into a transept, and other improvements made.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 431
The Church of England population of the churches of Strathroy and
Katesville is about 600, and the communicants about 100. The
English Church building, or addition to the old church, was com-
menced in August, 1875, by James Wilson, contractor. The corner-
stone was placed August 18, and the house completed November 28,
when it was dedicated by the Bishop of Huron.
The wardens are Major John Irvine and Richard Dumbrill. The
finance committee comjirises the wardens, with W. J. Dyas, W. Duer,
Charles Grist, James H. English, L. H. Dampier and Roger Williams.
The Methodist Church of Strathroy was detached from Adelaide
in 1851, when the Weslej'an ministers, James Armstrong and John
Shaw, were appointed. In 1853, John K. Williston was appointed,
assisted by Thomas F. Howard in 1855. Richard L. Tucker served in
1856-7 ; Nelson Brown in 1858-9 ; James Ivison in ] 860-1, with Geo.
Sexsmith in 1861 ; L. 0. Rice in 1862-3, Samuel Hume assisting the
first and W. H. Winans the second year; Isaac Barber in 1864-5,
with Messrs. Winans and Holmes assistants; John Learoydin 1866-8,
with R. Haskins assistant in 1867 ; George Goodson in 1869-70 ;
Thomas Cosford in 1871-3. The Methodist Church of Canada at
Strathroy succeeded the Wesleyan Society in 1874. Rev. James C.
Slater presided until 1877, when Alfred Andrew succeeded him. In
1880, William C. Henderson was appointed, and served in 1881-2,
with Williston, Ivison and Hardie superannuated ; iu 1883-4, G. R.
Sanderson and Eben Lancely were ministers here, and at this time the
Methodist Episcopal Society became a part of the Church of Canada.
James Cooper, who died May 1883, settled here in 1835, and in
1840 aided in erecting the old log church near the present city, and
was leader of the first class for forty-five years. Rev. Richard Saul,
who for forty years was a resident of Strathroy, and for five years
prior to coming here a resident at what is now Napier village, died
October 2, 1877. He was a minister of the Methodist Church; but
fifteen years before his death he joined the Swedenborgians. Among
the other early members were the Butterys, John Creely, John Dow-
ner, James Napper, the Holdens, Curries, Parkers, Murdocks, Miners,
Eastmans, the Pannells, John A. Scoone (recording steward for many
years), Mrs. John Carson, the Pegleys, VV. Hildyard. The preachers
were: — Messrs. Marsden, David Hardie, W. Dignam, R. Corson, B.
Gundy (1840), Thomas Williams, Thomas Howard, Thomas Crews,
George Kennedy and John Webster (about 1848), Rev. Ozier Barber,
John Hutchinson, Rev. James Armstrong (1852), J. K. WiUiston
(1853), R. L Tucker (1856), Nelson Brown, during who.se pastorate
the Swedenborgian class was formed. Mrs. Armstrong, a daughter of
Mr. Saul, relates that services were held in the old fourth line school-
house (which stood on what is now the Methodist cemetery), until
1854,'except for a few years when regular services were held in a log
school- house at Napperton.
The first church at Strathroy was built about 1851-2, on Front
432 V HISTORY OF THE
street, about where Getty's store now stands. Mrs. Armstrong thinks
this building was sold to the Methodist Episcopal Society, who moved
it to the site of their brick church, and sold it in 1874 to the brethren,
to make way for the brick church. The third Wesleyan building was
erected on Maria and North streets, and is now used as a tenement
house. In 1879 the pre.sent church was begun and dedicated January
11, 1880, eighteen months and one day after the former building was
begun.
In the building of 1851 the New Connexion Methodists worship-
ped at times. The stewards in 1874 were : — George Jones, Joseph
Buttery, Wm. Buttery, Thomas Crispin, J. W. Barber, James Macklin
and J. H. Hanley, vice Alexander Eobbs, late steward. Rev. J. C.
Slater was pastor. The Quarterly Conference of August, 1874, com-
prised the above-named class-leaders and stewards, with A. H. Foe,
Andrew Carruthers, James Bond, James T. Vokes, J. Robinson, G G.
German, Charles Napper and Moses Holden. Rev. J. K. Williston's
name appears as superannuate.
In 1875. the stewards were re-elected. lu February, 1876, G. G.
German was elected recorder, vice Jones, moved to Watford, who was
steward for the previous six years, and the name of W. H. Armstrong
appears among the class leaders. In May, 1877, Rev. Alfred Andrews
was called as pastor. In May, 1878, Richard Dickenson was confirmed
local preacher, vice G. G. German. The stewards of 1878 were
re-elected in 1879. Among the new members of the quarterly meet-
ing were : — F. L. Hamson, H. Bailey, J. W. Baskerville, E. Parke,
H. Owens, and J. E. Lauler.
In May, 1880, Wm. Harnett was chosen local preacher. At this
time appointments were held at Moody's comers, and north of the toll-
gate. In August, Rev. J. A. Ivison's name appears with Rev. Mr.
Williston. The local preachers, Messrs. R. Dickenson, G. G. German,
W. Haruett, and C. W. Holden, were re-licensed in 1881. In 1883,
Dr. Sanderson was appointed pastor. In August, 1885, Mr. Holmes
was pastor, with J. K. Williston, L Cleverdon, Hanley, Armstrong, J.
T. Vokes, John Robinson, A. Robinson, A. Carruthers, Simpson, M.
Holden, E. Colhns. W, T. Crispin, F. L. Han'ison, J. B. Shotwell, and
G. G. German. In July, 1886, Rev. Wm. McDonagh was appointed
pastor. In May, 1888, Messrs. W. J. Roseborough, and C. E. German
were appointed local preachers, and W. H. Armstrong, re-appointed
In June, 1868, the Methodist Episcopal Society of Strathroy re-
solved to build a house of worship, and on September 13 this resolu-
tion was Ciirried out, when Bishop Richardson, a British veteran of
1812, dedicated the building, Jan. 17, 1875. Rev. A, E. Griffith, the
pastor, also aided in the erection of two other church buildings in his
circuit that year. The new building at Strathroy was simply the en-
largement of their first house there. In 1884 this society merged into-
the Methodist Church of Canada. The present membership of the
united churches is 291.
COUNTY or MIDDLESEX. 433
St. Anne's Catholic Church was originally administered by the
priests of the old parish of Adelaide, to whom reference is made in the
history of that township. The church was presided over in 1871 by
Eev. P. O'Shea and Kev. James Scanlon, who also attended the
missions of Warwick and Williams. In 1872, Father Gahan was here>
his mission extending to Forest, and in 1874 had charge of the parish.
In 1876, Henry B. Lotz came ; and, in 1877, Eev. J. Molphy, under
whose care the parish made wonderful progress. The old church was
•burned June 1, 1876, and on June 12 that year we find Father
Molphy presiding over a meeting to consider the question of rebuilding.
After the adoption of a resolution by Patrick Mee and James D.
Dewan, thanking the firemen for their efforts to save the church pro-
perty, S2,000 was subscribed towards rebuilding. The new church was
completed and dedicated October 29, 1876, by the Bishop of Hamilton,
assisted by Revs. Brennan, of McGillivray, Lennon, O'Shea, Gahan, and
Molphy. Father Molphy, who succeeded Father Lotz as pastor,
thanked the people and authorities of Strathroy for courtesies extended
during tlie building of the new church, which, with the present
parochial house, were erected by contractor Wm. Fawcett.
In May, 1879, the new altar of All Saints' Church was blessed by
Bishop Walsh. Father Watcers, of Corunna, celebrated high mass.
On the same afternoon the new Catholic cemetery was consecrated.
Tlie church at Alvinston, erected in 1878, was dedicated by Bishop
Walsh, January 12, 1879. Father Molphy celebrated high mass. The
buildings cost about $6,000.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church may be said to have been estab-
lished in 1863, but for years before Presbyterian services were held here.
The ministers of the established Church of Scotland in the west in
1839 were : — Alexander Pioss, of Aldborough ; Donald McKenzie, of
Zona ; and Wm. McICilligan, of St. Thomas. The first record of the
Presbyterian Church, of Strathroy, in the possession of Secretary Gor-
don, is dated May 22, I860. The names given under that date are : —
Jessie Black, Mrs. Dr. McKellar, Andrew Lee, Mrs. Lee, Jas. Young
and wife, Mrs'. Stephens, Eobert Jack, Sarah McNeil ; Mrs. Mc-
intosh, J. S. A. Gilzean, Elder John Thompson and wife, and Ellen
Young. In 1866 the names of Mrs. Hugh Eo.9e, Mrs. Thomas Bailey,.
Eobert Thompson, of Caradoc, and wife, Wm. H. Murray and wife.
Elder Thomas Bailey and Mrs. Gilzean. In 1867 the mission was
established as a station, with Eev. Wm. Lundy in charge. He died
here in May, 1872. In August, 1873, Eev. Scobie was called and
served the church until 1881. He succeeded Eev. J. Gouly, who was
here in 1872-3.
When Thomas Bailey came in 1861, the Brothersons, Eobert
Thompson, of Adelaide, as well as the persons named above, were
members. Services were held at Adelaide and Strathroy, each Sabbath.
In June, 1877, the last services were held in the old building of St.
Andrew's church. The contract was sold to Eobinson & Son, for
434 fflSTORY OF THE
$8,000. The basemeut was opened for service in November that
year, and the building completed and dedicated July 14, 1878, at a
total cost of $12,419. The building committee composed : — Rev. R.
Scobie, John Thompson, J. JM. Thompson, Irving Poole, James Manson,
Hector Urquhart, D. Ferguson, George Thompson, James Campbell, R.
Sutherland, R. Davidson, Chas. Mansfield, A. H. Grant, D. M. Telford,
Robert Dixrose, W. H. Murray, R. P. Smith, Dr. Thompson, and J.
J. A. Gilzean. Rev. Thomas Macadam succeeded Mr. Scobie, and
has served the Church earnestly down to the present time.
The officers of the Church in 1881 were : — W. H. Murray, chair-
man ; H. Urquhart, secretary ; John H. Mcintosh, treasurer ; with John
Reid, Dr. Thompson, J. Pool, R. Diprose, D. L. Leitch, and W. Geddis,
managers. In 1882, the names of R. Wallace, T. Irvine, T. Gordon,
George W. Ross, T. Douglass and D. M, Cameron appear among the
names of managers. In January, 1883, R. Baker succeeded R. Pyke
as precentor. In 1884 the names of W. T. Smith, William Hoagg,
Wm. McBride and Wm. Irelaud appeared as managers, and in 1886
that of G. Clarke ; in 1887, of J. D. Grant. In January, 1888, Miss
Bella Cameron resigned her position as leader of the choir. In 1888,
Messrs. John Murdock, D. M. Brown, J. Cameron, sr., and James
Noble were elected members of the board of managers, which in 1886
comprised VV. Geddes, James Cameron, Gilbert Clarke ; in 1SS7, Dr.
A. Thompson, J. D. Grant, D. M. Brown ; and in 1888, H. Urquhart,
James Noble, John Murdock, -^vith the newly-elected members. R.
Diprose preceded Mr. Mcintosh as treasurer. The Committee for the
Schemes of the Church comprises : — -Hon. president. Rev, Thomas
jMacadam ; president, J. R. Geddes ; secretary, Wm. Dawson ; trea-
surer, Wm. Ferguson ; Thomas Gordon, Thomas Douglas, William
Ireland, Wm. Blair, B. J. Donaldson, Dukes Dalton, Thomas Banks,
John Murdock, D. L. Leitch, Mrs. Bolton, Miss Geddes, Miss Murray,
Miss Gordon, IMiss Sickle-s, IMiss Dry nan ; and the Ladies' Aid
Society : — Hon. president, Mrs. Urquhart ; president, Mrs. Macadam ;
vice-president, ]\Irs. Geddes ; secretary, Mrs. Springer ; treasurer, Mrs.
W. H. Murray. The Sabbath School is presided over by D. L. Leitch,
with Thomas Gordon, assistant superintendent, and J. D. Grant, secre-
tary. The church membership is about 23tl.
The Baptist Church has been represented here from the earlier
years of the village ; but the chm-ch of Lobo is the parent of Baptist
churches in western Middlesex. Among the early ministers here may
be mentioned Rev. D. Baldwin, who was presiding in 1872, long years
after the men named in the general history passed away from this dis-
trict. The corner-stone of the new building, which marks the progi-ess
of the denomination, was placed Sept. 11, 1888. A jar containing
several copies of newspapers and an account of the present condition
of the church was placed in the stone by Mrs. John Zavitz, when Mrs.
Wm. Moody stepped forward, trowel in hand, and in true work-
woman style guided the cap-stone as it was lowered into place, cleared
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 435
the mortar from the edges, and declared the whole to be " well and
truly laid." These two ladies have shown from the first a deep inter-
est in the work, and it is in a large degree owing to their liberality
that the church is being erected. The building is 72 x 48 feet, in the
semi-Gothic style, consisting of the auditorium and a basement. There
are five windows on each side, above and below, with six pilasters
between the windows projecting some four inches, and four windows
in front, above and below. The ceiling in the auditorium is square
corniced and nineteen feet six inches high, while the basement is nine
feet nine inches. The pews are of wood, with iron ends and draw-
seats, furnishiug a seating capacity for 600. Eev. Mr. Dayfoot, the
pastor, has been very earnest in urging on this religious enterprise,
The New Jerusalem Church may be said to date back to 1862,
when John H. Miller, a native of England, who moved to Ohio during
the Rebellion of 1837-8, preached the Swedenborgian doctrine in the
City Hall and won numbers away, particularly from the Methodist
churches of the town. In 1872, Rev. R. Saul, referred to in the his-
tory of the Methodist Church, presided over this society.
Cemetenes. — In January, 1838, the first burial in the Methodist
Cemetery, on the Fourth Line, took place. Old Mrs. Charles Hilton
was the subject. In 1832, Wm. Rapley's father was buried there
before the place was set ofl' as a churchyard. In 1843, Rosanna Mur-
dock was buried there, and the headstone which marks her grave is
the oldest in the cemetery.
The first person buried in the city cemetery was a young son of
City Clerk Winlow, who was drowned in a cistern. In 1879, the
present St. Anne's cemetery was opened.
Secret and Benevolent Societies. — Beaver Lodge, No. 83, A. F. &
A. M,, was chartered July 30, 1857, on petition of George Massou,
Thomas S. Russell, Richard Browne. Joseph H Blain, Samuel E.
Sherman, F. E. Bate, James Mumay, Robert Cleland, Hugh Eraser, jr.,
Samuel Dell and John Wiley. The other charter members were : —
Francis Bullock, John Manning, John Black, W. F. Thompson, Wm.
Eapley, Timothy Cook, Robert Haldane, Dr. Wm. Bettridge, John
Frank, Abel Wilcox, H. H. Anson, and W. H. Armstrong. The
masters of this lodge are named as follows : — George Masson, 1857 ;
John A. Scoone, 1858-9 ; Joseph H. Blain, 1859-60 ; John Manning,
1861 ; Dr. Wm. Bettridge, 1862 ; Thomas Richardson, 1863-4; Wiii.
Eapley, 1865; Thomas Richardson, 1866 ; Richard Bell, 1867; John
Lenfestey, jr., 1868 ; John A. Somerville, 1869 ; W. G. Vanstadden,
1870-1; J. C. Small. 1872-3 ; James McKay, 1874; William W.
Hoare, 1874; A. Jamieson, 1875-6; William Milner, 1877; WilUam
Oldham. 1878; John Mallon, 1879; William H. Grant, 1880 ; Wm.
H. Armstrong, 1881 ; James H. Robbs, 1882 ; A. A. Cockburn, 1883;
John Black, 1884; William Grant, 1885; Archibald Ballantyne,
1886 ; John Mallon, 1887, and Wm. Wilkinson, 1888. The other
officers of the lodge are : — Thomas 0. Currie, S. W. ; James Ferguson,
436 HISTORY OF THE
J. W. ; W. H. Armstrong, chaplain ; Charles Grist, treasurer ; A. A.
Cockburn. secretary ; Thomas Jackson, S. D. ; Thomas Vennor, J. D. ;
James Bogue, D. C. ; Henry Smith and Wm. Richardson, stewards ;
Alex. Reid, I. G., and Hiram Dell, tyler. There are now^seventy-two
members.
Euclid Lodge, A. F. & A. M., was organized Nov. 13, 1877, and
chartered Sep. 12, 1878, with James Noble, W. M.; Robert A. Steven-
sou, S. W., and William B. Lindsay, S. W., with W. AV. Hoare, J. B.
Watson, T. H. Bateman, James Fullarton, William J. Johnston, Dr. E.
Nugent, M. Springer, John English, George Mansfield, William Dewar,
W. J. Dyas, D. M. Telford, Alexander Bradley, James M. Campbell,
John Irwin, William H. Armstrong, Benjamin Paine, Charles Carroll,
Wilham Eapley and James M. Banghart. The masters have been : —
James Noble, R. A. Stevenson, John Paine, Cyrus Bixel, Benjamin
Paine, J. P. Whitehead and George Macbeth.
Beaver Chapter, No. 74, was chartered August 9, 1876. The
members were : — James Noble, J. W. Squire, G. L. Cutten, John
Irwin, E. Lounsbury, J. T. Craig, Samuel Lauler, George Orchard, W.
H. Armstrong, J. M. Banghart, William Dewar, J. B. Watson and
Isaac Huber. The list of first-principals is as follows : — James Noble,
1876 ; James M. Banghart, 1878 ; J. B. Watson, 1879 ; James Noble,
1880; Benjamin Paine, 1881; W. H. Grant, 1882-3. For the last
five years this Chapter has been in a dormant state, but still retains its
charter.
Howard Lodge, No. 58, Independent Order of Oddfellows, was
chartered March, 17, 1870, with the following-named members :—
Henry Nicholson, Edward Kinder, George Wood, A. G. Mcintosh,
Hugh McColl, John Gibbard, The past-grands elected semi-annually
since the date of the charter, are : — Henry Nicholson, Edward Kinder,
dead ; Hugh McColl, Wm. Chalmers, away ; F. L. Harrison, John R.
Clarke, J. C. Cooper, Manitoba ; Hector Urquhart, D. M. Telford, Win-
nipeg; .las. Fullerton, California; Chas. Greenaway, Geo. M. Francis,
Port Arthur ; J. W. Baskerville, P. H. Johnson, W. H. Ewer, Mani-
toba; Wm. Fra.ser, Detroit; Jas. Robbs, California; John Robson,
Chatham ; H. Urquhart, John Lynam, in United States ; Rich. Wal-
lace, in Sarnia; Jas. D. Bowley, G. M., of ilanitoba; Geo. Wilson,
Woodstock ; F. W. Meek, Dan. Jones, away ; Isaac Wilkinson, L.
Corkindale, in Toronto ; P. H. Johnson, T. M. Campbell, W. S. Mur-
dock, W B. Wilkinson, W. H. Moore, here; John Murdoch, here;
Wm. T. Gunn, here ; W. H. Pike, here ; E. J. Moore, States ; Robt.
F. Richardson, here ; Richard J. Avery, here. Major John Irvine has
been permanent secretary for thirteen years, while C. Greenaway has
served as recording secretary for over twelve years.
FideUty Encampment is almost as old as the Lodge 58. The C'hief
Patriarchs since 1872 are named as follows : — Wm. Chalmers, J. R.
Clarke, James Fullarton, H, Urquhart, D. M. Telford, Chamberlain,
J. C. Cooper, P. H. Johnson, R. Diprose, C. Greenaway, M. Springer,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 437
D. McVicar, James Eobbs, John Lyman, George Wilson, W. Fraser J.
D. Bowley, F. W. Meek, G. M. Francis, J. H. Cook, W. F. Snell (2),
C. Greeuaway, F. L. Harrison (2), J. Murdock, J. Willdnson (5), and
W. F. Snell. The charter members, August 1, 1872, were : — Wm.
Chalmers, Jas. C. Cooper, John E. Clarke, Jas. Fullarton, D. M. Tel-
ford, F. L. Harrison, P. H. Johnson, A. G. Mcintosh, James H. Cook
and D. M. Decow.
Albert Tent, No. 29, Knights of the Maccabees, was organized at
Strathroy, Dec. 10, 1878, with W. Milner, Ex. Sir K. G. C, W. Grant,
Sir K. C, E. Sullivan, Sir K. L. C, Eev. S. Beswick, J. Lenfestey, S.
K. E. K., A. H. Grant, S. K. F. K., H. Urquhart, S. K. Sergeant, A.
McLaren, S. K. M. A., F. L. Harrison, T. Oldham and D. Davis.
Felix Tent, Knights of the Maccabees, was instituted in Sejjt, 1879,
by W. D. McGloghlon, of London, the founder of the order. Ex. Sir
Knight Commander W. G. Vanstadden, of Hammer Tent, the old Tent
of Strathroy, assisted. The first officers were James H. Lee, Joseph
Bishop, Jos. Alexander, E. W. Brewster, A. G. McVenn, J. C. Diggins,
John G. Craig, John Black, D. Gibson, A. W. Dawson, E. A. Burton
and James Cox.
The Foresters' organization is represented by Court Sydenham,
named after that branch of Bear Creek which runs through the town.
The aims and objects of the Order are to provide life insurance, sick
benefits (in case of illness), and in case of a member becoming perma-
nently disabled, one-half of the amount of his insurance ; and this they
give to each member at about one-half the cost of ordinary life insur-
ance in stock companies. From report of the local court here for the
six months ending June 30th, 1888, it is learned that $1,086.40 were
paid to the members, as follows : — Endowment, $1,000 ; funeral bene-
fits, $50 ; and six benefits, $36.40. The officers installed in August,
1888, for the ensuing year, are named as follows : — Wm. Hardy, J.
W. Baskerville, J. H. Ferguson, John Heard, Alex. Eeed, F. L. Harri-
son, Dr. W. W. Hoare, Jas. Galloway, Charles Parker, Thomas Wiles,
E. Milner, W. E. Todd, the latter being representative to the High
Court.
Strathroy Temple, No. 34, Independent Order of Good Templars,
was organized in 1869, and in June the following- named officers were
installed by Temple Deputy Bogue : — Bro. C. T. Campbell, Sister H.
P. Verrall, Bro. E. W. Young, Sister C. Hibton, Bro. James Harvey,
Bro. E. B. Barber, Bro. G. W. Lammond, Sister C. Montague, Bro. G.
Eichardson, Sister E. White, Bro. D. Watt, Bro. A. G. Street, Sister
Matilda Dell.
Victoria Lodge, Independent Order of Good Templars, was organ-
ized April 28, 1873, with Eev. D. Baldwin, S. J. Yokes, Geo. Gordon,
James Barnes, T. A. Lenfestey, Geo. Wheatley, D. Hawkins, Lewis,
James Thompson. D. Gunn, and H. McColl, officers.
Eoyal Valley Lodge, Independent Order of Good Templars, was
organized in March, 1874, being the second lodge of the order here.
438 HISTORY OF THE
The officers iu order of rank then elected, were : — J. \V. Baskerville,
W. B. Colter, Gideon Adams, T. A. Lenfestey, M. C. Lynde, Chas.
Colter, Jas. Lamont, Geo. Tanton, T. G. LeGallee, E. Wright, David
Zavitz, A. C. Brown, L. Corkindale, and J. W. Baskerville, temple
deputy.
The Men's Red Ribbon Club was organized August 7, 1877, with
the following officers : — President, P. Morrison ; 1st vice-president,
Geo. Steer; 2nd vice-president, Wm. Geary, 3rd vice-president, John
EUis ; secretary, G. H. Urquhart ; treasurer, Wm. Rowles ; financial
secretaiy, John Jay ; steward, D. Roblin ; marshals, W. R. Jury, and
H. W. Healey ; sergeant-at-arms, Jas. Parks ; executive committee, R.
McGowan, John Keys, C. Colter, L. Corkindale, A. E. Hare, John
Mitchell, and Zachariah Frank.
The Women's Red Ribbon Club was organized at the same time,
with the following officers : — President, Sister IManners ; secretary.
Sister Parsons; treasurer. Sister Steer; financial secretary. Sister
Lenfestey.
The Mechanics' Institute was organized in November, 1872, with
George W. Ross, president ; Dr. E. G. Edwards, vice-president ; D. M.
Cameron, secretary and treasurer ; B. O'Byrne, C. G. Scott, F. J. Craig,
H. McColl, B. H. Rothwell, J. Rutherford, Dr. Thomson, M. Smith
and T. H. Bateman, directors. The institute was opened January 17,
1873. The following is the list of the presidents of the Institute from
the date of the opening in 1872 :— J. S. Small, Dr. Edwards, G. W.
Ross, John EngUsh, D. M. Cameron, each serving one vear ; R.
Dickenson, from 1877 to 1881; 1). W. Vary, R. Nicholson, John
Heard, Benjamin Paine, H. D. Johnson, David Evans, each one vear,
and J. E. Wetherell, in 1887 and 1888. Hiram Dell was "first
librarian, succeeded by Mr. Drew. In 1879, C. Greenaway was elected
secretary, and succeeded Mr. Drew as librarian. The total number of
volumes in library for j'ears 1881 to 1887 inclusive, is given as
follows :— 1698, 1796, 1944, 2035, 2392, 2524, 2667.
The Board of Trade was organized in June, 1874, with Alexander
Johnston, president ; J. B. Cummins, vice-})resident ; S. G. Chamber-
lain, secretary ; J. S. Small, J. D. Dewan, C. Grist, D. M. Telford, W.
T. Pearce, John English, H. Scull, D. M. Cameron, F. J. Craig, W. J.
Dyas, H. McColl, D. M. Decow, D. W. Vary, M. Springer and R.
Pincombe, directors ; John English, J. B. Cummins, Irving Pool and
W. H. jVIurray, delegates to the Dominion Board of Trade meeting at
St, Johns, N. B.
The Catholic Mutual Benefit Association was organized January
24, 1880, by Deputy Director Samuel R Brown. The first officers
were: — Rev. J. P. Molphy, chaplain; J. D. Dewan, president; James
Healy and H. Koppleberger, vice-presidents ; Patrick O'Keefe, treasur-
er ; Patrick O'Dwyer, recorder ; Camello Turpain, financial secretary ;
John Hart, marshal ; Thomas Gray, guard ; Messrs. Mallow, O'Dwyer,
Brady, Henderson and Healy, trustees.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 439
St. George's Society may be said to have been organized December
6, 1869, when a preliminary meeting to form a society in Strathroy
was held at Prangley's Hotel. The following enrolled their names : —
Messrs. W. Eapley, R. C. Manners, John A. Scoone, Wm. Crone, R.
Baker, T. Richardson, W. H. Ewer, James Wright, Joseph Lucking,
C. T. Portwood, G. Hilton, Robert Richardson, W. B. Walker, Wm.
Long, James Cox, T. Manbey, G. Richardson, John J. Ewer, G. A.
Wood, C. Greenaway, G. Prangley, G. Orchard and S. Wilkins.
Musical societies under one name or another have always existed
here. The philharmonic in later years has held its organization well
together, and in October, 1888, reorganized with the following named
officers : — President, W. Dewar; vice-president, L H. Dampier; secre-
tary-treasurer, J. Pool ; committee, Sykes, Matthews, Snell and Mait-
laud ; director, H. E. Maitland.
The Horticultural Society, presided over in 1878-9 by John B.
Watson, with H. McColl, secretary, presented the second annual report
that year. There were 108 members. In that year also the West
Middlesex Agricultural Society erected a new hall, 70 x 30 feet. The
directors elected were : — James Macklin, Wm. Gott, John Ogden, T.
S. ChaUoner, Wm, J. Gibson, D. W. Vary, Rev. R. Scobie, Dr. W.
Bettridge, and David Waite. The society was organized July 25,
1877, when the following-named officers were chosen : — President, E.
L. Cutten ; vice-president, J. B. Watson; secretary and treasurer, H.
McColl ; directors, J. S. Macrault, William Gott, J. H. Coolc, John
Ogden, James Macklin, A. Stewart, Wm. J. Gibson, H. E. Ketchum,
W. H. Armstrong ; auditors, W. E. LaChance, and R. Dumbrill.
The West Middlesex Agricultural Society dates its active existence
to the year 1861, when ten acres, a half mile south-west from the cen-
tre of Strathroy, were purchased from the Trust and Loan Co., at $25
per acre. In 1865 a neat building was erected on the grounds, and
that year the fall fair claimed success.
Derry Lodge, 0. Y. B., was organized December 13, 1876, with
Wm. Colter, W. M. ; E. Dickens, D. M. ; C. A. Rothwell, secretary ;
E. Evans, treasurer ; Stansfield, chaplain ; John Lenfestey, Wm.
Pike, R. McGowan and E. Filmore, first, second and third committee-
men and inner tyler.
The Excelsior Base Ball Club was in existence in 1870-1, with M.
B. Saxton, president ; Isaac Moore, vice-president ; John H. Mcintosh,
secretary; John Irwin, treasurer; J. Rapley, W. H. Kalus and G.
Richardson, jr., directors.
The Strathroy Rifle Association was organized in November, 1870,
with Lieut.-Colonel Atwood, president ; Cameron, secretary.
The Strathroy Debating and Literary Society was organized in
February, 1874.
The Strathroy Teachers' Association was organized in 1862, and
the 17th annual meeting was held February 20, 1879. This is one of
the oldest associations of teachers in Western Ontario.
440 HISTORY OF THE
Banks. — The Canadian Bank of Commerce was opened in April,
1868, with J. S. Small, manager. He continued as such until 1876,
when he was succeeded by A. H. Ireland, who acted only a short time,
and then Jefiery Hale was manager until 1878, when J. S. Small
again became manager and continued until 1887, since which time L.
H. Dampier has acted in that capacity. The present accountant is
Frederick Lawson.
James Manson, a native of Scotland, came to Strathroy in 1856,
and began business with Wm. Rapley. In 1867 he opened his bank,
and in 1871 built his residence there.
Alex. Johnston, born in Adelaide, in 1842, opened a store at
Strathroy in 1860. Eight years later he established a bank there.
A branch of the St. Lawrence Bank was opened at Strathroy,
March 11, 1873, with J. C. P. Phillips manager, being the first branch
in this county. This house continued business here until the fall of
1875.
In January, 1876, a branch of the Federal Bank of Canada was
opened, with Charles Murray of the London office in temporary charge.
The office of the old St. Lawrence Bank was used as the office until
new buildings were erected in 1877 at the corner of Front and Frank
streets, opposite the Cutten House, and in front of the residence of
John Frank. W. T. Smith was manager until January, 1888, when
business ceased.
The bank of E. Eowland & Co. was established iu Strathroy, Jan.
1, 1876. James Healyand John Shields constitute the company. The
bank has a net surplus of $70,000. Frederick Hughes is the ac-
countant.
The Traders' Bank of Canada was located at Strathroy, and began
business iu April, 1888, with W. Thomson Smith as manager, and
John Pool, accountant ; being the second branch of the bank in Mid-
dlesex.
Railroad Projects. — Two years after the first settlement of Ade-
laide, and about the time the Buchanan mill was erected at Strathroy,
a proposition to build a road from Hamilton to Lake Huron was made ;
but the matter was found impracticable. In 1857, a project to build a
railroad from Strathroy to Lake Huron, was set on foot by R. C. Man-
ners and Timothy Cook ; but the scheme was abandoned, and London
reaped the benefit of the revival at that point. The Western is now the
property of the Grand Trunk Railroad Company, and is used as the
direct line between Chicago and New York. Later, the Sarnia branch
of the Great Western Railroad was completed. In August, 1870, the
first telegraph office, other than the railroad office, was opened for the
Montreal Company in T. J. Geary's drug store. A year later the
Dominion Company opened an office here, with John Lenfestey in
charge.
The Port Franks, Strathroy and Port Stanley Railroad Company
was formed in November, 1874. A number of citizens of Strathroy,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 441
Caradoc, Ekfrid, Adelaide and Metcalfe, with residents of Lambton and
Elgin counties, formed the board of provisional directors, John B.
Cummins being president, and S. G. Chamberlain, secretary. A line
was surveyed to Port Franks in 1857, of which Engineer Jas. Keating
had the survey maps in 1875.
Manufacturing Industries. — A reference to the list of fires which
have swept over the town will point out a number of old industrial
buildings which have disappeared.
The Strathroy Labor-saving Soap Works were completed by E.
Tomlinson in May, 1871. The September fire destroyed the works.
In August, 1871, D. M. Lamb, of Strathroy, projected his anti-
friction wheel for ploughs, and in the trial on the Kittredge farm
showed a difference of 175 pounds in draught when the wheel was
attached.
The patent sandstone, patented in 1872 by Milner & Campbell, and
manufactured at their stove works on Caradoc street, was used for
facings in the store buildings erected in 1873 for W. H. Murray, G.
W. Ross, Gunn & Telford, James O'Connor's American Hotel, James
English's, Dr. Thompson's, James Manson's, and Mr. Stepler's resi-
dences, Beattie's malting house, and the block erected on Frank street
for J. S. Longhead, G. A. Mann, David Ross and D. B. Campbell.
The steam brick-works, originally established by Dr. McKellar, were
operated by Messrs. McTaggart, L). B. Campbell and D. A. Campbell
in May, 1872.
Strathroy Knitting Co. began business here in 1875, ten years after
its establishment at Ancaster. The president of the company is James
Watson, who now resides at Hamilton, and the manager is William
Dewar. Prior to 1875 they were engaged in the manufacture of
woollens at Ancaster, and the mill there was the pioneer knitting mill
of Canada, but burned in 1875. The factory employs 130 people, and
pays out in wages $3,000 per month. The manufactures here are
ladies', gentlemen's and children's underwear. The mill has a capacity
of 35,000 to 40,000 dozen per annum, and valued at $75,000 to $200,-
000.
In October, 1873, a meeting of the stockholders in the Strathroy
Woollen Manufacturing Co. was held to consider means for adjusting
the liabilities of the company. President J. D. Dewan stated that the
liabilities were $110,000.
The Strathroy Manufacturing Co. was incorporated in 1886, with
Charles Grist, president; W, J. Dyas, vice-president; James H.
English, manager, and A. A. Cockburn, secretary. The buildings were
erected by F. J. Craig, in 1876, immediately after the fire which
destroyed his old foundry. He carried on the manufacture of agricul-
tural implements up to 1884-5, when Mr. Craig moved to Sarnia to
establish his business there. The building remained unused until
occupied by the present company in 1886. This company now own
the buildings. The value of annual product ranges from $25,000 to
44-2 fflSTORY OF THK
$30,000. The factory employs from 15 to 20 men, and finds a market
for their rakes, snaths, cradles, handles, horse pokes and turned woods,
throughout the Dominion.
The Pincombe Flouring Mill, of Strathroy, was erected in 1872, by
Eichard Pincombe, at a cost of S18,000, and in 1886, the stone mill
was replaced bv the "Roller Process," at a cost of $12,000, and now
has a capacity of one hundred and seventy-five barrels per day. Mr.
Pincombe operates a stave and heading factory and cooper shop, thus
making his own flour barrels. The annual product of the mill is very
large, and finds extensive sale in many portions of the Lower Provinces.
Mr. Pincombe pays out in wages from $125 to $175 per week.
R. Nicholson's planing-mill, located on Caradoc street, was built
about 1873, and in 1878 the present brick building was erected.
M. Pixel & Son's lager beer brewery was established in 1872 by
Henry Large, who was succeeded by Mr. Beatty. In 1875 the
brewery became the property of M. Pixel, who was the first to manu-
facture lager beer in Western Ontario.
There are other industries here, not of a manufacturing character,
which should claim some attention. In November, 1887, a special
train of twenty-four cars left Strathroy, each car carrying 10,500
dozens of eggs, making a total of 252,000 dozens, or 3,024,000 eggs.
During the season one dealer purchased 800,000 dozens, or 9,600,000
eggs, in that neighborhood. The operator of this extensive egg-ship-
ping house died in October, 1888.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 443
CHAPTER XV.
ADELAIDE TOWNSHIP.
Adelaide Township is bounded on the west by Lambton County,
south by Metcalfe, south-east and east by Caradoc and Lobo, and north
by West and East Williams. The streams of the township are small
feeders of Bear Creek running south-east and of the Aux Saubles flow-
ing north-west. The population of Adelaide in May, 1888, was placed
by the assessor at 2,613 ; but the actual count of all persons then in
the township may be placed at 2,9(33. The latter figure covers the
additions made by the township clerk in his revision, such as employes
in brickyards and cheese-factories, as well as the inmates of the House
of Eefuge.
Adelaide was settled in 1832 by the Blakes, Mahons, and other
Irishmen, who made their central village at the Town of Adelaide, and
in the Katesville neighborhood. In the sketch of Wm. H. Blake, who
shortly after moved from his farm to study law, and became the first
chancellor of Upper Canada ; references are made to this peculiar colony.
Among the members who remained, were : — Col. Radcliffe, Major Mc-
Kenzie, and Adjutant Thompson, all good subjects of his majesty ; but
the actual workers were : — John Stuart Buchanan, Hiram Dell, a num-
ber of Irish peasants, and a few members of the middle class, who were
forced to surrender their homes to the gi-eed of Lord Alt. Edgecombe.
Among the pioneers of Adelaide, whose names appear in the list of the
leading residents of 1838, are : — Thomas Evoy, a native of the county
in 1826; the Morgan family; George Buttery, Wm. Brown, Johu S.
Hoare, Dugan Woods, the Dugans, George B. Ivor, Robert Miller,
Hiram Dell, John Gallaher, Patrick Mee, William Miller, David Rap-
ley, D. M. Thompson and his sons, Wm. Treele, the Radcliffes, all set-
tlers of 1832; Robert Thompson, and John Mnieely, 1833; John
Wiley, jr., 1835 ; John McPherson, 1834 ; Edward Upton, 1836 ; John
Morgan, and the Eastmans, 1837 ; Patrick Walsh, 1838 ; Wm. Dowd-
ing, 1839; A. Preston, and Wm. Murdock, 1842; Wm. Chapman,
Wm. Ireland, and James Thompson, 1843 ; Joseph Keyser, 1844 ;
Jonas Jury, 1845 ; Joseph Galbraith, 1847 ; and Charles Donn, 1849.
Geo. B, Ivor and James Cuddy were the first settlers in 1832. Where
Eev. Dominick E. Blake's house stood is now a rubbish heap.
In 1832, when Hiram Dell settled in Adelaide Township, there
were only five families in the township. John Keays, wife, one
daughter and three sons (Keays was an Irishman and a pensioner) ;
John Buttery, wife and five children, resided on the second bne,
second concession, near J. S. Buchanan, who resided on the third con-
cession. Avery, his wife and child, lived at Buchanan's house ; and a
squatter, his wife and one or two children, resided near by.
444 HISTORY OF THE
Hiram Dell, the pioneer merchant of Strathroy, writing under date
June 15, 1872, says : — "It is just forty years ago to-day since I first
set my foot in the Township of Adelaide. * * * We had nothing
but a blazed line, where the surveyors had gone through, and had to
choose our lots by the numbers that were cut on the stakes. There
were four of us : I was just turned twenty-one years, and the oldest.
I had nothing but an axe, $5, some clothes and bedding. The first thing
to be done was to build us a house. We made it twenty feet long by
twelve feet wide ; split out basswood boards for a floor, — they were about
four inches tliick. We put the round sides down, and straightened the
edges with our axe. If we got them close enough together so that we
could not get our foot through, it would do. The next thing was to
roof our house. The bark of a large basswood supplied the material.
To build the chimney and fire-place, we procured two crooked sticks
about six feet long each, which we flattened. One end we placed in
a crevice in the log wall about two feet from the ground ; the other
rested on a beam across the house. Flat sticks and mud formed the
building material for the chimney, while the floor was buUt far out
from the fire-place. To make seats, a small basswood tree was cut
down, cut in two feet lengths, each length split in the centre, and two
holes bored at each end on the rough side, and then we drove round
sticks for legs ; these legs were then cut in equal lengths, so that when
we stood them up they looked for all the world like a frozen hog stood
on all fours." In this house the four foresters cooked alternately.
Hiram presented the brothers one day with a fat doe, the meat of
which was used at the four meals. At that time Woodhull's mills,
fourteen miles distant, supplied flour at the rate of one dollar for forty
pounds. On one occasion he met there a pioneer neighbor, his son,
fifteen years, and daughter, sixteen years. They had purchased one
hundred pounds of flour, of which the father was to carry fifty a
dreary journey of sixteen miles, and each of the children twenty-five
pounds. Mr. Dell sympathized with the girl, and taking her share of
the flour carried it fourteen miles for her. Sometime later a poor
woman and her son came to the Dell cabin at night. They had been
to the mill and carried with them fifty pounds of corn meal. The
snow was two feet deeji, so that the woman had to break the road for
five of the fourteen miles. Of course, the Dells provided them with
deer skins and gave them a place near the fire. Next morning she
started for her home, seven miles away ; but one and one-half miles
from Dell's cabin she slipped off a log into the stream, and her cries
attracted a pioneer who lived close by. He took her to his cabin and
loaned her a pair of pantaloons to push homewards.
Previous to 1832 the site of Strathroy was a pine forest. A tract of
181 acres was granted by the L'rown to James Buchanan, the British
Consul at New York, who, in that year, conveyed his grant to John
Stewart Buchanan. The same year Adelaide Township was taken up
by a commissary, who arrived at Katesville, three miles west of Strath-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 445
roy, on the river Sydenham, with 150 followers. The village of Ade-
laide became the centre of this colony. The streets were named after
thoroughfares in London, and the club-house and theatre also named
after similar institutions in the old English town. Of course, the
whole affair, like its projectors, was foreign to the Canadian woods,
where life had to be real and earnest, so that the village of Adelaide
did not long survive its establishment (German, 1879).
WiUiam Hume Blake was born at the English Church rectory,
Kittegan, Wicklow County, Ireland, in 1809 ; studied medicine and
surgerj' at DubUn ; married his cousin, Catherine Hume, with whom
and his elder brother he came to Canada in 1832, when his brother
was appointed English rector for Adelaide Township and district. Wm.
Hume purchased a farm at the place now called Sydenham, near
Mount Hope. During his short term there he was compelled to walk
to the blacksmith shop for harrow pins. Finding them too heavy to
carry, he attached them to a chain, which he placed round his breast,
and in this manner hauled the iron load home. In 18.3o he fled from
the wilderness and, failing in medicine, studied law. In 1837 he was
appointed paymaster for the troops, and the same year was admitted
to the Bar. In 1847 he was elected to represent East York, and be-
came solicitor-general in the Lafontaine-Baldwin Government. Every-
thing was reformed ; and in 1849 he was appointed Vice-Chancellor.
His death took place November 17, 1870.
Edward Blake, undoubtedly one of the greatest political educators
ever Canada possessed, was born in Adelaide Township ; Samuel
Blake, his brother, who rose to be Vice-Chancellor, was also born there.
The death of Mrs. Blake, widow of William Hume Blake, born in
Wicklow County, Ireland, died in February, 1886, aged 82 years.
After her marriage she came with her husband to Canada in 18.32,
and settled on Bear Creek, in Adelaide, near the present town of
Strathroy. Her husband, after two years on the farm, returned to
Toronto, studied law, and became Chancellor of the University. His
death occurred years before that of his wife. John Hoare, who set-
tled in Adelaide in 1832, died Nov. 20, 1881. He was postmaster at
Adelaide village for the forty years preceding his death. One of his
daughters married Mr. McKenzie, the county clerk. Mrs. Jane Rivers,
widow of Sergeant Rivers, of the 82nd Infantry, who settled in War-
wick in 1832, died Oct. 8, 1877, aged 88 years, at the house of her
daughter, Mrs. Crone.
Thomas Holden, who died at Brockway, Mich., in August, 1877,
settled near Strathroy, in 1832. He moved to Michigan in 1865.
James, one of his sons, held the homestead where the House of Refuge
now stands, up to 1879. John N. Ashbee, who immigrated and settled
in Adelaide in 1832, died in Caradoc in February, 1875.
Mrs. Ann Thompson, formerly Mrs. Thomas Harrison, one of the
first settlers in the Melrose neighborhood, died in Adelaide in February,
1 874. Her first husband died thirty-five years, and her second hus-
446 HISTORY OF THE
band fifteen years, before this pioneer woman. Alex. Johnston, born
in T3a'one County, Ireland, in 1810, died in Adelaide on Alarch 18,
1880. In 1834, he came to Canada, and, in 1836, settled on lot 6,
concession 3, Adelaide. Christopher Cornell, a native of Limerick,
Ireland, died at Strathroy in 1883. He settled on the Longwood road
in 1828. In 1837 he served against the Patriots, and, in 1875 moved
into Strathroy.
The Bolgers and Donnellys settled near the township line in 1832.
They were from Kildare and Wicklow Counties respectively. Mrs.
David (Bradley) Wiley, was born in Dublin County, Ireland, in 1811.
She came with her husband to Canada iu 1834, and settled in the
wilderness of Adelaide. In 1875 the family moved to Strathroy.
James Murray, a native of Ireland, who settled in Cobourg, Canada, in
1832, and in 1834 in Adelaide, of which he was a Commissioner
in 1885, died June 23, 1875, He served against the Patriots in 1837-8.
Charles Napper, who settled at Strathroy in 1835, moved to Michi-
gan in 1872. In 1836, Patrick Mee married a daughter of a Waterloo
veteran. Miss Crummer, who settled in Adelaide in 1832. In 1837
she accompanied her volunteer husband to Amherstburg, carrying her
child in her arms. Wm. Nettleton, who came from Ireland and set-
tled north of Strathroy about 1836, was living there in 1877, aged
eighty years. James Cooper, who settled west of Strathroy in 1836,
hved there in 1877. He was born in 1792.
Anthony Preston, a resident of Adelaide for about forty years, mov-
ing thither from Metcalfe, where his parents lived, died in July, 1878,
aged sixty-two years. John and Richard Morgan, pioneers of Ade-
laide, died in April, 1882. For a time they lived in Enniskillen, but
in 1837 moved to Adelaide. John Morgan, of Adelaide, was born
there in 1837. Mrs. Jane Healy, born in Cork County, Ireland, in
1840, settled near the western line of Middlesex County in 1841,
and died at her son's home in Strathroy, March '>, 1880.
William Murdock came from Mayo, Ireland, to Adelaide in 1842,
with his parents. Robert Cowan, who died July 31, 1886, wa.s a
native of Ireland, but a resident of Middlesex for over forty years.
Samuel and Jane Farly, who came to Canada from Mayo Co., Ireland,
in 1846, settled in the southern part of Adelaide. Rachel Jacobs,,
widow of Eben. Perry, who died in 1870, aged 83 years, resided at
Strathroy in 1876 in her 83rd year. Jane Marsh, widow of David
Demary, resided near Arkona in 1876, aged 92 years. Mary Richard-
son, who married A. G. Street, in 1820, and a widow since 1844, settled
near Strathroy in 1847, and in 1877 was 86 years of age. Eliza Ann
Jones, of Ekfrid, formerly of Strathroy, died in August, 1883. She
wa.s the daughter of CoL Wm. Saxton, one of the pioneers of western
Ontario.
Thomas Hand was bom in Monaghan Co, Ireland, in 1815; in
1837 emigrated to Kingston, and took part in quelling the rebellion of
that year. In 1855 came to Strathroy, where for a number of years he
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 447
carried on the boot aud shoe business, but in 1862 joined the Federal
army and served on the war ship Allan Collier, and was a pensioner
of the U. S. up to his death in Sept., 1888.
Geo. J. Brown, who died at Watford, September 28, 1883, settled
in Warwick in 1847. In 1S.54 he opened a land agency office at
Strathroy, was notary and affidavit commissioner. In December, 1859,
on the opening of the Sarnia branch, he returned to Watford and
engaged in the hotel business. Catherine, widow of Wm. Matthews,
resided near Strathroy in 1877, aged 85 years. Mary Cutler, widow
of Samuel Garity, resided at Wanfieet in 1877, aged 85 years. John
West, a resident of Canada for over fifty years, was living in North
Adelaide in 1877, aged 84 years.
Mrs. Mary Coy, who with her husband came to Canada in 1855
and settled at Strathroy, died in January, 1875. She was an accouch-
eur, who, it is said, never lost a case in 4,000. John D. Lauler, who
died at Strathroy in March, 1879, was born in Westminster township
sixty years and five months previously. He learned the blacksmith
trade, and for twenty-two years he carried on a carriage shop at Strath-
roy, where for several years he served in the Council. Mrs. E. H. Smith,
-nee Emily M. Brennan, died July 16, 1879, aged 44 years; being a
resident of Strathroy for twenty- five years.
Thomas Lenfestey, born at La Bordage, Guernsey Island, in 1814,
migrated to New York in 1834, and settled at Strathroy in 1863,
where his wife died in 1864, and himself in 1883, Mrs. Hardy, wife
of Eev. Daniel Hardy, died at Mrs. Saxton's house, Strathroy, in
February, 1880. James Harvey, who for eighteen years resided at
Strathroy, died in June, 1871.
In 1857, William T. Pearce came from England, and was employed
in Green's retail store at London. In 1865 he was a partner of Alvin
Polley in a dry goods store at Strathroy. In 1878 he erected the Albert
block. His death toolv place on September 26, 1880. John Ferguson,
of Adelaide, who died in August, 1877, was town clerk for fourteen
years and a resident for thirty years. Wm, Cameron, who died in Aug.,
1883, came from Scotland to London in 1857, and to Strathroy in 1861,
opening a store where the Lochfine block now stands. In 1866 he
and Robert Richie bought Albert Hayden's boot and shoe business.
Official History. — The oldest record of Adelaide, now in possession
of Clerk Miller, is dated Jan. 21, 1850. The Coimcil at that time
comprised : — Patrick Mee, reeve ; Timothy Cook, John Hoare, Adam
Dell and Thomas Cuddy. John A. Scoone, sr., was appointed clerk;
Hiram Dell, collector ; Anthony Preston and James Abernethy, audi-
tors. In February, a petition signed by Anthony Preston, William
Miller and others, asking that a tax be levied for building a school in
Adelaide village, was received and granted. The Council at this time
met at various places — John Wiley's, on lot 3, south of Egremont
road; Mrs. Westlake's, Royal Adelaide Inn, still standing in the
village. James Mun-ay, who was collector of Adelaide from 1834 to
1837, was granted extra remuneration in the latter year.
448 HISTORY OF THE
William Miller was appointed assessor in 1838 or 1839, after his
return from Windsor, where he served against the Patriots. The first
year's collections did not more than pay the collector and assessor, but
during the ensuing twelve or fifteen years, he saw the township make
steady advances. Among the early Councillors were : — Patrick Mee,
John A. Scoone, James Keefer, Hiram Dell, Timothy Cook, John
Buttery and Win. Freele.
Richard McCutcheon was the first clerk of the township in 1842.
John A. Scoone served up to 1852, when Mayor W. Radchffe was
appointed. In 1853, John A. Scoone was re-elected, and served to the
close of 1856. Anthony Preston served as clerk from 1857 to his
death in July, 1878, when William Miller, a pioneer of 1832, was at
once appointed. The present Town Hall was erected in 1874.
Fires and Accidents. — The fire of September 10, 1873, on the
Fourth Line of Adelaide, resulted in the destruction of John Shepard's
house and the burning to death of his youngest daughter. Edward Webb
was drowned at Katesville in May, 1 874. While bathing, he was
drawn into the whirlpool. A Uttle daughter of John Morgan, of Ade-
laide, was burned to death in July, 1878, during the destruction of
Eichard Morgan's barn. August Lepage, a workman in McPherson's
mill, Adelaide, was killed during the destruction of that mill-building
in the storm of July, 1879. In November, 1885, William Walker,
was killed by lightning at Mcintosh's gate, near Adelaide
village. Arthur Brock, who was with him, was stunned. In Novem-
ber, 1876, Melvin Yeager, Angus McDougall and William Near,
counterfeiters, were arrested and charged before Squire Eadclifle. One
of their factories was at Katesville, where babbitt medal, old watch •
cases and other medals were coined in plaster of paris moulds. Rev.
John Stonehouse, Methodist minster, of Adelaide, was accused in
March, 1888, of blackmail, but released on bail by Magistrate Noble.
The methods adopted by him are said to be modern, and only possible
under such a law as the Scott Act.
Adelaide Village. — The population of the village of Adelaide in
1888 is estimated at 180. The business circle comprises the general
stores of W. J. Brock and J. S. Hoare ; James Down's saw mill ;
George Kelly's hotel; J. F. West, James Freele and James Aber-
nethy, shoemakers ; George Hodgson, blacksmith ; James Austin,
cai-penter, and Thomas Brock, postmaster.
Lord Montcashel owned a large acreage of wild land in Adelaide
and Warwick in 1851, and even later. Adelaide Village then con-
tained about 150 inhabitants and one English Church building.
Adelaide, in 1857, claimed 200 inhabitants, among whom were : —
Wm. Cooper, owner of steam grist mill ; Wm. Bray, J. S. Hoare, Wm.
Macklin, Robert Atkinson, John Ivor, Robert Murray and John Stan-
ley, store and inn-keepers ; James Abernethy, George Freel, Anthony
Preston and John West, shoemakers ; John McGarvey and Edwin
Parker, blacksmiths ; James Fitzpatrick and Charles Hall, tailors ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 449
Wm. Clelford and James Brett, carpenters ; Eev. Arthur Mortimer, of
the English Church ; Eobert Pegley, magistrate ; Thomas Sadler,
harness maker, and J. S. Hoare, postmaster. Mr. Hoare settled here
in 1832, and was appointed postmaster in 1841, and served until his
death, November 20, 1881.
Oddfellowship. — Egremont Lodge, No. 207, I. 0. 0. F., was organ-
ized at Adelaide, July 26, 1871, with the following-named officers : —
T. W. Evans, N. G.; J. Coulter, V, G.; A. Kogers, K. S.; G. Hodgson,
P. S.; E. Austin, Treasurer ; A. Weir, Warden ; J. S. Hoare, Conductor.
Post Ofice. — Colonel Thomas Eadcliffe, who came from Ireland, in
1832, was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Richard
Windsor, who held the office for some years, when John Hoare was
appointed master, and held the office until his death. George Hoare
continued the office until 1886, when Thomas Brock was appointed.
Early Schools. — William Miller taught the first school in the
township, in a log house on lot five, concession three, north of Egre-
mont, on Squire Cuddy's lands. From this hiimble beginning the
school system spread out until it has reached the proportions ascribed
to it in the chapter on schools.
Churches. — Rev. Benjamin Cronyn was appointed the first rector
of Adelaide in 1832, but was succeeded by Rev. D. E. Blake in 1834.
During his incumbency, four churches were erected in the mission, one
at Adelaide, one at Strathroy, one on the 10th con. of Metcalfe, near
Napier, and the 4th at Katesville, the last three being chapels of
Adelaide Parish. In 1842, £68 19s. were collected for building the
churches at Katesville and in Metcalfe.
In 1845, Rev. A. Mortimer presided over the churches. Rev. A. S.
Falls had charge of the church at Adelaide in 1859, R. Bentley, of
Katesville, was one of the leading members. In 1860 he attended St.
John's, St. Mary's and St. Catherines, and in 1866, St. Mary's, Napier.
In 1869, Rev. J. Kennedy succeeded him. In 1833 a frame building
was erected at Adelaide village for church purposes, and the year after
a rectory was built on a glebe of 200 acres. In 1868 a brick house
took the place of the frame of 1833, which, in 1837 was used as a
barracks by the Government troops. The old rectory has been
removed, the lands sold for $7,700, and the interest of that sum is
annually paid to the rector. A heap of rubbish marks its site. The
first marriage recorded is that of Timothy Lemar to Mary Abbott, by
license, Oct. 5, 1833 ; the first baptism is that of Letitia, daughter of
George Ivor, Sept. 29, 1833 ; and the first death that of James Lee,
Nov. 28, 1833. Rev. Wm. Hinde is the present rector.
The Catholic Church of Adelaide is almost as ancient as the Eng-
lish establishment here. In the early years missioners, among them
Father Burke, from Sandwich, and later from Toronto, came among
the settlers, finding in that township and Warwick the Bolgers, Don-
nellys. Major Mahons, Dugau Woods, the McKinneys, Dugans, Faheys,
of Warwick ; some of the Coopers, Atkinsons, and Mees, and later the
450 HISTORY OF THE
Dewans, Kennys, Fitzpatricks, and Gallahers. In Adelaide, in 1852,
then attended by Dean Kirwan, were Edward Upton, John Dewan,
Patrick Walsh, James Atkinson, of Warwick ; the Faheys, Wood-
locks, Gallahers, Mullins, ^Matthew Stephens, Maguires, McCallums,
Dugans, Coopers, Finns, John Barry, and Henry Cooper, of Metcalfe.
The old church building is still standing near the village.
The Presbyterian Church of North-east Adelaide was organized in
1872, although a building was opened for worship October 15, 1871.
Among the first members here were : — John Milleken, sen., Sam. Mille-
ken, David Sands, Mrs. D. Sands, sens., Chas. Barton, John Powel, Hugh
McChesney, Wm. McKeen, John McLellan, and Mrs. Wilson. The
officers are : — Elders Hugh McChesney ; managers, Sam. Milleken,
David Sands. John Milleken, jr., Wm. jMcKeen, Charles Bolton ; secre-
tary, Sam. Milleken; treasurer, David Sands.
The West Adelaide Presbyterian Church was dedicated September
12, 1875. Hugh Wiley, chairman of the building committee, reported
the total cost at $4,400. Rev. F. McRae was inducted pastor of both
congregations in 1875, serving until 1881, when Eev. John Lees was
called. He was inducted pastor January 8, 18S2.
The Methodist New Connexion Church of Adelaide was estab-
lished in 18:^5, with Henry Johnson, preacher, and sixty-four members.
From 183G to 1858 it was included in St. Thomas circuit, and from
1854 to 1858 part of it was in the Ekftid circuit. In 1859, James
Baskerville was preacher; in 1860-1, with Dr. Wild, now of Toronto,
assistant, John H. Simpson ; in 18G2, Joseph FoUick ; 1863-4, Walton
Preston; 1S65-8, James Gundy; 1869, James Shaw; 1870-1. John
Walker; 1872-4, Thomas Jackson. In 1874 the membership was 149,
although in 1868 there were 208 members. The union of this year
absorbed the title and membership.
Adelaide Circuit of the Wesleyan Methodist Church was presided
over by Robert Corson, 1847 ; Geo. Kennedy and John Webster, 1848 ;
Ozeas Barber and Joseph Hill, 1849; John Hutchinson, 1850. In
the latter year there were 237 members, including Strathroy. In 1851,
Adelaide merged into Strathroy circuit, and remained a part thereof
until 1868, when it was re-established with John Neelands pastor, who
continued until 1870, when B. T. White succeeded him. In 1871-3
John Mahoh was pastor, with Geo. Daniel, assistant, in 1871, and
Henry E. Hill in 1872. The Methodist Church of Canada resulted
from the union of the Wesleyan and New Connexion Societies in 1874,
with Ebenezer Teskey, minister, and 158 members, scattered through
seven appointments. He was succeeded by Geo. C. Madden, 1875-6 ;
Wm. Sliannon, 1877-9; W. T. Turner, 1880-2; J. Neelands, 1883-4.
The Wesleyan Church on the main road, Adelaide, was dedicated
Dec. 25, 1870, by Revs. G. Goodson and A. A. Cameron. This enter-
])rise was suggested by Rev. Mr. Neelands, who also suggested the
name Bethel for the new building.
Among the members of the old Wesleyan Chiu'ch in Adelaide,
■■1!
-a-i.^-
Ab^'
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 453
■were : — James and Shalto Galloway, Andrew Morrow, Wm. Chap-
man, David Morgan, T. P. James (1832), Hugh Seed, George Elliott,
Chester and Wm. Miner, the Murdocks, Boltons, James Jones, Thos.
Evoy, the Woodwards, Thomas Williams, Mark Mann, John Downer,
Eobert Colton, WilHam Tinkler, Edward Roland and Jane Roland.
In 1841, William Miller preached his first Methodist sermon in the
log school-house, opposite the present Bethesda Church. Exhorter
Creeley preached the first Methodist sermon in 1832. He also preached
at the Porter cabin in Warwick, about 4| miles from Adelaide
village. Lot 4. Con. 2. The first Methodist minister who ever preached
in Adelaide, held services at Mrs. I\Iary Johnston's house. This old
lady is still living in Moore Township, of Lambton County. The
Bethesda Methodist Church was built in 1887, to take the place of the
old Ebenezer Church, burned over two years ago. The location of the
old church was just opposite the house in which Robinson was mur-
dered in 1888. The brick building, three miles west of Poplar Hill,
was erected in 1870 for the Wesley an Society.
The population of Kerwood, in 1888, is estimated at .300. Charles
Foster was postmaster, and he, with S. Foster and A. Rogers, were
general merchants ; S. Jones carried on a boot and shoe store ; T.
Lynn, the hotel, and J. J. Jury, the meat-market. Manufactures were
represented by George Downing's saw-mill, Richardson's brick and tile-
factory, Armstrong's carriage and wagon-shop, and J. Perkin's cheese-
factory. In 1871 the cheese-factory at Kerwood was opened, with
Mr. Richardson in charge ; also one in Adelaide, by Cleverdou &
Caruthers.
St. Paul's English Church, of Kerwood, is contemporary with the
village of 1857. Rev. A. S. Falls and the Rev. J. Kennedy were the
first rectors. In 1874 the hall in which services were held was
destroyed by fire. From this period until July 11,1880, there were
no services of this church at Kerwood. Oa the latter date Rev.
Edward Softley, of Brooke and Metcalfe, held a meeting in the Canada
Methodist Church, and in October began the work of reorganizing the
church. In December a meeting was held at the fourth line school-
house, when Isaac Blain was elected clergyman's warden, and Reuben
Parker, people's warden, and $150 per year guaranteed the clergyman.
Church building followed, and November 2", 1881, a house of worship
was opened. The corner stone was placed July 21, 1881, by L. R.
Richardson, of the building committee. In February, 1S81, the con-
tract was sold to W. F. Fawcett for $1,850 ; the site was purchased
from S, Early for $140.
The New Connexion Methodist Church of Kerwood was dedicated
some years ago, immediately after the organization of the Church here ;
but, on the union of the churches, it merged into the Church of
Canada.
The Methodist Church of Canada at Kerwood dates back to 1875,
when John Russell was appointed minister. He was succeeded in
454
HISTOKY OF THE
1878 by Robert Smylie, and he by W. W. Spavling, in 1S80-1 ; C.
Barltrop, 1882-4. Rev. George J. Kerr is the present minister.
Keyser claimed a popnlation of sixty in 18S0. The post-office
was in charge of B. W. Stephens. John Hendrick was a cheese
manufacturer, and Jacob Keyser carried on the brick and tile-factory.
In 1870, cheese-factories were estabhshed at Keyser's Corners and
other places in Western Middlesex.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 455
CHAPTEE XVI.
BIDDULPH TOWNSHIP.
Biddulph Township is bounded ou the west by McGillivray Town-
ship and Huron County ; on the north by Huron county ; on the north-
east by Huron County ; and on the east by that and Perth County ;
while the north line of London Township forms its southern boundary.
The little Sauble, known as the " Little Sauble River," flows from the
north-east, entering McGillivray south of Clandeboye. South of the
main line of the Grand Trunk Railroad, Fish Creek, and a tributary of
the Thames, flow towards the Thames valley. Geologically, the town-
ship belongs to the Goderich salt district. In February, 1883, water
from the well at Hooper's steam saw-mill was found to produce salt by
evaporation. At Exeter, thirteen miles from Lucan, a good quality of
salt was manufactured.
The township, like all others in Ontario, is subject to the severe
cold of winter. January 1, 1864, was the hardest freezing day known
for some years ; while December, 1877, was a month as fine as Sep-
tember generally is.
The population in 1887 was 2,697, exclusive of Lucan, which, in
May of this year, contained 924 inhabitants. The total of the town-
ship, outside Lucan, is made up of 956 persons of the English Church,
819 of the Catholic. 705 of the Methodist, and 217 of the Presbyterian.
The assessor does not include the Salvation Army membership, which
is supposed to belong to Lucan.
Biddulph, like McGillivray, formed part of Huron county until
1865, when it was attached to Middlesex, provision being made for its
exemption from the heavy taxes which then prevailed here for roads and
bridges. Its settlement dates back to 1835, when the Hodginses, Cour-
ceys and Atkinsons purchased their lands. One or two years prior to
that the Norwich (Conn.) Quaker, Frederick Stover, purchased 800
acres, in conjunction with a number of free colored men or refugee
slaves, and planted here, just west of the present town of Lucan, the
Wilberforce colored colony, the history of which is given in the history
of Lucan.
Among the old settlers of Biddulph, who were residing there in
1878-80, mention is made of the following-named : — John Atkinson
and Hiram Hodgins, 1838-40 ; Captain J. W. Evans, 1825 ; John
Mcllhargy, 1822; William H. Ryan, 1835; William Rivington,
1837 ; John Hudson and John Simpson, 1839 ; P. J. Dewan, 1840 ;,
Thomas Collins and John Eedv, 1841 ; Albert Beatson, Robert Boyd,
John Dagg, T, C. Hodgins and Thomas Mangle, 1842 ; Richard Jermyn,
John Jermyn, James and William Grant, in 1843 ; Charles Foreman,.
456 HISTORY OF THE
John Flanagan and W. D. Stanley, in 1844; George Foreman and
William Levitt, 1845 ; Thomas Blackwell, Isaac Hodgins, Dr. H.
Lang, in 1846 ; Samuel Langford, in 1849, and Robert G. Thompson,
of Adare hotel, in 1850.
Mrs. Bell, a colored centenarian, who settled on the London and
Goderich road in 1832, died in November, 1878. She was the last of
the colored colony located here by the Friends. Col. James Hodgins
came with his family from Tipperary, Ireland, in 1832, to Lot 39, Con.
3, Biddulph, where he was the first settler. He was agent for the
Canada C'ompany a number of years. In 1837-8 he commanded
the Sixth Battalion Huron Militia, in which his son John was a private
soldier. He died January 1, 1867, aged 84 years. Wm. N. Hodgins,
born in Ireland, settled with his father's family on Lot 39, Con. 3, Bid-
duljjh, in 1834. For five years prior to his death, April 3, 1884, he
was master of Orange Lodge, No. 662, Lucan. Adam Hodgins, who
in 1831 came from Ireland to Canada, and was one of the first settlers
of Biddulph, died January 29, 1886. He was a member of the party
engaged in the survey of the Huron Tract. W. H. Kyan came from
Ireland with his father in 1835, and settled on Lot 32, Con. 3, Biddulph.
He served with the Simcoe cavalry in 1837. Peter Johnson, a colored
man, said to be aged 104 years, was found dead in the hamlet of
Ireland, January 1, 1870. He saw General Washington in his time,
and was present at the convention of colored people at London in
April, 1853. At that time (1853) there were 276 colored people in
London, holding real estate valued at $13,504.
John Atkinson, born in Tipperary county, Ireland, settled in Bid-
dulph in 1840. He served in the 11th Battalion under Col. EadcliHe,
at London and Adelaide village in 1837-8. He took the census and
made the a.sses.sment in 1840 for BidduljA — the taxes being $75, and his
pay eighteen shillings and four pence. His death took place July 28,
1884. John Dagg, son of one of the pioneers of Biddulph, born in
Ireland, came with his father hither, and died in March, 1887. At the
time, he was county master of Orange lodges, president of the Lucan
and Biddulph Agricultural Societies, and of the North Middlesex
Cheese Manufacturing Co. George Foreman settled in Biddulph in
1845, and also Charles Foreman, who is said to have come here in
1844. Charles McKoberts, who came from Ireland in 1830, with his
parents, and settled in London township, died in January, 1886. In
1840 he settled where Lucan village now stands. John Heenan, who
died in October, 1888, aged 95 years, was an old resident; while James
Porte, refeiTed to in other pages, was among the foremost of the pio-
neers. In the following sketch of the organization of this township, as
well as in the history of McGillivray, many names of old residents
find mention.
Official Histoi'y. — Biddulph Township was organized in January,
1842, with Thomas Conrcey, clerk ; James Hodgins, district council-
lor ; James Porte, Geo. Carter, Francis Eyan, Wm. Grant, and John
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 457
Atkinson, school commissioners ; \Vm, Hodgins, assessor ; Thomas
Hodgins, collector ; John Thompson, pound-keeper ; Patrick Cowley,
Horatio Cobley, J. Courcey, F. Eyau, R. Neil, Wm. Eawlins, John
Eawlins, Edward Coughliu, W. Blackwill, John Davis, James Porte,
Michael Fox, Patrick Hogan, Wm. Eyan, Patrick Mooney, and James
McEoberts, overseers of highways. In 1844, James Hodgins was
chosen clerk, with S. Langford, Wm. Morgan, and John Lewis, pound-
keepers ; while the names of Dan Hobbins, Michael Curtin, J, Har-
lonton, Simon Young, Patrick Hogan, Patrick Scurlock, John Horrigan,
Geo. Breen, Steve Germyn, Lew. W. Vaughan, Arch. Ware, John
Little, Patrick Barry, and A. Mcllhargy, appear among the township
officials. In 1847, John Atkinson was clerk ; Wm. H. Eyan, collector,
and Wm. Hodgins, assessor ; with James Hodgins, councillor ; and
they, with the persons formerly named, may be said to fill all the
offices up to 1850, when James Hodgins was chosen reeve ; James
Porte, clerk ; Geo. Carter, T. W. Stanley, J. Courcey, and Thomas
Hodgins, councillors. The moneys expended on roads in 1842-3
amounted to £8 13s. 9d. ; in 1844, to £23 lis. 3d. In 1851, Wm. H.
Eyan was reeve; succeeded in 1853 by John Atkinson; James Porte
still serving as clerk. In 1855, John Hodgins was chosen reeve; in
1856, Thomas Hodgins. The estimated expenses for the year were
placed at £116 Os. 7d. In 1857, William Hodgins was appointed
treasurer, and William Porte, clerk ; while the name of William Arm-
strong appears as school teacher in District No. 7. In 1858, Henry B.
Hodgins was reeve ; and in 1859, he and Bernard Stanley were
chosen reeve and deputy-reeve. In 1864, E. H. O'Neil and Charles
Gowan were the reeves.
In 1865, E. H. O'Neil was re-elected reeve, with John McFall,
deputy. In 1867, Joshua Thompson took Wm. Porte's place as clerk.
In 1872, John Hodgins was chosen reeve, vice O'Neil, and Hiram
Hodgins, clerk, vice Thompson, and both were in office in 1875, when
volume III. of record closes, Hiiam Hodgins holding the position of
clerk until January, 1887, when Wm. D. Stanley was elected to that
position. W. H. Eyan succeeded John Hodgins as reeve, and W. D.
Stanley succeeded Eyan in 1880 ; was warden of the county in
1884, and the first resident of Biddulph who ever held this position in
Huron or Middlesex. Charles C. Hodgins succeeded Mr. Stanley as
reeve in 1887.
Granton in 1888, claimed a population of 375. James Grant was
postmaster. The general merchants were : — C. M. Webb, W. T.
Burch, J. E. Murray and Matthew Murray. Mrs. Begg's fancy goods
store, Wm. Leavett's grocery, F. J. Arnold's tin shop, Foster Bros.'
and D. C. Jamieson's bakeries, Joseph Grant's furniture store, Wm.
Lawton's boot and shoe store, Wm. Stewart's harness shop, F. Brook's
cabinet shop, Wm. Middleton's and Thomas Colbert's hotels, Langford's
saw-mill, E. Johnston's cheese factory, Gilbert Carter's and Wm.
Bayne's grain warehouses, and E. J. Brook's carriage shop, are all
458 msTORY OF the
enumerated among the business and manufacturing interests of the
village.
Granton Church, when organized some years ago, was attached to
the Lucan parish, of which T. W. Magahy was rector in 1883-7 ; and,
in A])ril, 1887, Rev. John Downie took charge of Holy Trinity Church,
Lucan, and St. James's, one and a-half miles west. The new building
erected by the English Church Society at Granton, was opened Decem-
ber 9, 188.'!, by Eev. Messrs. O'Connell and Kirkton.
Clandeboye in 1888 claimed 250 inhabitants. Daniel Shoff was
postmaster. The general dealers were : — B. Blackwell, S. E, Hooper
and Joseph Mcllhargy ; John Flannagan and George Porte, hotel-
keepers ; Dennis Sutton, lumber-dealer ; Miss Hodgins, dressmaker ;
Charles Friers, weaver ; L. Bice, wagon-maker.
Patrick Flanagan, a native of Mayo County, Ireland, was a con-
tractor on the Rideau Canal in 1830. He built the first hotel and
distillery in Waterdown, Wentworth County ; raised a company for
Captain Field during the rebellion troubles, and in 1844 settled where
now is Clandeboye town, then known as Flanagan's Corners, owing to
liis hotel and store being built there.
W. Easton's grist-mill at Clandeboye was burned September 25,
1881.
S. C. Hersev's store at Clandeboye was burned May 29. 1881 ;
Easton's grist niill, September 24, 1881. The old Sable Hill Hotel,
about one mile northwest of Lucan, was burned October 28, 1882.
Mrs. Stanley (Mrs. Mead) was then owner. On May 19, 1886, the
residence of Daniel Shofl' and the post-office at Clandeboye, were des-
troyed. The Clandeboye Methodist class was presided over in 1884 by
E. R. Hodgins, whose family were members. Among the names on
the records of this period are those of Carohne and Alida Bice, Jane
Stolf, Ann Black, Jane and Sarah Sutton, Thomas, Asa, David, Isabella,
and Margaret Collins ; the Windsors, Linlotts, Daniel Shot!', Wm.
Thompson and family, Wm. Richardson, Hiram Windsor, Blackwells,
Williams, Danceys, the Benningtons, and a few other families.
Ireland, on the London road, in the Townships of McGillivray and
Biddulph, contained, in 1857-8, a population of 300. Daniel Shoff
was postmaster. The trades and professions were represented as
follows : — James Barber, J. P., farmer ; S. Bradley, shoemaker ; James
P>utler, saddler and harness maker ; George Carter, clerk of Division
Court ; James Corcoran, carpenter ; J. Ewen, tailor and clothier ;
Patrick Flanagan, J. P., innkeeper and coroner ; Samuel Flauary,
wagon-maker ; Francis Galbraith, general store ; Richard Galbraith,
general store ; Robert Glendenning, innkeeper ; Thomas Hamel, framer
and contractor ; G. G. Hamilton, general store ; Jeffrey Harbourne,
carpenter ; Samuel Herbert, blacksmith ; William Howard, carpenter ;
Francis Jones, cabinetmaker ; Rev. A. Lampman, Church of England ;
Bartholomew Lavin, blacksmith, 0. Lloyd, innkeeper ; Joseph Lynch,
general store ; J. McFadden, tailor ; Hugh Murphy, shoemaker ; Jas .
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 459
Nugent, wagon-maker ; Henry O'Neill, blacksmith ; Richard O'Neill,
blacksmith ; Eobert Porte, boot and shoe store ; R. A. Shell, general
store.
The completion of the Grand Trunk Railroad, and, later, of the
London, Huron & Bruce Railroad, carried away the business men to
points on these roads, and left the village deserted.
Mooresville had a population of fifty in 1888. J. S. Gilfinnan was
postmaster; W. J. Clark, merchant ; R. McNamee, dealer in boots and
shoes; Patrick Mahan, wagon-builder; William Macham, saw-mill
owner, and T. Hodgins, blacksmith.
Adare, called Biddulph prior to 1857, claimed in that year the
following business circle : — Clark & Sons, merchants ; William Clark,
postmaster ; Mrs, Agnes Lavatt, milliner ; James Robinson, tavern-
keeper ; John Sholtz, pumpmaker ; Norman Graham, blacksmith ;
George Kinlough, joiner ; John Moody, shoemaker ; George Porte,
Thomas Hodgins, reeve, and Captain James Maguire, magistrate.
The total population was fifty.
Churches. — The Methodist Church antedates 1866. Among the
names on the records of 1869 are the Dixons, Brightons, Arcoats,
Pitchers, Brophys, Whemps, Tedders, Hots, Prests, Cravens, Watsons,
Keowns, Smiths, Trevethicky, Dr. Walden, Ryans, Poes, Frise family,
Sexsmith and Goodacres.
The Wesleyan ministers at Lucan, formerly a part of Exeter cir-
cuit, were : — George Kennedy, 1866 ; Wm. Lund, 1867-8 ; George
Sexsmith, 1869-71 ; James Allen, 1869 ; John Smiley, 1871 ; James
E. Dyer, 1872-o. At that time the membership was 134. The
Methodist Church of Canada at Lucan succeeded the Wesleyan society
in 1874, with James E. Dyer, preacher. Andrew Edwards presided in
1875-6; Wm. Lund in 1877; Alfred L. Russell in 1878-80; George
Jackson, 1881-3; Robert Davey, 1884.
The Salvation Army arrived at Lucan, December 10, 1883, with
Captain Happy Tom in charge. Captain Bill was also here. In
April, 1884, the Salvation Army barracks were opened. Among the
Salvation captains participating, were : — Stacey, of London East; Willis,
of Lucan, and Hall, of London. The building had a capacity of 400
seats, and was painted in variegated colors.
Trinity Church, Lucan, appears in 1871 on the records, with Rev.
W. Logan in charge, and in 1879, T. W. Magahy, who succeeded T. E.
Sanders, who was appointed in 18G9. Among the early members are
Bernard Stanley, John Frank, the Armitage family, Brownleys, Cour-
ceys, Atkinsons, Hamiltons, the Sadlers, Ryans, O'Neils, the Hodginses,
the Daggs, Rawlinses, Harltons, the Foxes, the Smiths, ilayos, Seales,
Thomas Dight, the Hasketts, and Guilfoyles. The record of baptisms
dates back to 1865. The building was completed in February, 1867,
by Contractor Fox, and in June, 1885, the first church bell in the vil-
lage was placed in the belfry.
The Catholic Church dates to June, 1849, when Rev. Thadeus Ker-
460 HISTORY OF THE
wan visited Biddulph, where he baptized children. Among members
of the church were :^John Harty, Timothy Madigan, Edward Orange,
Thomas Shea, James SulHvan, John Cogan, Jeremiah McDonnell,
John Kirkland, James Sherlock, Patrick Sherlock, John Neil, James
Kelly, M. Walshe, Thomas Walshe, James Shea, Thomas Coruyu,
Thomas Quigley, Patrick Nangle, Patrick Barry, ]\I. Hogan, Joseph
Merrick, Henry Cassidy and James Hogan. Among other names on
the records of this period are the Mcllhargys, Heenans, Milans, James
Eider, Patrick Eider, Thomas Eyan, M. Hogan, Thomas Henry, Patrick
Kennedy, Thomas Broderick, John O'Donnell, John Curran, Thomas
Browne, Charles Stuart, Thadeus Twohy, Connor Tierny, Patrick Mee,
John Mullin, Hugh Mangan, P. Mangan, Patrick Walshe, Martin
Carthy, P. Finnerty, \Vm. Keane, James Cahill, John Eyan, James
Donnelly, James Keefe, Timothy Keavy, Timothy Eyan, D. Adair,
Daniel Phelan, Martin Duncan, P. Delacy, Philip Conroy, P. Brennau.
Eev. Joseph Gerard came in 1871 ; Eev. J. Lotz, in 1878 ; and in
1879, Eev. John Connolly, the present pastor. At Irishtown, Eev. J.
Murphy and B. Mui"])hy, 1871. *In 1872, Eevs. Forristal and Darragh
were assistant priests ; in 1875, Eevs. J. McGrath, T. West and L.
Lamont; in 1879, Eev. M. Cummins took the place of Eev. T.
McGrath.
I'he English Church dates to 1853, when the parish of Blanchard
and Biddulph was established, with Eev. A. Lampman in charge of St.
James's church, of Biddulph, and the station at St. Mary's village. The
English Church, of St. James, at Biddulph, was attended in 1858 by
Eev. S. Tighe. Among the subscribers to church work that year were :
— J. Lynch, W. Howard, J. Corbett, E. Mahon, Eobert Porte, J. Gullet,
Deacons, Moodys, Crawleys, Donnellys, Scales, S. Bradley, F. Jones,
the Daggs, Hodginses, Carters, Cunninghams, Dr. Sutton, Hodgsons,
Bennetts, Sholdices, Hamiltons, Atkinsons, Culberts, McLeans, Mor-
gans, John Hooper, Young, Stewardsons, Glendennings, Courceys, Gal-
braith, Simpsons, Wilhams, and Clatterhams. In 1871, Eev. W. Logan
had charge. The old frame church was built about 185U-1. This was
sold about sixteen years ago to John Flanagan, who used it as a barn.
Two years before its removal the present brick church was erected.
The oldest burial-ground dates back about thirty-eight years. Among
the early burials was that of John Williams, whose monument is dated
August 25, 1852.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 461
CHAPTEE XVII.
LUCAN TOWN.
Lucau is the modern name of the old village of Mavysville. In
point of settlement and progress it ranks with the new railroad towns
of Middlesex. It is the principal town of the north-eastern section of
the county, and the centre of a large trade as well as of a rich agricul-
tural district. During its earlier years, it was looked upon as " the
wildest town in Canada ; " but descriptions were exaggerated of the evil,
and forgotten in toto of the good, parts of the community ; until truth
came to the rescue and compelled an acknowledgment, that, after all,
only a few wild visitors made the place notorious. To the residents
and people of the surrounding country, the town was everything that a
new railroad town should be. Its grain market was no less celebrated
than its cattle trade ; so, that while the press was reporting unfavor-
ably on its social condition, society and trade were both flourishing,
almost ignorant of the existence of the noisy desperadoes who came
occasionally to it to show that a busy trade centre could not continue
in its course without a street broil or a tragedy.
From the leminiscences of William Porte, published in the Enter-
prise some years ago, the following facts are taken. He states that
Lots 5 and 6, north and south of the London and Goderich road in
Biddulph, with 600 acres more, were taken up in the name of the
Society of Friends, of Oberlin, 0., the price being $1.50 per acre. In
1830, Lots 5, north and south, were occupied by Peter Butler, J. Wyatt,
W. Whitehead, and one Pinkham, who were the original settlers on
the land where Lucan Village is situate. Lots 6, north and south,
were held by the Canada Co. ; but in 1839, Morgan, or "The Rattler,"
erected a scooped shanty near the location of Mr Dight's residence.
There, in 18-41, John Shoebottom, of London Township, was married
to Jane A. Morgan, Mr. Porte being one of the witnesses. In 1842,
Henry Hodgins came from Castleconnell, Ireland, and located on Lot 6,
south. In the erection of his log house a heavy log fell upon James
Dagg, killing him instantly. Mr. Hodgins deserted the site of this
deplorable accident, and selected a location twenty rods nearer the
main road. On the adjoining farm, Wm. ^Morgan's son was killed by a
falling tree in 1843, where Arnold & Ward's flour mill now stands;
and even prior to this, the colored colonist Duke, son-in-law of White-
head, was killed while hunting a raccoon. Old Mrs. Wyatt, then
seventy-five years old, residing on Lot 5, north, committed suicide. It
appears she was religiously mad, and to appease her strange god, tied
her limbs together and lay down in the creek to drown.
Of the first buildings, none now exist ; and, with the exception of
the Butlers, none of the colored pioneers are to be found. The colored
462 HISTORY OF THE
school-house stood where J. C. Watts's residence now is, and the
teacher sent by the Friends vanished with the house.
In 1843 the Friends ceased to support the colony and school; but
the white settlers hired William Porte to carry on the school. In
1854, Wm. Morgan moved to Bruce County.
On the plans of the railway company becoming known, Sheriff
McDonald and Donald McDonald, of Toronto, purchased Lots 6, north
and south, and planned the village in 18.54, and in February, 1855,
sold many of the lots by auction. The first dwelling was that of
Henry Hodgins, opposite C. W. Sanders's house, on the south side of
Main street. A hewed log-house was next erected by William
Morgan in 1844, where Dr. Hossack's residence now stands. It was a
landmark there until September 16, 1864, when fire destroyed it
At the sale of lots in 1855, Robert Hodgins, sen., purchased lots
245 and 265 ; Wm. Mayo, 246, 247, 172 ; George Carter, 266, 259,
189 (Central Hotel) ; Wm. Walsh, 267 ; R. Young, 247, 260 ; James
Atkinson, 268, 254, 164; Samuel Long, 249, 236, 287, 170; John
Hodgin.s, 250, 166; Charles Baker, 269, 271 ; Rhody Arraitage, 270 ;
Henry Hodgins, sen., 274 ; John Atkinson, 239 ; H. Mitchell, 238 :
Thomas Atkinson, 237, 172 ; R. H. O'Neil, 255 ; Henry O'Neil, sen.,
256 ; Nathaniel Ryan, 258 ; Simon Young, jun., 165 ; Daniel Neil,
163 ; Bernard Stanley, 162 ; Patrick Nangle, 160 ; Wm. Atkinson,
159 ; George Hodgins (Hill), 258, 231 ; Thomas Rawlins, 157 (Queen's
Hotel) ; James (Jury) Hodgins, 149 ; Wm. Stanley, 191 (post office) ;
•Caleb Ryan, 190, 188, 229 ; Henry Hodgins, 187 ; Uriah Monaahan,
168; James Conghlin, 169 ; Joseph Berryhill, 173 ; A. Gardner, 230;
Thomas Harlton, 224 ; Wm. Porte, 161 (E. Mara's store) ; Thomas
Tierney, 203 ; Con. Tierney, 204, and John Cooney, 167, with two lots
purchased by P. Flanagan and John Robinson, which sales were
cancelled — the first where is now the Presbyterian, and the last the
Methodist Church buildings. Of the original purchasers, Bernard
Stanley and Daniel Neil held their lots ; while, of the thirty-nine,
seventeen were living and twenty-two were reported deceased in 1885.
The nucleus of the village was formed on the south-eastern side of
the railroad. Roger Smith, of London, erected a small steam flouring-
mill on lots 241 and 242, north of Main .street, in 1855 ; Robert Young
built his dwelling and storehouse on lot 260 in 1856; John Robinson
built his house on lots 261 and 262, where James Mayo resided, in
1885, and to this settlement the name of Marystown was given in
honor of Mrs Mary Macdonald, wife of the sheriff, who then owned
the unsold lots on the town plot.
In 1856-7, the railway company surveyed a line via Elginfield,
another via Ireland, and a third between Sauble Hill and Marystown.
This caused so much uncertainty to exist, that not until 1859 did the
location give promise of advancement. I n that year Bernard Stanley
■erected the first pretentious dwelling on the north-west of the track;
Tom Rawlings built a log-house on the site of the (Jueen's Hotel ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 463
John Cooney also erected one on Lot 167, Alice street, called after the
postmaster's eldest daughter, Mrs. Windsor, of Browne City, Mich.,
who was born in that house, which was the first post-office building.
Of them all, the Stanley store-house was standing in 1885 ; William
Stanley erected his building next. R. H. O'Neil erected his pre-
sent house soon after, and Marystown became a prominent place in
South Huron. The Central Hotel building was erected by R. McLean,
the Queen's Hotel by J. Donohue (the Crunnican-Mcllhargy Block),
all brick buiklings, were soon added, while a number of frame
houses added to the filling up of all Main street from the railroad to
Farrell's corner. Then Hugh Benn erected the Royal Hotel ; Win.
Frank moved in his brick house from Elginfield to the corner of Frank
and Main streets ; Leonard Hodgins's Hotel stood where is now the
Methodist building, and many homes were erected on Alice, Frank
and William streets ; so that when the village was incorporated, Jan.
1, 1872, its claims for local government were well justified. Later a
number of enterprising men tried to secure the London, Huron &
Bruce Railroad, and were willing to give the required bonus of $7,000
while Biddulph would grant $8,000 ; but the majority defeated the
project.
On January 26, 1864, the first Penny Readings were given in the
school-house. In 1863 the Queen's birthday was celebrated, a cali-
thumpian procession of 190 horsemen being one of the features of the
day. No less than 2,.50O persons are said to have assembled in the
village of that time.
Official Histoi-y. — The petition of 100 inhabitants of Lucan was
before the Council June 7, 1871, asking for incorporation. John C.
Frank was appointed to take the census ; B. Stanley and J. Thompson
represented the petitioners. lu September, a by-law to incorporate
was drafted, an election ordered to be held at the school-house, and on
the 20th the act passed. The first meeting of the Lucan Council was
held at Currie's School- house January 15, 1872. The officers were :
—Robert F. O'Neil, reeve ; D. McRoberts, Wm. Porte, H. B. Quarry,
and A. Goodacre, councillors ; S C. Hersey, clerk ; J. C. Frank, treas-
urer ; Thomas Atkinson, assessor ; and Richard Thompson, inspector of
licenses. The applications for tavern licenses were made by Robert
McLean, H. McPhee, John Carroll, W. E. Wilkins, W. Walker, Geo.
Hodgins, and Joseph Fitzhenry ; and for shop licenses by H. B. Quarry,
E. Mara, M. Cunningham, T. Hodgins, and J. Gleeson In April a
by-law, proposed by D. McRoberts and W. Porte, providing for grant-
ing a bonus of $5,000 and depot grounds to the London, Huron &
Bruce Railroad, was adopted, and in May the same councillors pro-
posed that $200 be expended on sidewalks. At this time, H. B.
Quarry's motion to purchase $25 worth of hose for fire purposes was
carried. In November, Henry Macklin was appointed clerk. At tins
time a by-law was passed, providing for a bonus of $7,000 to the
London, Huron & Bruce Railroad. On submitting this by-law to
464 HISTORY OF THE
the people, it was adopted, but owing to Biddulph not voting the neces-
sary $8,000, the vote of Lucan was of no use. Tlae council for 1873
comprised Messrs. P. Mcllhargy, R. McLean, W. Porte, and I). Mc-
Eoberts. Samuel Flannery was licensed to keep the Dublin House.
In 1874, Orlando Robins and A. Goodacre were members, and Thomas
Dight, reeve. In June, the Council made an effort to organize a fire
company. The new member of the Council for 1875 was W. H.
Hutchins, Messrs. McLean, Porte and McRoberts being re-elected. In
April, measures were taken to erect water tanks, so as to have a water
supply for fire engines, should necessity call the brigade into service.
In January, 1876, C. F. Pashley was elected clerk, vice Mackhn
resigned. In iVIarch, 1876, a by-law, exempting the projector of the
flax-mill from taxation for five years, was passed, the vote on the bonus
$500 and exemption being thirty-five for and one contra. At this
time, also, the building of a lock-up was decided upon. Of the
Council for 1877, Thomas Ho.ssack, W. E. Stanley, W. Porte and D.
McRobert were members, with W. H. Hutchins, reeve. In July, a
by-law, providing for the loan of $1,000, to be expended on building
a Town Hall and engine room, was ordered to be submitted to the rate-
payers. In January, 1878, W. S. Hodgins was appointed clerk.
The members of the Council were :^J. D. McCosh, C. M. McRoberts,
S. Gibson, and W. E. Stanley ; while for 1879, R. H. O'Neil and P.
Mcllhargy were chosen to fill vacancies.
In 1879-80, Wm. Stanley was reeve, with Messrs. R. H. O'Neil,
C. McRoberts, P. Mcllhargy, W. B. Abbott, John Bawden, and S.
Gibson, councillors. In June, 1880, the question of building a branch
railroad from Lucan, to connect with the London, Huron & Bruce Rail-
road, was considered by the council, and in September a by-law was
drafted jiroviding for a bonus of $10,000 to any company who would
build such branch. John H. McConnell was elected clerk, vice W. S.
Hodgins, resigned. The council for 1881 comprised John Maguire,
James H. McRoberts, .Messrs. Bawden and Mcllhargy, with William
Stanley, reeve. George Hodgins was subsequently elected, vice Baw-
den, resigned. (J. W. Orme was appointed clerk pro tern, in June.)
"Wm. EUwood was elected, vice Mcllhargy, for 1882. J. H. McRoberts
was chosen reeve for 1883 ; while Thomas Hall, Wra. E. Hooper, Geo.
Hodgins, and J. R. Armitage, were chosen councillors. In July, 1883,
A. 0. Graydon was appointed village engineer ; Wra. McLeod, collec-
tor ; and in December the following-named were chosen councillors for
1884:— Wm. Hogg, Thomas E. Hall, David McRoberts, and William
Haskett.
In 1885, Albert Goodacre, Wm. Hogg, W. N. Shaver and John
Murdy were councillors, with Wm. Ellwood, reeve ; while in 1886, E.
Tennent succeeded councillor Hogg. In March, 1886, the use of the
market square was granted to the Lucan Agricultural Society under
certain conditions. In August, Geo. A. Stanley was chosen clerk, vice
McConnell, and in December, F. A. O'Neil, J. R. Armitage, W. N.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 465
Shaver and John Murdy were nominated for the council, and were
elected and re-elected for 1888, William Ellwood still serving as reeve,
and Geo. A. Stanley clerk. The rate of taxation adopted in August,
1888, is as follows : — Local, 8 mills ; school, 8h mills, and county and
debenture, 2i. The expenditures for 1872 amounted to $2,360.28 ;
for 1873, $2,256.31 ; for 1874, $6,502.59, including $4,405 for schools ;
for 1875, $3,337.23 ; for 1876, $3,184.95; for 1877, $6,124.84, includ-
ing $1,773 33 for school purposes, and $1,305.34 for payment of
debentures and interest; for 1878, $5,082.72, of which $1,363.20
represented school grant and county rate, and $1,300 bonus, of $100,
to flax mill, and debentures, $1,200; for 1879, $4,277 98, including
$1,724.96 school grant and county rate, $100 bonus to flax mill, and
$800 debenture; for 1880, $3,840.34, including $1,417.29 school grant
and county rate; for 1881, $4,460.84, including $1,276 school and
county rate; for 1882, $4,628.85; for 1883, $4,072.20; for 1884,
$4,804.63; for 1885, $4,574.08; for 1886, $4,612.13, including $1,200
school grant; for 1887, $6,289.51, including school appropriation
$1,250.
Schools. — Prior to the establishment of the school at Lucan in
1868, the district was known as No. 6, and, in 1864, Wm. Haskettwas
chosen trustee.
School section No. 11, was set off on December 30, 1868, and the
first meeting held at the Dublin House, January 13, 1869. Joshua
Thompson presided, with W. E. Eoache, secretary. R. H. O'Neil,
Wm. Frank and Thomas Dight were elected trustees. In 1870, A.
Goodacre was chosen, vice Frank, resigned, and Wm. Foreman,
secretary. Benj. O'Neil was engaged as teacher, with Miss Pritchard
and Mr. Foreman. In 1871, C. F. Pashley was chosen trustee and S. T.
Scilly secretary. In 1872, six trustees were chosen : — Bernard Stan-
ley, Robert McLean, Dr. Thomas Hossack, Charles F. Pashley, James
Gleeson and Wm. Galloway. Mr. Scilly and Miss Stacey were teachers
in 1871. In January, John Dearness, Mrs. Warburton and Mifss
Edwards were employed. In 1873, Mr. Crunnican was chosen trustee,
and Mr. Gleeson elected secretary, to succeed .Mr. Pashley, who, as
trustee, was succeeded by T. E. Jennings. David McRoberts's name
also appears at this time, and that of H. Macklin. In 1874, Dr.
Burgess and T. R. Jennings were chosen members of the board, and
W. S. Hodgins employed as teacher, with Charles Manley, Mrs. War-
burton and Martha J. Edwards.
In April, 1874, steps were taken to build an addition to the school-
house, and in October the building was completed. D. Hammell was
employed as head master in November, with Misses JMartin and
Edwards, assistants. In 1875, M. Crunnican and Henry Collins were
chosen trustees, and John A. Burgess, secretary. Mr. McTaggert
taught here in 1875. In July, C. F. Pashley succeeded Dr. Burgess
as trustee and secretary, and in November, W. B. McKay was engaged
as principal ; and in December, Miss Chisholm took Miss Martin's
466 HISTORY OF THE
place. Bernard Stanley and R. H. O'Neil were chosen trustees for
1876. In December, Principal Hodgins, with Misses Chisholm and
Beamish, were re-engaged as teachers, the salaries being $600, ;f3l5
and $250, respectively. In 1878, Messrs. Ellwood. Abbott, Fox, Mc-
Connell, and IBawden, were chosen trustees ; and in 1879, A. Goodacre,
Wm. E. Hooper, and John Murdy. L. Cann was appointed secretary.
Among the teachers in 1878-9, the names of ]\Iiss Zapfe, Miss Howard,
and Miss Hodgins occur. The Board employed W. S. Hodgins, and
Misses Sproat and Howard for 1880; and Bernard Stanley, with D.
McRoberts, were elected trustees. Wm. Ellwood was secretary. In
March, 1880, Miss Courcey was employed. The teachers for 1881
were John McLaughlin, Misses Sproat and Courcey ; but Miss Salmon
taught here for some time. Gerald Fitzgerald and Wm. Ellwood were
chosen trustees. W. E. and John Murdy were re-elected for 1882,
and Wni. Hendson appointed principal. D. McRoberts and B. Stanley
were re-elected for 1883 ; G. T. Fitzgerald and Thomas Hodgins for
1884; J. Murdy and W. Matheson for 1885. In 1886, B. Stanley,
Thomas Hodgins, L. Cann, John Fox, Wm. Matlieson, the secretary,
and John Murdy, formed the Board ; while in 1887, the name of Wm.
McLeod appears on the roll of trustees, with Bernard Stanley, chair-
man, and R. S. Hodgins, secretary.
In January, 1880, the school trustees of Lucan agreed to set apart
one room as a separate school, and to employ a Catholic teacher to
preside there.
Fires. — The first fire at Lucan, November 15, 1862, destroyed
Conroy's Mechanics' Hall and a smaller building. Morgan's pioneer
log-house, on the site of Dr. Hossack's house, was destroyed September
19, 1864. Madill's liotel was burned February 8. Thomas Fox's
workshop, in rear of R. Fox's present residence, was burned February
15 ; Thomas Robinson's carpenter shop, March 5 ; Elijah Turner's
barn, August 22, 1865; in 1871, J. H. McRoberts 's grain -warehouse,
April 11 ; in 1872, Dennis Quigley's took fire, but was saved from
destruction ; in 1875, CoUins's tin-store, McLean's drug store, Thomp-
son's harness shop and a dwelling adjoining were destroyed March
29 ; Mrs. Deacon's house, April 29 ; Flanagan & Crawley's stables, in
rear of Queen's Hotel, October 4, 1875 ; Pieper & Hogg's flax-mill
and flax, worth $o,000, March 9; Molony's wagon-shop, March 13;
Collins & Donnelly's stable, March 17, 1877; John Judge's dwelling,
blacksmith, wagon and paint-shop, the dwellings of Atkinson and Cook
and Hazleton's two buildings were destroyed April 10 ; R. M. Mc-
Lean's stable and seven horses, W. Porte's stables and John Drought's
dwelling and cabinet-shop, were burned May 11 ; Bernard Stanley's
outbuildings, in rear of store. May 12; a fire set in Goodacre's build-
ing, May 24, was discovered and extinguished ; Fitzhenry's hotel, then
occupied by James Malony, together with hotel stables and Gleeson's
barn, was destroyed July 5 ; Benj. Blackwell's house, July 9 ; Chas.
McRoberts's Old Dominion Hotel was destroyed August 1, 1879 ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 467
attempt to burn Creighton's livery stable, opposite Queen's Hotel,
April 17, 1880; W. H. Hutchins' grain-store, opposite the Mado&
House, and 9,000 bushels of barley, were destroyed September 3, 1881 ;
and on October 9 an attempt to fire Stanley & Dight's flouring mill
was made, but the fire was discovered. A detective named West, and
Simon Young, were charged with the act.
On April 4, 1883, fire destroyed Johnston's livery stable, with si.x.
horses, and the shops of Niblock & Marrin. The Stanley & Dight
cooper-shop was destroyed December 18, 1885. In March, 1886,
McLean's foundry was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of S4,000.
Accidents. — On July 26, 1864, a boy named Martin O'Mally was
killed by a train near Lucan. In 1865, P. Eyder was killed in a
similar way ; and in 1872, Adam Hodgins's body was found on the
track. A brakesman named John Shea was killed at Lucau, Dec. 30,
1869. The first fatal accident on the London, Huron & Bruce
Railroad occurred April 13, 1877, when a brakesman was killed at
Brucefield. In December, 1877, old Mr. Grant, of Granton, was-
drowned in the cistern. The accident on the London, Huron &
Bruce Eailroad, of December 25, 1880, resulted in the death of James
McGrath, his wife, his brother, mother and Ellen Blake. Thomas
Taylor, of the 14th concession of London, fell from his wagon in rear
of Glass's hotel, October 7, 1881, aud was killed. In March, 1883, R.
Cruise, of Blanshard, and Clark, of St. Mary's, were killed by trains
at Stanley's crossing.
Comviercial Affairs.- — The first important building was erected in
April, 1859, by Bernard Stanley, and in the fall of that year the depot
was completed. James Parkyn opened his grain-warehouse next
year, and in 1861 shipped 89,000 bushels of grain ; later, he built
warehouses at Ailsa Craig, Westwood, Parkhill and Forest. The grain
business of Lucan Station in 1862 amounted to 155,855 bushels of
grain shipped, while in 1863 the figures were 167,300 bushels, James
Parkyn shipping 68,250, Thomas Dight 40,950, R. H. O'Neil
26,950, J. Atkinson 21,350, and B. Stanley 9,800 bushels. In 1862
there were four grain warehouses, to which four were added in 1863-4
by H. M. Atkinson, Hodgins & Co., James Laird and Wm. Frank. In
1862 there were 2,930,000 feet of lumber, shingles and lath imported.
The forward freight in 1887 amounted to 5,386 tons, j'ielding $16,778,
and the freight received 1,406 tons, yielding S4,478 60. The number
of passengers forwarded, and value of tickets issued each month in
1887, are as follows: — January, 470 passengers, aud value of tickets,
$423.60 ; February, 401 and $342.25 ; March, 509 and $507 ; April,
458 and $521 ; May, 494 and $398; June, 567 and $407 ; July, 546-
and $412 ; August, 1,253 aud $694; September, 741 and $609 ; Octo-
ber, 478 and $^42 ; November, 506 and $505.90 ; December, 484 and
$390.
J. E. Meagher, of Columbus, Neb., was the first railroad agent at
Lucan in 1859. Timothy Carey, who for over twenty years was
468 HISTORY OF THE
baggage -master at Lucan, was transferred to Port Huron in 1884. Mr.
Sinclair is the present agent.
The principal business men of Lucan in 1878-80, and the date of
settlement, are noted as follows: — J. R. Armitage, 1849, W. H.
Hutchins, 1863, J. D. McCosh, 1861, merchants ; L. Cann, 1861,
books and stationery; John F. Cain, 1869, Eoval Hotel; R. McLean,
1844, Central Hotel; R. McFalls, 1854, Queen's Hotel; Wm, Walker,
1863, hotel and stage line ; J. W. Orme, 1855, grocer; J. C. Watts,
1860, tinsmith; Wm. Matheson, 1870, watchmaker ; Shoebottom Bro.,
1843, patent spring manufacturers ; James K. Tom, 1875, job printer ;
J. E. Thomas, 1876, manager Bank of Commerce ; T. T. Atkinson, 1873,
carpenter; John Fan-ell, 1829, druggist; S. Gibson, 1867, planing
mills; Hogg & Piefer, 1876, flax mills; W. Haskett, 1859, mill owner;
S. C. Hersey, 1862, grain merchant ; Reed & Chisholm, butchers and
drovers; and Wm. McBride, 1873, carpenter. Law was represented
by W. Macdiarmid, 1872 ; and the church by Rev. H. B. Lotz, 1876,
Catholic priest.
Post-office. — The first postmaster at Lucan in 1857-8 was C. H.
Ashberry, but was succeeded May 25, 1859, by William Porte, who
has held the office down to the present day. In January, 1871, an
extra mail to London by Grand Trunk Railroad was established. In
May, 1873, the McPhee stages ceased to run, the Donnelly stages were
inaugurated, and on May 24 the era of stage troubles was inaugurated.
The Hawkshaw opposition stage was sold in October to Crawley and
Flanagan. The old Lucan and Goderich stage ceased June 29, 1878,
after a run of about forty years, and the first mails via the London, Huron
& Bruce Railroad were despatched from Lucan, June ;'>0. The Mon-
treal telegraph line was completed to Lucan in November, 1868.
Banks. — The banking house of R. H. O'Neil was established on
September 27, 1876, and the business carried on in a frame building
on the site of the present bank office, which was erected in August,
1883. With the exception of two years (1882-3), F. A. O'Neil has
been cashier.
The Bank of Commerce was established at Lucan. but, in Septem-
ber, 1883, the office was removed to Parkhill. and its place here was
at once occupied by R. & J. Fox, who opened a private bank in the
same building in the same month.
Societies. — Irving Lodge, 154, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in
1861. Among the members are the following Past Masters, the last
named being the present Master : — Wm. Diamond, Wm. Porte, John
O'Donohue, Edwin Patching, James Sutton, M. D., F. R. Jennings,
Wm. Ellwood, Wm. S. Hodgins, Wm. Quigley, jr., John Murdy, John
Fox, Thos. Kitt, Wm. JMcLoud. There are sixty-one members.
Lucan Lodge, No. 209, A. 0. U. W., was founded in June, 1883,
with Dr. H(jssack, master, and G. A. Ellis, secretary.
Lucan Lodge, No. 70, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered March 30, 1871,
with Robert McLean, 1). McCosh, W. Bowie, Edward JMara, first
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 469
Noble Grand, and C. F. Pashley, secretary, members. During the last
nine years, W. E Stanley has served as permanent secretary. The
Past Grands are named as follows : — Edward Mara, Chas. F. Pashley,
Donald J. McCosh, Thomas Hossack, \Vm. E. Stanley, James C. Watts,
Robert McLean, Albert Goodacre, Sylvanus Gibson, James P. Atkin
son, Wm. M. Shoebottom, Lewis Cann, Wm. Macdiarmid, Geo. M.
Shoebottom, Jacob C. Palmer, Henry Collins, Geo. H. Barron, Wm. E.
Collins, and William Bryant. The lodge has an average number of
fifty members. In 188.3-4, William Macdiarmid, of Lucan, served as
Grand Master.
The Lucan Agricultural Society was reorganized, or revived, in
April, 1884, with John Dagg, president; Robert S. Hodgins, secretary.
The membership was 100, and increased to 200 in 1887-8. To John
Dagg, now deceased, Thomas H. Courcey, W. E. Stanley and Robert
S. Hodgins, the credit of renewing this useful society is accorded. The
second annual fair was held in September, 1885. There were 1,100
entries ; in 1886, there were 1,500. The fair of 1887 was attended
by 2,500 persons ; there were 1,500 entries, and gate receipts amounted
to $160, In 1888, the annual fair was successful. The officers of the
Lucan Agricultural Society for 1888 were : — T. H. Courcey, president;
W. E. Hooper, vice-president; W. E. Stanley, secretary-treasurer;
Thomas Dickens, J. Cobbledick, F. Davis, John Lewis, James Miller,
Chas. Rosser, John Neil, J. Abbott, M. Glass, W. Hodgins, J. Murdy,
John Hodgins, C. C. Hodgins, N. Stewart, A. McFalls, James Carter,
John Guest, W. Walker and F. Walden, directors.
The Biddulph Agricultural Society, organized some years ago, may
be said to be one of the oldest organizations of this class in the northern
townships. William Porte was secretary of the old Biddulph Agri-
cultural Society for eleven years. The ofiicers for 1888 were: — James
Foster, president ; S. Gunning, vice-president; W.B.Stewart, secretary;
J. E. Murray, treasurer ; L. Piad, J. Walls, J. Brooks, W. E. Lang-
ford, S. Clarke, W. Spence, D. Johnston, M. Langford, T. Bunn, J.
Jermyn and T. Lawton, directors.
The Lucan Mechanics' Institute dates back to the early days of the
village, when Wm. Porte was appointed to obtain a library, and for
years was connected with the society. The oflRcers of the Mechanics'
Institute for 1888 were : — W. Stanley, president ; Matheson & L. Cann,
vice-presidents ; W. EUwood, treasurer ; John Fox, secretary, and
Messrs. Edwards, Fox, J. Frank and R. Armitage, directors.
In 1875, the Father Matthew Temperance organizations of Bid-
dulph held a great meeting at Lucan.
The Lucan Base Ball Club was organized in June, 1885, with John
Jackson, J. Hutchins, Ted Collins, George Fife, A. O'Neil, J. Jackson,
A. E. Stanley, T. Hutchins, R. Collins, W. Armitage, John Kenny,
E. Jennings, Fred Oldhan and A. Murdoch, members.
The Stanley-Dight and the Hooper mills (operated by George
Adcott) are important industries ; but the most extensive concern in
470 HISTORY OF THE
the county is managed by Robert S. Hodgins, who ships annually
about 290,000 bushels of barley, wheat, oats and other grains, together
with 17,000 barrels of apples, and during the season a carload of cider
daily. He established the custom of feeding hogs at the cheese factory,
and also that of shipping baled hay.
On March 10, 1866, fifty-two men left Lucan for Point Edward
under Captain H. B. Hodgins, Lieut. J. C. Frank and Ensign W. H.
Atkinson, and served three months and ten days on the boundary, in
view of the threatened Fenian invasion. Wm. Porte, in his journal,
states that the battle of Ridgeway and rout of the Queen's Own,
occurred May 2, 1866.
Nineteen years later Captain Thom, then commanding, called this
company on parade, when only five men responded. In June, 1885,
however, twelve or fifteen men assembled, seeking a place in the
annual meeting of 26th Battalion at London.
The Lucan drill shed and armory were erected on lot 154 in 1871.
This building is a wooden one.
The Lucan flag-pole, erected May 9, 1863, was cut down by un-
known parties November 1, 1873. This pole was bought from Barber,
of the village of Ireland, and taken to Lucan, where it stood for ten
years and seven months.
On April 14, 1865, a flag was placed at half-mast in respect to
Abraham Lincoln. Dr. White, a southerner, then here, fired at the flag,
as the honor to the dead president was too much for this confederate.
In March, 1871, a political meeting was being held at Carroll's
Hall, Lucan, when the floor gave way, injuring D. Quigley, and break-
the leg of Mr Galloway's son.
Red-letter day in the political life of Lucan was Dec. 16, 1886.
Sir John Macdonald visited Lucan. accompanied by leading members
of his party. Among other acts in the drama of this political recep-
tion was the printing of the Enterprise in red ; and the Young Conser-
vative Club was organized.
In December, 1872, Ireland village gave thirty-two votes for, and
twelve against ; Mcllhargy's, sixty-five for, and eighty-one against ;
and Grant's, eighty-seven against, on the question of giving a bonus to
the London, Huron & Bruce Railroad. Lucan voted almost unani-
mously for the bonus.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 471
CHAPTEE XVIII.
CAEADOC TOWNSHIP.
Caradoc is bounded north by Adelaide and the north-east gore of
Metcalfe ; south east by the Thames, dividing it from Delaware, and
south by the Indian reservation — that river dividing the Indian lands
from Elgin Co. ; east by Lobo, and west by Metcalfe and Ekfrid. The
survey of Caradoc was accomplished in 1821 by Eoswell Mount, on
instructions from John Burwell. The Thames flows along the south-
eastern and southern line in a very tortuous course. Of the many
streams rising south of the Graud Trunk Railroad, all flow into the
Thames ; while the numerous creeks having their sources in the north
half, or north of the railroad, flow north-west into Bear Creek.
The oldest record of Caradoc in possession of Malcolm McGugan,
clerk, is dated February 19, 1853. At that time, Col. M. Dixon, I. B.
Burwell, John Bateman, Arch. Campbell, and David Hunter, council-
men, with Holcroff Clench, reeve, met at Lee's Hotel, Mt. Brydges.
The clerk, Edward Handy, reported that all books, papers and other
matters relating to the Council were destroyed by fire, and the clerk
was empowered to procure new books. In November, 1856, the town-
ship was re districted for school purposes into twelve school sections,
and Mt. Brydges, known as section 15, with school No. 1, of Lobo and
Caradoc, and school No. 2, of Ekfrid and Caradoc.
In I860, John Ferguson was appointed clerk, and served until
June, 1877. A. M. McEvoy, the present county treasurer, succeeded
him in July of that year, who served until June 27, 1887, when M.
McGugan was appointed.
The names of those who have served in the Township Council
fi-om 1853 to 1856, are as follows: — H. Clench, John Bateman, Arch.
Campbell, David Hunter, J. B. Burwell, John Carey, Thomas Collins,
John W. Emerson, John Thompson, Arthur Seabrooke, Thos Faulds,
Alex. Campbell, Thomas Northcott, Hugh McDonald, U. Getty, S. Mc-
Cracken, D. Leitch, A. ^I. McEvoy, G. McGugan, L. L. Griffith, A.
Misener, George Middlemiss, George Bateman, W. Lundie, James
Ferguson, Eli Griffith, Thomas Nagle, James Gamble, R. Cade, M.
McGugan, Henry Sutherland, Charles Nagle, Dougall Campbell, H.
Hardy.
Caradoc Township was surveyed in 1821, when patents were issued
to Colonels Mount and Bullen for their lands on the Longwoods Road.
Immediately after the survey, and the same year, Benj. Lockwood
located here, and Richard Fenwick shortly after, the latter's clearing
being on Lot 11, Concession 1, north of the Longwoods Road. The set-
tlers who came in from 1815 to 1820, were: — Benj. Bartlett, on Con-
cession 1 ; Sutherland, on Concession 4 ; and Charles Bateman,
472 HISTORY OF THE
in that neighborhood on the north of the road. In 1828, Eobert
Parker settled on Lot 12, Concession 4, north, and Robert and George
Bateman, on the south side of road; Miller's settlement in Ekfrid
being then the nearest to Parker's on the west. Donald McGugan
settled on Lot 23, Concession 7, in 1828, where his son, Malcolm, now
resides. This pioneer died in 1878, but his widow lives with her son.
She is the daughter of John McNeil, who came her in 1843.
Col. MahloD Burwell, father of Isaac Brock Burwell, was one of
the provincial land surveyors at the beginning of this century. It was
he who surveyed the southern part of Middlesex County and laid out
the townships through which Talbot street runs, as well as that street
The town of London was also surveyed by him, and the Indian reser-
vations at Port Franks. In 1835 he was elected the first member
from London (the town then claiming 1,037 inhabitants) in the Cana-
dian Parliament, and for thirty years, including his term as representa-
tive in the old assembly, served this part of Canada in Parliament. I.
B. Burwell, who, in 1839, was an ensign in Col. Talbot's 1st Middlesex
Militia, owned 1,100 acres of land in Caradoc. He died August 17,
1880. He gave 200 acres and $1,500 in cash toward the Burwell
Memorial Church in Caradoc. His grandfather was Adam Burwell,
one of the United Empire Loyalists.
Mary Campbell, who died in April, 1881, came to Canada in 1819,
and in 1820 settled in the Thames Valley with Captain Matthews, at
the time there being only the families of Captains Bullen, Matthews
and Brigham within miles of them. In 1822, when Caradoc was
surveyed, her husband purchased Lot 24, Con. 6, for $12. He died in
1865, leaving the pioneer woman over fifteen years to dream over the
scenes of pioneer days.
Hugh Anderson, a native of Ireland, who settled in Caradoc in
1825, died February 10, 1873. He was the first township clerk of
Caradoc, which office he held until appointed treasurer. He served
against the patriots in 1837-8, and was promoted major.
Cornelius De Graw died April 7, 1877, in his 72nd year. In 1826
he settled in Middlesex, and for fifty years prior to his death resided
on Lot 11, Con. 9, Caradoc. He served at Maiden during the troubles
of 1837-8. Mrs. Sarah Harvey, widow of John Harvey, died in Cara-
doc, February 23, 1879. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1791 ;
moved to Fort Erie in 1812, and to Caradoc in 1825. In 1869 she
took up her residence at Wardsville. Joseph Seabrook, who settled
in Caradoc in 1835, served against the Patriots in 1837-8. In 1851,
his sou Arthur built a steam saw-mill there, and in 1866 moved to
Delaware. Jonathan Hixon, an old resident of Caradoc, died April
12, 1871, aged 65 years. Mrs. Margaret Saxton, widow of Col. Wm.
Saxton, came from Nova Scotia to Upper Canada in 1811, soon after
her marriage took place, and she settled with her husband in Bayham.
In 1838 the family moved to Caradoc, where she died March 19, 1879.
Mrs. Dorothy Cook, widow of Wm. Cook, of Caradoc, born near
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 473
Niagara, in 1825, died in April, 1880. James English, who came
from Ireland in 1848, and was the first agent of the Great Western
Railroad at Longwood, died in July, 1873. E. Cornwall, an old
settler, who served in the war of 1812, resided here in 1876.
Among the old settlers of Caradoc residing there in 1878-80, were :
— George Richards, of 1825; John D.Anderson, 1834; Charles S.
Getty, 1824; Malcolm McGugan, 1828 ; M. Mclntyre, 1832 ; Thos.
Bateman, Geo. B. Carruthers, and Arthur Webb, 1833 ; Geo. Lamon
and Ephraim Nash. 1834; Charles G. Anderson, Alex. Sutherland,
Sidney Seabrook, 1836; Chas. Nagle, 1837; I. B. Burwell and Francis
Thompson, 1839 ; G. V. Burwell, James Bond, and James Graves,
1840; Wm. E. Borley and Edmund Chute, 1841; Darius Coleman
and Duncan McDougall, 1842; Peter Toles, 1843; Geo. Weekes, L.
Waters, W. H. Waters, T. Northcott, Sam. Hedgers, John B. Crozier,
and John Burwell, 1844; James Cooper, 1845; Malcolm McGugan,
Wm. Young, and John Scott, 1846 ; R. Williams and James Cox,
1847 ; W. Grigg and Richard Price, 1848 ; Geo. Nagle, James F.
Sutherland, and John Wilhamson, 1849 ; James Carruthers, and Job
Marshman, 1850. From 1850 to 18G0 the following-named residents
of 1880 settled in the township : — Stephen and John Bond, Wm.
Cobban, Thomas Faulds, John D. Kitchen, M. S. Leitch, George
Marshman, Geo. Moore, R. W. Popham, W. A. Pulling, James Patrick,
Anthony Pyott, Geo. Saxton, W. E. Sawyer, and R. Veale. A few of
the above-named are natives of the county, the date given being that
of birth.
Early in the thirties, when the tide of immigration flowed via
the Longwoods Road, an hospital was established for immigrants, two
miles west of Delaware. Dr. Stan-, who resided near Carodoc, was the
physician, and Robert Miller, of Adelaide, steward.
Caradoc Academy was opened by Wm. Livingstone in 1833, at a
point five miles from Delaware, on the Chatham road, and earned on
until its destruction by fire in 1857. Among the pupils in 1848 were:
— T. C. Wood, W. and H. Givens, C. Brough, John and Wm. Eccles,
S. W. Handy, E. and John Labatt, W. Balkwill, all of London ; R.
Flood, J. C. Mills, C. Nagle, G. V. Burwell, G. C. Barrett, and R. Sea-
brook, of Caradoc ; D. E. Blake, Thornhill ; W. F. Bullen, C. F. Bullen,
G. Somers, and J. Johnstone, of Delaware; Alex. D. Ward, of Mosa;
and J. Miller, of Ekfrid ; with a number of others from Toronto, Pt.
Stanley, Brantford and Southwold. The teachers were Mr. and Mrs.
Livingstone, Mr. Johnstone, Dr. Francis, Mr. Handy, and Miss S.
Matthews. Rev. R. Flood, of the English Church, preached here once
in two weeks ; but on each Sabbath students would attend church at
Delaware. The rates for tuition, board and washing, ranged from £7
to £10 per year.
Accidents.^ John Gray, of Caradoc, was killed by a falling tree in
June, 1860. In February, 1862, an old man, a ward of Caradoc town-
ship, was burned to death in his log house on the 2nd Concession.
474 HISTORY OF THE
David Thompson's son, of Caradoc, fell into a pail of hot bran and water
in January, 1877, and was scalded to death. Geo. H. Althouse, who
settled in Caradoc in 1852, was killed on the Hillsborough and Forest
road in August, 1880. It appears his horses and wagon fell into a
ravine, carrying the deceased to his end. On September 14, 1881,
Robert Heatley, of Caradoc, picked up some roots in the field, which he
ate. His death, from poisoning, occurred within an hour. Wm. Pad-
dison, of Caradoc, discouraged and disappointed, committed suicide by
hanging in December, 1881. He was 56 years old, and a member of
a wealthy English family. John Graham, of Caradoc, was killed by an
express train one mile east of Strathroy depot.
Mount Brydges dates back to 1854-5. In 1857 it claimed a
population of 180, including the following-named traders and profes-
sional men : — G. H. Althouse, general store ; Henry Bork, saloonkeeper ;
T. H. Bateman, general storekeeper and councillor ; J. W. Emmerson,
steam saw -mill; J. W. Frazer, cabinetmaker; Charles Gillam, black-
smith ; Joseph Hogg, saddler and harness-maker ; Eev. T. S. Howard,
Wesleyan Church; Samuel Humphrey, wagon-maker; G. Y. Hutton,
insurance agent; Elijah Lee, carpenter and joiner; G. W. Lenon,
saloonkeeper; Edward Mihell,jr., postmaster; Wm. Moore, innkeeper;
William Morrison, shoemaker ; S. Near, innkeeper ; Charles Nortlion,
blacksmith ; William Quick, blacksmith ; C. VV. Eobertson, tailor ;
John Smith, general store ; J. H. Thomas, lumber merchant ; Eichard
Webb, J. P., station master.
In 1845 Eev. R. Flood was pastor of Caradoc. In 1850 Eev. G.
A. Anderson was his as.si.stant minister, the former residing at Christ
Church, Delaware, and the latter at Caradoc Academy. Among the
early members were the Burwells, Batemans and the Coxes. The
Memorial Church, refeiTed to previously, belonged to Delaware parish
in 1882, Eev. C. D. Martin being minister. In 1882, Eev. J. Holmes
was pastor.
The Masonic circle is well attended, and the lodge is among the
most prosperous in the county.
The ]\iethodist Circuit of Mount Brydges was set off from Strathroy,
in 1856, when Thomas S. Howard was appointed to preside over a
Church of thirty-three members. The ministers succeeding him are
named as follows : — William Savage, 1857-8, with Thomas Brock ,
Thomas Atkinson, 1859-60, with M. A. Rice and Hall Christopherson ;
Edward Craig, 1861-2 ; George Kennedy, 1863-5 ; John Hough,
1866-7 ; James Kennedy, 1868-70 ; Henry Eeid, 1871 ; William
Chapman, 1872-3. After the union, in 1874, E. E. Tupper was pastor.
Alfred L. Eu.ssell succeeded him in 1875, and George Jackson followed
him in 1878, serving until 1880. Edwin Holmes, 1881-2, and John
L. Kerr, 1883-4. After the union of 1884, the Methodist Society dis-
appeared, having been merged into the Methodist Church of Canada.
Mount Olivet church, one mile west of Mount Brydges, was built for
the Methodist Episcopal Society in 1868. The church known as
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 475
Mount Zion, iu Caradoc, opposite Delaware, was built iu 1869 for the
same denomination. The new Methodist Church building on Lot 1,
Con. 9, Caradoc, was dedicated November 16, 1877, by Rev. S. G.
Stone, Rev. S. Card, and Rev. D. Williams.
The Baptist Church, of Caradoc, is modern when compared with
the pioneer societies of Lobo and London townships. A frame build-
ing was erected by the Baptist society of Mt. Brydges iu 1867. This
building was restored in 1880, and reopened July 11, that year. Zion's
Baptist Church, four miles from Strathroy, was opened September 26,
1875. The denomination does not claim a large representation in this
township (vide general history). The Catholic Church is contempor-
ary with the settlement of her first members in the township. In 1849
the names of John Horan and Bartholomew McNully appear on the
records. The Church here, like that at Komoka, is attended from
Strathroy. The Canada Presbyterian Church building on the eighth
line of Caradoc was erected in 1876. This is a solid brick structure.
The villages of Melbourne, Middlemiss, and other settlements on or near
the western Kne of Caradoc, are mentioned in the history of Ekfrid.
476 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XIX.
, DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Delaware Township is bounded on the north and west by the
Thames Eiver, which is also the western and northern boundary of the
Oneida Reservation, on the south-west corner of this township. Elgin
County's north line is its southern, and Westminster its eastern
boundaries. The township, in its northern sections, is watered by
Dingman's Creek, which enters the river at Delaware Village, and
several small streams, all running toward the main river. Through
the marshes in the east half of the south half are a few canals for
drainage purposes. The Oneida country does not claim any natural
drainage beyond what the Thames River affords.
In 1817 the Township of Delaware had eighteen inhabited houses,
eighty inhabitants, one church building and school, one grist and two
saw-mills. The population in 1888, based on assessors' returns, was
1,687. Heavy pine covered the banks of the river, but the lumber-
men and loggers did not take many years to transfer the pine forest to
Detroit and other towns.
The Longwoods road may be said to have existed in the closing
years of the last century, when the first settlers of Delaware opened a
trail to McGregor's Creek, or Chatham. In 1812 the road was im-
proved by the troops, and further improved in 1813-4, so as to permit
the transportation of artillery and military stores, as a continuation of
the Commissioners' Road. The road from Five Stakes, or Talbot ville,
was also opened north through Westminster, and, in 1832, the Egi'e-
mont road through Lobo and Adelaide, while the Canada Company
opened one through London, Biddulph and McGillivray to Goderich.
In 1793, Governor Simcoe granted to Ebenezer Allen, for duty in
the Indian department during the revolution, 2,200 acres in this
vicinity. Before the beginning of the century he sold the lot for
£3,000. Ebenezer Allen, with his sons, Ethan (the only educated one),
Gregory, William and Ira, were the first settlers. He was heard of
first among the Mohawk Indians, and built the first mill at Rochester,
N. Y., at the Falls. Durhig the Revolution he was a general plun-
derer against Americans and Loyalists taking refuge from justice among
the Tribes, from which fact the name Indian Allen was bestowed upon
him. In 1783 he came to Canada, and in 1793 was granted lands by
Governor Simcoe, on condition that he would build a grist and saw-
mill on Dingman at its junction with the Thames (Delaware Town-
ship). The mills were to be his own property ; but the church build-
ing and glebe lands, also to be built and granted by him, were to form
a part of the Government's property. During the erection of the
buUdings — 1797 to 1807 — he ran short of money, and began counter-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 477
feiting, for which crime he was arrested, and sentenced to a term in
the prison at Long Point. On his return from prison he completed
the buildings, which were standing in 1822-3 when Robert Summers
visited the locality for the first time. Tlie church building rotted away,
while the mills were burned. Allen died in 1816, and was buried on
the north side of the Thames, opposite Daniel Springer's old house,
west of the Komoka and Delaware bridge. Ebenezer had two white
wives and two squaw wives. The latter never came to Canada, as he
threatened to kill them should they present themselves here. Two of
their daughters, however, came. One was the wife of Mathias Crow,
said to be a fairly educated woman, while the other squaw daughter
married Joseph Cooper, of Caradoc, the shingle-maker. A daughter of
this Miss Allen and Crow — Magdaline Crow — now resides at Komoka.
His white wives, with whom he lived at the same time at Delaware,
resided here some years after his death. In 1820, white wife No. 1
and her son Ethan removed to the Allen settlement. Western New
York. They stopped at Robert Summer's house, in Westminster, to
have dinner, on their route, while Nancy, her daughter, Ira, Ebenezer
and William, her other sons, remained at Delaware. Nancy was a
robust girl, but looked weather-beaten. The last known of her was
when she stole a horse, and was pursued to the head of Lake St. Clair,
where she was cornered. She plunged the horse into the river, swam
to the nearest island, and thence to the Michigan shore, where she was
lost track of.
Ebenezer Allen, ji*., Kke his sister, was a horse-thief of no mean
ability. He was captured at Long Point and placed in jail. On one
occasion, in 1824, he was before Capt. Matthews and others at Trow-
bridge's tavern in Westminster, when he and Danks Kenyon were
sent up for trial. Subsequently, Ebenezer was sentenced to be hanged
for horse-stealing. His sister, Nancy, was permitted to wait on him
until the day of his execution by Samuel Parke. A day before tlie
execution, Nancy brought him a bar of iron, and induced Mrs. Parke
to take the prisoner a cup of tea. On the woman entering the cell,
Ebenezer struck her with this iron, cutting a deep gash in her head
and leaving her insensible. As soon as he emerged from the jail he
found two friends well mounted, with a third horse ready for the
prisoner. On going some distance they left their horses in the bush
and hid in a hay-mow until the search was given up, when he man-
aged to leave the country. White wife No. 2, Marilla Gregory, had
two children — Gregory and Lovina. Gregory was a horse-thief In
1849 he set out on a journey to California. On the route he, it is
alleged, killed a squaw, and the Indians, looking for justice, demanded
the murderer, the penalty for refusal being the destruction of the
whole party. The little band of argonauts did not wish to be thus
done away with, and gave up Gregory, who was skinned alive by the
maddened savages. Nelson Beaver remembers Gregory Allen going to
CaUfornia, and in 1852 saw the man who buried him, eighty miles west
478 HISTORY OF THE
of Salt Lake. The Chief denies that it was Allen who was skinned alive,
but asserts that one man of the party met with such a fate. Lovina
was the youngest member of the whole Allen family. Nothing was
said against her character, and so she was married to a tanner named
Taylor, who operated Cyrenus Hall's tannery at Byron, until Hall,
jealous of his progress, evicted him. Taylor and wife moved to Michi-
gan, where they are still living — Lovina being the mother of the whole
settlement there.
In 1802 the resident land speculator, Gideon Tiffany, arrived, and
then Daniel Springer, whose homestead was just north of the hamlet
of Delaware. In 1814, McAlvan and Dudley Ladd anived. Four
years before Allen's settlement, in 1797, a grant of 200 acres — Lot 15,
Concession D — was made to Thomas Sumner, and in 1798, 1,000 acres
were granted to Thomas Allison, a Captain of the 24th Regiment.
Tifiany was a man who enjoyed eminently the respect of his neighbors.
His mind was of the first order, and his acquirements very creditable
to himself. He might have reasonably aspired to the highest honors
to be attained in the Province, but his sympathies were with the
weaker party, and he had no taste for political distinction, for his con-
nection with Governor Simcoe's newspaper at Newark seemed to have
killed his political instinct. No man possessed a greater fund of anec-
dotes and history respecting the "early time" of the village and
vicinity. He was a very agreeable conversationalist, warm hearted,
sympathetic and liberal in his sentiments. He died early in the sixties.
Timothy and Aaron Kilbourn, whose names appear so often in the
general history, as well as in tliat of Westminster, were also among
the very early settlers. The principal old settlers of Delaware, who
were residents in 1880, are named as follows :— Robert Bodkin, Wm.
Bodkin, Alexander Bell, A. G. Deadman, Peter Portsmouth, in 1847;
William Begnall, in 1849 ; A. Bodkin, G, W. Dorman, H. C. Garnett,
Joseph Hewlett, H. Johnston, jr., E. Sparkman and Jacob Weylor, in
1 848 ; R. B. Curiing, John Forsyth, J. R. Kilbourn, J. J. Uptigrove,
and William S. Uptigrove, in 1844; John Gowanlock, W. D. Hugh
son, in 1841 ; R. C. Hammond, in 1842 ; Francis Jarvis, in 1840 ;
WiUiam James, 1832; John Johnston, l^erley Kilbourn, in 18:i7 ; H.
Rawlings, 1833; A. Seabrook, 1835; E. Willsie, 1836 ; and John
Sutheriand in 1820.
Among the first references to the London District — for there was
not even tlie village of London at that time — was an order issued by
the representative of George the Third in Canada, in 1810, to the eli'ect
that Caleb Hagen was to make an assessment of Delaware and Norris,
and receive for his services the enormous sum of £2 10s. Delaware
is first mentioned in the transactions of the Quarter Sessions Court,
June 14, 1814. Dorchester also finds mention, and the constables of
both townships were, Benjamin Schram, .Tohn Heath, and Gilbert Harris.
On December 26, 1814, officers were appointed for Delaware Township
as follows : — George Reynolds, clerk ; Adolphus Bostwick and Arch.
COUNTV OF MIDDLESEX. 479
McMillan, assessors; Sylvenus Reynolds, collector; Gideon Tiffany,
Nathan Fairchild and William Schram, overseers of roads ; John
Dingman, town warden ; John Odell, constable ; and James Cheat,
pound- keeper.
In June, 1815, Joseph Flanagan was appointed constable of Dela-
ware, and Timothy Kilbourn, of Dorchester and Westminster. In
IS 16, Riley Wells and Joseph Flanagan were constables for Delaware
and Westminster. In July of this year the widows of Samuel Wil-
son and George Fisher were sold to the lowest bidders. They were
evidently poor women, and this was the summary method of their dis-
posal. The question of assessment was fully revived in October, 1816,
so that the assessment of Delaware for 1811 was ordered to be based
on that of 1810, and that of 1814 on the roll of 1813 Caleb Hagen
was allowed £2 10s. for making the assessment of Delaware for 1810
and 1811, and for Norwich for 1812. In July, 1817, Joshua Myers
was appointed constable of Delaware, and Edward Teeple, of West-
minster. This Myers was mail carrier, and a son-in-law of Springer's.
In 1818, Thomas Marr and Riley Wells were constables of Westmin-
ster, and Ben. Woodhull, of Delaware. On April 13, 1819, Belah
Breaster, or Brewster, of Delaware, was granted a tavern license. The
first meeting of the inhabitants of Delaware was held Jan 7, 1833,
when Asahel Beach was elected clerk ; Wm. Rawhngs and Ferdinand
Durand, assessors ; Horace Kilbourn, H. Durand, and Andrew Mar-
tin, overseers of highways ; Timothy Kilbourn and Wm. F. Bullen,
wardens ; Harvey Kilbourn and Simeon Bullen, pound-keepers In
1834, John Hart was clerk ; John John.son and J. Rawlings, assessors ;
Alvaro Ladd, collector; John Woodhull, Otis Tiffany, and Andrew
Martin, pathmasters ; Joe Eawlings, pound-keeper ; Fred Tiffany and
John G. Wells, church- wardens. In 183.5, Alvaro Ladd was clerk and
collector ; S. Bullen and Jonathan Miller, church- wardens ; Samuel
Stephens, Gideon Tiffany, and John Johnston, fence- viewers.
In 1836, John Johnston, Gideon Tifl'any and Francis Carey were
commissioners, the new title taking the place of church -warden ; John
Woodhull was collector, and David Johnston, assessor. In this year a
petition to the magistrates asked for funds to aid in repairing the bridge
on the main road. The meeting was held at Zadoc Martin's inn. In
1837, the meeting was held at Henry Lull's inn. Dudley Ladd,
Henry Johnston and Josiah Woodhull were commissioners ; Otis
Tiffany, assessor, and John Stephens, collector. In 1838, John John-
ston was chosen clerk ; Richard Springer, assessor ; W. F. Bullen, F.
K. Carey and Henry Johnston, town-wardens. In 1839, David John-
ston was assessor and John Woodhull collector. Timothy Kilbourn,
Dudley Ladd and Josiah Woodhull being wardens. In 1840, Chris-
topher Davidson was assessor, and Joseph Rawlings, collector ; Richard
Webb was chairman, a position which he held for some years prior to
this date, while H. Johnston, D. Ladd and Jonathan Miller were town-
wardens. In 1841, Henry Johnston was assessor, and W. F. Bullen,
480 . HISTOKY OF THE
B. B. Bingham and Wm. Grant, town-wardens. The expenditures of
the township amounted to £27 10s. In 1842 the meeting was held at
Acres's tavern, Richard Webb presiding. The officers of 1841 were, as
a rule, re-elected, with Josiah Gustin, R. Webb, John Johnston, Gilbert
HaiTis, jun., and W. F. Bullen, school commissioners. The expendi-
tures amounted to £10 18s. 7d. John Johnston served as clerk until
1873. In January of that year, Benjamin Paine was appointed. In
January, 1874, Eobert Bodkin, the present clerk, was appointed.
WilUam Harris is the present assessor, succeeding Emmanuel Wonna-
cott, who succeeded Benjamin Paine. Gilbert Harris, jun., was, for a
number of years, assessor in the old board. The present collector is
Joseph Hewlett.
In December, 1S71, a petition was addressed to the Ontario Legis-
lature by the Middlesex Council, asking that the Township of Dela-
ware be detached from the west and attached to the east riding, the
distance of the Glencoe registry office being one of the reasons
suggested.
In 1819, Nelson Beaver's father died, and the same year his mother
was killed at the door of her wigwam, at Delaware, (next the river, on
S. Seabrooke's farm) by her eldest son. This son killed himself about
1827 during a row with the teacher. In 1829 or 1830, William Allen
was shot by one Underwood in the swamp between Caradoc and Lobo.
It appears that Allen and William Vanmur stole a horse from Peter
McNames, of Brick street, and were pursued, when Underwood fired
and killed tlie horse-thief, leaving Vanmur to escape. At this time a
great number of horse and cattle thieves existed in Delaware, and in
later years some desperate characters resided there. George Moore
and John Jones Huntley were coroners in 1836-7, and reported eight
inquests, one being on the body of au unknown man in Delaware.
On easter-day, 1844, the freshet carried away the bridge at Dela-
ware. On that morning, also, the minister and a number of his follow-
ers attempted to cross from Caradoc in a scow, but it capsizing, all
were cast into the rapid stream. The ice-water soon so benumbed two
of the number, they fell into the stream and were drowned ; but to-
ward evening Fred. Tiffany and others rescued the freezing survivors,
among them the Indian, Half-moon, It is related by some old settlers
that the minister cast off the drowning men from tlie boat.
The trial of Thomas Jones, of Delaware, for the murder of his
niece, Mary Jones, June 11, IHGcS, took place in October, 1868, before
Justice Adam Wilson. He sentenced Jones to be hanged on December
15, and his daughter, Elizabeth Jones, to ten years in tiie Provincial
penitentiary. On December 11, the execution was postponed to
December 29. This murderer was hanged on that day on the spot
where the Patriots of 1837 were legally executed. A son of Mr.
Sjiencer, the brewer, was drowned in the Thames at Delaware in
August, 1874. Two brothers named Deadman, were drowned in the
Thames below Delaware in March, 1877. One brother was drowned
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. " 481
while eighty men looked on from the river bank. J. H. Donaldson,
of Delaware, school teacher, was drowned in June, 1882, while bathing
in the Thames.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XX.
DELAWARE VILLAGE.
Delaware Village and neiohborhood may be justly called the site
of the parent settlements of this county, for here the first immigrants
pitched their tents, and here the first material improvements were
made, while for many years the centre of trade was here. When the
pioneers, for the first time, came to the old camping grounds of Hurons
or Mississaugas, there was spread out before them, as far as the eye
could reach, one of nature's most beautiful panoramas.
About 1798, the land on which Delaware Village stands was
patented to Eonald McDonald. He sold the tract to Dr. Oliver Tif-
fany, under whose instructions the old village (now out of existence)
was planned by Gideon Tiffany, his brother. In 1832, the present
village was established, near the ruins of the old one, Henry Eawlings
building the first house that year — the same in which he carried on the
hotel business for several years, and even in modern times is known
as the Western Hotel, standing on the south side of the Commis-
sioner's Road. In the latter part of 1825 a post office was established
at Delaware, in charge of B. B. Brigham, who often had to collect from
his neighbors a postal fee of six shillings and threepence on a letter
from England or Ireland.
Delaware was a rival of London, and at that time bid fair to out-
do that town in essential prosperity. The commissioners who were
appointed to select a site for the county buildings actually entered into
negotiations with the land-owners upon the subject. But the bare idea
of the contingency of Delaware becoming a city so elated the property-
holders, and excited to such a degree their organ of acquisitiveness,
that the commissioners could not agree with them upon any reasonable
terms. It would have been for the real interest of the parties liere to
have given a portion of their land for parks, squares, and for public
purposes generally. This was the best and last opportunity the village
had to aspire to gi-eatness.
A description of the village as it appeared in 1851 is given as fol-
lows : — " The soil on which the village is built is a sandy loam, dry and
healthy ; very excellent water is obtained at the depth of ten feet.
Village lots are worth from ten to twenty pounds currency ; wild land
in the vicinity sells at from $5 to $7 an acre ; cultivated land is worth
from S12 to $20 an acre ; while the Delaware flats are of great ferti-
lity and worth from $oO to $40 an acre. There is a very fine bridge
over the Thames, nine hundred feet in length, which was built at an
expense of S">,000. The population is about two hundred. There is
a Church of England, and a regular service of the Wesleyan Metho-
dists ; a public school, taught by Joseph J. Lancaster ; two physicians,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 48*
George Billington and Abraham Francis. On Dingman's Creek, which
empties into the Thames at this place, are a grist-miJl for custom work,
with two run of stone, and a saw-mill, owned by S. Bullen, and car-
ried on by John Kelly. There are four dry goods stores, by John
Drake, Lawson & Ladd, S. M. Fowle, and Henry Cassidy ; two grocer-
ies, by Aaron Gregory and Stephen B. Green; one wagon-maker's and
blacksmith shop, by John Sanders ; one painter and chair-maker,
Wm. Hazelton; two cabinet-makers, John Malloch and Henry Acres;
two tailors, A. Scott and Wm. Eussell ; four boot and shoemakers,
Charles Peacock, Wm. Grant, Benjamin Paine, and Thomas Randall ;
one harness, saddle and trunk-maker, Charles S. Harris. There are
two hotels, the Delaware House, with a livery stable attached, by Wm.
A. Warren, and the Delaware Stage House, sign of the Queen's Arms,
by Alfred Montgomery."
In 1857 the population was 250. The business circle comprised : —
Joseph Abbott, shoemaker ; James Allen, stage proprietor ; George
Billington, M. D. ; John S. Branston, provision dealer ; William F.
Bullen, jr., dealer in dry goods, hardware, groceries, produce, etc., etc. ;
William F. Bullen, sr., clerk of 4th Division Court ; A. W. Deadman,
watchmaker ; Henry Deadman, teacher in Pine Hill Academy ; Mrs.
Docherty, dressmaker; Miss S. Dowling, dressmaker; Dutton & Hey-
ward, general dealers ; Kev. Eichard P'lood, M. A., rector, Church of
England ; E. Gregory, shoemaker ; Hall & Boss, shingle and sash-
factory ; C. S. Harris, proprietor of Western Hotel ; John Harvey,
pottery ; Friend Hilton, shoemaker ; J. & F. Jackson, carriage-makers ;
Lawson & Ladd, general dealers ; — Lyman, teacher in common
school ; Phillip Mackay, general dealer ; John Malloch, cabinet-maker ;
Thomas Miller, carpenter ; Benjamin Payne, bailiH' of Division Court ;
Charles Peacock, shoemaker ; Henry Eawlings, librarian ; Joseph Eis-
den, butcher ; Andrew Eobertson, clothier and tailor ; William F.
Eogers, carpenter ; Lewis Sanagan, cooper ; William Sewell, general
dealer ; Benjamin Springer, J. P., provincial land surveyor ; Thomas
Stoddard, baker ; Dean Titlany, saw-mill ; ]\L I\L Tiffany, harness-
maker ; Otis Tiffany, carpenter ; S. M. Towle, postmaster and general
dealer; Isaac Vail, brickmaker; John Vail, grocer; T. C. Waring,
insurance agent ; H. J. Webber, proprieter of Queen's Arms Hotel ;
Adam Wilson, saw-mill ; George Wilson, blacksmith.
In 1869 there were fifty houses, three stores, two hotels, several
shops of the different trades, a substantial brick school-house, a town
hall, post-office, a Presbyterian Church, and an Episcopal Church.
The Delaware fire of May 28, 1885, destroyed the Western Hotel,
barns, five horses, and the Masonic Hall. F. Jarvis, owner of the
hotel, lost about $5,000, while the loss on the Masonic Hall was about
$1,000.
Delaware, in 1888, claimed 300 inhabitants. David Lawson was
postmaster. Eobert Bodkin, W. H. Kjpp and Albion Parfitt were
general merchants ; D. Lament and W. Whitaker, harness-makers ; H.
484 HISTORY OF THE
Harwood, baker ; F. C. Jarvis, hotel-keeper ; L. Taylor, S. Lewis, Hay
& McPherson, blacksmiths ; Alex. McLaren and F. H. Mitchell,
physicians. The manufacturing interests of the village are represented
by the Cheese Manufacturing Company, John Ackland's fiouring-mill,
R. Elsie's cooperage, S. Erchenberger's pottery, and James Monteith's
carriage shop.
KilwoHh is on the south side of the Thames, nine miles below
London. The Woodhull settlement dates back to 1798 — the pioneer
WoodhuU moving from York State at that time, and settling here ;
Charles A., who died February 27, 1881, was born sixty- two and
a-half years before. A description of the hamlet, in 1851, is as fol-
lows : — " There are about two hundred inhabitants in the place. There
is a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, and regular service is held by the
Episcopal Methodists in the place. There are a ladies' select school and
a public school, the latter taught by Mr. McCall ; a physician, Dr.
William H. De la Hooke. A regular session of the Division Court is
held here. There is a division of the Sons of Temperance, numbering
112 members; a section of Cadets, numbering thirty-five members;
and a union of the Daughters of Temperance has lately been estab-
lished, which now numbers twenty-six members. A post-office has
lately been established ; Charles Cook is the postmaster. The line of
the Great Western Railroad passes near this place ; a depot or stop-
ping place is expected to be established near here. The Thames is
very rapid at this place, furnishing fine hydraulic privileges. There is
now a wool-carding and cloth-dressing establishment on the Thames,
owned by Comfort & Co. ; a turning and cabinet-making establishment
now in operation, and a saw-mill building on Huff's creek, by Wm.
E. Huff'. There are two dry goods stores, one by Charles Cook, the
other by Samuel Drake ; one tannery, by Hyman & Redmond ; two
saddle, trunk and harness-makers, John Ogden and Alanson Herring-
ton ; one boot, shoe and leather store, by Alexander Forsyth ; two
other boot and shoe shops, by R. P. Simmons and Wm. Hodgeman ;
one cooper, D. A. Peck; one distillery and malt-house, by Francis
Jarvis ; one tailor, A. Mudgeley ; two cabinet-makers, Piurns & Cmig,
and W. E. Huff'. On the opposite side of the river, on Springer's
Creek, are a grist-mill, with three run of stone, a saw-mill, two carding
machines and a fulling-mill, owned by Benjamin Woodhull. There is
a fall of twenty-eight feet on this creek. There are two hotels, the
British American, where the Division Court is held, kept by Wm
G. Minter, and the Kilworth Hotel, by Edmund Russell."
In January, 1852, a suspension arch bridge was erected at this
point by Robert Griffith. This structure was 225 feet long between
abutments, and cost $2,500. Griffith borrowed the idea from the
Americans, and said a great deal for his structure, writing to railroad
engineers and county councils recommending his plans.
Kilworth in 1857 was the site of John WoodhuU's grist-mill,
Strong's saw-mill and J. C. Comfort's carding machine. John Brown
was ijostmaster.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 485
Churches. — A reference to the sketch of the Allen family will
point out the beginning of the English Church in Middlesex in 1797.
The old church of Delaware, erected about 1834, was razed in Septem-
ber, 1884, to give place to the new Christ Church, the corner-stone of
which was placed September 8. Of the old church, Eev. R. Flood was
rector for many years, and Canon Newman for fourteen years,
Christ Church at Delaware in 1858 was presided over by Rev. E.
Flood. Among the members named on a list of that year, were : —
R. W. Jell, W. Livingstone, R. Price, the Johnstones, Gowanlocks,
Walhses, Pattei'sons, Andersons, Seabrooks, Bullens, Burwells, Robin-
sons, Garnetts, Hammonds, Brantons, Jeft'ers, Curlings, CaiTutherses
and Fau-childs. The Komoka mission was included in Delaware
parish. In 1865, Rev. E. E. Newman was appointed ; Rev. C. D.
Martin, 1880, and Rev. J. Holmes, 1882, who also attended the church
at Mt. Brydges.
The Wesleyan Church on Muncey Road was opened July 5, 1868.
The cost of the building, outside the land, was $524.
The church of the South Delaware Presbyterian Society was dedi-
cated November 10, 1878, by Rev. R. Scobee.
The Methodist Church building of South Delaware was dedicated
September 21, 1879. The building, of white brick, 30x40 feet, was
erected by Hearn & Bates, of St. Thomas, with McRoberts, carpenter,
and Simpson, painter.
Delaware Valley Lodge, 258, A. F. & A. M., was chartered by the
Grand Lodge of Canada, September 13, 1877. The past masters are
named as follows : — Alexander McLaren, 1877-8 ; John Fitzallen,
1879 ; Edward G. Hacker, 1880 ; J. F. H. Bullen, 1881 ; Alexander
McQueen, 1882 ; John Fitzallen, 1883 ; Henry Lockwood, 1884-5 ;
W. A. Guest, 1886 ; John D. Reily, 1887.
HISTORY OF THP:
CHAPTER XXI.
DORCHESTER TOWNSHIP.
Dorchester North is bounded on the south by Elgin County, north
by Nissouri Township, east by Oxford County, and west by West-
minster and London Townships. The name dates from the division of
the original township, as stated in the chapter devoted to transactions
of the county authorities. In 1888 there were 51,391 acres assessed,
10,107 acres of woodland, 1,050 swamp or waste lands, and 489 acres
of orchards. The value of real estate was $1,668,985, and, of personal
property, $71,450. The population was placed at 3,403. The number
of births was 276, and of deaths, 45.
The south branch of the Thames enters at a point north-east of
Putnamville, and, flowing westwardly, leaves the township at the
south-east corner of London Township. Several creeks, such as
Reynolds's, Dingman's and Caddy's Creeks, nearly all tributaries of the
Thames, rise north and south of the river, while Kettle Creek may
claim to have its headwaters here, the stream assuming river shape at
Belmont, in the south west corner. In Concessions 1, 2, .H, and 6, are
several large ponds. South of Dorchester Station an artificial expansion
of the creek for mill-dam purposes exists, and near the line of London
Township a few small ponds are found.
The township was organized at an early date and officers appointed
by the Quarter Sessions Court. As the story of this organization has
already been told in the general history, and some references made to
it in the sketches of Delaware and Westminster townships, we will
take the only records now known of in the clerk's office, for its organic
history from 1850 to the present time. The first record is dated Jan-
uary '21, 1850. At the meeting of that date, Wm. Niles was chosen
reeve, and Jacob Cliue, deputy ; 0. M. Maybee, clerk ; John Wismer,
assessor for South Dorchester ; Wellington "Crouse, for North Dorches-
ter ; John Howe, collector ; Eobert Southerland, auditor ; Joshua Put-
nam, treasurer ; Edward Shepherd, school superintendent ; Wm. Mc-
Clary, road surveyor. The Council comprised the reeve and deputy,
with William H. Niles, John McArthur, Edward Dundas, and Robert
Craik. In March this Council approved of the north-west corner of
Lot 12, Concession 15, South Dorchester, as the site of the new school-
house. Wm. Marsh was gi-anted £2 for assessing the township in
1849, and by-laws No. 1 to 7 inclusive, were signed.
In May, 1850, the township seal was adopted, the words " Industry,
Dorchester Municipahty," being the motto suggested by W. H. Niles.
In 1851 the council comprised John Gregory, John McArthur, John
English and Eobert Craik, with A. J. Armstrong, clerk. In December
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 487
the council petitioned the Legislature to re-attach that portion of the
township attached to North Oxford. The minutes of this meeting are
signed by A. J. Armstrong, clerk. In May, 1852, a petition to the
Legislature, asking for the prohibition and manufacture of spirituous
liquors, was signed by the reeve, Eobert Craik, J. Abraham, J. Eng-
lish and B. Demaray. In 1853-4, Henry Niles was a member of the
council, and Wm. Marsh and D. McFarland in the latter year, and in
1865 Eobert Dreaney, D. McFarland, B. Demaray, W. Marsh and R,
Craik fonned the council. W. T. Cartwright resigned his office of
librarian this year, and Lewis M. Crosby was appointed.
Wilham H. Niles was clerk for a part of 185:3, after Maybee went
on his western trip. John M. Kerr signs the records as clerk in
January, 1854 ; Joseph I. Spettigue in 1855, and D. Cameron and
John Cameron in 1856. Sam. H. Wilson and E. M. Varnum were of
the council of this year. In January, 1857, D. P. Aylesworth was
appointed clerk, and has held the position down to the present time.
The members of the council for 1888 are : — James Gilmour, James
Creighton, James H. Eouse, Duncan McCallum, P. H. Eichard, the
former being reeve, with James Creighton, deputy ; William Woods,
A. A. Brodie and Eichard Venning, members of board of health ;
Eeuben Lane, assessor and collector, and J. B. Lane, treasurer.
By-law, No. 157, provided for the deepening of Eeynolds's Creek,
from the Dereham Hue to the Thames, was approved September 2,
1872. The direct tax fell on twenty-three owners, owning 888 acres,
and assessed $3,996, while 288 acres of township land benefited were
assessed $604. This public work was surveyed by W. McMillan.
The township was first settled by refugees from New York and
Vermont. In the general chapter on early settlement, the grant of
5,000 acres to Wilham Eeynolds is described, and the history of his
occupation in 1794r-5 briefly related. Among the pioneers who came
in afterwards were "Wm. Eeynolds, jr., Sylvanus Eeynolds, Abram
Carroll, who, in 1826-7, built a log-house on Dundas street, London ;
Patrick Heron and Henry Scramblin, the early pathmasters ; James
Choate, Peter Slaight, Abram Kilbourn, Seth, Joshua, Thomas and
Wilham Putnam, and Jacob Cooley.
William Eeynolds, who was in Dorchester in 1801 or 1802, in his
affidavit, made before Samuel Peters, P. L. S., December 11, 1858,
while he was a resident of West Oxford, says that he came to live on
Lot 20, Con. A, North Dorchester, south of the Thames, fifty-six or
fifty-seven years jjrior to the date of the affidavit, and remembered the
old surveyor's post in tlie cedar swamp between Cons. A & B, Lots 20
and 21 ; and also a post on the bank of the river, between Lots 19 and
20, where a gi'ove of wild plum trees was standing in 1858. For fifty
years, from 1808, he was absent from Dorchester and a resident of
Oxford West, and it was not until December 9, 1858, that he revisited
his old home, and then came with Albert Burdick to point out the
places he knew. In 1801 or 1802 this William Eeynolds was assisted
488 HISTORY OF THE
in coming to the township by his father-in-law, Justus Stevens, and
not by Samuel Sage, as the latter asserted. Old Mr. Sage mowed grass
by the acre near Dorchester Station when 104 years old. He was paid
a small sum per acre, got his board, and one quart of whisky per day.
Sylvanus Reynolds's father owned a mill on Lot 18 or 19, Con-
cession A, in 1810, for in that year William McClary finds his mUl-
pond marked on Hambley's chart of 1810. Later, William Putnam
built a saw-mill at Putnam ville on Reynolds's Creek, and in 1818 he
had a saw and grist-mill on Caddy's Creek. Two years later, William
Niles came from Detroit to purchase lumber for Gen. Cass, at this
mill. After delivering this lumber at Detroit, he returned to Dorches-
ter, where he married Miss Dygart, sister-in-law of Wm. Putnam.
The first and second concessions of South Dorchester were survey-
ed in 1793 by Surveyor Jones. Surveyor Harabley surveyed north of
the river in 179:5-4, and south of the river in 1810. In April, 1831, a
road from Joshua Putnam's house in Dorchester, to Dundas street in
London, was reported.
Thomas Putnam, son of Seth Putnam, who died March 25, 1880,
at Hamilton, was born in Dorchester Township in 1804. During the
troubles of 1837-8 he sympathized with the advocates of Responsible
Government, but escaped the fate which waited on many of his
friends. William Putnam served in the troubles of 1837-8. He
went to Detroit just before the trouble, and organized a small force
with which he re-entered Canada. In the battle of Windsor, he was
killed, his son Henry escaped, while Ephraim, a mere boy, came after
his father and stood by him until the latter was killed by the regulars,
when he escaped by crossing the swift Detroit river on floating ice.
George, a nephew of William, was made prisoner and imprisoned at
London. He is now living in Iowa.
Robert Craik settled on Lot 6, Concession 2, North Dorchester, in
1837 ; was forced to serve against the Patriots that year. Arthur
Thompson, of Fermanagh County, Ireland, came to Canada early in the
twenties, and settled near London, when tliere was not a tree cut on
the site of London. The family moved to Dorchester some time in
the fifties, where William, his son, purchased a farm near the West-
minster line, and with him his father resided until his death, about
twelve years ago. This pioneer was then in his ninety -third year.
Among the leading residents of Dorchester in 1878-80 were the
following-named old settlers : — L. Barnard and Dan. McCallum, 1830
Wm. T. Cartwright, 1828, mill-owner in 1878 ; Mary Connor, 1831
Henrv Reynolds, 18.34; Jacob Smith, 1835; Alfred Smith, 1836
Wm.-York and W. G. Banks, 1841; W. S. Niles, 1840; Duncan Mc-
Lachlan and John Choate, 1839 ; James Ross, James Temple, James
McCallum, James B. Lane, Alex. Johnston, and Arch. Black, 1844 ;
R. Allison, J. J. Small and John Atkins, 1843 ; Wm. Thompson, 1842.
Putnamville and neighborhood in 1888 claimed 175 inhabitants.
Ronald McKenzie was postmaster, and he with W. Haixiing were
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 489
general merchants; John Dougherty, hotel proprietor; C. McGee,
harness-maker ; E. Hannan and S. Bennett, carriage-builders ; J. Dun-
das and J. Kussell, blacksmiths ; J. J. Murphy, railroad agent ; James
Craig, agricultural implements ; and John Stewart, proprietor of flour-
ing-mills. Abraham Camfield, of Oxford East, who in 1831 was
granted a tavern license, kept the first school at Putuamville. Wm.
Putnam, son of Seth Putnam, built the first saw-mill at Putnamville
on the creek known as Reynolds's Creek. He sold the mUl to Abram
Carroll and Gardner Jlyrick, and built a saw mill and giist-mUl on the
north side of the Paver Thames. On a creek now known as Caddy's
Creek, he had two brothers, Joshua and Thomas, who were also in
business. Dorchester in those days was noted for pine and cedar
timber : a large growth of pine lumber was then made and rafted down
the river to Chatham and Detroit before the pine of Michigan was
available. The only settlement made then in the township was along
the road now known as the London and Hamilton road. In 1877,
Eev. T. Broad was assigned to the new Bible Christian Mission of
Putnamville, and served iintil the union of the Methodist Churches.
Harnetsville in 1880 claimed a population of 150. S. Adams was
postmaster, and he with J, Orser were general merchants. The
Canada Cheese Company and Robert Facey were cheese manufac-
turers ; H, Morrison, boots and shoes ; R. Thomas and R. Johnston,
carriage-builders ; George Davidson, hotel proprietor ; Mrs. Dundass
and Miss Brice, dress-makers ; E. Lewis, blacksmith ; J. Fallie and J.
Groat, butchers ; John Simpson, tailor ; M. Pecunear, E. Pickard and
Francis Savene, carpenters. Harrietsville in 1857 contained a jTOpu-
lation of 100. The business circle comprised James Herford, R. S.
Mann and John McDonald, merchants ; Edward Barnes, shoemaker ;
M. Morrice, cabinet-maker ; John Fowler, blacksmith ; Jonathan
Thornton, carpenter ; D. L. Demorest, postmaster and saw-mill owner.
Peter Imley, miller; George Grigg, innkeeper; Rev. W. Meldrum,
of the Free Church, and H. Jackson, of Wesleyan.
Major IMcMillan, born in Ireland in 1815, came to Canada in
1833; served during the rebellion, and, in 1847, settled at Harriets-
ville. In 1856 he was appointed postmaster there ; in 1863, raised
the Hairietsville militia company, which he commanded during the
Fenian invasion ; and in 1878 was commissioned major, which position
he held until his death, in October, 1885, at Ingersoll. So important
did this militia circle become, that the government authorized the drUl-
shed and armory to be erected on Lot 12, Con. 5, 1808.
Moflat Lodge, 399, A. F & A. M., was celebrated July 1, 1882,
with F. Kunz, master. J. J. Jelly was master in 1883-4, succeeded
by Robert Facey, who, in 1886, gave place to Richard Thomas.
The English Church of St. John, at Harnetsville, was presided
over in 1861-2 by Mr. Des Barres, of Dorchester Station. Among the
members were the Creamers, Evans, John McMillen, Richard Tooley
and family, the Parslows, Dunlevers and Odells. In 1865 this is
490 HISTORY OF THE
called Christ Church, and Rev. J. W. P. Smith is in charge, Eev. J.
L. Hanson was appointed in 1871 ; Eev. F. W. Raikes in 1873 ; Eev.
P. E. Hyland, 1877; Rev. L. Fortin, 1880. In 1885, Eev. Charles
Miles was appointed in charge of Belmont, Dorchester Station and
Harrietsville.
Belmont in 1880 claimed a population of 500. W. H. Odell was
postmaster. The business interests of the village were represented by
Odell & ^^'atcher, Wm. Dyer, D. McKellar & Son, and W. T. Nugent,
general dealers ; J. B. Campbell, druggist ; Joseph Potts, hardware ;
T. Bond, furniture ; John Campbell and S. Hull, harness ; Allison &
McDonald, bankers ; James Kindree, baker ; John Charles and T.
Mapson, hotels ; J. C. Carrothers, 0. Doan and D. Smith, shoemakers ;
D. E Dibb and J. Kernott, butchers ; A. Abbott and R. Fonger,
blacksmiths; J. McGrath, merchant tailor; Misses McPhail, Marshall
and Elliott, dressmakers and milliners ; Orrel Dyer, broker ; Thomas
Arkell and John McNicol, produce dealers ; Dr. C. B. Spencer was
physician ; J. M. Campbell, surgeon. The manufacturing interests
claiiued Evans & Fitzpatrick's cheese -factory, A. Kellar's wagon-shop.
Smith Bros.' flax-mill, and Peter Sinclair's hay-fork-factory. E. Eddy
had a printing office here in this year. Adam Allison's bank was
established in 1881, when he arrived to take charge of the Canada
Southern Company's office there, William H. Odell has been post-
master at Belmont for over twenty years ; has been in the county
council for some years, and for a long time has been a merchant here.
John G. Odell opened the first hotel at Belmont, which he conducted
until 185G ; was also merchant there, and laid out the town. Robert
Creamer came to Belmont in 1835 and opened a shoe store, which he
conducted until 1849. For eleven years he kept the Creamer House
there.
Belmont formed a part of the London Wesleyan Circuit until 1853,
when it was established as a station, with Ephraim L. Koyl in charge.
In 1854 there were 163 members, with two ministers, Richard Phelps
and Wm. Savage, the latter serving until the clo.se of 1856, when the
membership was 271. In 1857, John Hutchinson was appointed min-
ister, with W. W. Clarke, assistant. In 1859, George Cochran came,
assisted that year by Peter Addison, and the ne.xt by Samuel Hume.
In 1861, William Diguam was minister, with W. S. McCJullough and
William Tucker, assistants ; while Samuel Tucker served the church
fi-om 1862 to 1864-5, with Wm. Tucker, John Russell and A. G.
Harris, assistants. Rev. James Kennedy was appointed in 1865, and
served until tlie close of 1867, when Rev. Thomas Crews succeeded
him. In 1871, Rev. Hugh McLean was appointed, and, in 1873,
Andrew Edwards, who served the church until the union of 1874.
Among the assistant ministers from 1865 to 1874, were W. W. Shep-
herd, Joseph W. Sparling, Peter W. Jones, -lames S. Ross, James
Charlton, Robert H. Hall, Austin Potter and James Watson. The
Methodist Church of Canada is the successor of the Wesleyan Church.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 491
In 1874 Andrew Edwards and James Watson were ministers ; in
1875-7, James E. Dyer, with Messrs. Godwin, Penhall and Moil,
assistants ; in 1878-80, David Hunt, C. Harper, E. H. Koyl and E.
W. Scanlon, assistants ; in 1881, T. D. Pearson and T. A. Moore ;
John Robbins, 1882-3; T. E. Holmes, 1882; Wm. Cridland, 1883;
John Eobbins and John Henderson, 1884.
In 1862, Belmont is named as a mission of St. Peter's Church, of
Dorchester Station, of which Mr. Des Barres was pastor. Among the
contributors to church work there were Leonard Woane, the Braddons,
Hartnesses, Beatties, Weldons, Bratts, Bartons, Leggs, Evanses,
Nugents, Balls, Moores, and Jabel House, In 1871, Mr. Hanson
succeeded Mr. Smith ; in 1873, F. W. Raikes, and, in 1877, Rev. P.
E. Hyland. Since 1880, the ministers named in connection with the
Harrietsville Church have attended this church.
In 1844 John H. L. Askin donated thirty-five acres in Dorchester
for the uses of the English Church. During Mr. Des Barres' adminis-
tration the present building was opened.
Dorchester Station in 1888 claimed 450 inhabitants. Frank Chit-
tick, jr., was postmaster; Captick & Rossiter, J. H. Hunt and E.
Vincent were general merchants ; Henry Webster, harness-maker ; W.
H. Chittick, hotelkeeper ; G. W. Chittick and J. & D. Mclntyre, butch-
ers ; G. Johnstone, builder. The manufacturing industries comprised :
— D. Barry's flouring-mill ; Neeley & Durand, agricultural implement-
factory ; Neeley & Wilson's iron pump- works ; J. McNiven's pump-
factory ; E. A. McCann's and W. E. Wilson's planing-mills ; M. Tal-
lack's wagon shop ; and Shaw & Sou's mattress factory.
In 1844, Joseph N. Hardy settled at Dorchester Station in charge
of Matthews's lumber business and store, and kept the post-office there
for about thirty years. He was the last survivor of the men who left
Ireland in the ship Brunswick for the colony of New London. His
death took place in 1884. His father settled in Nissouri in 1818.
James B. Lane, who settled at Dorchester Station in 1844, carried
thirty pounds of nails on his back from Loudon, to use in erecting his
blacksmith shop there — the first building in the village. W. H. Niles
states that Geiner built his log hotel within forty rods of this black-
smith-shop about 1824. Pickett purchased the place and erected the
present frame house. This was later known as the McFarland House,
and later as the Huffman.
When D. P. Aylsworth settled in this township (1848), there was
only one small frame house at Dorchester Station, occupied by James
IMinkler, north of the river ; while on the south side was Huffman's
tavern and Cartwright's saw-mill, where the grist-mill now stands.
The Dorchester post-office was kept first by Joseph N. Hardy, who
held the office for many years. I. N. Burdick was temporary master
until Wni. Scott was appointed, who held the position until 1888, when
he moved to the United States. Frank Chittick, jr., was appointed
postmaster early in 1888. During Scott's administration, James H.
492 HISTORY OF THE
Hunt transacted the business of the office for a short time. The Eng-
lish Church congregation at Edwardsburgh, now Dorchester station,
was presided over in 1858 by Rev. A. Mortimer, succeeded in 1859
by Eev. W. Brookman, who in 1860 had charge of the churches at
Thorndale, Thamesford, IMcMartin's Corners, and Trueman's Corners.
Jn 1861-2, St. Peter's, Dorchester, was separated from the Nissouri
churches, and Eev. T. C. Des Barres appointed to the charges of Dor-
chester station and Harrietsville. Among the members were : — the
Fitzpatricks, Chitticks, Hardys, Hunts, Wades, Vanstons, Hutchesons,
Hunters and Matthews. In 1865, J. W. P. Smith took charge. In
1871, T. L. Hanson; F. W. Eaikes, 1873; P. E. Hyland, 1877; and
A. L. Fortin, 1880. In 1884, A. J. Golmer was appointed, and in
1885, Eev. Charles Miles.
Dorchester Station Wesleyan Circuit was established in 1867, with
Wm. Galbraith, pastor. Thos. Hadwin presided in 1868-70 ; James
Kennedy in 1871-3. The Methodist Church of Canada is the suc-
cessor of the Wesleyan Church. In 1874-6, Thomas Crews was
pastor, with G. J. Kerr assistant in 1876 ; in 1877, Benj. Sherlock,
succeeded by Wm. Lund, who presided until 1879. In 1880, John L.
Kerr was pastor. James G. Foot was assistant in 1877-8; W. G.
Wil.son in 1879, and Joseph Pring in 1880. J. L Kerr and John
Henderson, 1881 ; ia 1882, E. W. Scanlon took Mr. Henderson's
place ; in 1 883, Thomas and H. W. Crews ; in 1884, Thomas Crews
and Emanuel Medd.
Merrill Lodge, No. 344, A. F. & A. M , was chartered July 13,
1876. The list of past masters is as follows: — Freeman B Talbot,
1876-7 ; Wm. H. Chittick, 1878 ; E. T. Shaw, 1879 ; I. N. Burdick,
1880; John Durand, 1881; Wm. McKay, 1882; A. Siaght, 1883 ;
E. T. Shaw, 1884 ; Lyman Shaw, 1885-6 ; W. H. ColUns, 1887 ;
Wm. H. Chittick, 1888.
Nilestown in 1888 claimed 310 inhabibints in the viUage and
neighborhood. J. C. Barrows was postmaster and merchant ; Nelson
Sage and J. A. James, cheese manufacturers ; Alex. Leitch, proprietor
of grist-mill ; C. Williams, of saw-mill ; George Byers, of hotel ; Messrs.
Eol}jh and Wm. Craig, of wagon-shops ; and Joseph Wilson, of black-
smith-shop. In 1857 there were about 100 inhabitants. Jo.shua
Putnam was justice of peace and ]iostmaster ; Wm. Niles, a member of
the Provincial Parliament and of Quarter Sessions Court, and W. H.
Niles. HaiTy Reynolds settled at Nilestown in 1836.
The Baptist Chapel, a brick house, just east of NilestowQ was
built in 1850.
The first members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Dorches-
ter, at Nilestown, were : — Joshua Putnam, Wm. Sage (of Westminster),
Albert Burdick. Meetings were held in the old frame school-house,
where now is Nilestown. Among the first teachers were Andrew
Ross and Arch. Campbell.
Nilestown Lodge, No. 345, A. F. & A. M., was chartered July 13,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. -iy.
1876. The list of past masters is as follows: — Jas. Campbell, 1876-7
William Craic;, 1878 ; Joseph Wilson, 1879 ; James Armstrong, 1880
A. R. Rowat,l881 ; William Turnbull, 1882-3 ; W. H. Niles, 1884
James A. James, 1885; Thomas McDougal, 1886; Joseph Wilson,
1887-8.
Avon in 1880 claimed a population of 170. James Row was
postmaster and general merchant, with W. Eeid and H. Willsie, black-
smiths ; T. Miller and H. Herron, carpenters ; A. Pearson, harness-'
maker ; John McLaughlin, shoemaker ; and J. H. Andrews, wagon-
builder. Avon of 1857 had a population of fifty persons. It was the
site of Daniel Mills' mill. Here, at that time, S. Whaley was post-
master; J. H. Andrew, wagon-maker; Henry Smith, hotel; J. D.
Mclachlau & Co., merchants ; and Sylvester Byrnes, shoemaker.
Lyman Whalley, a native of Quebec province, settled in Malahide,
where Springfield now stands in 1834, and in 1848 moved to Lot 3,
Concession 6, or Avon. In 1852 he built the first steam saw-mill in
Dorchester, and was postmaster there for sixteen years. In 1853 he
was appointed captain of the sedentary militia
Crumlin claimed a population of fifty in 1888. R. H. Read was
postmaster; A. B. Campbell, general merchant; Charles Short and
Peter Young, hotel-keepers ; .James Spence and Seth Young, black-
smiths. The Orange HaU was built about 1861. Robert Dreauey,
who came from Ireland in 1841, and opened an hotel and blacksmith-
shop in North Dorchester in 1846, at Dreaney's corners or Crumlin
post-ofiice, was appointed magistrate in 1857. bid Mr. Priddis, father
of the Loudon merchants, opened the first store at Dreaney's corners
in Dorchester. He was the first store-keeper. Part of the building
(log) was moved, while the frame part is occupied by Harry Warden,
and owned by Widow Woods.
The post-office was established a number of years ago at the north-
west corner of Dorchester Township, at the house of Robert Dreaney,
or Dreaney's Corners Hotel. In 1882, Mr. Campbell succeeded Henry
Dreaney, and opened a store on the opposite corner in London Town-
ship. Henry Reid was appointed postmaster in January, 1887.
Dreaney's brick hotel was built about 35 years ago. Peter Young's
hotel, on the south-west corner of Nissouri Township, was erected ia
1850, by David Young, now of Brantford.
Gladstone in 1888 was credited with a population of 125. Levi
McMurray was postmaster, and he, with McCallum and Watcher,
merchants ; John McCallum, blacksmith, and Charles Doe, cheese-
manufacturer.
Mossley in 1888 had over 100 population. James Moakes was
postmaster, and he and John Moakes, blacksmiths. John Amos car-
ried on the saw-miU, and James Moir a shoemaker's shop.
494 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXII.
EKFRID TOWNSHIP
Ekfrid is bounded on the north by Metcalfe, on the south by the
Thames (which here forms the south line of the county), on the west
by jMosa Township, and on the east by Caradoc.
All the creeks of Ekfrid may be said to be on the south side of the
height of land of that township, or south of the Grand Trunk Rail-
road, all flowing into the Thames. The north half of the township
does not possess a creek, but water of a good quahty is readily obtained
near the surface. Ekfrid claimed 1,091 persons in 1850, and to have
produced 14,900 bushels of wheat. The only industries were a grist
and saw-mill. Wild land was held at seven shillings and sixpence, and
improved land at $9 per acre.
Ekfrid was surveyed in 1820 by Col. Burwell. Among the pioneers
were Arch. Miller, Donald McTaggart, John Campbell, Angus Camp-
bell, John McLaughlin, John Elliott and John Campbell, whose homes
were ranged along the Longwoods road. In 18;-!5 the northern section
was settled by Hugh Rankin, Alexander McMaster, John McLean,
Duncan Campbell, Donald McFarlane and Dougald Patterson.
Donald McGugan, a pioneer, died April 4, 1871. He was a native
of Scotland. Robert Campbell died in April, 1874, aged 75 years.
John Beckton, who resided on the Longwoods road, first in Mosa and
later in Ekfrid, for thirty-four years, died June 4, 1874, aged 87 years.
Mrs. Jeannette Pool, rehct of John Pool, who settled here in 1841,
died in May, 1875.
The number of taxpayers iu Ekfrid in 1888 was 860, and the
population 2,518.
Duncan McCoU, who, in 1831, came from Scotland, died in
November, 1872. In 1832 he became a member of Elder Dugald
Campbell's Covenanted or Primitive Baptist Church. Robert Brown,
born in Canada in 1822, settled here with his parents in 1834, on Lot
8, Concession 8, now a part of Metcalfe. Gilbert Hyudman, who
came about 1848, lost his wife May 1, 1888. Mrs. Miller, of Mayfair,
who died October 13, 1887, came with her parents when Ekfrid was a
forest. Her parents were Benjamin and Kessia Lockwood, who
settled in Delaware in 1820, where she married Arch. Miller in 1831.
Rev. Neil McKiunon, one of the oldest members of the London Pres-
bytery, died in February, 1888. John Roy McRae, born iu Scotland
iu 1790, settled here in 1837, and died in November, 1887. In 1842
he was appointed superintendent of schools for the district. George
Cornell settled on the Gore of Ekfrid in 1834, where he resided until
1876, when he moved to Glencoe, and died in August, 1882. Malcolm
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 495
McAlpine, who in 1830 settled on Lot 15, E. 1, south of the Long-
woods road, died October 5, 1888. In 1837 he married a daughter of
H. McAlpine. In 1830 the nearest cabin was nine miles distant.
The whole county was a dense bush ; Indian paths and deer tracks
were the only roads, and the River Thames afforded the best method
of communication by canoe. Malcolm and his father for years had to
carry wheat on their backs in a bag to Kilworth to grind, bringing
back the flour in the same way. Donald Campbell, of Middlemiss,
died in April, 1888, aged 84 years. He was one of the pioneers.
In 1883, Donald Graham reported the following old settlers of
Ekfrid and neighborhood to be residents of Missouri Valley Junction,
Iowa: — George and William Richardson; R. C., George, W., D., J. A.
and T. Coulthard, W., A., C. and Ceory House, all owning 4,812 acres,
of which 2,897 were in cultivation.
Among the pioneers and early settlers of Ekfrid, who resided there
in 1878-80, were: — J. R. Bartlett, J. D. Cornell and Gideon Cornell,
settlers of 1823 ; Angus Campbell, 1828 ; B. Lockwood, 1829 ; James
Gowanlock, A. McDougall, and A. Stevenson, 1833; Lachlin and
Angus McTaggart, 1831 ; Robt. Orr and N. McLellan, 1832 ; Duncan
McGregor, 1830; Geo. MiddlemLss and David Dobie, 1834; James
Allen, 'Hugh McLachlin, Hector McFarlane, and C. McRoberts, 1835 ;
Angus Chisholm, 1836 ; John P. Cornell, Timothy Howe, James Lock-
wood, and Alex. McRean, 1837 ; George Young, Charles Rightman,
and Philip London, 1838; John E. Campbell, 1839; John A. Dobie,
S. DeWitt, Alex. McKellar and Arch. Mclutyre, 1840; John M. Cor-
neil and George Faircloth, 1841 ; James G. Begg, Alex. Eddie, Geo.
C. Elliott, Robert McKay, Alex. McNeil, and Dan McRae, 1842 ; G.
J. Coulthard and James E Northcott, 1844 ; David Cowan and Adam
Clarke, 1845 ; James Clarke, 1847 ; Duncan McRae and J. C. Fletcher,
1849 ; R. DeWitt, 1850. Mr. McFarlane states that Alexander Eddie
and his brother William settled here in 1835-6.
The oldest record in possession of Hector McFarlane is dated 1833.
The month is not given, nor is the meeting of which it gives an
account referred to as the annual meeting. The officers then elected
were : — Duncan McLean, clerk ; Christopher Sparling and James
Mclntyre, assessors ; D. McLean, collector ; John Mcintosh, John
Campbell, Wm. Sparling, Hugh McAlpine, John Galbraith, Robert
Parker, James McLellan, Andrew Wilson, Malcolm Galbraith, Aaron
Gough, John McCallum, Alex. Mclntyre and Peter McDonald, road
masters; Thomas Curtis, Donald Mclntaggert (McTaggart), Joseph
Provo, wardens ; John McLachlin and Robt. Hudson, pound-keepers.
These officers served generally until 1836, when James Wilson was
chosen clerk ; Bray Willey, John Campbell and Donald McFarlane,
sr., commissioners; John Mclntyre, assessor; and Arch. Miller, col-
lector. The expenditures for 1836 amounted to £8 19s. 6d., of which
£7 10s. was paid to Hugh McAlpine for three scrapers.
In 1837, James Nash, M. McAlpine and Donald McFarlane were
496 HISTORY OF THE
commissioners ; Peter McDonald, assessor, and Wm. Eobinson, collector.
In August the commissioners advertised the fact that " a number of
jobs would be given out for repairing the main road through the town-
ship, on September 5, at the house of Jonathan Miller." The expendi-
tures for the year are placed at £23 10s. 4id. In 1838, Gilbert
McEachern was chosen clerk ; John McCallum, John McMaster and
Lachlan McLachlan, commissioners; Donald McFarlane, jr., assessor,
and James jMcIutyre, collector. In this year a bridge was erected
over Mill Creek, on the Longwoods road, by Patten Attwood. The
expenditures for 1839 were £34 10s. This money, as stated by
William Eobinson, was expended principally on a road between the
Longwoods road and north Talbot street. In 1840, John Mclntyre,
Malcolm Campbell and John McKellar were elected wardens, with
Malcolm ]\lcFarlane, collector.
In 1841, Gilbert McEachern still held the clerk's office ; Donald
McFarlane, jr., was assessor ; Geo. T. Smith, collector ; Farquhar Mc-
Donald, Wm. Dobie, and Christopher Conrad, wardens. In 1842 the
same clerk and collector were re-elected, and Malcolm ]\IcFarlane
chosen assessor. In this year school commissioners were first elected.
In 1843, F. McDonald was chosen assessor, with the same clerk and
collector, and John Mclntyre, Alex. McBean, and Robert R. White,
wardens. In 1844 the officials were re-elected with John Mclntyre,
Donald McFarlane, sr., John R. McRae, sr., Humphrey Campbell, and
John Campbell, library and school commissioners. The wardens*
names for this year have been eaten up by mice.
In 1845, John Pool, John McRae, and John Lemmon, were
wardens, with the same school commissioners, clerk, assessor, and col-
lector, as in 1844. In 1846, Arch. Miller was collector, with Donald
Graham, James Allan, and Alex. Clark, wardens ; Archibald Miller
was chosen councillor. In 1847, Aaron Goff took Graham's place as
warden. In 1848, Duncan IMcCallum, Andrew Coulthard, and A.
Clark, were chosen wardens, with the same clerk, assessor, and col-
lector as in 1846.
In 1850, Hector McFarlane succeeded Gilbert McEachern as clerk,
and served to 1862, and from 18G4 to 1867, and also from 1877 to
1880. In 1863, J. Champion filled the position ; in 1868, William
'Sutherland, sr.; in 1869, John McKenzie ; in 1869-70, Donald Mc-
Farlane; in 1871, John A. Scott; in 1872, Wm. Sutherland, sr. ; in
1873-6, Donald McFarlane.
The treasurers since 1850 are :— Arch. Miller, 1850-8 ; Julius D.
Cornell, 1859-62 ; George C. Dobie, 1863-6 ; Angus Black, 1867-72 ;
Wm. Sutherland, sen, 1873-88. The assessors since 1850 are: —
Farquhar McDonald, James Mclntyre and Samuel McCoU, 1850 ; F.
McDonald also served in 1851-2; Crawford Douglass, 1853 ; F.
McDonald, 1854-62; Angus Campbell, 1863-4; F. McDonald, 1865-7
and 1869-73 ; James McKenzie, 1868 ; Wm. Sutherland, sen., 1873;
John P. Comeil, 1874-6 ; Henry Hardy, 1877-8 ; John P. CorneO,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 497
1879-84; John G. Lethbridge, 1885-7, and J. E. Laugliton, the present
assessor. The collectors were : — Jonathan Miller, 1851 ; Angus
Campbell, 1852; James Mclntyre, 1855; Hemy Miller, 1856; Thos.
Strachau, 1857; Angus Campbell, 1858; D. McKae, 1865; Alex.
McKenzie, 1868, 1872 and 1874-5; James McKenzie, 1870; Arch.
Graham, 1871 ; John A. Campbell, 1873 ; Wm. Tait, 1876, 1882-5 ;
Arch. Mclntyre, 1878 ; Bray Willey, 1881 ; Arch. Mclntyre, 1886-8.
The Ekfrid election of 1888 resulted in the choice of A. P. McDou-
gald for reeve over John A. Dobie, the vote being 340 to 260 ; Bray
Willey was elected deputy, and George Scales, John E. Hull, and
Solomon Mclntyre, councillors.
The oldest bridge in the county is that across a stream which
empties into the Thames at the James Tait farm in Ekfrid. For fifty-
two years prior to October, 1886, it was in use. It consisted entirely
of one black walnut tree. The iron bridge over the Thames at the
corners of Caradoc, Ekfrid, Dunwich and Southwold was completed in
1878.
The Ekfrid Agricultural Society is an old organization. In Janu-
ary, 1874, the Transcript published a letter relating to the union of
the Ekfrid and Mosa Agricultural Societies. The Ekfrid Agricultural
Society elected the following officers for 1888 : — George Huston, presi-
dent ; John McCallum, vice-president ; A. Douglas, A. Burdon, C. J.
Campbell, H. H. McAlpine, Kobert Coulthard, Thomas Beckton, M. E.
Brown, Eobert Webster, Thomas Bole and James Stevenson, directors ;
J. G. Begg and J. A. McLean, auditors ; and A. Douglas, secretary and
treasurer.
Alliance Grange, No. 156, Ekfrid, was organized in 1875, and the
eighth installation took place December 19, 1883. Among the officers
of 1883 were :— George Letlibridge, Wm. Tait, R. Coad, J. G. Leth-
bridge, D. McEachren, Edward Berdan, Alfred Berdan, David Berdan,
Mrs. G. Lethbridge, Mrs. John Allan, Mrs. D. Berdan, Mrs. A. R. Mc-
Kenzie and A. R. McKenzie. The first officers were : — Master, Hector
JMcFarlane ; overseer, John McCracken ; lecturer, William Gane ;
steward, Richard Whittaker; assistant steward, Archibald Leitch;
chaplain, Alexander Eddie ; treasurer, James Pole ; secretary, Benjamin
Donaldson ; gate-keeper, .John Down; Ceres, Margaret Eddie ; Pomona,
Rebecca Whittaker; Flora, Flora Sutherland; lady assistant steward,
Esther Ann Eddie.
Accidents. — Wm. M. Morden, at one time a resident of Ekfrid,
was murdered in Texas in 1873.
David McKee, of Ekfrid, while returning from Scotland, was killed
by the train at Bowmanville, July 6, 1880.
Two youths, children of George Allan, of Ekfrid, were drowned in
the Thames, in August, 1883.
In July, 1887, James R. McLean was dragged at the heels of a
runaway horse and killed. The accident happened near Mayfair.
Ekfrid Village, a name long since lost, was the business centre of
498 HISTORY OF THE
the township in 1851. The location was ten miles west of Delaware.
At that time the Ekfrid Exchange Hotel was kept by Wm. Jones ; a
dry goods store by Jonathan Miller; while a wagon-maker and black-
smith, with two shoemakers, completed the business circle. A union
house of worship was built there prior to 1851. Coulthard's mills
were seven and one half miles distant, and the proposed line of rail-
road only a short distance away.
Appin in 1888 had a population of 200. A. B. McGregor was
postmaster, succeeding S. Dewitt, who resigned in 1886, and he, with
T. liosser and Charles McGregor, were general merchants ; John Mul-
lins and F. McNaughton, hotel-keepers; Hugh McLean, hardware
dealer; John McEachern, banker; J. A. Hughes. blacksmith ; J.Simp-
son, shoemaker ; John Sinclair, butcher ; Mrs. Powell, millinery ; A.
McTaggart and A. Hyman, grain-buyers ; Wm. Holmes, cabinet-maker;
and Hector McFarlane, clerk of Ekfrid and appraiser of the 0. P. L.
& S. Co. The manufacturing industries are represented by the Appin
Cheese Manufacturing Co., Duncan Hamilton's stave factory. Nelson
Craig's turning mill, VVhittaker & McKenzie's and Eichardson & Bur-
nett's saw-miUs, and Walter Melburne and John English, carriage and
wagon builders. The disastrous fire of October, 1888, destroyed the
planing-mill.
The New Coimexion Methodist Church of Appin was completed
and opened Oct. 10, 1870. The total cost was $700. This society
merged into the Canadian Methodist Church in 1874, and became a
part of the Melbourne Circuit.
Among the members of the church at Appin in 1884 were : —
John Horn, the Mathers, Haveners, Hardys, Jane and Mary Miller,
Bessie McAlpine, Ann McCallum, Zena Kershaw, and Caroline Horn.
Appin Circuit of the Methodist Church of Canada formerly formed
a part of Napier and Melbourne Circuit. In 1875 it was set off as a
separate circuit, with William Wellimott pastor, who continued to
serve there until the close of 1877. Henry E. Hill was preacher-in-
charge from 1878 to 1880, George Lounds assisting in 1880.
In September, 1885, the question arose of building a Presbyterian
Church at Appin. The committee on subscriptions comprised J. Mc-
Intyre, J. McFie, A. B. McGregor, A. Campbell, T. McRoberts, and R.
Webster. In January, 18813, the contract for building was sold to A.
Clanahan, who completed the work in November, 1886, and the
church was opened on November 7, by Eev. J. Eobbins. Charles
McFie, who settled near Appin about 1845, organized a Sabbath
school there, of which he continued superintendent until 1888, when
he died.
Court Fidelity, I. 0. F., No. 180, was instituted at Appin, Dec. 21,
1885, witli the following-named officers : — E. Long, W. Towe, George
Mullins, John Simpson, John Congdon, Joseph Mitchell, Dr. :Mitchell,
W. Scott, C. Neeves, T. Holmes and D. Sinclair.
The house of Mrs. McGill, near Appin, was destroyed by fire April
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 499
18,1888. Mrs. Seth Croan and one child were burned severely. The
house was one of the oldest in the vicinity, having stood there since
1847.
Melbourne, known to pioneers as Old Fort, later was Longwood
Post-office, until the station was established, when the name was
changed to Weudigo, and in July, 1887, to Melbourne. The fire of
March 23, 1878, wiped out the old village completely, but within the
last decade it recovered from the disaster, and in 1888 claimed a popu-
lation of over 300. J. G. Begg was postmaster ; Cooper, Richards &
Co., and G. F. Vail, general merchants ; Mrs. F. Harvey, Mrs. Fletcher,
Miss McNeil, milliners and dressmakers ; G. W. Trayte, baker ; Robt.
Fletcher, tinsmith; H. Harvey, harness; A. M. Johnson, cabinet-
maker ; McNulty & Havey, hotel proprietors ; J. Long, butcher ; G.
W. Sponenburg and J. Strothers, carriage-builders; and the Tolson
flouring-mill.
The New Connexion Church of Melbourne dates back to 1859,
when James Seymour was preacher. Benj. Haight served in 1860-1 ;
William Webb, 1862-4; Joseph FoUick, 186.5-7; Robert Walker,
1868-70 ; William McCann ; 1871-3; and James H. Orme, in 1874.
In 18G0 the membership was 82 ; in 1874 it decreased to 74. The
Wesleyau circuit is noticed in the history of Napier and other Metho-
dist centres. The corner stone of the Methodist Church building was
placed May 24, 1886, by Revs. W. G. H. McAllister, J. Robinson, and
the builder, Thomas Hull. The Presbyterians sold their interest in the
Union Church building there in April, 1883, to the Regular Baptist
Society.
The Presbvterian Church of Weudigo, or Melbourne, was dedicated
September 2l" 1884.
Dufferin Lodge, No. 364, A. F. & A. M., was chartered September
12, 1878. The list of masters is as follows :— D. A. Sinclair, 1878-80 ;
D. McRae, 1881-2; D. A. Sinclair, 1883; Edward Fenwick, 1884-5;
D. A. Sinclair, 1886-8. The Masonic Hall was opened March 5,
1879.
Middlemiss dates back to 1875, when two houses, erected in the
dense forest, formed a nucleus for a village. In June, 1876, a railroad
depot was completed, and a dozen of stores and dwellings sprung into
existence. George Middlemiss, the founder, had his saw-mill here,
and in that year erected his grist-mill. Benjamin Lockwood was the
first general merchant and postmaster. The mill, store, and two black-
smith and wagon shops formed the business circle.
The Walper mills at Middlemiss were destroyed by fire in Febru-
ary, 1885. The Middlemiss barbecue of July, 1882, was principally
an Indian show.
The murder of Grant Silcox was perpetrated December 28, 1883,
by burglars, within his own store at Middlemiss, in Ekfrid Township.
A year prior to this he purchased the post-office store of R. B. Camp-
beU for whom he was formerly clerk. Albert C. Wrightman, an
500 HISTORY OF THE
evangelist, was arrested, charged with the crime. David Eandall and
John Simmons were also arrested.
The village in 1888 had a population of 260. Daniel Decow was
postmaster; Campbell & jMcLachlan, merchants; H. Ingham, boot
and shoe dealer ; M. C. Campbell, H. B. McArthur and F. H. Wade,
brick manufacturers ; Abel Walper, owner of the flouring-mills ; G.
Watson and G. Simmons, blacksmiths ; R. H. Reynolds, raOroad
agent ; J. Mark, grocer ; and H. Graham, carpenter.
The corner-stone of the Methodist Church was placed by Amasa
Wood and Rev. Mr. McAllister June 20, 1887. The building was
opened September 11, that year, the cost being .$1,000. John Webb,
Adam Clarke, James Clarke, Robert Fletcher and Edmund Richards
are the trustees, and they with twenty-five others form this society.
The church is in the Melbourne circuit, of which Rev. H. W. Locke is
minister.
Strathburn in 1888 claimed a population of 75. Hugh McRae
was postmaster and merchant; Robert Ferguson, blacksmith ; Jacob
Steinhoif, shoemaker; and Samuel Waldock, proprietor of the flour-
ing-mills.
Mayfair in 1888 claimed a population of 50, John E. Campbell
was postmaster; J. E. Lee, saw-mill proprietor; and the Mayfair
Manufacturing Co. were the proprietors of the cheese-factory ; C. J.
Campbell and G. C. Elliott were insurance agents.
Muncey in 1888 had a population of 75. Alexander McGregor
was postmaster; the McGregor Brothers, general merchants; H. Han-
non, blacksmith ; James Furey, saw-mill owner ; and E. Empey, hotel
proprietor.
Christina had a population of thirty-five in 1888. John McKenzie
was postmaster and general merchant ; A. Sluth, wagon-maker ; and
Robert Smith, blacksmith.
Knox Church was organized in 1884, under the oversight of the
I'ree Church Presbytery of Hamilton. The following parties were
ordained as elders at its first session : — J. McKellar, J. Allan, A.
McBean, R. Brodie, and H. Leitch. As these men departed this life,
tlie session was sustained by ordaining other elders as their successors.
These were : — S. Mclutyre, J. Becton, G. Tait, N. McBean, A. Fletcher,
A. McBean, A. Eadie, D. McArthur, A. McKellar, J. Mclutyre, C.
Caruthers, J. Mc('racken, J. Smith, D. McNicol, J. McTavish, D.
Campbell, A. Walker, N. Munroe, D. Ferguson, P. McNeil, W.
Leitch and C. Minn-oe. The Deacon's Court, having charge of the
temporalities of Knox Church, was constituted in lcS48, consisting of
the following members : — H. McAlpine, W. Symes, J. McRae, D.
Fletcher, C. McFie, A. Coulthard, J. Smith, R. Coulthard, D. Mitchell,
A. McTavish, J. Monroe, P. Mitchell and M. Dowuie. The number of
communicants at the date of organization was forty-eight. The present
number of members over the field, then under the oversight of Knox's
Session, is about cSOO. The Rev. L. McPherson, later of East Williams,
served as a missionarv in this church for two summers, in 1846-47.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 501
The Eev. W. R. Sutherland was the first pastor settled over this
church. He was inducted February, 1848. The pastoral charge
included : — Knox's, built in 1850; Burns's, Kilmartin, Chalmer's, Duff's,
Argyle's, and Wardsville churches. The first of these churches organ-
ized as adistinct pastoral charge was Burns's, in Kilmartin ; the others
were subsequently organized as circumstances justified their separation
from Knox's congregation. Mr. Sutherland, during his pastorate of
Knox's Church, which continued over thirty-five years, had the privi-
lege of conducting over seven thousand diets of religious public wor-
ship ; baptized one thousand and three hundred persons, of whom
thirty were adults, and the others were children. He solemnized four
hundred and ninety-five marriages ; received four hundred and fifty
members into church fellowship ; ordained thirty-three elders and
thirteen deacons ; conducted one hundred and sixty funeral services ;
administered seventy communions in his own church, and assisted at
one hundred and twenty communions in other churches. He was in
the habit of devoting five or six weeks annually to the service of the
Home Mission of the Presbytery during the first two decades of his
pastorate in the northern counties of the Province, which time
amounted in the aggregate to two years. He was local superintend-
ent of schools in his own and some neighboring townships for twenty
years, and secretary of the British Bible Society instituted in Ekfrid
for thirty-five years. In 1884, the congregation of Knox's Church
was, by order of the Presbytery of London, united with that of St.
Andrew's Church in Glencoe, and Mr. Sutherland, in consequence of
this union, resigned his pastorate. The first minister settled over this
United Church was the Rev. J. Robbins, now pastor of the Third
Presbyterian Church, Truro, N. S. The Rev. Dougald Currie is his
successor as pastor of this United Church.
The amount contributed by the congregation of Knox Church to
Christian missions and the Bible Society, apart from their local ex-
penditures, during thirty-five years, was about $7,500. In 1887, the
congregation resolved to build a new house one and one-half miles
south of the old church of 1850. Elder James Allan, who died in
1879, was ordained in 1844. He was accustomed to contribute one-
tenth of his income to church uses. Burns's Church, erected at Glen-
coe in 1871, was burned in 1886, the members having joined St,
Andrew's in 1884.
502 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXIII.
LOBO TOWNSHIP.
Lobo is bounded on the north by East Williams ; on the west by
Adelaide and Caradoc ; on the south by the Thames dividing from
Delaware ; and on the east by London Township. The population of
Lobo in 1888, according to the assessor's returns, was 2,680. Eeal
and personal property and incomes in 1887 amounted to $1,777,515.
The Thames, forming its southern boundary, receives the Ox Bow
Eiver near the south-eastern corner of the township. The Sydenham,
or Bear Creek, flows across the centre of the township from east to
west, while a number of rivulets flow west and south to join the
Sydenham or the Thames. In the northern sections of Lobo the head-
waters of the Aux Saubles may be said to rise.
Official History. — Archibald McArthur, who died in 1854, came
to Lobo in 1820, and he, with Thomas Canahill, were the first two
councilmen on the old board. The first record of the council is dated
January 3, 1842. The first entry is the receipt of £8 from the district
treasurer, John Hams. Of this sum, £6 I2s. 4^d. were paid Nicol
Mclntyre Neil Graham and Duncan Mclntyre for chopping a side-road
between Lots 12 and 13. In January, also, £7 I8s. lOid. were received
as wild land tax, and £3 Quakers' miUtia tax, of which seven and
a half shillings were paid for the old record book, and fifty pence
paid to Duncan McDougall for collecting. At this time Hugh
Carmichael was clerk ; Duncan McLean was chairman. The
pathmasters were: — John Edwards, Neil Mclntyre, Arch. Paull,
GuUin, McLean, Edmund Eussell, Donald McAllister, Hugh John-
son, John Campbell, Hugh Dewar, Duncan McBain, James Att-
wood, Eobert Charlton, Jacob Stonehouse and John SiddalL Among
other officials named are John Marsh, John Browu, Isaiah Gus-
tin, J. H. Wood, John Zavitz, John Lament, John Edwards, Joel
Shotwell, Arch. McKellar, Malcolm Gray, James Mcintosh, John
Lambert, David Lynch, Hugh Johnson and Donald Johnson.
In 1844 Alex. Sinclair was chairman; John Brown, clerk; John
Gray, assessor, and Arch. McVickar, collector. The school commission
are named in the chapter on schools. John B. Campbell was assessor
in 1845, and in 184(1 Hugh Carmichael was re-elected clerk, with
Sylvester Campbell, Hyland Ward, and George Challoner, wardens.
In 1847, H. Ward, Eobert Adamson and Benjamin Cutler were war-
dens. In 1848, Neil Morrison was appointed collector, and Hugh
Carmichael was chosen warden, as well as clerk. In 1849, John
Harris was chairman ; Ben j. Cutler, councillor ; John Siddall, Peter
McKellar and Hugh Carmichael, wardens. The latter was also re-
COUNTY OF JUDDLESEX. 503
appointed clerk. In 1850, A. G. Wood was clerk, with George
Challouer, Arch. McArthur, David Lynch, Robert Adamson, and Thos.
Caverhill, councillors.
In February, 1850, by-laws regulating the building of fences and
the range for stock were adopted, all of which are signed by E.
Adamson, reeve, and A. G. Wood, clerk. During this year the troubles
arising out of the London and Lobo bridge, built near Siddall's mill in
1848, were discussed. By-law No. -t provided for raising £267 3s. 9d.,
to be expended on roads and bridges, and in the administration of
justice ; and of that sum £84 7s. 6d. were granted to the support of
common schools. The site established for a town hall that year was
ordered to be set aside and the building committee empowered to select
one.
In June, 1850, school sections 8 and 9 were united. A by-law
providing for the issue of £50 debenture was adopted. This sum was
the estimated share of the township in rebuilding Blackfriars bridge.
The council of that year passed fifteen important by-laws, and may be
credited with the establishment of the greater number of roads, and
many of the schools which exist to-day. The total disbursements for
the year amounted to £371, A. Sinclair and John Brown being the
township auditors. Hugh Carmichael was reappointed clerk in 1851.
The total expenditures for the year amounted to £940 Os. tid., includ-
ing the balance on collector's roll of £436, and £106 granted to common
schools, together with £141 14s. balance in hands of treasurer. In
1852, Charles Woodward was appointed treasurer at a salary of £3
currency per annum. The elections of 1853 were held at Charlton's
mills. John Irvine was appointed clerk and treasurer, his salary being
placed at £10, while no less than forty-six pathmasters were appointed.
In 1854, Charles Woodward was elected treasurer by the council,
while John Irvine was re-elected clerk, his salary for the office being
£10, while that of Woodward was only £2 per annum. Prior to
Feb. 19, 1853, there were thirty-two by-laws passed. In 1856, Henry
Edwards was appointed clerk, succeeded in 1857 by John Brown. In
this year £488 Is. 9d. were granted the eight school sections and
Union School No. 1. In 1860, Joshua Irvine was elected clerk, vice
John Brown, who was returned to office in 1861. In 1862, W. M.
Pringle was chosen to fill that position. The number of by-laws
passed up to Feb. 21, 1863, was 91. There is recorded in the minute
loook of 1862 a list of subscribers to the fund in aid of the starving
operators in the cotton manufacturing districts of England, the total
sum contributed being $22.50.
In 1877, E. E. Barclay signed the records as township-clerk, and has
filled that office down to the present time. J. E. Barclay has been col-
lector for twenty years ; Jacob Marsh, treasurer ; Hugh P. Carmichael,
assessor ; John McPlierson and Alexander Gray, auditors ; B. B. Harris,
Duncan Cameron and William Eobinson, councillors. On June 9, 1862,
the Canadian ParHament validated the illegal investment of moneys
50-4 HISTORY OF THE
granted to Lobo from the Upper Canada Municipalities Fund. The
early roads and bridges are referred to in the general chapter. A road
through Lot 13, Concession 2, Lobo, was approved July 15, 1831, and
William Libby granted £9 damages.
Pioneers. — The Township was surveyed in 1819-21 by Colonel
M. Burwell and others. The Colonel obtained some choice tracts here
in 1820. Immediately after the survey, the Scotch poured in, and
soon the township was in possession of the McArthurs and McKellars,
the Zavitzs and Shipley s, the Patersons, Woodwards and Walters.
Thomas McCall, who died at Dunwich, October 17, 1870, came to
Canada from Scotland in 1819. After the death of Elder Campbell,
he had charge of the Old School Baptist Churches in Lobo, Ekfrid,
Dunwich, Aldborough and Oxford, for twenty years. Dugald Sinclair,
of Lobo, died October 18, 1870. For sixty-five years he was a preacher
in that branch of the Baptist Church known as the Disciples. He
was ninety-two years of age, forty of which were passed in Canada.
John Brown, an old resident, writing in August, 1888, states that
" the first settlers who located in Lobo, and drew their land from the
Crown, came in 1820, the township being surveyed the previous year.
They emigiated that year from Argyleshire, Scotland. Their names
were : — Malcolm McCall, wife, two sons and two daughters ; Dugald
McArthur, wife and family ; Donald Lamont, wife and family ; the
Johnson family, McKellar family, Sinclair family, Duncan and Neil
McKeith, Charles and Hugh Carmichael, John Mclntyre and family,
Duncan and Duncan W. Mclntyre (cousins), John McLachlin, John
McCall, John McDougall (late J. P.), Archibald and ]\Ialcolm Campbell ;
and John Gray and family came in 1819. The foregoing are all, as
far as I remember, that located in Lobo that year. There might be one
or two more, but I do not know. The last of them (Duncan McCall)
passed away last April, aged 96 years and 6 days. There are only
three or four alive now of the whole group of those who came that
year who were over ten years old when they came. The last named,
Duncan JMcCall, along with Archibald McArthur had to go all the way
to Dundas to get a barrel of salt, with a yoke of oxen and sled, and
many a time they had to carry home flour from Westminster on their
backs ; and yet they never regretted having come, for in a year or two
they raised plenty to eat, and whisky was plentiful at twenty-five
cents per gallon. But no one then dreamed that the country would
have flourished like it has since."
One of the most noted men of the district in early years was Captain
Matthews. When coming to Canada in 1821 he took a medicine chest
with him, and when the people of Lobo and neighboring townships
would sufier from ague, he administered medicine free. In political
affairs he was a guardian for the people, and often saved a family from
financial or social ruin at the hands of the outpost of the Family Com-
pact. Louisa, his daughter, widow of George Jarvis Goodhue, died
August 1, 1880. She was born in England in 1804, and came with her
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 505
father, who was on the staff of the Duke of Eichmond while Governor
of Canada. After the Duke's death Captain Matthews settled on a
grant of 1,000 acres in Lobo Township, where the daughter met and
married one of the pioneer traders of Middlesex.
Jesse Zavitz, wlio in 1822 settled in Lobo, died in September,
1875. Jacob Zavitz, jr., near Bear Creek, was 86 past, and she
(Elizabeth, daughter of David Pound), 85 years in 1876. They were
both from Sugar Loaf, Welland County, and members of the Society
of Friends. The next oldest couple were Christal Stoner and wife, in
the Zavitz settlement. He was 86 past, and she, Maria Augustine, 84
in 1876. They are Menese, or Menonites. Isaiah Guston, born at
Long Point in 1802, settled in Lobo in 1823, on Lot 12, Con. 3, build-
ing a distillery on Lot 31, Con. 6, London, in 1827.
Sarah Marsh, widow of Benj. Cutler, who died in 1874, resided in
Lobo in 1877, aged 85 years. Christina Livingstone, living on the 7th
Concession of Lobo in 1876, was then 89 years old.
Walter Piobins, who settled in Southwold in 1841, resided at the
union school house, Con. 6, Lobo, in 1877, aged 97 years. Daniel
Saulsbury resided at Strathroy in 1876, aged 104 years, being a settler
of Adelaide and Lobo for over forty years. Wm. Picknor, who came
from England to Lobo in 18.'->2, and lost his wife in 1838, was born in
1787, and resided near Bear Creek in 1876. John Campbell, of Lobo,
was also SO years of age in 1877. Archibald McGugan, of Lobo, died
in September, 1872. He settled in Lobo in 1828, when there was
only one house between his cabin and Lake Huron. Benj. Cutler,
who in 1789 moved with his parents to Welland County, Can., from
Pennsylvania, and in 1839 settled in Lobo Township, died in 1874.
Edward Shipley, a pioneer of London Township, moved to Lobo in
1836. His son Lionel E. was the first president of the Northern Fair
Association in 1867, and in 1877 was elected president of the Provin-
cial Associations. Mrs. John Barnes, born in Canada in 1833, was
brought to Lobo by her parents, Robert and Hannah Charlton, in
1835. In 1853 she married Barnes, and died March, 25, 1880.
Archibald Bell, who came with lus parents to Lobo in 1845, was a lad
of five or six summers when the pioneers of that townsliip assembled
in 1846 to erect their first log school-house. In that building he was
educated by Donald McCrae, the first teacher ; later, studied law under
John Wilson, until the latter was appointed judge in 1863, when he
resumed school teaching. Later, he studied at Guelph, and under Jas.
Shanly at London, and in 1868 began the practice of law at Strathroy.
In 1870 he moved to Chatham, and in 1878 was appointed county
judge. Among the old settlers of Lobo who were prominent in
1878-80 were the following :— Dean Tiffany, a settler of 1811; Wm.
Han-is; 1823, A. Sinclair, 1824; Arthur Batie (or Baty), 1826; Mal-
colm Gray, 1827; Donald Graham, 1829; Neil McKellar, 1830;
Wm. Jury, A. D. McLellan and M. A. Mclntyre, 1833; John Waugh,
1832; Duncan A. P. Graham, Alex. McKellar, M. Mc Arthur, George
50G HISTORY OF THE
and James Robson, 1834 ; A. C. Attwood, S. J. Bullen, John Mc-
Dougall, John L. and Duncan McKellar, 1835 ; Robert Boston, Geo.
Urrand, William McKellar, John McLellan, 1836; John McVicker,
Dougald McArthur and T. S. Edwards, 1837 ; Archibald Sinclair, 1838 ;
John Cutter, 1839; R. Robson and Peter Campbell, 1840; A. N.
Coboe, Alex. Gray and John IMcCallum, 1842 ; John McPherson, A.
A. McArthur and John B. Nicholl, 1844; Hugh D. Johnston, D. N".
Mclntyre and Elijah Zavitz, 1845 ; Alex. Stewart, 1846.
Komoka in 1888 had a population of 276. William McKellar
was postmaster ; A. I\IcMurphy and Mrs. Oliver, general merchants ;
Geo. Cummiugs and J. Shipley, hotel proprietors; D. Crombie, rail-
road agent ; C. W. Driukwater, proprietor of woollen-mills ; Daniel
Ferguson, of saw-mills; Mrs. A. McDougall, of flouring-mills ; and
James Sleath, of the carriage-shop. Arch. Smith, J. Sinclair and S.
Spence were blacksmiths. Miss Ferles, Miss Woolcock, and Mrs.
Pende, dressmakers. In 1857 this was a progressive town, the fol-
lowing being the business circle : — John Allen, general store ; J. M.
Barber, innkeeper ; William Betts, innkeeper ; A. J. L. Black, carpen-
ter ; J. J. Boyd, cabinet-maker ; Richard Carr, tailor ; George Catto,
carpenter ; James Chalmers, carpenter ; W. Dowland, plasterer ; S.
Drake, dealer in dry goods, hardware, groceries; H. Edwards, cabinet-
maker ; Henry Edwards, M. D. ; Thomas Falls, shoemaker ; P. H,
Geddis, township councillor; Hall & Co., shingle and lath-factory;
Hitchcock & Elson, general store; William Hodgman, shoemaker;
Mark Hord, tailor; W. Humes, butcher; Irviu & Co., steam grist,
flouring-mill and iron-foundry ; John Irvin, clerk of Division Court ;
Francis Jarvis, distiller ; Thomas Jones, mason ; 0. D. Mabee, post-
master and general storekeeper ; Joseph McConnell, carpenter ; Alex-
ander McKay, plasterer ; Alexander IMcKeller, innkeeper ; William
McKeller, blacksmith ; J. Montague & I'o., blacksmiths and wagon-
makers ; Robert Morris, butcher ; P. D. Patten, blacksmith ; Archibald
Paul, innkeeper ; William Redmond, carpenter ; James Ritchie, shoe-
maker ; William Robinson, innkeeper ; J. H. & R. Scott, planiug-mill ;
Phillip Smith, innkeeper ; William Smith, bailiff ; J. T. Sovereen,
saddler and harness-maker ; Wilham Stevenson, blacksmith ; Thomas
Sutherland, gi'ocer and cabinet and chair-maker ; W. H. Wilson, general
store. At this time a daily mail was delivered here ; the population
was 700, and the fare to London was 37i cents.
The locality is notorious for raih'oad and other accidents, as a refer-
ence to the general history will point out. Richard Blong was killed
by lightning here in May, 1860. In April, 1862, James Chapman
was drowned near Comfort & Greer's dam, on the Thames. James
Graham of Lobo, while hunting shot himself accidentally and died.
The Komoka tire of October, 1871, destroyed Barker's Hotel (formerly
known as Molaskey's), stable, two stores adjoining, and two dwellings.
The burning of a passenger car near Komoka, February 28, 1874,
resulted in the incineration of nine persons, and in fatal" injuries to
three others. Joseph Wilson's saw-miU was burned in July, 1876.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 507
Dr. E. R. Smith, whose parents came from Ireland in 1830 and
settled in New York, settled with them at Komoka in 1840, where he
established his office after graduating in medicine. He was one of the
seriously injured in the railway holocaust at Sifton's Cut, referred to in
other pages.
Churches. — The first organization of the Presbyterian congregations
of Lobo was in 1840 — first, then, as there was no Presbyterian preacher
here for many years after the first settlers came, though they all
belonged to the Church of Scotland when they came out. Many of
them joined in with Baptists and Methodists. It was about the year
1840 that the Eev. Mr. McMillan was settled in the Township of
Williams, and from there used to preach in Lobo every eighth Sabbath,
and gathered together a few who still remained Presbyterians. After
the lapse of seven or eight years, he was succeeded by the late Rev. L.
McPherson, who came to Lobo every third Sabbath, and got the con-
gregation so organized that they built a small frame church, 40 x 30,
about thirty-eight years since, costing about S700. That served the
purpose for ten years or moi'e, and was then taken apart and moved to
Ivan, where the congregation previously bought thirty acres of land for
the glebe, and it was rebuilt there, as being more convenient for the
congregation. Three years ago it was again replaced by a brick church,
50 X 40, with ba,sement and tower, costing over $6,000. Some years
since there was a Presbyterian church built in Komoka, where a small
congregation has been formed in union with Hyde Park. Another
Presbyterian church has been lately built on the Lobo side of the
township line between Lobo and London, called the English Settlement
Church, which congregation is formed partly in Lobo and London.
The names of those members who took a prominent and active part in
organizing the Presbyterian congregation of Ivan (Lobo) were the
following : — William Colvin, William Whyte, Duncan McBean (Elder
of the congregation), John McQueen, Alexander Eraser, Duncan and
James Brown, and Donald Dewar, all of whom have passed away,
excepting John McQueen and James Brown. The names of the
present Elders of the congregation are ; — Duncan A. Campbell, Alex.
McLean and James McVicker.
The Catholic congregation of Komoka dates back over thirty years,
when priests from London visited the people. The church of the
present day has been attended from Strathroy since 1871.
Loho Village in 1888 claimed a population of 325. J. W. Edwards
was postmaster ; R. Sharp, general merchant ; T. R. Powell and R. L.
McCallum, wagon-makers ; W. McBean, weaver ; Geo. Munger, hotel
proprietor ; Geo. Murch, blacksmith ; Miss B. McLaughlin, milliner ;
J. McVicker, J. Irvine and J. Mitchell, carpenters ; P. L. Graham,
physician ; and D. C. McArthur, brick and tile manufacturer. Lobo
in 1851 was made up of eighty inhabitants. The old Baptist Church
was a mile from the hamlet, while near the south-east corner of Lobo
Township was Lord Montcashel's house. The Proof Line Road was
508 HISTORY OF THE
then an accomplished fact. H. Gustin was general merchant here then
and for years before.
In 1857 the business circle comprised: — John Brown, township
clerk and treasurer; Hugh Carmichael, J. P., farmer; E. G. Edwards,
M. D. ; AVm. Fares, postmaster and dealer ; liev. James Ferguson,
Free Church ; W. C. Eraser, boot and shoemaker ; Michael Gager,
boot and shoemaker ; John Irvin, clerk of Division Court, convey-
ancer, &c. ; Dugald Graham, carpenter; John McDougall, inn- keeper;
Mclntyre & Campbell, wagon and carriage factors ; Thomas Powell,
mason ; Rev. D. Smclair, Baptist ; Wm. Smith, bailiff ; Eev. Wilham
Wilkinson, M. A., Baptist ; Hiram Wilson, inn- keeper.
Poplar Hill and vicinity claimed in 1888 a population of 125.
E. R. Barclay was postmaster, and he, with James Zavitz, were general
merchants. Mrs. G. Webster was hotel proprietor ; W. E. Macklin,
physician ; J. C. Burgess, undertaker ; James McNeil and Geo. Tuckey,
blacksmiths ; B. P. Zavitz, jeweler ; D. P. Shotwell, wagon-maker ; F.
McKay and J. McLean, shoemakers. B. P. Zavitz opened the first
store here. For three or four years prior to 1873 a Mr. Owen con-
ducted this store, and in the year named E. B. Barclay purchased the
property.
The Regular Baptist Church is one of the oldest Baptist congrega-
tions in this district. Mr. Wilkinson was one of the early ministers
who preached in the old frame church, two and one-half miles north-
west of the present building. This was erected about four years ago,
during the administration of Rev. G. B. Davis.
The Disciples' Church, just south of Poplar, was attended years
ago by Eev. Dugald Sinclair, who preached there until his death. Rev.
Edmund Shepherd succeeded, who filled the pulpit until 1875, since
which time the pulpit has been variously fiUed.
Coldstream, in 1888, had a population of 118. Jacob Marsh was
postmaster and also miller. F. Deanire was owner of the flouring-
mill ; J. T. Wood, conveyancer ; James McLean, boot and shoe dealer ;
N. Zavitz, wagon-maker ; S. Clair and T. McNeil, blacksmiths, and H.
M. Evans, painter. The village had a population of fifty in 1857.
John Wood was general merchant ; Elias Cutler, postmaster ; Benj.
Cutler, miller ; Robert Adamson, reeve, and George Thomas, cabinet-
maker.
Fernhill post office was presided over in 1888 by D. R. Owen,
who was also merchant. John Chapman's saw-mill, W. A. Anderson's
wagon-shop and D. McCall's blacksmith-shop made up the settlement.
DuncHef claimed a population of eighty in 1888. A. F. Barclay
was postmaster and general merchant; Tliomas Oliver, blacksmith ; J.
C. Shipley, miller, and E. R. Charlton and L. E. Shipley, live-stock
dealers.
Ivan claimed a population of fifty in 1888. N. A. Graham was
postmaster and blacksmith ; William Mclvor, general merchant, and
P. A. Campbell, carpenter.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
509
Amiens in 1888 claimed a population of twenty-five. Joshua
Lindsay was postmaster ; Henry Carroll, hotel-keeper, and John Cutler,
blacksmith.
Siddallsville dates back to the building of the gi-ist-mill, in 1828,
or thereabouts. The old mill, of course, was subjected to many
improvements, but continued in existence down to May, 1867, when
fire swept it away. John Siddall, the owner, was then in his ninetieth
year, fifty of which were passed in this township. He Hved for some
years after his pioneer industry was swept away.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXIV.
LONDON TOWNSHIP.
London Township is bounded on the north by McGillivray and
Biddulph, east by Nissouri and Dorchester, west by Lobo, and south
by Westminster, the river Thames being the dividing line.
The Thames, formerly La Trancht'e, subsequently La Tranche, and
since 1793 the Thames, flows in a general westward course fi-om the
west hne of the city. At a point opposite Dundas street it receives its
north and south branches, the one being dividing line between the city
and township, and the other dividing the city and township from West-
minster. With the exception of a few ti'ibutaries of the Aux Saubles
and Bear Creek in the north-west, all the numerous creeks flow south
or south-west to join the Thames. A few ponds and creek expansions
mark the verj' few marshy spots in this great division of the county.
The first record of London Township is dated the first ]\Ionday of
January, 1819, when the inhabitants assembled at Joshua Apple-
garth's house, by order of Thomas Talbot and Daniel Springer, for the
purpose of electing township officers. Joshua Applegarth was chosen
clerk; Richard Talbot and Christopher Oxtoby, assessors; John
Young, John Gety and Ezekiel Oilman, roadmasters ; Thos. Rutledge,
sr., and Daniel Hine, pound- keepers ; Wm. Asket and Thos. Askins,
wardens. At this time it was voted " that the clerk be authorized to
furnish a blank book for records, and that the collector is to collect a
York sixpence from each assembled inhabitant to defray the expenses
thereof" This pioneer record is signed by Duncan Mackenzie, who
appears to have taken Applegarth's position at once. The book then
purchased is a very ordinary one, but cost £1.
The annual meeting of 1820 was held at John Gety's house, with
Luke Owen, moderator. Duncan Mackenzie was chosen clerk ; Wm.
Morden and John Lee, assessors ; James Goulden, collector ; Thomas
Eoutledge and Thos. J. Howard, wardens ; George Lovell and Michael
Redmond, pound- keepers ; Cooper Pixley and Dodley Min-ell, road-
masters between branches; Arch. McFarlane, Thos. Harrison, Joseph
O'Brien, Capt. Schofield and Aaron Hartson on the east side ; Luke
Owen, Reuben Simons, Thomas Smith and Nathan Jacobs on the west
side.
The cattle marks used in 1820-2 were as follows: — Duncan Mc-
Kenzie's cattle and hogs, left ear cropt and two cuts in right ear ;
Roland Engham's, a half-penny cut out under the left ear ; William
Fuller's, a hole through right ear ; Donald Chambers's, a hole through
left ear ; Arch. McFarlane's, a half-penny cut under right ear and a
slit in the left ear ; John Wilson's, sr., a piece off the right ear and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 511
two slits in same ; James McFarlane's, a half-penny cut under each
ear ; Thomas McFarlane's, slit in right ear and lower part cut out ;
Wm. Kemple's, a crop off the left and a slit in the right ear ; Wm.
Warner's, a swallow-fork in the right and a hole in the same ; Robert
Keay's, a swallow-fork in both ears ; Orange Clark's, a hole in the left
ear ; John Morehouse's, a crop off the right ear ; Truman Hull's, a
crop off the right ear ; James McMitchell's, a cut under the left ear ;
John Cornwall's, two half-penny cuts in left ear ; Ebenezer Pharrer's,
half crop under both ears ; John Vandeburgh's, half crop above both
ears ; Benjamin Samburn's, two holes in left ear ; Solomon Shennick's,
the left ear cropt and a half-penny in right ear ; John Hanson's, a crop
off the left ear and two holes in right ; W. A. Park's, a crop off both
ears ; John Donaldson's, ditto with a slit in right ; John Jacob's, slit in
end of left and a half-penny over same ear ; John H. Segher's, a square
crop in right and a half-penny above same ; Gustavus Jacobs's, a half-
penny cut under left ear and a cut in the upper side ; William Don-
aldson's, a half-penny above right ear ; Donald Barkly's, a square crop
ofi' the left ear and a swallow-fork in the right ; Ealph ikorden's, a slit
in the left ear and a hole in the right ; WilHam Morden's, a crop off
right, a slit in left and upper part cut off; Moses Morden's, a crop off
left, slit in right and upper part cut off; James and John Morden used
distinctive marks, also John Corscut and Solomon Munroe prior to
January 1, 1823.
The early births and marriages recorded in London Township are
given as follows : — Anne, daughter of Duncan and Margaret Mackenzie,
Jime 11, 1817 ; Mary, December 19, 1818 ; John G, April 29, 1822;
died December 24, 1823 ; Alexander, May 30, 1824 ; died in June,
1825, and Margaret, April 22, 1826. The latter was baptized by Eev.
A. Mcintosh in May, 1826. The early marriages, not noticed in the
chapter on pioneer matrimonial affairs, were : — On March 7, 1823,
Arch. McFarlane and Janett Bryce were married by Ira Schofield, and
on December 3, that year, a child, whom they named Margaret, was
born. They had their second lawful daughter May 3, 1825, and their
first lawful son April 4, 1827. John Donaldson and Mary Anne
Pliillips were married jNIay 10, 1827, by Ira Schofield.
The clerks of London township from 1819 to 1888 are named in
the following hst : — Duncan Mackenzie, 1819-25 ; Wm. Geary, 1826 ;
Duncan Mackenzie, 1827-30 ; Joseph N. Hardy, 1831-3 ; Wm. Geary,
1834 ; J. W. Hardy, 1835 ; James Farley, 1836 ; John Brown, 1837;
Wm. Geary, 1838 ; Joseph N. Hardy, 1839 ; James WiUiams, 1840 ;
Wm. Gain, 1841-4; John Sifton, jr., 1845-8; and James Ferguson,
1849. Mr. Grant, the present clerk, has filled the position very accep-
tably for many years.
Pioneers. — Joshua Applegarth, an Englishman, settled on a smaU
ridge near Blackfriars bridge during the War of 1812. His object was
to raise hemp on the flats. Owing to the manner in which he suffered
from ague, he moved to a point near Henry Schennicks, and later
512 HISTORY OF THE
lived in the house where Goodhue later .kept store on Concession 1
(this house is said to have been built by one Hubbard, who started
a still-house across the road). " After Applegarth left his cabin above
the flats, about 1817," says Eobert Summers, " the miners from Lam-
beth squatted in the one and a-half story log house — a chimney at one
end and a window iu the upper part of the other end. His daughters
were, Marian and Pauline. After the first settlements were made at
London, Dennis O'Brien would call often on Marian, climbing the
gable and entering the chamber through that window in Romeo fashion.
On one of such occasions a conspiracy to trap him for the purpose of
blackmail was put into effect, but the Romeo, jumping from the win-
dow, escaped." The Oxtoby and Decker families and all those men
named in the foregoing municipal record were there shortly after Decker.
John Talbot, born in Tipperary County, Ireland, September 21,
1797, died at Robinson, 111., in 1874, where he was editor of the
Constitution since September, 1863. He was the second son of
Richard Talbot (who, in 1818, with sixty other Irishmen, came out on
the ship Brunswick and settled in London Township), and brother of
Edward Allen Talbot, who, in 1831, founded the London Sun, the
first paper in Canada west of Hamilton, and, in 1839, established the
London Freeman's Journal. In 1831, John Talbot taught St. George's
School, on Lot 14, Concession 0, London, and in 1832 opened a school
on Ridout street. In 1836 he was employed as editor of the St.
Thomas Liberal, one of the ablest of the Patriot newspapers ; but fled
to Ohio as soon as he learned of the defeat of the Patriots at Galla's
Hill. In 1839 he established a hardware store at Somerset, O., where
he carried on business until 1863, when he moved to Terre Haute,
Ind.. and the same year to Crawford County, III., where he died.
During the civil war he sympathized with the Confederacy, while his
brother. Freeman, who in 1837-8 was a Government man, sym-
pathized with the Federals. Each of them gave a son to defend the
Union.
Freeman Talbot, who in 1818 came from Ireland, settled in
London Township, and, with Benjamin Springer, carried the chain
eight years later in surveying the town site. He assisted in opening
the first streets, worked on the jail and court-house, helped to make
the first brick ever manufoctured in London, assisted in building the
fir.st schools and churches, and in 1837 received the first commission
issued by the London District authorities, as commissary and billet
master. In 1849, he originated the first joint stock road company in
Ontario, and induced the people of London to invest $32,000 in build-
ing the Proof Line road, thirteen and a-half miles from London to the
south line of Biddulph. He was the first reeve of London Township
— in 1843. He estabUshed the Prototype, and was its owner and
editor for years ; and his marriage with Anne Eliza Clark was the first
solemnized by the late Bishop Cronyn in Canada.
Edward Allen Talbot, born in Tipperary County, Ireland, in 1801,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 513
settled in London Township in 1818. At that time Gardner's mill
stood where are now the water-works, and a blazed trail ran from this
and adjoining townships to Springbank. In the fall of 183G, or spring
of 1837, Nixon's Flats, or London West, was inundated, a fact which
he remembered. He served with the Government in the troubles of
1837-8.
John Fitzgerald came from Ireland in 1820, and settled in London
Township with his wife Eebecca. F. A. Fitzgerald, a son of this
pioneer, was. one of the builders of the water-works of London in
1878, and the builder and owner of the Fitzgerald Block on Diuidas
street. John Ferguson, born in Cavan Co., Ireland, in 1800, migrated
to the Talbot settlement in 1819 ; moved subsequently to London,
where he died in October, 1885. In 1865, his wife, Bessie Walder,
died. John Mcllhargy came from Antrim Co., Ireland, to Lot 19,
Con. 16, London, in 1822, with his father. In 1837-8 he served
against the Patriots. His father died in 1857. Warren Blinn settled
in London Township where the Asylum now stands. His son William
built the first street crossing, from Douglass & Moore's store to the old
Mansion House, and delivered the first newspapers in London.
Robert Jackson, sr., of Armagh, Ireland, came to Westminster in
1819, but in 1820 moved to Lot 19, Con. 6, London. During the
troubles of 1837-8, he was quartermaster near Amherstburgh. He
died in 1864. Wm. Jackson, his son, died in 1873.
John Robson and son George came from England in 1820, and
settled on Lot 29, Con. 8, London, where the father died in 1842. He
was an ensign in 1837-8. John Robson was killed in the fall of 1839
by his horse. It appears he got out of the saddle to pick up his whip,
but at the moment he had one foot in the stirrup to remoimt, the
horse bounded forward, and the rider, cast back, struck his head on a
stone, resulting in his death in about six hours.
Wm. Wilson, who settled on Con. 9, London Township, in 1818,
forgot to take with him an iron wedge for splitting rails, and had to
walk to Dundas, the nearest blacksmith's point, to obtain one. At
that time men had to ford the river at Byron, and carry their wives on
their backs. Thomas Carling, who settled on Lot 14, Con. 8, London
Township, in July, 1818, died Feb. 17, 1880. In October, 1820, he
married Margaret, daughter of Thomas Routledge, of this township.
George Belton, born in Ireland in 1798, settled in New York in
1810, and in Canada in 1820, on Lot 1, Con. 2, London.
Mrs. Margaret McKenzie, widow of the pioneer Duncan McKenzie,
died in March, 1879, on the 4th Concession, London Township. They
were the first settlers in Londou Township, having located there seven
years before the first tree was cut on the site of the present city. On
October 21, 1818 they moved to the old homestead from Long Point.
Among the old people residing there when this pioneer woman died,
were : — Donald McDonald, aged 86 years ; Mrs. Ross, 87 ; Miss
Forbes, 87, and Mrs. McKenzie, the sister of deceased, 86. Mrs. Jane
514 HISTORY OF THE
Dalton followed her pioneer husband, Henry Dalton, to the grave in
1884. She was married in 1825, migrated to Canada in 1828, and for
forty-four years was a resident of Loudon. Of her eleven children,
seven were living at the time of the mother's decease. John Little-
wood, born at Annandale, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, 1775, came to
Horton, N. S., about 1802, and lived there over twenty years. He
came to Canada West in 182G, and settled in the Township of London,
on the farm of the late Eobert Robson, 13th Concession West. Thos.
Howey, who settled on the east line of London Township, went hunt^
ing with a man named (Dr.) Newton in 1821. They started a bear
and chased the animal until night, when they built a wakiup. Next
morning, agreeing upon the direction home, they started out, each one
making observations, but with all their care the next night found the
hunters at the wakiup of the night before. Evidently tliey made too
many observations. After a number of days' travel they saw a hay-
stack, where they slept that night — living on bark and herbs. Next
morning their dog was unable to proceed, but they heard a dog bark
and soon were at Townsend's house, on the Aux Saubles, in the neigh-
borhood of Parkhill. He treated them as lost and starved men should
be treated, then he got then- dog and treated him similarly until all
were ready to return, when he pointed out the trail to Byrou. Joseph
North Hardy died in 1884. He was born in Ireland in 1800, came to
Nissouri with his parents in 1818, where his father died in l,sl9.
That year he moved to Concession 6, London Township, where he
resided until 1839.
Col. John B. Askin, born at Detroit, ]\Iich., in 1787, of Irish par-
ents, died Nov. 15, 1869. Samuel Langford came with his father from
Queen's Co., Ireland, in 1827, and settled on Lot 8, Con. 15, London.
His Lincoln sheep took first prize at the Centennial Exposition in
1876. Piobert Carfrae settled at London in 1830 as a carpenter, where
he resided until November, 1880, when he moved south. On his way
home he died in Ohio, and his death was recorded April 13, 1881. His
cottage in Westminster, at the south end of Talbot street, was known
among the pioneer homes of the city. He it was who sold a large lot
on Dundas, between Kichmond and Clarence streets, for fifty dollars.
Patrick Smith, one of the pioneers of the north part of London Town-
ship, made the collection of farm produce, from the proceeds of the
sale of whicli produce the first Catholic Church building was erected.
Mark Dyer, an old settler of London Gore, died a few years ago, aged
about ninety nine years, which number was also the average weight of
the old man. On one occasion John Hart and Wm. Sumner arranged
an encounter between Dyer and Sam. Sage, of Dorchester, who was a
counterpart of Dyer in physical proportions and love of whisky. The
two pioneers were filled with whisky, and in this condition began the
assault on one another. It was a hideous joke ; but the onlookers en-
joyed it, particularly as the beasts could not inflict any injury. They
rolled and rolled, but beyond this no one was injured. Crowell Wil-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 515
son, jr., born at St. Thomas in 1815, settled in London Township in
1838, and in 1839 established a carding-mill there, working only 9,000
pounds of wool the first year, although it was the only mill between
Goderich, Sarnia and London. In 1845 he worked 45,000 pounds of
wool, notwithstanding the fact that there were then two mills at Lon-
don, one at Goderich, and one in the northern part of London Township.
Only three horses could be found within the limits of the township
in 1824, and something peculiar attached to them. Two of the animals
belonged to one man, and there were only two eyes between the three.
One of the horses had only one eye, the other was totally blind, and
the owner himself possessed only a single optic. Statements have
frequently been made about the great danger incun-ed from prowling
bears and wolves, but Mr. Yerex saw very few of these animals.
In 1817, it is said, there were only two families in London Town-
ship. In 1850 the pooulation was 6,034. In 1849, 62,300 bushels
of wheat, 82,000 bushels of oats, 22,000 bushels of peas, 35,000 bushels
of turnips, with 32,000 pounds of wool, 28,000 pounds of butter, were
produced. Land was held at SI 7 per acre, and wild land at $7. In
1849, there were five grist and four saw-mills in the township.
Among the prominent early settlers of London who resided in or
near the city in 1880 were: — M. J. P. Anderson, 1833; the Beckers
and Wm. Balkwill in 1832; J. Blackburn, 1847; J. M. Cousins,
1842; John Cooper, 1834; Henry Colerick, 1837; R. W. Cowley,
1832; Wm. English, 1835; James Ferguson, 1835; David Glass,
1830 ; Wm. Glass, 1 827 ; W. C. L. Gill, 1842 ; Geo. T. Hiscox and
CD. Holmes, 1837; Charles Hutchinson, 1846; J. Jeffery, 1845;
George Jackson and E. Leonard, 1838 ; H. Mathewson, 1842 ; W. J.
Mcintosh, 1847; W. R. Meredith, 1840; Charles Murray, 1837^
Plummer and Son, 1841 ; Thomas Peel, 1842 ; D. Regan, 1839 ; Col.
James Shanly, 1836 ; F. St. G. Thompson, 1845 ; Thos. Wastie, 1839,
and A. S. Abbott.
The sale of the old toll-gates, within London Township, took place
in February, 1882, J. T. Dinsmore being auctioneer. Gate No. 1,
Hamilton Road, was sold to Thomas Roberts for $92, while other
reUcs were sold to Patrick Flynn, who said : — " I intend to plant them
right in the orchard, so that ray descendants, a hundred years from
now, may get a glimpse of the old relics of barbarism, and have a
faint idea of what we used to suffer and put up with in the nineteenth
century." Dayton's gate was sold to Robert Webster for $50 ; Rising
Sun gate, or that at W. H. Rook's corners, was sold to Henry Sifton
for $42 ; Stinchcombe purchased the Petersville gate for $75 ; while
No. 1 gate, on the Sarnia Road, brought $40.
Churches. — London Township Circuit of the Methodist New Con-
nexion Church was formed in 1835, with James Jackson and J.
Whaley, ministers, the membership being 164. In 1836, Wm. C.
Ward, Alex. Nickerson, J. Whaley and T. Waldron were preachers,
the number being enlarged owing to the fact that St. Thomas was
516 fflSTORY OF THE
united to this circuit. In 1837, Robert Earl, James Bell, J. Haney,
B. P. Brown and W. Benson preached here; in 1838, John Shilton ;
in 1839, Darius Bettis; in 1840, James Laidley ; in 1841, E. Van
Noi-man; in 1842, Edward Bailey; in 1843, Owen Campbell; in
1844, John C. Warren ; in 1845, A. Armstrong ; in 1847, Wm. Both-
well; in 1848, Charles Childs ; in 1849, Henry Coates and J. B.
Kershaw. In 1850 the circuit was divided into London City Circuit
and London North Circuit.
London North Circuit of the Methodist New Connexion Church was
detached from London Township Circuit in 1850, with Henry Coates
and James Baskerville in charge of fifty members. James B. Kershaw
was here in 1851-2; Walter Preston, 1853-5; James Scott, 1856-8,
with E. J. Tyler, assistant; Wm. Tiudall and John McGuire, in 1859;
James Seymour, in 1860-1, with R. Dunlop and A. Hartley, assist-
ants; James Scott, in 1862, with T. L. Wilkinson; Wm. Gundy, in
1863-5, with Burns, Keam and Robinson, assistants ; James White, in
1866-7, with A. B. Walker and N. A. Macdiarmid ; Joseph Folhck, in
1868 ; Wilham Webb, in 1869-70 ; Robert Walker, in 1871-2, Thos.
Grandy being assistant in 1872; Robert Smylie, in 1873-4, with W.
L. Hackett assisting.
The Wesleyan Church building on the 16th Concession line of
London and the middle side-road east of the Proof Line, was completed
February 2, 1862.
The London Wesleyan Circuit, formerly a part of London City Cir-
cuit, was established in 1845, with C. Flumerfelt and Geo. Kennedy,
preachers. In 1846, William Dignam replaced Kennedy. In 1847-8,
William Pollard came, Francis Chapman assisting in 1847, and Charles
Silvester in 1848. Richard Phelps was preacher from 1849 to 1851,
with Edward Wliite and John G. Laird, assistants. In 1852-3, Ale.x-
ander T. Green, with James Taylor and Thomas Crews, preached here ;
in 1854-5, Thomas Cleghorn, with T. Crews and J. W. Savage, were
the ministers ; in 1850-8, John A. Williams, with J. S. Clarke and A.
E. Russ, were on this circuit; in 1859, Charles Turver ; in 1860-1,
John G. Laird and Samuel Tucker; in 1862-3, William English and
Isaac Barber. In 1864, London Circuit ceased to exist, and London
North and London South were established.
London North comprised the northern part of the township. The
first minister was William Chapman, in 1864 ; James Ivison, 1865-6 ;
Wilham J. Hewitt, 1867-9; James Harris, 1870-2; Charles String-
fellow, 1873.
London South, or the south part of London Township, was set off
in 1864. The pastors of the Wesleyan conference were :— Noble F.
Enghsh, 1864-5 ; James E. Dyer, 1866-8 ; Richard J. Forman, 1869-
71; Noble F. English, 1872-3.
London North Methodist Church of Canada comprised Wesleyans
and New Connexion ]\Iethodists, when founded in 1874. Charles
Stringfellow, the first minister, reported 179 members. He with H.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 517
E. Hill were ministers in 1875 ; James Kennedy and William H.
Gane, in 1876 ; he with G. W. Henderson, in 1877, and with William
Penhall in 1878. In 1879, William Walsh and James W. Sifton
were ministers, and he with William H. Spence in 1880 ; William
Walsh, of Birr, and W. H. Spence, in 1881 ; Thomas Jackson, 1882-3 ;
with George Kennedy, jr., assisting, who was replaced in 1884, by F.
B. Stacey.
The Methodist buildings at Melrose were completed in January,
1888, during the administration of Rev. Mr. Muxworthy.
In July, 1833, WilUam Proudfoot, of the United Church of Scot-
land, then settled in London Township, presented a petition to be
authorized to celebrate marriage. This was granted. In July, 1835,
his son was appointed pathmaster, vice himself, who removed. For
over half a century the name has been connected with the Church in
London Township and city. Rev. James Skinner, who died on the
12th Con. of London, October 17, 1865, was pastor of two Presby-
terian congregations in that vicinity for twenty-five years.
Ama, or St. Johns, in 1880 comprised 260 inhabitants. Alfred
Cummings was postmaster; iMrs. Elliott and B. E. Sifton, general
dealers ; Robert Clark, John McNabb and W. Bernard, blacksmiths ;
Edwin Brooks and John Parker, hotel-keepers; W. Guest, harness-
maker; W. Cummings, butcher, and W. B, Thompson, shoemaker.
George Shoults was physician. The manufacturing industries were
represented by James and Wm. Wyatt and G. Allen, wagon-makers,
and Jacob Hawkins's flouring-mill. Arva claimed 200 inhabitants in
1857. John Atkinson, of St. Johns hotel, and John Monaghan were
innkeepers ; Wm. Saunb)', grist-mill ; B. E. S. Sifton, Stiles & Gordon,
merchants; Thomas EUiott, .saloon-keeper and baker; John Elliott,
Robert Orr, Wm. Bell and John McNabb, wagon-makers and black-
smiths; John Hebblethvvaite, cabinet-maker; John Irwin and Job
Wilson, shoemakers; Miss Wheatley, milliner; CroweU Wilson,
farmer ; Green Brothers, woolen-factory and saw-mill ; Joseph Sifton,
postmaster, and Dr. Brunson.
Thomas Elliott, who settled in London Township in 1849, and was
hotel-keeper at Arva (St. Johns) for twenty years, died in September,
1884. He was Captain of the St. Johns Infantry Company, until
succeeded by Geo. Wood, who gave place to Capt. Thomas 0. Robson.
The old Montgomery House near Arva was leased in April, 1883, by
Geo. Porte, of Lucan.
St. John's English Church was presided over in 1845 by Rev. C.
C. Brough. In 1858-9, the name of G. Rylands appears as an incor-
porate member, and among others, the Talbots, Fitzgeralds, Curries
and Lewises. In 1860-1, no less than eighteen members of the Shoe-
bottom family contributed to church work, with the families, — Need-
hams, McGuffins, Monaghans, jMcManes, Waldens, Harrises, Elworths,
Wilsons, Orrs, Powells, Collinses and others.
In 1867, St. John's, including Trinity, St. George's and the Carlisle
518 HISTORY OF THE
Mission, was presided over by Mr. Brough, with Rev. W. Davis in
charge of the last-named three missions. In 1868, Harding's school-
house was added to this parish, and in 1869, Rev. Wilson succeeded
Ml". Davis. Mr. Wilson now resides at Wingham. In 1873, Rev.
J. Walker Marsh, the present rector took charge. The Emmanuel
Church, or Shoebottom congregation, appears to have been formed in
1882, when Rev. R. Fletcher was appointed; in 1884, Rev. W. M.
Seaborne succeeded, and then the present pastor named in the general
chapter.
Hyde Park Corner in 1888 claimed a population of 490. A. E.
Morris was postmaster ; R. G. Fisher, barrister ; Wm. Fuller, saw-mill
owner; J. M.Jackson, physician; 6. S. Kennedy, hotel proprietor;
Malcolm IMcArthur, depot agent ; John Fenner, G. Morris and John
Morris, butchers, and G. Treeiner, carriage builder.
The village is near the Junction of the Grand Trunk Railroad and
the London, Huron & Bruce Railroad, in the midst of a rich agricul-
tural district. Owing to its proximity to London it has never attained
a higher position than a hamlet.
The English Church of Hosannah dates back to May 30, 1881,
the first regular minister being Rev. A. Fletcher, but before that Ven.
Archdeacon Brough used to occasionally hold services. Rev. Mr. Sage
was appointed in 1882, and while services have since been held in the
school-house, his efibrts have resulted in the present church being
commenced. The first trustees were Henry Routledge and Finchamp.
The corner-stone of the new church building was placed July 10,
1888. Churchwardens, Messrs. Thomas Routledge and David Cum-
mings ; Building Committee, Messrs. R. Shaw Wood, John Wallis, jr.,
John Woods, John Routledge, George Nixon, Francis Edwards and
Robert Routledge. The site was presented by Capt. R Shaw Wood.
The modern school-house at Hyde Park was completed in Decem-
ber, 1867, at a cost of Sl,5(i0. The trustees were James Fisher, Jas.
McDonald and Jonathan Wade.
Rev. Andrew Kennedy, who, in 1841, sailed from Scotland for
Canada, and in 1847 settled at Hyde Park, died in ]\Iay, 1882. It
was said in 1881 that he was the oldest Presbyterian minister living.
He was buried in the Proudfoot cemetery.
London West, or Petersville, was incorporated June 5, 1874, on
a motion made by Thomas Routledge, seconded by John M. O'Neil.
AValter Lawrence was appointed returning officer, Gibson Wright and
John Evans having previously taken the census.
In 18S2 Messrs. Hammond, Lackie and Wattam were elected
councillors of London West, with J. Piatt, reeve, and W. Spence, deputy.
In 1884, Messrs. Collins, Smith and Houghton were chosen coun-
cillors for London West, with Reeve Piatt and Deputy-reeve Campbell.
The election of 1887 resulted as follows : — For reeve — Campbell,
209; Lacev, 139. For councillors— Bartlett, 42 ; Chapman, 79 ; Hait-
man, 77; Hammond, 99; A. S. Jeffries, 154: li. S. Rockett, 141 ; W.
Board of Health
Solicitor
Rebate of taxes
55 30
5 62
Separate School tax
71 48
County rates and interest...
. 1,161 17
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 519
Smith, 171. School trustees — Hadden, 62 ; James Jeffries, 202 ;
Kennedy, 183; Moore, 123; Murdock, 138.
In 1888 the Council comprised: — Eeeve Lacey, Deputy-reeve
Macdonald, Councillors Tuttle, Campbell, Eockett ; Treasurer NichoU
and Secretary Minton.
The receipts for the half-year ending June, 1888, amounted to
$10,353.66, of which $9,112.63 were expended as foDows:—
Board of Works $ 605 45 Printing and stationery $ 48 62
Breakwater 259 50 Street lighting 225 00
Schools 1,624 65 ------
Notes and interest 4,398 90
Legislative expenses 157 70
General expenses 55 05
Relief 61 19
Rent of hall 36 00
The Methodist cause in London West (at that time Petersville)
began with prayer-meetings, probably held in private houses, and small
services in the public school-house, about the time Eev. James EUiott
was stationed at North street, in this city. At one time the outlook
was not encouraging, for the school-house services did not draw the
people together. It soon became evident that if progress was to be
made a church must be built. Wesley an clergymen and laymen of
the city assisted, local collections were made by John Elson and others,
and Mrs. Peters, mother of Colonel Peters, presented a building site —
that on which the church now stands. S. Screaton presented the brick
foundation, and Colonel E. Lewis the stained glass windows. The
opening service took place July 31, 1870. The dedication sermons
were preached by the Eev. J. Learoyd, now in the eastern part of the
Province, Eev. Dr. Dewart and Eev. James E. Dyer. The church was
detached from Queen's Avenue Circuit in 1876. John E. Lanceley
was pastor from 1876 to 1878 ; Benjamin B. Keefer, from 1879 to
1880. Thomas Cosford was pastor of London West in 1881 ; Eobert
Fowler, 1882-3; E. B. Lanceley, 1884; and Eev. C. Smith is the
present pastor. In July, 1880, a reopening service was held, Eev. S.
J. Hunter preaching the sermon. The church has been improved at
various times, a commodious school-room added, a handsome parsonage
built, and the church property is valued at about $10,000. The ten-ible
flood of 1883 was a serious blow to this congregation, the homes of
many of the members being destroyed or damaged.
In 1862, Eev. J. P. Du Moulin presided over St. George's parish,
together with the churches at Carlisle and MaiT's school-house, Eev.
E. Sullivan being changed. In 1863, Eev. H. Caulfield was appointed
to the charge of these congi-egations and St. Mary's at McGillivray. In
later years Eev. E. Wilson was appointed to this, with Trinity and
Carlisle ; in 1884, Eev. E. E. Newman.
In 1863, Mt. Du Moulin was transferred to Trinity Church, under
Eev. Mr. Brough, rector of St. John's. Among the incorporate mem-
520 HISTORY OF THE
bers of St. George's Church, London Township, were the Robsons,
Thextons, Eobertses, Lambeits, Stanleys, Waughs, Thirlwalls, Shipleys,
Knowleses, Gibsons, Lowthers, Truborns, Hodgsons, Hartwicks, Walkers,
Bonds, Murphys; while at Carlisle were the Schrams, Longstaffs,
Eoutledges, Rivingtons, Rossers, Toppings, O'Leary, Dr. Hopkins, and
others. Rev. E. Sullivan was rector here in 1858-9, and also attended
the church at Carlisle. In 1S6(), Rev. W. E. Walker took charge.
The EngHsh Church of St. George, Petersville, is flrst named in the
records of 1874-5, when Eev. E. Davis, of St. James's, Westminster,
was pastor. Rev. J. Gemley, assistant to Rev. Innes, of St. Paul's,
London, presided here in 1876 ; Rev. H. F. Darnell, 1879 ; and Rev.
E. E. Newman, 1882. In the general history, reference to this church
is made, and there also the early history of Applegarth's settlement is
given.
While London West is a pretty place throughout, there are not
many residences of a palatial description within its borders. Among
the finest are those belonging to D. C. Macdonald, A. J. B. Macdonald,
Reeve Lacey, W. H. Bartram, Col. Peters, W. W. Fitzgerald, S. F.
Peters, E. F. Johnston, Thos. Macgoey, J. D. Saunby, T. F. Kingsmill,
John Piatt and Mrs. Gower.
Birr in 1888 claimed 150 people. Peter Bowey was postmaster
and general merchant ; Thomas Creighton, hotel-keeper ; L. Lambourn
and John Storey, blacksmiths ; J. S. Hodgins, agent for agricultural
implements. The cheese-factory was the only manufacturing industry
of the settlement. The place is the centre of the live-stock trade, and
several dealers make their homes there. The cheese-factory was
erected in 1888, at a cost of S2,500 ; and on May 2 the manufacture of
cheese was begun, the product averaging 650 lbs. per day during the
season. The officers are : — J. W. Ferguson, president ; E. K. Sale,
vice-president ; Peter Bowey, C. Goulding, and R. M. Hobbs, directors ;
J. W. Taylor, secretary ; and James Bell, treasurer.
The ceremony of opening the new English church at Birr took
place January 18, 1880. The new house stands on the same lot with
the old one, where Archdeacon Brough preached for twenty-five years,
and where he died, March 14, 1873. To Rev. Robert Wilson, who
took charge of the parish in 1872, the completion of tliis church build-
ing was, in a large measure, due.
Elginfield in 18;:)8 claimed 301 inhabitants. Matthew Glass was
postmaster and hotel proprietor ; Stephen McCormick, merchant ;
Patrick Mangle, cheese-manufacturer ; Ellas Blake, brick- manufactur-
er ; James Hawkins, blacksmith ; W'illiam McCorabs, veterinary sur-
geon ; and James Burtch, cabinet-maker. In 1857 the population
was 50, while the business and church circles were made up as follows
— Rev. P. Crinian, Roman Catholic; Dagg & HoUoway, blacksmiths
George Eighenbrot, shoemaker ; Farrell & Smibert, store-keepers
William Frank, postmaster and store-keeper ; Andrew Gardener, tailor
Claudius Hamilton, store-keeper ; James Hawkins, blacksmith ; Wm
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 521
H. Eyan, tavernkeeper ; and Rev. James Scott, New Connexion
Methodist,
Denfield (formerly Brecon) in 1888 claimed 100 inhabitants. John
Edwards was postmaster ; B. McKay, general merchant ; John Orr,
hotel-keeper; Isaac Hodson, wagon-maker ; and D. D. Brazell, saw-
mill owner.
The history of the early Baptist Church is related in the pages de-
voted to Lobo Township.
In October of 1834, an independent organization was effected,
which was long known as the Welsh Baptist Church, and later as the
Denfield Church. The ministers present at its organization were
Elders Paul and Vining. The constituent members numbered between
forty and fift3^ Some years later they determined to build a house of
worship. The resolution was adopted in the evening, and the next
morning five young men went to tho woods and began to cut the
timber. It was hauled out that winter, and the house put up in the
spring. It was in it the present church was formed when the members
withdrew from Lobo.
A frame building succeeded the log, and in it they worshiped
until about 1854, when a storm swept it away. The present house
was erected in 1855 at a cost of $2,000. There was no regular pastor
until 1846, when William Thomas, a Welshman, arrived. Later, D.
W. Eowland, of St. Thomas, preached at intervals ; in 1858, Rev. Thos.
Owen came and served the church for seven years ; he was followed
by Rev. D. W. Rowland, who remained eight years. Afterwards the
pulpit was supplied by students from Woodstock, until E. W. Dodson,
one of them, was called as pastor, and served about seven years, when
Rev. J. Dempsey, the present zealous pastor, took charge. The deacons
are : — Philip Rosser, Griffith Griffiths, and John Rosser, with Thomas
Morgan, jr., clerk.
Ilderton in 1888 claimed a population of 200. J. H. McRae was
postmaster, and he with Paisle}^ & Son, were general merchants ; J. L.
Kendall, railroad agent ; T. McCandless, physician ; H. F. Aylsworth,
harness-maker ; Robert Paisley and S. Reynolds, hotel proprietors ;
Robson & Son, builders ; Henry Storey, hardware ; T. J. Clatworthy,
sash and door factory : E. Ironside, wagon-maker ; W. Patrick, lum-
ber-dealer ; and John Williams, gi'ain-dealer.
Henderson Lodge, 388, A. F. & A. M., was chartered July 1, 1881.
The masters have been : — Robt. Patterson, 1881-2 ; J. T. Dinsmore,
1883-4; Thomas Oliver, 1885; Andrew Brown, 1886 ; J. D. O'Neil,
1887.
Vanneck and vicinity claimed a population of 125 in 1888. J. W.
Robson was postmaster ; Wm. Wood, merchant ; W. T. Robson, physi-
cian ; Bartley Robson, brick and tile manufacturer ; and W. A. Caver-
hill, builder.
Bryanston in 1888 claimed 225 inhabitants. T. B. Goulding
was postmaster ; and he with Edward Dann were general merchants ;
522 msTORY OF the
J. Cheney and G. Easton, blacksmiths ; Joseph Gouldiug, hotel-keeper ;
and J. Beavis, painter. The manufacturing industries comprised the
cheese -factory ; J. & S. Grant's saw-mill ; W. Lampbourn's and C.
Farrar's carriage and wagon-shops. Dr. Clark was resident physician.
Middlesex Lodge, 379, A. F. & A. M., was chartered July 1, 1879.
The past masters are named as follows : — Isaac Nicholson, 1879-80 ;
E, Roberts, 1881 ; I. C. G. Sale, 1882 ; Thomas Gowan, 1883-85; W.
Johnston, 1886 ; D. McPhersou, 1887.
Kensington in 1888 had a population of seventy-five. E. A.
Jones was postmaster and general merchant ; John Horsman and JeiTy
McDonald had hotels here ; John Beaton, a gi'ocery store, and the
barristers, W. W. Fitzgerald and W. H. Bartram resided here. A. &
E. Mountjoy's fruit business, and Murdock's conservatory were at this
point.
New Brighton Circuit was established in 1874, with Charles
Freshman, pastor ; James Charlton presided in 1875 ; Jabez Edmunds,
in 1876-7 ; F. H. Sanderson and A. M. McCulloch in 1878 ; Thomas
Colling, 1879-80; George Brown, 1882-4, with Thomas Cosford
superannuated.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 523
CHAPTER XXV.
m'gillivray township.
McGillivray Township is bounded on the west by Lambton county,
on the north by Huron county, on the east by Biddulph, and on the
south by London, East WilHams and West Williams Townships. The
river Aux Saubles and its tributaries may be said to give a stream to
every section, while on the west line this river loses the character of a
creek, and assumes that of a navigable stream. The greater part
of the extreme western end of the township formed what was known
until recently as " the Canada Company's drowned lands, being liable
to inundation by the Aux Saubles and Spread Creek. The Little
Saubles and other tributaries of the main stream water all the eastern
sections.
In 1885, John Poore, of Lot 25, Con. 5, McGillivray, entered on
the work of boring for water. On January 1, LS86, when the drill
had reached a depth of about ISO feet, a gas vein was struck. On
being ignited the gas burned for three hours, when the rising water
extinguished it. On the pump being introduced, both water and
jjetroleum were discovered.
Official Histoi-y. — In 1843 a meeting, the first recorded, was held
at Eobert Hodgins's house, when Wm. Carter was chosen clerk ; Law-
rence Barry, assessor ; JohTi Hodgius, collector ; Thomas Laughlin,
pound-keeper ; W. Henry, 11. Long and Isaac Moody, wardens ; W.
Lewis, E. MeiTick, E. Seals, Thomas Laughlin and Geo. Barber, school
commissioners.
The names of Lawrence Barry as assessor, and James Varley as
collector, appear in 1844. Isaac Moody, William Lewis and Thomas
Eichardson were wardens. Eobert Hodgins, the collector, reported the
receipt of £26 6s. for roads from Treasurer Harris, of London district.
The pound-keepers in 1845 were John Forbis, John Corbett and Wm.
Boydon; wardens, James Cotter, Thomas Eichardson and Patrick
Flanagan ; assessor, Wm. Barber ; collector, John Hodgins ; councillor,
James Barber ; clerk, Wm. Carter. The pathmasters were : — James
Neil, W. Henry, James Varley, Wm. Lewis, John Cain, John Eyan,
Henry O'Neil, Eichard Sail, Jeremiah Collins, Thomas Elwood, John
Bradley, James Cotter, James Monaghan, Christopher Lewis, John
Doran, James Craig and Wm, Fisher.
In 1846, James Simpson was assessor. In 1847, James Barber
was elected coimcillor. In 1848, George Carter was chosen clerk ;
and WiUiam Carter, councillor, with Patrick Flanagan, Andrew Neil
and James Carter, wardens. In 1850, John Flanagan was appointed
clerk ; William Fisher, reeve ; Thomas Eichardson, collector : James
524 msTORY OF the
Simpson, assessor ; Thomas Hodgins, treasurer ; Eobert Long and John
Graham, auditors; James Handy, superintendent of education. Be-
yond the enactment of sundry laws governing the running of stock at
large, and the improvement or opening of a few roads, the old town-
ship Board did nothing. The new Board of 1850, presided over by
Wm. Fisher, passed a series of municipal laws. In January, 1851,
Patrick Flanagan was elected reeve. At that time the salary of the
clerk was placed at £10 per annum. In 1852, Richard Shoults was
clerk ; John Corbett was reeve, succeeded in 1855 by E. Wood. In
1854, John Wesnidge was appointed clerk (for some time he filled the
office of treasurer), succeeding John Flanagan. Daniel Shoff served
from 1855 to the close of 1860; Edwin Patching from 1861 to the
close of 1864; and William Eraser from 1865 to 1889. In 1856,
Eichard Shoults was appointed reeve, and served iintil succeeded in
1860 by John Corbett. He with Andrew Robinson, deputy, were
serving in 1861-2, when this township and Bidduljih were annexed to
Middlesex.
A meeting was held at Patrick Flanagan's Inn, McGillivray, July
22, 1852, to consider the question of annexing that township and Bid-
dulph to Middlesex. John Corbett presided, with James Porte, secre-
tary. Among the leading supporters were : — Wm. H. Ryan, Wm.
Carter, Patrick Flanagan, Edward Mahon, John Atkinson, Daniel
Shoft; Samuel Bradley, and Pat. Mcllhargy. A petition was drafted
and copies sent to Malcolm Cameron, member for Huron ; Thomas
C. Dixon, member for London; and Crowell Wilson, member for
Middlesex. The act of June 9, 1862, provided, that on January 1,
1863, the Townships of JMcGQlivray and Biddulph be detached from
Huron County and attached to Middlesex. On June 10, 1857, an act
to authorize the Township of McGillivray to dispose of unopened and
unused road allowances was assented to. In 1850, when the town-
ship was organized under the new municipal act, five freeholders were
to be elected to form the Council, but there were only six of such resi-
dents in the township : — Wm. Carter, John Corbett, James Marr, Wm.
Amos, Andrew Robinson and Andrew Erskine, took up their lands
here. The two last-named having explored the township for forty
miles without a guide, save the land map, they found the lots they
located at the Goderich office, and made their homes thereon in 1849.
Patrick Flanagan, Richard Shoults, James Barber, Wm. Carter, and
James C. Priestly, the last-named, a settler of the fall of 1849 ; Thos.
Hodgins, William Fisher, John Flanagan, with Andrew Robinson, and
Andrew Erskine, were here in 1850.
Daniel S. Cameron, born in Lobo in 1842, went with his parents
to McGillivray in 1849. His father Samuel came from Scotland in
1833, and he (himself) was a prisoner of the Patriots at Fort Garry for
two months in 1870. Mrs. Catherine Doyle, who was one of the
pioneers of McGillivray, died Feb. 18, 1888, aged 84 years. Dr.
Cornelius East, who died at Forest in September, 1883, settled with
COtTNTT OF MIDDLESEX. 525
his parents in McGillivray in 1849. In 1873 he began the practice
of medicine at Napier. James Watson settled in McGillivray in
1847, and in 1848 he and his brother Eichard built the first house on
Con. 13. His death took place Feb. 21, 1887. John Simpson, who
for forty-five years resided in McGillivray, died May 16, 1886. Mrs.
Donald Mackenzie, of McGillivray, was killed by a falling tree, April
7, 1874. Wm. Walsh was killed at Yankee Crossing, Oct. 11, 1887.
Of many of the old settlers of McGillivray, there were residing there
in 1878-80 the following named: — Phillip Rosser, a settler of 1835;
James Brophey, 1843; John Brighton, 1851; Thomas A. Boynton.
1850 ; John J. Cassidy, 1852 ; James Corbett, 1843 ; W. L. Corbett,
1844; James DarHng, 1855; Joseph Dancey, 1857; A. Erskine,
1849 ; Wm. Fraser, 1858 ; Wm. A. Tike, 1856 ; Eobert Gardner, sr.,
1849; Wm. Hutchinson, 1853; John Hodgins, 1849; Alex. Hotson,
1851 ; Thomas Hall, 1852 ; George Harlow,' 1842 ; John Kelly, 1851 ;
John Little, 1852; T. Mclnnes, 1853; James Marr, 1852; Aaron
Marrett, 1855; C. T. McPherson, 1853; R. Neil, 1852; Wm. O'Neil,
1846; E. Patching, 1850; Hugh Quigley, 1853; J. S. Smith, 1856;
F. E. Slack, 1850 ; Duncan Stevenson, 1851 ; John Smith, 1853 ;
Daniel Shoff, 1840 ; and Wm. Eraser, 1858.
West McGillivray in 1888 claimed a population of 75. William
Eraser was postmaster and merchant ; D. J. Craig, hotel-keeper ; Wm.
Smith, brick-manufacturer ; John Patterson, wagon-maker ; H. McRan,
shoemaker, and Wm. Weir, blacksmith. Patrick Maguire was the
first postmaster. He was succeeded by George Stonehouse, and he by
William Eraser, who has held the position for about a quarter of a
century. The first trial in Middlesex County under the Scott Act was
that of David J. Craig, of West McGillivray, May 3, 1886. He was
charged with selling liquor to the council of the township, but Magis-
trate Wells did not consider the evidence of Shoff, Lintott and Lucas
sufficient to convict, and so dismissed the charge.
Lieury in 1888 claimed a population of 75. Alex. Smith was
postmaster and general merchant ; J. J. Hymers, carriage-builder ;
Wm. Smith, brick and tile manufacturer ; J. H. Hodgins, blacksmith ;
W. McCartney, tailor ; J. Buchanan, carpenter, and James Ross, shoe-
maker,
Corbett contained a population of 40 in 1888. John Corbett was
postmaster and owner of the flouring-mill ; Brown and Young were
general merchants; J. McPherson, wagon-maker; W. J. Pollock,
blacksmith ; J. H. Ryan, hotel-keeper, and James Hawker, lumber-
dealer.
Moray in 1888 had a population of 125. David Poulter was
postmaster and general merchant; George Birnes, hotel proprietor, and
Thomas Jennings, lumber mills proprietor.
Brinsley claimed 100 population in 1888. George Brown, the
postmaster, also kept a general store ; John Hodgins was blacksmith ;
E. Sholdice, wagon-maker, and Robert Scile, saw-mill owner.
526 HISTORY OF THE
McGillivray is made up of W. J. Wilson's large general stores.
He also is postmaster.
Churches. ■ — McGilliway Circuit of the Wesleyan Ghurcli was
established in 1862, with Eev. Geo. Sexsmith, minister. In 1863, Wm.
Tucker presided, succeeded in 1864 by George Sexsmith, who was
pastor in 1867, when the name was changed to Ailsa Craig. The
church just west of McGillivray's store was erected in 1865 in the old
burial ground.
The members of West's class of Wesleyans in 1866 were : —
Samuel West and family, the Hannas, Kobinsons, Eees, Joneses, Wil-
liamses, Kennedys, Cassadys, Tweddles, Camerons, Nickols, Tedders,
and Coles. Nursery class of the Methodist Church of Lucan appears
on the records of 1884. Among the members at that time the names
of the following are given : — Joseph Dixon, Geo. Shoults, David Cob-
bledicks, John Grundy and wife, Wm. Lewis, John Atkinson, Jonas
Powe, the Neils, James Thompson, Frank Abbott, Richard Culbert,
W. W. Eivington, Thomas Cloff, Geo. Williams, and their famiUes,
with a few others. This class forms one of the appointments of Lucan
Circuit.
Another church was organized there in 1861, by Eev. Jas. Walker,
who came from New Brunswick to spend a season with his followers
here. In May, 1862, organization was completed with Peter, Ann,
Sarah, Alexander and Charlotte Cathro ; Francis and Eliza Lowe ;
David and Jane Daly ; John McVicker ; William and Eliza Alway ;
Levi, Ezra and Eleanor Turner ; Catherine Kennedy ; T. Woodburn ; E.
Holland ; Edward and Eliza Lonsborough, and Pha?be Saunders. Ezra
Turner was ordained pastor September 3, 1862, by a council of the
churches known as the London Welsh, first and second of Lobo,
Pinehill, Sylvan and Arkona. In the fall of 1866, a frame building
was erected on land donated by John Holmes, next to the burial
ground hitherto donated by Mr. Castro. The last pastor of this society
was Eev. E. Fountain, who migrated to Ohio in April, 1888.
The brick Presbyterian Church of Lieury was dedicated in October,
1880. The congregation of this church isrefeiTed to in other pages.
St. Mary's English Church, McGillivray, may be said to date back
to 1863, when Eev. H. Caulfield, of St. George's, London Township,
was appointed to this mission. In 1864 a mission was established in
West McGillivray under his care. In 1866, W. E. Walker was ap-
pointed. In 1869-71, Eev. W. Davis was pastor; Eev. F. Eyan,
1873 ; Eev. C. J. Green, 1874-5. In 1877, Mr. Holmes attended to
St. Mary's and Christ Church, and also Carlisle mission, as well as
Trinity, of Ailsa Craig. In 1878, Eev. W. Johnson.
In 1847, Eev. H. C. Cooper presided over the English Church,
McGillivray, or Devonshire settlement, which then had five stations
(but no church building) and eighty members.
St. Mark's Church, of MctJillivray, was presided over in 1859 by
Eev. S. Tighe, who was also rector of Biddulph.
COUNTY OF MIDDLE.SEX. 527
Boston mission was established in 1878, during the first year of
Mr. Johnston's administration. Eev. W. Davis presided over McGilli-
vray mission in 1869-71, including Ailsa Craig, St. Mary's, Christ
Church and Parkhill congregations.
The early members of the Catholic Church in McGillivray, where
Father Kirwan held a station in 1849, were : — Philip Eegan, P. Gla-
vin, Edmund Glavin, M. Glavin, Patrick Neary, Launcelot O'Dwyer,
Daniel Hobbius, M. Tinor, M. Ruddy, Thomas Darby, Patrick Fogarty,
John Keane, Bartholomew O'Neil, P. Maguire, Lawrence Barry, John
Mcllhargy, P. Eyan, P. Cowley, John McDonnell, D. Franklin, Charles
Clarke, Patrick Flanagan, Hugh Carson, John and Stephen Pocock,
John Finn, John Eourke, Thomas Cosgrove, Michael Kennedy, Philip
Eielly, Hugh Boland, Timothy and Patrick Kennedy, Andrew Beahan,
Martin Casey, Hugh McCaffrey, John and William Flanagan, Peter
Logan, James McFarlane, James McPeake, J. Fogarty, Donald Magin-
nis, Wm. Thompson, John Burns, Dennis O'Brien, Thomas Flood, John
Deignan, John Malone, John Christie and James O'Connor. Since
1871 McGdhvray has been attended from Mt. Carmel, of which parish
Eev. P. Brennan was rector at that time. In 1875, Eev. M. Byrne
came, and in 1880, Eeverends M. Kelly and E. O'Keefe.
The recent appointments of ministers to all churches are noticed in
the general chapter.
Agricultural Society. — The McGillivray Agricultural Society was
organized about 1860, with J. S. Smith, president, and Richard Shoults,
secretary, served until 1876, when he moved to Parkhill. William
Wright succeeded him and is now secretary, with Mr. Marr, president.
HISTOKY OF THE
CHAPTER XXVL
METCALFE TOWNSHIP.
Metcalfe Township is bounded north by Adelaide, east by Caradoc,
south by Ekfi'id, and west by Mosa townships and Lambton county.
The Sydenham Eiver or Bear Creek receives many streams here, and
assumes the proportions of a river. With its feeders it gives to almost
every lot in the township a flowing stream. In Metcalfe there were
grist and saw-mills in 1850, wild land brought $6, and improved land
$18 per acre. In 1849, 7,000 bushels of wheat and 2,000 of mangold
were produced. The population being 953.
Metcalfe Township dates its settlement back to 1832, when the
" commuted pensioners," Captains Beear, Johnston, Hughes and others,
located on lands in the northern sections, Beear alone obtaining over
700 acres on the Sydenham Creek. In 1833-4 the actual pioneers
arrived, and they kept far away to the south from the pensioners.
David Brown, who died in 1836, his son, Eobert, John Lemon and
George Mortimer are credited with being the working pioneers. The
Walkers, Mitchells and McCallums, Scotch or Scotch-Irish, settled in
the western sections, McCallum dying there in 1876, having almost
reached the age of five score years. In the early years of IMetcalfe
those old settlers had to march twenty miles south to Kilworth for a
grist-mill ; to London, thirty miles away, or to Port Stanley, fifty miles
away, for markets. A pioneer of 1833, giving a pen-picture of the
township in early days, says : — " At that time there was no Township
of Metcalfe, for Metcalfe was, in 1846, formed of a part of the Town-
ship of Adelaide and a part of Ekfrid. The now Township of Metcalfe
was, in 1833, almost an unbroken forest, and inhabited by wild
animals, and, occasionally, the red man on the chase. But that forest
has since succumbed to the hardy woodman's axe, and, in the room
thereof, we have now the large fields of golden grain, as well as the
nutritious pastures and meadows so much desired for the support of
man and iDeast. In the early days the carriages were not quite so
light or stylish as they are at the present time. The first can'iage that
I saw, and knew to be owned in the township, was one with the wheels
cut off a large oak and no irons about it, and very noisy at that, for
every time the wheels rolled they went all the way round, and it could
be heard about two miles. I have, on several occasions, met an old lady,
who then lived three or four miles west of Kat«sville, with fifty pounds
of flour on her back, which she used to caiTy from Woodhull's mills at
Kilworth Village to where she lived near Warwick, and I beheve no
lady of the present day can do the same. But I am often now re-
minded of the old lady carrying the flour when I see young ladies of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 529
the present day wearing the ' Grecian Bend.' I have often seen a
farmer's wife in the olden time take one baby on her back and another
in her arms, and go into the woods and hunt the cows, while her good-
man would be away in an older settlement earning flour for his family
at home, or, perhaps, the money to pay his taxes. And I believe very
few ladies of the present day, at least, this side of Parry Sound, will
do the Hke now. I have known good fall wheat to be sold for twenty-
five cents per bushel ; and I have seen flour sold at $14 per barrel of
196 pounds. In the spring of 1837 oats were sold in Caradoc for seed
at $1.50 per bu-shel of thirty-four pounds, and in the fall of the same
year oats were sold for ten cents. Often have I seen a yoke of oxen
driven from here to Port Stanley with loads of grain for sale, and then
get very little for it."
Christopher Beear, or Beer, a commander in the royal navy, was
granted 800 acres of land in Adelaide, on the 10th and 11th Conces-
sions, and in 1830 took possession. In 1832 he brought out his family.
During the troubles of 1837-8, he commanded a boat at the " cutting
out " of the Caroline, which went over Niagara. He died in Metcalfe,
July 22, 1871, aged 82 years. Eobert Boyd, born at Grenville Co.,
Ont., in 1823, accompanied his parents a few years later to thek
pioneer home in Metcalfe. Ultimately, he carved out for himself a
home on Lot 12, Con. 14, in that township, where he resided until his
death, Aug. 24, 1879. For ten years prior to his death he was class-
leader of the Methodist Church. Edward Goldrick, a pioneer of Met-
calfe, died Sept. 7, 1881. In 1829, Wm. Eundle and wife settled on
Amherst Island, and in 1838 moved to Metcalfe. Mrs. Eundle, a
daughter of Thomas Moyle, died in August, 1881, at Strathroy. John
Bateman, born in Ireland in 1824, settled in Metcalfe about 1839 ;
was magistrate in 1858, and reeve of Caradoc for many years. Died
in January, 1879. Wm. Henry, born in Ireland in 1800, died in
Metcalfe in 1881. In 1837-8 he resided in Southwold Township;
served as a volunteer, and in 1840 settled in Ekfrid. Joseph Laughton,
born in London Township in 1844, but in 1855 moved with Iris par-
ents to Metcalfe.
Eobert Bentley, born in Ireland in 1816, came with his father's
family to Canada in 1827. About 1832 the family moved to Ohio,
but during the Eebellion of 1837-8 they fled to Canada, owing to the
fact that the people of Ohio all sympathized with the Patriots. The
Bentleys took up arms for the British authorities. In 1838, Eobert
and an elder brother began freighting on the London and Hamilton
road, and continued so until 1853, when he purchased 200 acres in
Metcalfe, near Katesville, and opened a general store in the village.
Many of the pioneers of the townships round Strathroy remember the
Bentley wagons, and the weary, tedious journey from Hamilton to
Londou. Eobert died January 4, 1879. The Winter family settled
here in 1850. Mrs. John Morgan, who with her father, brothers and
sisters, came in 1856-7, died in April, 1879.
530 HISTORY OF THE
Among the early settlers who are named in a list of prominent
residents of 1878-80, the names of the following persons are given
with the date of settlement in the county : — Thomas and Richard
Moyle, 1829 ; Wm. Taylor and Thomas Harley, 1832 ; John T. Charl-
ton, 1S25 : David Francis, Charles Brown and Robert Brown, 1834 ;
John ^litchel, 1835 ; D. McKellar, Sylvester Moore, and Wm. Boyd,
1838 ; John Gough and E. J. Thomas, 1837 ; Anthony Toohill, 1836 ;
Wm. Brock and Wm. Henry, 1840 ; John and Alex. Arthurs, John
Hutton and John Johnston, 1843 ; Joseph Field and Neil Munroe,
1845 ; John and Richard Rielly, 1844; and Richard Henry, 1846.
Napier. — In 1852, when the firm of Keefer & Cook was dissolved
at Strathroy, Mr. Keefer, in partnership with Col. Arthur, established
a saw-mill on Bear Creek, at a place they called Napier. The quantity
of iine walnut timber in Metcalfe suggested this enterprise. They
also established a store there, and had a post-ofi&ce established, of
which Keefer was first master.
The village claimed a population of 150 in 1857. The business
interests were represented as follows: — Col. John Arthur, Edward
Gouldrick, Munro & Bingham, merchants ; George Emerick, innkeeper ;
Jas. Ball, saloonkeeper ; Abram Frelick, Chas. Knapton and Donald
McKellar, blacksmiths ; Thomas Boyd, shoemaker ; David Bowers,
carpenter ; John Munro postmaster ; Arthur Clarke, agents for
Provincial Insurance Company ; J. Sutherland & Co., grist, saw and
woollen-mill owners ; Henry Sifton, owner of steam grist and saw-miUs.
Napier in 1888 claimed over 200 inhabitants. John Hutton was post-
master, and he with J. S. Calvert and Robert Brock were general
merchants. Richard Dunlop's saw-mill, F. Marcom's pump-factory,
and Stevenson's and W. H. Sutherland's woolen-mills were the manu-
facturing industries. A. Nixon was physician ; Chas. Knapton, hotel-
proprietor, and Alex. Bowlby, cabinet-maker.
Churches. — The early members of the Catholic Church in Metcalfe,
whose names appear on the records of 1849, written by Father Kirwan
during his visit of that year, are :— Martin Callinan, Patrick Finnerty,
John Bolger, ]\I. McMurray, Joseph Brady, James Brady, Ulick Joyce,
Owen McMurray, John Kilbride, Thomas Gaitley, Wm. May, John
Lawe, Patrick Mclntire, Thomas Coleman, John Cribbins, Henry St.
Leger, Wm. Lawe, John Brady, Arthur Harpe, John O'Brien, Charles
Turner, Wm. Monahan, M. McAuliff'e, Martin Callinan and M. Malony.
The mission was attended from Adelaide up to 1871, when it became
a part of Strathroy parish. In 1852-4, Rev. M. McNulty attended
the Metcalfe and Ekfrid mission.
St. Marys mission of the English Church is mentioned in 1863.
Mr. Falls was pastor. He also presided over Adelaide, including St.
Catharines at Katesville, St. Annes or Adelaide and Strathroy. Rev.
S. L. Smith was appointed rector of St. Marys in 1876), and since that
time the pulpit has been variously filled, as related in other pages.
The new Presbyterian Church building at Napier was opened
January 8, 1888, Rev. J. R. Johnston, of Alvinston, being pastor.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 531
Napier, formerly a part of Mount Brydges Wesleyan Circuit, was
established in 1860, and Eev. James Thornton appointed pastor ;
William W. Miller served from 1861 to 1863 ; John K. VVilliston, in
1864; Elias W. Frazee, in 1865; John L. Kerr, 1866; James Laird,
1867-8; Ebeuezer Teskey, 1869-70; James H. Stonehouse, 1871-2,
and John R. Isaac, in 1873. At this time the membership was
seventy, being eleven over the number in 1860. In 1874, Napier
Wesleyan Society was presided over by William Shannon; but in
1875 the mission was divided into Appin and Kerwood. Appin and
Napier Circuit was established in 1880, with Henry E. Hill and G.
Lounds, ministers ; W. Penhall and E. W. Scanton, in 1881-2 ; Wm.
Penhall and C. W. Holden, in 1883 ; James E. Ford and William
Cridland, in 1884. The brick church on Con. 14, Metcalfe, was dedi-
cated by Eev. E. B. Eyckman, of the London Conference, and H. E.
Hill, of the Appin Circuit, October 6, 1878. The building co.st $1,800.
D. D. McPhail, of Strathroy, and Howard Davis were the contractors.
Societies. — Ionic Lodge, 328, A. F. & A. M., was organized under
dispensation June 16, and under charter July 15, 1875. The first
officers were : — N. J. Lindsay, W. M. ; G. W. Harris, S. W. ; Thomas
Hayes, J. W. ; H. G. Lindsay, secretary ; Alex. Arthurs, treasurer ; E.
B. Hungerford, chaplain ; Jas. Graham, S. D. ; E. Corsheron, J. D. ;
H. Fryer, steward ; F. Harris, I. G. ; J. Stewart, tyler. The list ot
past-masters is as follows: — N.J.Lindsay, 1875 to 1877; Eichard
Dunlop, 1878; E. Corcoran, 1879; Michael Bennett, 1880 ; James
W. Cameron, 1881-2 ; A. Arthurs, 1883; W. S. Galvert, 1884 ; Alex.
Cameron, 1885; W. J. French, 1886; James Buchanan, 1877.
Among the fatal accidents in this neighborhood, not mentioned in
the general chapter, are those of John Sutherland, who was killed by
one of his horses, Nov. 26, 1872; and of Michael Mc. Murray, who was
frozen to death near his home, a mile from Kerwood, in December, 1872.
Katesville is one of the oldest villages in Western Middlesex, and
for this reason its early history, like that of Adelaide, is given in the
general chapter on the settlement of the county, while mention is
made of it in the sketches of Adelaide and of Strathroy. For years a
general store was conducted here by John Brennan, who, in 1850 was
a leading merchant. The village in 1857 contained a population of
150. Among the business men were : — Wm. McClatchey, E. W.
Brennan, Eobert Bentley, and Kent and Long, merchants; James
Shepherd, Francis Kells, and James Killbride, innkeeper; James
Miller, builder ; George Murphy, painter ; James Kells, cooper ; Thos.
Duncan and W^m. Fulton, shoemakers ; Wm. Clarke, carriage-maker ;
Patrick Finaughty, tailor ; Sam. Maddock, laborer ; Alfred Session,
smith and wagon- maker; Thomas Session, farmer; Wm. Patterson,
no occupation ; Eev. Wm. King, of the Scotch Church, and Eev. A.
Mortimer, of the Adelaide church ; Wm. McClatchey was postmaster.
Katesville post-office was discontinued in 1869.
A Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized March 24,
532 rasTORY OF the
1875 with the following officers : — S. W. DeU, master ; Samuel Laugh-
ton, overseer ; Joseph Laughton, lecturer ; James Laughton, steward ;
Matthias Mann, assistant steward ; George Laughton, chaplain ; S.
Moore, treasurer ; John E. Laughton, secretary ; David Laughton,
gate-keeper ; Mrs. E. Kettlewell, Ceres ; Mrs. D. Mann, Pomona ;
Mrs. G. Jonger, Flora; Mrs. S. Laughton, lady assistant steward. In
1876 a counterfeiter's den was discovered here and broken up.
Wisbeach. — St. Paul's, Wisbeach, was established in 1877 as a
part of Adelaide parish, although as early as 1872 there was a frame
church there which cost $900, and a church population of 200. In
1870-G, Rev. li. Fletcher, of Warwick, attended this mission ; in
1855, Eev. J. P. Curran; in 1866, Rev. J. C. Gibson; and in 1858,
Eev. A. Williams, of Warwick.
Kilmartin had a population of 110 in 1888. D. B. Mclntyre
was postmaster and hotel proprietor. The Presbyterian Church at this
point is noticed in the history of Ekfrid Township.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 533
CHAPTER XXVII.
MOSA TOWNSHIP.
Mosa Township, forming the extreme soxith-western division of the
county, is bounded south by the Thames, which divides it from Elgin.
Kent county forms its southern, and Lambtou County its northern, Una
on the west ; while Metcalfe and Ekfrid bounds it on the east. From
a hue about one mile south of the railroad to a line two miles north,
may be called a plateau. South of this, a dozen or more of small
streams meander toward the Thames, while northward, numerous
feeders of Bear Creek flow toward the north-west.
Mosa, in 1850, contained 1,775 persons. There were two grist
and two saw-mills, one fulling-mill and one carding machine in oper-
ation. In 1849, the township produced 13,700 bushels of wheat. The
only large settlement was Wardsville, then boasting of 200 inhabitants.
Mosa was first settled by Talbot St. John Ward, Big John Ward,
Alex. Ward, John D. Anderson, John Coyne, Andrew and George
Fleming, James Allgeo, Arch. McCallum, McClarkty and Campbell,
all of whom preceded the Walker brothers and Wm. Johnston in the
order of settlement. Alex. Ward kept tavern west of Strathburn late
in the thirties. This family is often referred to in the general history.
George Barnes, born in Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1796, came to Canada
in 1817, worked for Colonel Bostwick, and cut the first tree on the site
of Port Stanley, taking as payment for his work a lot of land in West-
minster. In 1820 he was married to Mary Montross by Colonel Bur-
well at the only house then in St. Thomas. In that year he settled in
Mosa, and twenty-one years later located in Lobo. His death took place
at Strathroy, October 18, 1880, seventeen years after the death of his
wife. Nelson Mills, now of Marysville, St. Clair County, Mich., settled
in Mosa in 1826 with his father. Daniel Hurley, who came from Cork
County, Ireland, in 1824 and settled near St. Thomas, located in Mosa
Township in 1828. His wife, who accompanied him to Canada, died
March 20, 1888, whHe her husband died in 1860.
Eichard Williams, born in Southwold in 1827. In 1837 his parents
died in Mosa, whither they had moved in 1830. Jane McLachlan,
who married Donald Ferguson in 1818, and moved to Aldborough in
1819, was living in Mosa in 1876, aged 88 years. Her husband died
in 1851. Mrs. Catherine McLachlan, the relict of Hugh McLachlan,
of Mosa, died February 27, 1874, aged 88 years. She settled on the
farm where she died in 1830. John Walker, a native of Ireland,
migrated to the United States in 1832, but settled in Mosa in 1834.
He resided there until his death in October, 1881.
Mrs. Symes, wife of Captain WilHam Symes, of Glencoe, died in
34
534 HISTORY OF THE
1885. In 1831, she was mamed at Toronto, and in 1834 settled at
Glencoe. Mrs. Jane (Cochrane) Gross, who, years ago resided near
Glencoe, died at Waterdown, April 3, 18S6. Donald McLean, who
settled in Aldborough in 1831, and in Mosa in 1834, died in 1883.
For 50 years he was connected with the Old School Baptists of this
neighborliood. Mrs. Nathaniel Currie died March 13, 1888. She was
the daughter of the pioneer, William Weekes, who settled near Glen-
coe. In 1845 her marriage with Mr. Currie was solemnized.
Archibald Campbell, who settled in Alborough in 1818, moved to
Wardsville in 1876. Among the old settlers of Mosa who were lead-
ing residents there in 1878-80, are named : — Wm. Jones, 1822 ; G. B.
Fleming and Jos. M. Ward, 1827 ; John Hilman, 1831 ; John and
Beuj. Watterworth and C. De Graw, 1832; Elijah Lumley, 1833;
Alex. Armstrong, James Coyne John Simpson and Thomas Simpson,
1837; W. J. Simpson and Wm. Weekes, 1836 ; James Stewart, 1835 ;
M. McLarty and Andrew McAlpine, 1840; Wm. Gilbert, 1841; W.
R. Dobie and Fred. Parr, 1842; W. L. Palmer, 1844 ; A. J. Campbell,
George Mclntyre and Joseph Walker, 1847. James Banning's father
was a settler prior to 1832. Twenty-six years ago Mr. Dufton settled
in the village.
Official History. — Adam Hattie, the first clerk of Mosa was suc-
ceeded by Dr. Charles RoUs, sr. In 1852, Andrew Wilson was
appointed clerk, and he was succeeded in 1888 by Benj. Watterworth.
The council of Mosa, elected in 1851, comprised A. D. Ward, James
Gardiner, Weekes, Munro and King. In February, 1888, Duncan
Campbell, Andrew Wilson, Benj. Watterworth, John S. Walker and
W. II. Blott were appointed members of the Board of Health for Mosa,
with Dr. Walker, of Glencoe, physician. The reeves and deputies
representing this township in the county council, are named in the
chapter on the transactions of that body. The town records, with the
exception of the modern books could not be found, although a search
was made by the present and past clerks for them.
The oldest record book in possession of Benjamin Watterworth, is
dated Jan. 19, 1857, when Neil Munro, George Currie, James Gardi-
ner, Charles Armstrong and John Dobie, councillors, were present.
James Gardiner was chosen reeve ; Thomas Kent and D. B. Strathy,
auditors ; John Walker, assessor ; George J. Smith, collector. At this
time By law No. 68 was adopted, providing for the loan of £650 to
build a school-house on Section 4. (This house was burned about
1877.) In 1858, Thomas Robinson and D. S. McKellar's names
appear; Dr. Charles Rolls was reeve, and, in 1860, John Munro suc-
ceeded Dr. Rolls. In this year John Watterworth was councillor.
The Agricultural Society was organized about thirty years ago.
Among the directors were Andrew Thompson, Benjamin Watterworth,
Nathaniel Currie, C. A. O'Malley, sr., J. Coyne and B. Sampson. Up to
1879 fairs were held at Wardsville. The presidents since 1872 are
named as follows : — David Gibb, 1872-3 ; James Banning, 1874^6 ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 535
Benj. Watterworth, 1877-80 ; John S. Walker, 1881-6 ; Mark Walker,
1887. Vice-presidents : — Thomas Simp.son, 1872 ; Benj, Watterworth,
1873; B.Sampson, 1874; J. McGregor, 1875-6; B. Sampson, 1877;
J. S. Walker, 1878; Mitchell Walker, 1879 ; J. S. Walker, 1880; A.
B. McKellar, 1881 ; Isaac Eathburn, 1882 ; N. Currie, 1883-6 ; and A.
B. McKellar, 1887-8. The secretaries have been : — Andrew Thompson,
1872-82 ; Benj. Watterworth, 1883-8. The officers for 1888 are :—
Mark Walker, president ; A. B. McKellar, vice-president ; Benjamin
Watterworth, secretary ; Duncan Campbell, John Watterworth, Isaac
Eathburn, A. M. Leitch, John S. Walker, N. Currie, sr., C. S. W.
Simpson, B. Watterworth and John Guy, directors. There are 122
members. In January, 1879, a motion by Nathaniel Currie, seconded
by B. Sampson, expressing the wish of the Mosa Society to unite with
that of Ekfrid for a union of fairs, was adopted.
Churches. — The Methodist Episcopal Church, known as the Simp-
son appointment, dates back to the fifties, when services were held in the
school-house where the church now stands. Among the early mem-
bers were : — John Simpson, Elijah Sutton, Elijah Lumley, Benjamin
Watterworth, and the widow Anne Watterworth ; while in the squire's
class were six members of that family and John Webber. Later we
find Benjamin Watterworth's class comprising eight members of that
family, seven Gilberts, two Hennans, two De Graws, four Williamses,
two Johns, John Simpson, Mrs. Lumley, Lydia Thomas, and Mrs.
Sampson. In 1884 those classes were merged into the Methodist
Church of Canada.
The Baptist Church of the Watterworth settlement on the Long-
woods road, three miles east of Wardsville, was dedicated December
31, 1882. Eev. Mr. Best assisted the pastor, Eev. jMr. Carey.
Eev. Alex. Eraser, for several years pastor of the Presbyteiian Church
at Longwoods, died near Fort Ellice, N. W.T., in 1883.
In 1845, Abram Francis donated eleven acres to the English Church
of Mosa.
Fires. — In September, 1883, John Carrie's farm -buildings were
destroyed by fire. Part of the buildings formed, at one time, what was
known as Heywood's hotel, on the Longwoods road. A painting
representing this fire is the work of H. N. McEvoy. The fire in Mosa,
September 14, 1873, destroyed John Ferguson's house. His aunt, a
woman of eighty years, was burned to a crisp.
Battle with a Bull. — In May, 1888, a young man named Fred.
James was attacked by a two-year-old bull, and a terrible struggle
for supremacy ensued. The youth received the first fall, but succeeding
in catching the animal by the horns, lodged several well-aimed blows
on his eyes, and ultimately won the unequal contest by kicking the
furious beast on the jaw.
Longiuood in 1888 had a population of 75. Daniel Nicholls was
postmaster and also hotel proprietor ; E. Nicholls, general merchant ;
Miss Pratt, dressmaker ; James Coulter, dealer in agricultural imple-
536
HISTORY OF THE
ments ; and John Pratt, dealer in boots and shoes. Oliver White, who
for fourteen years was agent at Longwood Station, postmaster and
wood and tie contractor for the Air Line and Canada Southern roads,
died at Glencoe, November 25, 18S0.
Knajxiale in 1888 claimed a ])opulation of 55. James McDonald
was postmaster ; D. & N. Mitchell, lumber dealers ; and CoUn Mcln-
tyre, dealer in live stock.
Cashviere, also called Canton, was a village of 100 inhabitants in
1857. There were the Bennett sash factory, George Fleming's saw-mill,
James Gardiner's carding and giist-mill, also Gardiner's saw-mill and
blacksmith shop. Singleton Gibb's saw-mill and blacksmith shop, John
Meloch's blacksmith-shop, Charles Hawkins's cabinet-shop, Christopher
Hendershott and Henry Fleming, tavern-keepers ; E. M. Heal, post-
master ; Daniel Campbell, carpenter ; and Wm. Gardiner, land-owner.
The hamlet of 1888 had a population of sixty. George ]\Iansfield, the
postmaster, was also general merchant ; Michael Dixon carried on the
flouring-mill, and Hector McNeil was wagon-maker.
The deluge of Cashmere occurred in February, 1876. The ice-jam
at Moravian Town bridge, five miles west, caused the river to rise
twenty-seven feet above low water, thus flooding the village to a depth
of from three to five feet. It is said that there was not dry land
enough on the Cashmere town plot to keep the village pigs on. In
March, 1862, the Cashmere well was bored by Leick. At a depth of
sixty-two feet the auger entered the gas region. When taken out, gas
issued from the boring with a great roar. A match was applied when
the flame rose five feet over the Allen pipe. Leick found nothing but
soapy clay for fifty-eight feet under the four feet of surface clay.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 537
CHAPTER XXVIII.
NEWBURY VILLAGE.
Prior to the establishment of the office, Newbury was known as
Wardsville Station. The first house was built by Eobert Thompson in
1851 south of the railroad, the same which is now owned by Robert
Anderson. The owner donated seven acres to the Railroad Company
for depot purposes. The Newbury post-office dates back to 1853,
when Robert Thompson kept the office where William Jeffrey now
lives. About 1856, G. C. Secord was appointed, and kept the office
where the Commercial Hotel now stands, then Secord's private house.
In 1858, Thomas Robinson was appointed master, and held the office
until 1882, when Joseph B. Kelly, the present incumbent, was
appointed. Mr. Robinson had the office in his store just south of
Guppy's new store, the same which was destroyed in the fire of 1887.
Thomas Robinson, born in Roscommon County, Ireland, in 1824, came
to Newbury in 1850, and was in the employ of the Great Western
Railroad. In 1854 he opened a general store in the village, in 1865
erected a saw-mill, and in 1867 a new store building. In 1859 he
was appointed postmaster, and in 1873 elected first reeve of the town.
Newbury claimed a population of 500 in 1857. Among the people
were the following-named business men : — Alex. Campbell, Albion
Hotel ; D. Graves, American ; Hugh Mcintosh, Rob Roy ; G. J.
Smith, Western Railway Hotel ; David Sullivan's Hotel, and Drake's
Inn. The merchants were : — Wm. Clements, Edward Little, Thomas
Robinson and J. B. Smith, with D. S. Stinson, dry goods ; Cornelius
Mitchell, druggist ; Arch. Kerr, Kitchen & Bro., and Thompson & Son,
"saw-mill owners, the latter owning a grist-mill. Morgan kept a flour-
store ; Hailey was provision dealer ; Joseph Cook, tinsmith ; Henry
Farland and John Watson, bakers ; Fletcher & Bros., iron-works
(John Gay's blacksmith shop being a part) ; James Newcombe, sliingle-
manufacturer ; Wm. Palmer, chair-maker ; Edda Newcombe, steam
planing and sash and door factory; Wm. OUis, baker and confectioner;
John Baker, butcher ; Adair & Storey, D. W. Bartlett, Robert Burgess,
Tom Randall, shoemakers; Edward Armstrong, Ben. Barber, Tom
Boyd, Thomas Brawley, John Bracken, M. D. Call, L. Clifford, John
Higgins, Joe. Kelly, C. Lynnes, Steve Moore, Parks & Bro., Jim
Smith, and Wm. Stevenson, carpenters ; Sam. Beamish, livery ; Dave
Sullivan, stage-owner ; John Boyden and Geo. Kitchen, blacksmiths ;
A. W. Gamble and James Wallon, physicians ; Robert Thompson, sr.,
Justice of the Peace ; Henry Butler, Steve Moore, Ed. Snell, saloon-
keepers ; J. C. Tolls, cooper ; Irvin Holmes, Charles Olds, and Geo.
Weston, cabinet-makers ; James Holmes, painter ; W. J. Irving, tailor;
538 HISTORY OF THE
Rev. B. Lawrence, M. E. Church ; W. S. Moore, railroad agent ; E.
Murray, conveyancer ; Neil Downey, teacher ; G. C. Secord, post-
master.
Newbury Village was incorporated June 7, 1872, by act of the
county council, known as by-law 212. The stated population on which
the petition was based was over 750. In 1873, John D. Anderson was
appointed first clerk, and Tliomas Eobinson, reeve. In November,
1873, Joseph Mills signs the records as clerk, and A. D. Purdy, asses-
sor. In 1874, Joseph B. Kelly was chosen assessor (his salary being
placed at $12), and Wm. Clemens, reeve. In 1874 the drainage of
the Hagarty Creek was considered by the council. In 1875, Samuel
Harvey was assessor, and Robert Anderson, clerk. In 1876, John D.
Anderson and Wm. Schwarder were appointed assessors ; Joseph B.
Kelly, clerk ; and Thomas Robinson, reeve. Wm. Archer was assessor
in 1877, with Joseph Mills, treasurer. During this year a bonus of
§1,000 was granted to aid the Coombs grist-mill, and debentures
issued, the last being paid in 1886. In 1878, Philip Laird was asses-
sor, and Dr. Alex. Graham, reeve; succeeded in 1879 by Samuel
Harvey and Thomas Robinson, respectively. In 1880, Charles Tucker
was appointed assessor ; Dr. Graham, reeve ; and John J. Archer,
clerk. In 1881, John D. Anderson was reeve ; Joseph B. Kelly,
treasurer; and P. H. Laird, assessor. The council in 1882 comprised
Messrs. Coombs, Burr, Guppy and Armstrong, with John J. Archer,
clerk, who served until May, 1888, when he was succeeded by J. J.
Rheintgen. In 1883, Dr. Roome took Councillor Guppy's place, with
A. G. Ward, assessor, and Sam. Harvey, collector. lu 1884, W. E.
Regis replaced John Burr on the Board. In 1885, Councillors Buit,
Laird, Regis and Armstrong formed the Board, Mr. Anderson still
serving as reeve. School debentures to the amount of $600 were
issued this year, the last payable in 1894. In 1886, W. J. Guppy
was assessor ; A. Graham, reeve ; James McLean, Dr. Roome, Gay
and Milton, councillors. In 1887, A. G Ward served as assessor and ■
collector; Hugh Armstrong, Benj. Thompson, Hugh S. Laird and
James McLean formed the council. The council for 1888 was com-
posed of Thomas Robinson, reeve ; Hugh and John Armstrong, W. J.
Guppy and Joseph Milton, councillors ; Charles Rush, assessor and
collector; James Douglass, treasurer; with J. J. Rheintgen.
Schools. — The School Board was organized in 1873, and Dr. W. F.
Roome, who is still a member, was then elected. Thomas Robinson
retired in 1886, after over thirteen years' service. Dr. Alex. Graham
served some years, and also W. E. Regis, H. Cusick, John J. Archer,
J. D. Anderson, Joseph B. KeUy and Mr. Storey, who died a few
years ago. The present school building was erected prior to the
organization of the village, and while Thomas Robinson and Mr. Storey
were trustees of the old district — about 1857. Among the early
teachers was Neil Downey, a lame man, who preceded Allan Craw-
ford, who remained for seven or eiglit years. J. M. Leitch succeeded.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 539
Eev. Dr. Webster filled the office of trustee for a few years. J. J.
Rheintgen, the present principal, has now been four years in charge of
the schools. The present trustees are : — Ur. W. F. Eoome, John D.
Anderson, Alex. Armstrong, Hugh Armstrong, Aaron Ward and Joseph
Deacon. Joseph B. Kelly was secretary of the Board until 1885, when
W. E. Regis was appointed.
Fires. — -About 1860, Thomas Robinson's saw-mill, which he had
purchased in 1857 or 1S58, was destroyed by fire. About 1876, Early's
tin-shop and the Storey Hotel were destroyed by fire. In 1877, Thos.
Robinson's saw-mill was blown up, when Alex. King, the sawyer, was
killed. The engineer was badly wounded, while the owner lost about
$10,000. Two years ago Dr. Graham's residence was burned to the
groimd. The destruction of Robert Armstrong's house at Newbury,
and the death of his father from burning, were recorded April 30, 1879.
The deceased is said to have been 108 years old. In 1830, he came
from Ireland to Byetown, moved thence to St. Thomas, and, in 1835, to
a point a mile north-west of Newbury.
The Newbury fire of September, 1887, destroyed a number of
buildings, including the principal business houses. It originated in
the house of W. Brown, September 12, and within two hours the
whole village west of Main street, and south of Bayne & Douglass's
store, was in ashes. The net losses were as follows : — Wm. Brown,
$200; Town Hall and lock-up, $600; J. B. Kelly's po.st-office, store
and dwelling, $2,000 ; A. D. Mitchell's store, dwelling and storehouse,
$2,000 ; A. Smith, dwelling and stable, $200 ; Dr. T. F. Campbell's
loss, $50 ; W. J. Guppy, $1,500 ; Thos. Robinson, dwelling and store,
$4,000 ; Sam. Harvey, dwelling, $600 ; Mrs. Porter's stable, $500 ; R.
McPherson's, $50 ; Grand Trunk Railroad section house, $200. R.
Anderson's stock was covered by insurance, and in the above Ust of
losses the figures represent the amount above insurance. In October,
1888, W. J. Guppy and Thomas Haggard erected two brick commer-
cial buildings in the burned district, while the Town Hall was com-
pleted that month. George Middlemiss was run over by a train, near
Newbury, and killed, in March, 1880.
Societies. — Albion Lodge, No. 42, A. F. & A. M., was chartered
July 28, 1857, with Daniel Graves, ma,ster; George Clark, S. W., and
Amos A. Wright, J. W. In 1858 the by-laws were printed by a
committee composing Dr. Dugald, S. McKellar and Andrew Wilson.
The oldest record in possession of the lodge, other than the charter, is
dated 1866, and gives the number eighty. The masters of the lodge
since that date are named as follows : — James Thompson, W. D. Mc-
Laughlin, J. C. Bracken, 1868-9 ; Geo. Mansfield, W. D. Hammond,
1871-3 ; George Mansfield, 1874-6 ; Thomas Robinson, 1876-7 ; Dr.
W. F. Roome, 1877 ; John D. Anderson, Wm. Beattie, W. F. Roome,
1882-6 ; J. J. Rheintgen, 1887-8, There are now seventeen mem-
bers who own their own building and lot, valued at $700, erected soon
after organization. Daniel Graves was a past master, and it is sup-
540 HISTORY OF THE
posed that George Clark and Amos A. Wright filled the master's chair.
Andrew Wilson was secretary, 1866 ; Joseph Mills, 1873 ; and Joseph
B. Kelly, 1879 ; J. B. Anderson, 1885-8.
Mount Zion Lodge, No. 46, I. O. 0. F., was organized December
18, 1865, with W. W. Brown, W. Irving, J. C. Ward, John Deacon
and Farmer Green, members. The present officers are J. Y. Mc-
Keown, N. G. ; Daniel Campbell, V. G. ; Daniel King, R. Sec; W. F.
Eoome, Treasurer. The lodge buildings were fitted up in 1884 at a
cost of $1,000.
Churches. — The Methodist Episcopal Church, of Newbury, dates
back to the early days of the Great Western Railroad, when the min-
isters of the Florence or old Thames Circuit attended the church here.
A church building was erected in 1878; but for a number of years
prior to that year services were held in the old town hall. Rev. Dr.
Webster took charge of the district in 1867. After a ministerial ser-
vice of twenty nine years — about eighteen years ago — he retired from
active ministerial work, so that from 1870 to the the Union of 1884
regular appointments were made. Of all the early members of the
church here, Benjamin Lawrence's family and Dr. Webster and his
family alone remain. The old members were : — Jane Lawrence, Mary
Webster, Mrs. Tucker, the Harris family, James Scott, Mrs. Booth,
Eliza Mulholland, F. J. H. David, Mrs. M. Palmer, Mary Morey and
Walter J. Small. In 1884 the old Methodist Episcopal building was
sold to the school trustees as a second school-house ; but it is now
occupied by the Salvation Army.
Newbury Wesleyan Circuit, formerly a part of Wardsville Mission,
was established in 1806, with Ezra A. Stafford minister, who served
here until 1869, when Manly Benson took charge. Edmund S. Shorey
came in 1871 and served until 1873. The society increased from 125
to 137 members. The Methodist Chiu'ch of Canada is the union title
given the Wesleyan Society in 1874. Wilham J. Ford ministered to
137 members in that year. In 1875 the mission was united with
Wardsville ; in 1876 it was again a circuit, with Mr. Ford preacher;
but in 1877 was reunited to Wardsville.
The Newbury Mission (Christ Church in 1867) of the English
Church was presided over in 1861-2 by Rev. J. T. Wright. Among
the members at this period were : — George J. Smith, the Deacons,
Rutleys, Armstrongs, Robinsons, Stewards, Campbells, Stoeys, Balls,
Wandless and Davis. Rev. G. W. Wye took charge in 1870. Mr.
Gunn, of Florence, preached here prior to Mr. Wright's coming.
The Presbyterian ]ieople of Newbury attended the church at
Wardsville prior to 1875, when a society was organized and a church
building completed, Oct. 17, that year. Among the leading members
were James Lamb and wife, Alex. King, James Douglass, the Adair
family, Wm. Bain and wife, and David Webster and wife. The lot
(two acres) was donated by John Penny, of Albany, N. Y., who
became a member here. Rev. James Donaldson was then minister.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
54t
In 1880, Eev. A. Beemer succeeded, who gave place in January, 1885,
to Eev. J. B. Hamilton, The membership is about forty five. The
brick church and grounds are valued at about $1,200.
The Baptist Church of Newbury was dedicated April 2G, 1868.
Miscellaneous. — The Newbury Library and Musical Society was
organized in December, 1887, with J. H. Bayne, president; J. G.
Bayne, vice-president ; Miss Annie Tucker, secretary ; Miss H. Brown,
assistant ; C. Tucker, treasurer ; Miss L. McLean, organist ; and Fred.
Mills, usher.
Squire Regis has been a magistrate at Newbury, succeeding Squire
Thompson, who for thirty years served in that office at Wardsville and
Newbury.
The population of the village in May, 1888, based on the assessor's-
returns, was 478 ; but the figures only deal exclusively with tax-
payers and their families.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXIX
WARDSVILLE.
Wai'dsville, known in the days of 1812-14 as Ward's Station, and
later as ]\Iosa, is now a modern town. Here in years long past a few
of the earliest settlers of the county gathered, and withstood the
rigors of climate and pioneership, as well as the daily excitements and
alarms of war days. There is in the history of this old Longwoods
settlement a poetic romance and a rustic simplicity that fascinates ;
hut the days of Ward's Station are gone for ever — good old days ! — and,
in their place, has come the hurry of modern times. The cabins have
disappeared with the solemn woods — all the past is wiped out, save in
memory ; and on its ruins appears the modern town, with its churches,
schools, societies and municipal government. Look back three-quarters
of a century, and fancy what a place the Wardsville of to-day would
hold then ! Proctor and the remnant of his 900 regulars would shout
with joy at beholding such a town after their terrible ride for liberty ;
but it was denied them on the dreary Longwoods road of that day, and
reserved for the more peaceful travellers and people of the present to
enjoy.
This place was first settled in 1810 by George Ward, who pur-
chased the land from the Indians, and from whom it takes its name.
In 1834, when John D. Anderson opened a general store in a log
building (since moved), the only other dwelling there was a mere
shanty. A little later Big John Ward established his tavern at this
point, being the only one between Delaware and Chatham. In 1840
there were twelve buildings in the hamlet. Dr. S. S. McKellar, who
settled in Strathroy in 1862, came to Canada in 18o7. He began the
practice of medicine at Wardsville some time in the forties, and subse-
quently practiced at Glencoe and Appin, until 1861, when he moved
to London. His death took place January 22, 1870.
Wardsville in 1S51 contained a population of about 400. At that
time the English Church building was in existence, while the Catholic,
Presbyterian, and Methodist congregations were engaged in the work
of church building. A public school was taught by Archibald Mc-
Laughlin ; Dr. Charles Rolls was physician ; William K. Cornish,
lawyer. On Paint Creek, which empties into the Thames at this place,
were a grist-mill and a carding and fulling-mill, owned by Thomas
Kirkpatrick. There were four dry goods stores, owned by Benjamin
Grant, Henry R. Archer, Strathy & Lent, John Mcintosh ; one drug-
store, by Dr. Rolls ; one tin and hardware-store, by Samuel Date ; two
waggon-makers, Adam Cornell and John Campbell ; two blacksmiths,
Henry Henderson and Ira Case ; two tanneries, by Robert Thompson
CODNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 543
and Eobert Tunks ; one distillery, b}' Archibald McVicker ; four tailors,
Duncan Grant, David Wilson, Philip Hart, and John A. McRae ; two
shoemakers, James Jordan and William Patterson ; two saddle, har-
ness and trunk-makers, John Wilson and Samuel White ; three house-
builders, Sheldon Ward, Joseph Date, and Francis B. Riley ; two brick
and stone-masons, Peter Blair, Charles Hall ; one cabinet-maker,
Andrew Wilson ; one chair-maker, Wm. Wilson ; one painter and
gilder, Joseph Date ; a division of the Sous of Temperance, numbering
fifty-three members, an established Lodge of Orangemen, numbering
twenty-eight, and two other lodges in the vicinity, were then existing.
There were three hotels, the Anglo-American, by A. D. Ward, the
Eob Eoy, by Duncan Mcintosh, and the Commercial Inn, by John
Dobie ; while a double track bridge was building over the Thames.
The population in 1857 was 1,000. Cultivated farms near the village
were worth from $10 to §20, wild lands from $3 to $4 an acre. There
was any quantity of excellent timber : black walnut, white- wood, cheny,
etc., etc. Village lots in central positions, were worth from $70 to $100 ;
back lots, at from $20 to SiO. The business circle then comprised : —
Henry R. Archer, Thomas Kent, John Mcintosh, Monroe & Bro.,
Henry B. Paris, general merchants ; James C. Ward, furniture dealer ;
John Dobie, Duncan Mcintosh, Capt. Wm. Neil, and A. D. Ward,
hotel-keepers ; P. Blain and Sam. Crew, builders ; Wm. Fleming,
distiller ; C. J. Campbell, butcher ; Robert Calderwood and Wm. Shep-
herd, harness-makers ; Joseph Bowes, baker ; Ira Case, John Campbell,
Adam Cornell, Henry Henderson, blacksmiths, wagon-makers, and the
latter, machinist and founder ; James Jordan, leather dealer ; Charles
Rolls, druggist ; Francis Patterson, and Strathy & Weston, grist-millers ;
Strathy & Weston, saw-millers ; D. B. Strathy's woollen-factory ; John
Thornton, cloth-dresser ; Andrew Wilson, cabinetmaker; C.S.Jones,
D. S. McKeller, Charles Rolls, and James Wallon, physicians ; Revs.
M. Prendergast and M. Crinnan, of the Catholic Church ; Rev. John
Gunn, of the English Church ; Rev. Edwin Peake and Wm. Ames, ot
the Wesleyan ; Rev. J Tait, Presbyterian ; B. Grant, insurance agent ;
Bernard Murray and Alex. McEae, tailors ; Francis B. Rielly, archi-
tect ; and H. R. Archer, postmaster.
The village in 1888 claimed a population of 600. E. T. Dufton
was postmaster, and he with Adair & Co., the Misses McCowan and T.
A. Mulligan, general merchants ; Jacob Wilson and John Cady, hotel-
proprietors ; Henry Wilson, dentist ; Henry Henderson, brick-maker ;
Henderson Bros.' foundry ; R. K. Howes's furniture store ; A. A.
Munro's butcher shop ; Jackson's tinshop ; Wm. Shepherd's harness
shop ; Lilly's carriage shop ; English's wagon-shop, and a number of
blacksmith — including Samuel Brown — carpenter, builders', and shoe-
makers' shops, make up the business section of the town.
Official History. — The county council on June 13, 1867, instructed
the clerk to draft a by-law to incorporate Wardsville, and the same
day the act of incorporation was passed. The first meeting of the
544 HISTOKY OF THE
council was held January 17, 1868. William Neil, reeve; Alex. D.
Ward, John Pool, Wm. Stevely and James A. Young formed the
council. George Wilson was first clerk and treasurer. The first act
of the council was to coiTect the petition for incorporation in the matter
of boundary and repetition, the council to substitute boundaries accord-
ing to intention of petitioners. In January, 1809, Eev. Joel T. Wright
and the reeve were appointed Grammar School trustees. At this time
the names of Adam Oorneil and Malcolm Monroe appear as councillors.
In 1870, E. Aitcheson, E. T. Dufton, W. D. Hammond, A. Corneil and
Henry Henderson formed the council. James O'Neil was appointed
assessor and collector.
In May, 1870, Dr. W. F. Koome was appointed Grammar School
trustee, vice Wright, resigned. By-law No. 2, adopted Feb. 10, 1868,
provided, among other things, that each householder should provide
two pails fit for carrying water in case of fire, and for the appointment
of a fire inspector. By-law No. 8 provided for the establishment of a
fair and the setting otf of fair grounds. This was passed March 19,
1868. In 1877, Wm. Murphy was chosen clerk, vice Geo. Wilson ;
Wm. Harper, in 1880 ; James F. Harrington, in 1884 ; and D. Dun-
can, in 1886. The councillors of 1888 and village officers are named
as follows : — Samuel Brown, reeve ; T. Hall, H. Mimna, F. B. Piielly,
E. Morrison, councillors ; Alex. Mclntyre, High School trustee ; A. A.
Munro, collector ; Elias Thomas, assessor ; D. Johnson, clerk and
treasurer; M. O'Farrell, fire inspector; with Dufton, McPhail and Dr.
Cause, board of health.
Post-office — The post-office of Wardsville was established just out-
side the present village, with old Mr. Gibb in charge. A jMr. Hattie,
brother of Adam Hattie, was the next incumbent, who was succeeded
by Robert Thompson, who in 1851 moved to Newbury. H. R, Archer
was the next master, giving place to W. D. Hammond, who held the
office for five years prior to his death. In 1877, E. T. Dufton, the
present postmaster, was appointed. The annual business for the last
seven years approximates S800.
A drill shed — a wooden house — was erected on Lot 9, south side of
Main street, in 1867. The threats of Fenian invasion caused the
Government to authorize this building for the convenience of the
militia.
Grist-mill. — The woollen mills were established by Thomas Kirk-
patrick thirty-six years ago. In 1863, E. T. Dufton leased the mills
and carried on the business until 1869, when William Harper became
proprietor; but in 1871 the indu.stry ceased. The present grist-mill
is the old woollen and grist-mill moved from the river to its present
site in the village by William Harper, who carried on the industry
iintil 1874, when he sold to the present owner, John Heath.
Fires. — The fire of fifteen or sixteen years ago destroyed the Anglo-
American Hotel and Commercial Inn. The Rob-Roy was pulled down,
and Thomas Hall's garden occupies the place. The destruction of the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 545
Western Hotel took place Dec. 26, 1883. This building was not
re- erected.
Societies. — The officers of the Teachers' Association of Middlesex
in 1851 were : — Nicholas Wilson, president: John Campbell, of Ekfrid,
vice-president ; William Crinklaw, Westminster, treasurer ; Peter Mur-
tagh, London, recorder; Archibald Campbell, of Lobo, correspondent ;
S. J. Lancaster, of Delaware, librarian. Mr. Lachlan, of Wardsville,
presided over the directors' Board.
The Wardsville Mechanics' Institute was established in 1876. In
May, 1877, it claimed ninety -five members and a very complete library.
The officers elected in 1877 were E. T. Dufton, president ; Jas. McLean,
vice-president ; Wm. Mui-phy, secretary ; H. Henderson, treasurer ; M.
F. Barclay, librarian ; J. McKory, W. Sparling, P. C. Campbell and
Z. Gilles, directors. From that time to 1885 Mr. Dufton presided.
In 1885, F. B. Eeidy was chosen president, and Mr. Dufton secretary.
In 1846, Lodge 423, of Orangemen, was organized here. Among
the members were : — William Sparling, John and William Patterson,
George Huston, Thomas Shaw, Sheldon and George E. Ward, Old
Stinson, W. J. Simpson and F. B. lieilly.
The Wardsville Tract Society was organized September 30, 1867,
with W. A. Gordon, secretary.
Hammond Lodge, No. 327, A. F. & A. M., was chartered July 15,
1875. The past masters are named as follows: — W. D. Hammond,
1875 ; Ebenezer Aitcheson, 1876 to 1880 ; P. C. Campbell, 1880 ; D.
R. McGugan, 1881-2 ; F. Aitcheson, 1883; D. Johnston, 1884; Robert
AVard, 1885; Ebenezer Aitcheson, 1886: William G. McLachlan,
1887; G. B. Fleming, 1888. Duncan Johnson has been secretary of
the lodge since June, 1881, succeeding P. C. Campbell. The member-
sihp is twenty-two.
Court Wardsville, No. 159, of Foresters, was instituted May 1,
1885, with Thomas Heywood, Frank Davis, W. Mimna, D. Johnston,
J. Freckletou, A. Parcell, J. H. Cady, E. Yorke, and Dr. W. F. Roome,
first officers. At the close of 1887 this lodge suspended, but Mr. Lowe,
minister of the English Church, reorganized a new lodge.
The Mosa Independent Cornet Band was organized near Wards-
ville in May, 1881, with R. C. Dobbin, leader; H. Lumley, band-
master; W. H. Watterworth, treasurer; W. Lumley, E. Lumley,
Percival Watterworth, Lorenzo Watterworth, Ellison, W. Gould
and J. Wentworth, musicians.
Churches. — Wardsville Wesleyan Circuit was established in 1847,
with Solomon Waldron, pastor. The ministers who have served since
that date are named as follows: — Thomas Peacock, 1848; Edward
Sallows, 1849 ; Chas. Sylvester, 1850-2 ; Wm. Ames, 1853-6 ; Edwin
Peake, 1857-8; Wm. Hawke, 1859-61; Oliver E. Burch, 1862-3 ;
Conrad Vandusen, 1864. In 1864, Euphemia was attached to Wards-
ville, and Thomas Atkinson appointed assistant in 1865 ; Thomas
Cleworth, 1866-7, with F. York assistant in 1866 ; John Webster,
546 HISTORY OF THE
1868-9; Joseph Shipley, 1870; Richard W. Woodsworth, 1871-3.
The Methodist Church of Canada at WardsviUe succeeded the Wesleyan
Society in 1874. Alfred L. Russell was pastor. In 1875, W. J. Ford
was appointed ; in 1876, John L. Kerr ; in 1877-8, James Goodwin,
and, in 1879-80, Wm. Hayhurst. In 1876 the circuit was united
with Both well. James Whiting was minister of WardsviUe and New-
bury in ISSl-S, and George Jackson in 1884. The first church build-
ing was erected in 1851.
The first mission in Mosa and Ekfrid of the Catholic Church dates
back to February, 1849, when Rev. T. Kirwan visited these townships.
Among the names of Catholics here then may be found the following :—
Alexander McRae, John McRae, Farquhar McRae, Alex. McRae (2),
Donald McRae, James Jordan, John Broderick, Hugh ilulholland,
M. Cooney, John Neil, Cornelius Coghlan, Denis Regan, James Mc-
Carthy, Robert Templeton, Daniel Murphy, John Murphy, James
Herbert, William Darby, William Greener, Richard Hoolihan, Edward
Dunn, Matthew Mahony, David Humphries, James Reid, M. McGet-
trick, Patrick Ryan, Christopher Maguire, James Maguire, Michael
Ryan, Thomas Twohy, George Hillen, Peter Finn, Patrick Darby,
Andrew Rielly, M. Redmond, P. Burke, Peter Burke, Patrick Magill,
Henry Magill, Thomas Renehan, John Burke, David Conway, George
McLean, William Murphy, Thomas Cavanaugh, Bart. McNulty, Peter
McNulty, the Fitzpatricks, Donald Cameron, Currans, Dillons, and
Freemans. In 1873, WardsviUe was established as a mission, under
Rev. P. Fitzpatrick, of Bothwell. In 1876, Rev, M. O'Kelly Avas
pastor, and in 1878, Rev. M. McGrath. The first church building was
completed in 1851 ; but the present large brick church was erected by
contractors Shephen Thomas and Clanahan and Thompson, of Glencoe,
in 1878-9. The building was consecrated Dec. 29, by Bishop Walsh.
Rev. M. McGrath, the pastor, is credited with adding this S7,000
building to the country.
The English Church is one of the oldest organizations here. A
building was erected early in the forties, and services held regularly.
St. James's Church was presided over in 1861-2 by Rev. J. T.
Wright, who had also charge of the missions at Glencoe, Newbury,
Johnston's Settlement and Cox's Settlement. Among the members at
WardsviUe were the Hendersons, McConnells, Munroes, Humphreys,
Eastmans, W^ards, Parifs, the Neils, Dr. Jones and Gilberts. In 1870,
Rev. G. W. Wye was appointed; Rev. W. Hinde, 1879 ; and he was
succeeded by the present minister. Dr. Penny, of Long Island, N. Y.,
donated 100 acres in Mosa Township for the support of the English
Church there. The new church-house was dedicated May 28, 1.SS4,
as it was then paid for. The building was begun during the adminis-
tration of Mr. Wye.
The Presbyterian Church, to which reference is made in the history
of Ekfrid, dates back to 1851, when a house of worship was erected.
ScJwols. — Wardsville Grammar School was established in 1860,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
547
with Thomas Hart, principal. In 1878 the present building was
erected for pubHc and high-school purposes. In this year, Duncan
Johnson, principal of the public school, took charge, and still holds
that position. His assistants are ]\Iisses Samsou, Loxley, Bryce,
Brooks and Aitcheson. The conduct of the High School for the past
decade has been in the hands of Messrs. Cruikshanks, Johnson, Mc-
Lachlan and Francis, with Miss Johnson and Messrs. Sherluff, Foy,
Carrie and Harrington, assistants.
A newspaper was published at Wardsville about thirty years ago,
but the name of the paper and of the editor are forgotten. In 1882
the Wardsville Post was established, but existed only for a short time.
HISTOIfY OF niK
CHAPTER XXX.
Glencoe is the centre of new associations. It boiTows no propelling
power from venerated antiquarianism, since the spot where it stands
■was but yesterday wrapt in the solitude of the wilderness. The name,
however, perpetrates here a terrible libel upon civilization, as in Scot-
land it shows a stain upon Norman Anglo-Saxon civilization. Its
first settlers were iron-souled men, who determined to hew out a town
from the Longwoods, and build up a prosperous community. They
had a mission which they performed, and so eftectually done was the
rough work, that it appears to last for all time, and, with years, grow
in solidity. The village is midway between London and Chatham, and
appears to the eye of the visitor to be very pleasantly located. It is
at the junction of the Air Line with the main line of the Great
Western Railroad, and on the town line between the townships of
Ekfrid and Mosa. A. P. McDonald and Ross made the first plan of
Glencoe in 1860, and what is now one of the largest and most import-
ant villages in the western part of Ontario was at that time a swamp.
The Air Line, which connects the village with the City of Buffalo, N.
Y., was constructed in LSTO.
Organization. — The by-law incorporating the village was passed
December 5, 187o, when Andrew Clanahan was appointed returning
officer for the charter election, which was held in .January, 1874 ; but
the council did not organize until January 22, 1875. At the first
meeting of this council there were present J. W. Campbell, reeve;
George Dobie, F. Steinholf, John Boam and Samuel Frederick. Jas.
Dykes was elected clerk, his stated salary being $25 per annum.
Andrew Clanahan was appointed assessor, his salary being $10. Geo.
M. Harrison and John Doyle were appointed auditors ; Isaac Rath-
burn, treasurer, who, on refusing to serve, gave place to John McNeil.
Wellington Stephens was appointed collector; John Oldrieve, tavern
inspector ; James Orango, pound-keeper ; J. Walker, Thomas Harris
and Thomas Hind, fence-viewers. G. Dryer was appointed auditor,
vice Harrison, resigned.
In May, 1S75, George M. Harrison was appointed clerk, vice
Dykes, retired. In October, 1875, a lock-up or calaboose was erected
by S. S. Walker. The Council of 1876 comprised A. Clanahan, J.
Rathburn, Samuel J. WalJcei', with Reeves Cami:ibell and J. Boam, of
the old Council. One of the first acts was a resolution to serve the
new town without pay, or at the rate of $1 per annum. At this time
about 50,000 feet of plank were ordered for the construction of side-
walks and other improvements. Arch. Riddell was then assessor and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 551
collector. In 1877, N. Currie was reeve, with Messrs. Clanahan,
Ilathburn, Walker and James Harris, councilman. In 1878, D.
Ferguson was appointed auditor, and, in 1879, Dr. Lumley and J. C.
Lawrence ; A. McKellar was elected councillor. In 1880, J. C.
La\vrence was elected councillor, vice Clanahan, and A. Riddell, audi-
tor. The Council of 1881 comprised: — J, Kathburn, reeve; D. B.
McRae, George J. Fryer, A. Clanahan and M. Leitch. In 1882 James
Harris took Mr. Fryer's place
Eli Griffith, first chief of the Fire Department, resigned in January,
1883, and he with George Harris, J. W. Campbell and D. B. McRae
formed the council, Mr. liathburn being still reeve. In 1884, John
Y. Foster took Mr. Harris's place in the council, otherwise it was un-
changed ; but in 1885, Malcolm Leitch, D. Cameron, J. W. Campbell
and George Dobie were returned, and N. Currie was chosen reeve. In
1886, Messrs. Currie, George Dobie, Wilmot Swaisland, John A.
Leitch and J. W. Campbell formed the council — succeeded in 1887 by
George Dobie, John Y. Foster, John McMillan and George Huston,
councillors. In 1888, J. Eathburn was elected reeve. Dr. John
Walker, John P. McMillan, R. C. Vause and George Dobie, councillors.
Govfiviereial. — The leading business men in 1878-80, with date of
settlement in the county, are given as follows : — Nicholas Currie,
reeve, 1826 ; J. W. Campbell, 1859, Glencoe bank ; G. C. Clark, 1874,
and W. D. IMcDonald, 1873, hotels ; E. Clanahan, 1870 ; George
Dobie, 1846; Alexander Dobie, 1867; L. Frederick, 1868; John F.
McRae, 1870 ; Hugh McKinnon, 1864, merchants and dealers; Geo.
Freele, 1867, boot-manufacturer ; Harrison & Rathburn, 1868, bankers
and grain-dealers ; Thomas HaiTis, 1865, blacksmith and livery ; Dr.
W. G. Lumley, 1870, postmaster, telegraph agent and druggist;
Malcolm Leitch, 1867, tailor and magistrate ; Dr. Duncan Mclntyre,
1867 ; John McNeil, 1858, tailor ; John McRae, 1854, lumber ; Robt.
Wright, 1875, watchmaker; S. J. Walker, 1838, cheese-manufacturer ;
W. H. Simpson, 1838, carpenter ; D. B. McRae, 1869, carriage-maker ;
M. W. Prosser, 1875, agricultural works ; J. Oldrieve, 1869, wagon-
maker; Matthew Toon, 1870, butcher and drover; Rev. G. MacEachran,
M. G., 1875; W. Swaisland, deputy-registrar; George Wilson, D. C.
of D. Court ; W, Sutherland, 1 848, editor of Transcript ; George
Cornell, a settler of 1833, resided in the town in 1878.
Buildings. — The West Middlesex registry building was erected in
1871, but it was constructed on such poor principles that the floor
rotted away, so that ten years later it had to be subjected to a thorough
course of repair. The site cost $150, and the building $1,335.
In August, 1875, Andrew Clanahan purchased the lot adjoining
the old post-office, on the north-east corner of Main and McKellar
streets, removed the Leitch tailor shop and residence, and began the
erection of the large brick block which now stands tliere — the brick
used being from Southin's yard at Strathburn. During the ensuing
four years a few buildings were added to the village; but in 1879-80
002 HISTORY OF THE
the era of great improvements introduced itself. Swaisland & Co.'s
new block on Main street, costing $10,000 was completed in 1881 ;
Eli Griffith's woollen factory, south of the railroad, was finished in
1880 ; also Cameron Bros.' flouring mill, and smaller manufacturing
and commercial concerns. The dwelling houses erected in 1879-80
are named as follows : — A two-story frame store for John Smitli ; two-
story frame store, with brick front, for Geo. Dobie ; frame dwelling for
same ; frame dwellings for Jas. Smith and Miss Galbraith ; frame
dwelling, one and one-half story, for E. Marshall ; brick dwelling, one
and one-half story, for H. Dixon ; brick dwelling, one and one-half
story, for E. Clanahan ; three frame dwellings, one and one-half story,
for Walker & Sons ; frame dwelling, one and one-half story, for Wes-
ley Bartlett; frame dwelling, one and one-half story, for Albert
Walker; frame dwelling, one and one-half story, for Angus McKenzie.
In April, 1881, an addition to the McKellar House, a brick store
on Main street for C. B. Slater, a frame dwelling for George Huston,
one for Joseph Foy, one for T. W. Evans, one for S. Thomas, one for
N. Young, one for A. Boam, and buildings for Thomas Hind, W. Quick,
A. Campbell, S. Clark, and Campbell & Lindsay, were erected.
In June, 1882, the question of establishing a large manufacturing
industry at Glencoe was discussed. N. Currie presided, with A. Stewart,
secretary. Among the other advocates of this enterprise were : — G.
Cornell, George Dobie, E. Clanahan, John Oldrieve, James A. Young,
J. E. Eoome, J. Leitch, George Eichardson, W. Swaisland, J. E. Wes-
ton, F. Steinhoff, S. J. Walker, Giddon, G. M. Harrison and Isaac
Eathburn. The result was the building of the large works for the
Glencoe Manufacturing Company. In January, 1885, the Glencoe
Manufacturing Company received an order from France for 145 reap-
ers, and from Eussia for 100.
In 1885, a harvester binder was perfected by Eobert and Frederick
Aldred, of Glencoe. It is simply the ordinary rake-harvester with a
binder attachment, capable of operating six or seven sheaves per
minute, or 350 per hour, or all that the knife may cut or the five rakes
deUver.
Expmis and Imports. — The exports from Glencoe from January
to December, 1887, amounted to 5,292 tons, the railroad charges oq
which were $13,628. The imports amounted to 3,464 tons, yielding
$8,606 for freight. In August, 1888, there were 412 tons forwarded,
yielding $416, and received 445 tons, yielding $735. From January
to September, 1888, there were seventy-five cars of cattle shipped from
Glencoe, including the exports to Glaisgow.
During the year 1887 there were 14,006 passengers from this
depot, the fares amounting to $10,318. The passenger business in
1888 up to the close of September shows very little difference from
the same months in 1887.
Post-offi.ce. — George J. Fryer, postmaster, express and Bell tele-
phone agent, absconded November 7, 1885. The sum stated to be lost
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 553
or appropriated by him is placed at from $6,000 to $7,000. He did
not take his wife with him, but wrote to a friend at Chatham to take
care of her. Kobert Clanahan was appointed postmaster in 1885, to
succeed Fryer. More on this subject will be found elsewhere in this
volume.
BanJcs. — In November, 1S76, A. McTaggart, and Charles Murray,
manager of the Federal Bank, leased a building from John E. McRae
and had it fitted up as a banking-office. J. W. Campbell was appointed
manager. The title of the institution was " The Glencoe Bank." In
1880, W. Swaisland & Co. were bankers here, while George Cornell
and Ohver White were also engaged in money lending.
Harrison & Rathburn's bank was established July 26, 1877. The
Traders' Bank building was completed in 1885 by A. Clanahan, con-
tractor for George Dobie, the manager.
Physicians. — Among the early physicians of the village were Dr.
EoUs, formerly of Wardsville ; Dr. McKellar, who died at Strathroy ;
Dr. Ferguson, now representing Welland in Parliament; Dr Mclntyre,
the oldest resident physician ; Dr. W. G. Lumley, who came in 1870 ;
and Dr. Walker. G. Adams Swan, the first resident dentist, came in
March, 1887.
Schools. — Tlie oldest school record in possession of Secretary Har-
rison is dated Jan. 12, 1876. At this time, it appears. No. 6 of Mosa, 9
of Ekfrid, and Glencoe village schools, were united. N. Cume,
Mitchell, John S. and Johnston Walker, W. J. Simpson, Dr. Lumley,
Ira Gilbert, Isaac Eathburn and E. Adams, were members of the Board ;
with Dr. Lumley, secretary-treasurer. The teachers were J. P. Fryer,
paid $487.50 per annum, and Helen Thompson, paid $225. J. E. Mc-
Eae and Mark Walker were chosen trustees, vice Mitchell Walker
and E. Adams, in 1877. In November a new school site was selected,
the proposition being made by Isaac Eathburn, but set aside by a vote
of fifty-seven to four in February, 1878. In 1878, Mark Walker was
secretary, and Geo. Dobie replaced Dr. Lumley on the Board. Miss
Jackson was employed as assistant teacher, and the contract for new
school building was sold to Clanahan & Thompson.
In November, 1878, Joseph Foy and Alma Jack, were employed
as teachers, at $500 and $250 per annum. In 1879, N. Cume, pre-
sided, with J. C. Lawrence, secretary ; Dr. Lumley, A. McLellan, Colin
Campbell, I. Eathburn, W. J. Simpson, Messrs. McRae and Gilbert E.
Adams, John Thompson, Mitchell and J. S. Walker, trustees, and Geo.
M. Harrison, auditor. In December, 1879, Johnson and Mitchell
Walker were chosen trustees, and W. J. Simpson, treasurer. In July,
1880, Miss Wise was assistant teacher, Isaac Eathburn and Ira Gil-
bert were elected trustees for 1881, vice retiring members, and Michael
Dean for 1882. Miss A. Walker succeeded Miss Wise in December,
1881 ; James Gardner, M. Dean and Mitchell Walker, were trustees
for 1883, with W. Swaisland, auditor, the other members holding over,
and W. J. Simpson, secretary. Mrs. Skill was appointed janitor in
554 HISTORY OF THE
January, 1883. In December, 1883, Samuel Eanton, Miss McTavish
and Miss L. Kerr, were employed as teachers, and Alex. Stuart chosen
secretary. The trustees for 1884 were: — Geo. M. Harrison, Angus
McKenzie, Andrew Clauahan, John McCracken, with Messrs. M.
Walker and M. Dean. Geo. M. Harrison was appointed secretary-
treasurer. In ] 885, John L. Charles's name appears as trustee, while
Geo. M. Hanison was chosen chairman as well as incumbent of the
dual office to which he was elected in 1884. In December, 1885, Geo.
Han-is was elected trustee ; Mr. Stuart was employed as teacher, with
Miss McTavish and Miss Kerr, but in October, 1886, Miss Sutherland
was employed to preside over the third division. In December, 1886,
John Oldrieve, James Han-is and Geo. M. Harrison were elected trus-
tees, vice members whose terms expired, with J. S. Walker, J. L.
Charles and J. McCracken holding over. In June, 1887, J. R. Stuart
resigned his charge of the schools. In September, Messrs. Charles and
Oldrieve proposed that a meeting should be called to consider the
question of establishing a high school, but the motion was lost. Archi-
bald McVicker, Miss B. ]\IcTavish and Miss Springer, were employed
as teachers. The present trustees are : — Geo. JM. Harrison, John L.
Charles, J. A. Young, W. Swaisland, James Harris, and John Oldrieve.
In October, 1887, the first meeting to consider the question of
establishing a high school at Glencoe was held. For some twelve
months prior to this, suggestion after suggestion was offered in the
Transcnpt. N. Currie presided, with A. Sutherland, secretary. Among
the leading friends of the question were : — George M. Harrison and
Isaac Ratliburn, Messrs. Swai,sland, Charles, Beckton, McVicker, J. A.
Younge, Alexander SLuart, James Harris, J. A. Leitch, J. Foy, D.
Otton and Doctors Lumley and Walker. The committee appointed to
carry out plans for the establishment of the school here comprised : —
Alexander Stuart, G. M. Harrison, James A. Younge and Kev. D.
Ourrie. The order-in-Council advising the estxbhshment of the Glen-
coe High School became a law March 1, 1888. The first trustees of
the high school were : — Dr. W. G. Lumley, Alexander Stuart and Rev.
D. Currie, appointed by the County Council; S. J. Walker, Elisha
Adams and George M. Harrison, by the village of Glencoe, with A.
Stuart, chairman, and Geo. M. Harrison, secretary- treasurer.
The High School Board in June, 1888, purchased two acres from
Thomas Simpson, in tlie south part of the town, as the site for their
building, the price being $620. On July 16, 1888, the contract for
building was sold to A. Clanahan for §6,475, and that for heating and
ventilating to Smead, Dowd & Co, of Toronto, for 8850. The building
was opened in January', 1889. J5y-law No. 76, providing $9,000 for
high school purposes, was passed August 21, 1888.
Churches. — Among the old members of the Methodist Episcopal
class at Glencoe were Mitchell and Harriet Walker, in 1856 ; Mrs. N.
Currie, 1858 ; the McCutcheons, the Parish family, the Hinds, J.
Squire, R. Gardiner, E. Adams, the Goffs, Youngs, Linns, and others.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 555
Among the members of the Methodist Church of Canada at Glencoe
and Lethbridge at the time of the union (1884) were : — R. and Jennie
Twiss, John, Eliza, John A., Wesley, Charlotte and Ettie Craig, Wm.
Weekes and family, Wm. and Maggie Coyne, Mrs. Harris, Seneca
Edwards, the Quicks, Eyckmans, Penfounds, Halls, Alice Charles, Mrs.
Cochrane, James Stevenson, Mrs. Skill, Alice Nichols, Samuel and
Emily Eauton and Ann Twiss. At Lethbridge's Station were George,'
J. G. and Lydia Lethbridge, and Wm. Webber. In 1886, Joseph
Squire was leader, and this position has been held by him and George
Lethbridge up to the present time. In 1887, John Home was appointed
leader of the Union Church class, while Mitchell Walker has served
for years as recording steward of the old circuit and since the union of
the new one.
The Methodist Church of Canada (Eastside) was established at
Glencoe in 1879, with Colman Bristol, preacher. In 1880 a society of
fifty-three members was presided over by Stephen Kappele, who was
also here in 81-82 ; Eobert W. Wright in 1883. The buildhig begun
in April was completed and opened in October, 1881, by Eev. Dr.
Sanderson and the pastor, S. Kappele. The building and grounds cost
$1,600. Tbe other building was erected in 1871.
The Glencoe Circuit since the Union of the Episcopal Methodist
Churches has been presided over by Eev. M. Griffin, 1884, but in
1885, owing to difficulties growing out of the Union, two churches
came again into existence as before Union, with Mr. Griffin presiding
over the late M. E Society, or Glencoe West, and Eev. S. T. Bartlett
over the late C. M. Church, or East Glencoe Church. In 1886, Eev.
Wm. Henderson presided over both churches, preaching for two years
to each congregation on alternate Sabbaths. In 1888, Eev. W. H.
Butt was appointed to the circuit, with instructions to officiate in the
West Church, but the trustees hold the East Church pending a decision
of the Conference.
A reference to the history of the Presbyterian Church in Ekfrid
will point out the beginners of this church at Glencoe. In the latter
part of 1860, the Presbytery of London sent a catechist to Ekfrid
Township to labor among the people connected with the Church of
Scotland. His success was so marked that in February, 1862, a
church house was erected one-quarter of a mile from Glencoe, on a
lot presented by D. Graham. David Dobie was chairman, and Alex.
E. Kay, secretary of the building committee.
In 1879, Eev. Hugh Cameron took charge of St. Andrew's, and
resigned in October, 1884. During his term one hundred new mem-
bers were received and seventy-two baptisms recorded, with twenty-
eight marriages and six deaths.
Eev. John Eobbins was inducted July 29, 1885, and about this
time the question of organizing a second church was agitated. A
minority appealed to the Synod against the establishment of such
church in 1886. In April, 1887, Eev. Mr. Smith, who filled the
556 HISTORY OF THE
Presbyterian pulpit pending the acceptance of a call to Rev. Dougald
Currie, announced that the latter had accepted.
The destruction of the Burns Presbyterian Church and Clanahan's
sash and door-factory at Glencoe was recorded July 23, 1886. The
losses exceeded $15,000, of which about S10,0G0 was sustained by
Clanahan. The ruin of the old church still stands on south Main
street. It is the intention of the united congregations to build a new
house of worship in 1889.
The English Church was presided over by Mr. Wright, of Wards-
ville, in 1861-2. Among the members were the Crofts, McDonalds,
Curries, Walkers, McNeils, McReas, Weekes, Camerons and Gardiners.
In 1870, Eev. G. W. Wye, of Wardsville, was appointed.
In May, 1888, Eev. W. J. Taylor, who for nine years presided over
St. James's Church, preached his farewell sermon. Rev. William
Lowe succeeded him in charge of Glencoe, Newbury and Wardsville.
The church building is located on the west side of Main street, south
or the raih'oad.
The Salvation Army held a banquet and hurricane meeting in their
new barracks at Glencoe, in June, 1885. Prior to this time, and sub-
sequently the Army suffered much persecution, part of it being well
earned. The barracks was destroyed by fire December 29, 1885. The
building was the property of Joseph Walker, in whose name an in-
surance policy for !i5500 was entered.
In June, 1887, there were only three members of this church;
but on the reopening of their barracks, Nov. 6, 1887, the membership
increased. In February, 1886, a number of residents of Glencoe were
convicted of interfering with the army and fined, while Lieutenant
Emma Rees was fined for assault. In May, 1887, the case of Emma
Rees, (who, in 1886, commanded a detachment of the Salvation Army)
against Justices Simpson and Currie, was carried to the assize court, —
the charges being unlawful arrest, and improper or malicious imprison-
ment The action was dismissed without costs. Later the case was
carried before the Queen's Bench at Toronto, where an order for a new
trial was entered. This lady lieutenant won her suit, the original
judgment costing the local justices about $700.
Fire DepaHment. — Giant Company, No. 1, received a large num-
ber of members on October 4, 1881, and on the same date elected
Henry Simpson, captain ; John Orange and Henr)' Golding, lieuten-
ants ; A. M cNabb, secretary ; James Harris, treasurer ; Harry Hogan,
J. P. McMillan, Wm. Hammond, branchmen ; A. McVicker and A.
Finlayson, hosemen. Some changes were made prior to November 4,
1881, when the records of United Company, No. 1, begin. Eli Griffith,
whose resignation is noted in the Council proceedings, was chief. The
fire company was reorganized September 30, 1885, when John Orange
was elected chief; Wm. Hammond, captain ; George Dobie, secretary ;
Duncan Cameron, treasurer ; W. R. Cook, first, and F. Shanks, second,
lieutenants; John Y. Foster, first, and Alfred Crow, second, branch-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 557
men ; Charles Currie and Colin Leitch, leading hosemen ; Fred.
Aldred and A. McLellan, suction hosemen. On that evening the new
fire engine was placed on trial.
In 1886, Wm. Hammond was chosen captain; W. R Cook and
Cohn Leitch, lieutenants ; and E. Sutherland, secretary and treasurer ;
John Orange being chief. The officers for 1887 were : — James T.
McAlpine, captain ; Hector McNeil and W. E. Cook, lieutenants ; P.
J. Morrison, treasurer ; and E. Sutherland, secretary ; and in 1888,
John Y. Foster, captain ; Wm. Hammond, first-lieutenant ; Jacob
Huston, second-lieutenant ; George Dobie and Isaac McCracken,
branchmen ; Colin Leitch and P. McCalluiu, foremen of hose ; E.
Sutherland, secretary ; W. S. Eogers, treasurer ; and John Finlayson,
warden. Isaac Eathburn, George Dobie and W. S. Eogers were
appointed a committee to build up the membership.
The fire record of the department for 1886 comprises : — The alarm of
May 25 from George PaiTott's house ; the great fire of July 23, which
destroyed Burns's Presbyterian Church, Clanahan's factory and resi-
dence, and damaged the homes of Dr. Walker and E. A. Surbey ; the
alarm of October 14 ; the fire of October 1 6, which partially destroyed
Eobert Donnelly's house ; of December 4, in the McAlpine House ;
and of December 11, in James Simpson's dwelUng. The alarms of
1887 comprised that of June 17, when fire destroyed Alexander Cro-
thers's barn ; of Aug. 27, when J. P. McMillan's grain-store was
destroyed ; of September 5, when E. Donnelly's and Thomas Buckston's
stables were burned ; and of September 23, when Harrison and Eath-
burn's grain warehouse, rented by P. D. McDonald, was destroyed.
The fire alarms of 1888 were those of January 21, from Davidson's
house ; of February 28, from the meat-market ; of April 14, from John
Oldrieve's house ; and of May 21, from the registry office.
Band.- — The Firemen's Band, as organized May 17, 1886, com-
prised:— Charles Peachey, F. D, Shanks, John Orange, E. Suther-
land, Geo. Orange, E. G. Evans, W. Eobinson, Wm. Vernon, A. D.
McEae, and John Bun-idge. John Orange, sr., was president ; C.
Peachey, leader; F. D. Shanks, sergeant, and E. Sutherland, secretary
and treasurer. Among the signers of the constitution were : — P. J.
Morrison, C. A. Eisk, Ben. Hammond, Joe Vernon, Frank Edwards,
W. G. Eogers, F, Fletcher, John Thomas, Chas. Dean, Malcolm Leitch,
F. McKenzie, Colin McKellar, Wm. Thomas, E. Mitton, T. McGaw,
W. A. Gray, and A. S. Eendelli. P. J. Morrison was appointed treas-
urer in March, 1887, and in November, P. Hancox succeeded E.
Sutherland, as secretary. In March, Glencoe was made head-quarters
of the 26th Battalion Band, which at the close of the year had thirty-
one members. In May, 1888, Alex. McEae was elected president of
the band ; W. Vernon, vice-president ; and P. J. Morrison, secretary
and treasurer.
Riflemen. — The Glencoe Eifle Association was organized March
12, 1875, with D. Ferguson, president; John McEae and A. Clanahan,
558 HISTORY OF THE
vice-presidents ; Geo. M. Harrisou, treasurer ; S. S. Kennon, secretary ;
W. K. Marifield, assistant-secretary.
Militia. — The committee on enrolment of the militia company,
appointed in May, 1874, comprised Dr. Lnmley, S. S. Kennon, Wm.
Hayden, Robert Clanahan, G. M. Harrison and D. Dobie. Ten years
later, in June, 1884, the question of organizing a militia company was
revived, and the first effort made at organization. Dr. Lumley was
selected captain, with Lieutenant Billington of No. 2 Company, Strath-
roy, organizer. In January, 1887, Dr. Lumley resigned.
Accidents. — On Nov. 20, 1870, Leroy Aldriclr was drowned at
Glencoe. Four rods away stood a number of the boy's friends, among
them his brother-in-law. They would not enter the cold water to
rescue him, although he held on firmly to the ice until hope of rescue
The Graham road bridge accident, near Glencoe, of May 10, 1888,
resulted in the death of two men and serious injury to many of the
other workmen.
Cemetery. — In April, 1884, the question of acquiring a public
burial ground for Glencoe was brought forward, and on the 17th a
meeting held, when Angus McKenzie proposed that N. Currie, S. J.
Walker and I. Rathburn be a committee to secure grounds for a new
cemetery.
Salt-well. — The town well was bored to a depth of 606 feet in
October, 1887, by contractor Savage, but no water was found. The
council at once contracted for boring to a depth of 300 feet more, at
$1.25, $1.40 and S1.60 per foot, for the order of 100-feet sections. In
December a 900-feet level was reached. In March, 1888, it was
down 1,225 feet, and in April, 1,500 feet, when it yielded 300 gallons
per hour. Owng to a sulphurous deposit, the water was found to be
of an inky-black color, and unfit for use. It appears that in the wild
effort to procure water, the salt-rock was bored through, thus destroy-
ing the chances of developing the rich salt deposits at that particular
place, without the further expense of closing off the supply of sulphur
water. In April, 1888, street lamps were authorized.
Societies. — Lome Lodge, No. 282, A. F. & A. M., was chartered
August 15, 1872. The hst of past masters is as follows: — William
Hayden, 1872-4; W. G. Lumley, 1875-7 ; H. Seymour, 1878 ; George
J. Fryer, 1879-80 ; G. M. Harrison, 1881-2 ; W. G. Lumley, 1883 ; J.
C. Butter, 1884-5; W. G. Lumley, 1886; John L. Charles, 1887,
and Dr. W. G. Lumlej% the present master.
Glencoe Lodge, No. 133, I. 0. 0. F.,was instituted March 11, 1874,
with Donald Cochrane, J. A. McCracken, J. H. Campbell, R. Clanahan,
G. H. Munro and D. A. Ferguson as charter members. The first
otficers are named as follows : — Robert Clanahan, D. A. Ferguson,
George Munro, T. Harris, W. C. Stephens, John McCracken, A.
McNabb, John Oldrieve, C. A. Middlemiss, James Harris, W. Ham-
mond, C. Ryckman, J. G. Foster, C. W. Benington, John Munro, E.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 559
G. Crooks, Isaac Walker, J. E. Eoome, A. A. Kennedy, Isaac
McCracken, Joseph Foy, E. G. Evans, W. G. Eogers, R. E. Howard,
John Walker, and C. J. Peachey ; R. Sutherland, secretary. The total
number of members received is 124; number now belonging, sixty.
In 1880 the hall was moved from the Campbell building to the Swais-
land block, and, in 18SS, to the Howard building.
Court Maple Leaf No. 60, I. 0. E., was instituted February 1,
1881, with the following-named charter members : — Dr. W. G. Lumley,
P. J. McAlpine, P. I. Bodman, E. Blackwell, John Sarah, E. Griffith,
C. Barrington, J. Y. Foster, Rev. E. Roipel and A. Campbell. The
number of members now on roll is twenty-two, and the names of Past
Chief Rangers are :— E. Griffith, C. Barrington, W. F. Rodgers, N. F.
Currie, J. Y. Foster, J. P. McMillan, A. McNeil, H. Bartlett ; J. Y.
Foster is D. C. R.
The British Templars claimed several organizations in south-west
Middlesex in 1874-5. In 1875, the officers of the county lodge
were: — County chief, T. Gordon; county assistant chief, T. Ogilvie ;
Councillor, Rev. Mr, Sutherland ; V. Templar, Maggie Sutherland ;
Financier, Malcolm Campbell ; marshal, J. M. Cornell ; Treasurer, J.
B. Coulthard ; assistant marshal, T. Sutherland ; inner guard, C. Camp-
bell ; outer guard, J. Young ; assistant secretary, Miss A. Twiss ;
secretary, M. C. Mclntyre.
In June, 1880, the first Lacrosse Club was organized. The Oaks
comprised the following jjlayers in 1888 ; — W. B. Wilson. W. Buggan,
J. Huston, H. Simpson, George Goldie, J. Simpson, D. McKellar, F.
McKenzie, G. Swaisland, F. Carter, J. Orange and C. Carter.
Mechanics' Institute.— The establishment of a Mechanics' Institute
was suggested in November, 1881, by the reeve, Isaac Rathburn, and
considered in public meeting. This resulted in its organization, when
I. Rathburn, J. M. Tait and Angus McKenzie were chosen trustees ;
W. G. Lumley, president ; Alex. Stuart, secretary ; G. M. Harrison,
treasurer ; M. F. Barclay, librarian ; Revs. H. Cameron and W. J.
Taylor, lecturers. On Feb. 11, 1888, a meeting to reorganize the
Institute assembled, under call of Isaac Rathburn. He presided, with
A. McVicker, secretary. On motion of Alex. Stuart, seconded by Rev.
Mr. Henderson, the Institute was reorganized, with Isaac Rathburn,
president ; Rev. D. Cume, vice-president ; A. McVicker, secretary ;
Geo. M. Harrison, treasurer ; and Mr. Roome, librarian. The directors
were Augus Graham, Alex. Stuart, A. Taylor, Dr. Walker and Samuel
Ranton. At this time the books purchased by the old association were
examined, additions made to the list, and a little later a reading-room
was established in the Howard Block, the 110 members contributing
liberally to maintain both library and reading-room. The credit of
reviving the Institute is freely given to Mr. Rathburn, while the idea
of the reading-room originated with Rev. D. Currie.
Y. M. L. C. — The Young Men's Liberal Club of Glencoe was or-
ganized Jan. 26, 1883, -with J. P. McMillan, president; R. Fleming
560 HISTOItY OF THE
and E. D. Swift, vice-presidents ; W. Wilson, secretary ; and C. Leitch,
treasurer.
W. C. T. U.—ln 1886, the officers of the Women's Christian Tem-
perance Union at Glencoe were : — Mrs. Robbins, Mrs. A. Dobie, Miss
Stevenson, Miss Eiggs, Miss Flora Campbell, Miss E. Stalker and Mrs.
]\IcCutcheon.
The A. 0. U. W. — Lodge No. 290 was instituted under charter,
January 25, 1888, with the following members : — James Wilson, A.
Clanahan, H. C. Dixon, W. J. Small, J. P. Warren, E. Marshall, F. B.
David.son, E. E. Adams, A. B. McClellan, W. H. Simpson, Geo. Parrott,
Samuel Thompson, J. L. Charles, A. McKellar, Alfred Crow, D. A.
McCallum, J. Fletcher, Dr. W. G. Lumley, 11. C. Vause, I. McCracken
and N. J. Beckett. J. L. Charles was first master workman ; A.
McKellar, recorder, and E. E. Adams, financial secretary. The pre-
sent membership is thirty-one, with hall over A. McKellar's store.
Chxinge. — West Middlesex Division Grange elected the following
officers for 1888 : — D. A. McEae, master; John Mitchell, 0.; Arch.
Mclntyre, S. ; James W. McFie, T. ; E. McDonald, L. ; John Mawhin-
ney, C. ; Wm. Webster, Steward ; J. W. Eddie, assistant ; and George
Huston, G. K. The lady officers are Madames Weekes, Lethbridge,
Foster and Eamey.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 561
CHAPTER XXXI.
NISSOURI WEST.
Nissouri West, being the western half of the old township of the
District of London, is bounded east by Oxford County, north by Perth
County and the Gore of Biddulph, south by North Dorchester, and
west by London Townships. The north fork of the Thames is a bold
stream, running in a comparatively straight bed from the north-west
quarter of the township to Lot 12, Concession 1, where it enters Lon-
don Township ; but returning into Lot 9, receives the Wye river on
the George Scatcherd farm. The Wye is a native stream. The main
stream and feeders seem to run to every place from Lots 11 to 24 and
from Concession 1 to 6. The entire south-eastern section claims still
another native creek, which bears the same relation to it as the Wye
does to the central parts. In the north-east rise numerous feeders of
the North Fork.
The township was surveyed in 1818, and that year or the following
one a clearing was made on Lot 14, Concession 2, on the river Thames,
where the surveyors of 1818 camped. In 1819, John and Thomas
Scatcherd purchased Lots 9, 10, 11 and 12, Concession 1, on the Wye,
now Wyton ; Clauson Burgess, of Niagara, settled near the hamlet of
St. Ives in 1820 ; George Logan on Lot 17, Concession 3, near Thorn-
dale, in 1825 ; John Dunsmore on Concession 2, near Governor's
Road, in 1830 ; while Turner Farley had had a lot on Concession 1.
The McGuffins preceded the Scatcherds here, coming in 1818, while
the Vining family came about this time. James Shanly, an Irishman,
established his home here in 1837, naming his property " Thorndale,"
according to the Irish and English fashion. The village of Thorndale
was laid out in 1858 by the Logans, and four years later an English
Church building was erected there, and saw and grist-mills established.
In 1818, the Hardy family came to Canada from Ireland in the
ship Brunswick, and that year settled in Nissouri Township. Joseph
N. Hardy, one of the sons born in Ireland in 1800, died in 1884,
being the last survivor of the New London colony. The father died
in London Township in 1819, where the fiimily settled on Concession
0. Squii-e John Scatcherd the founder of that family, came from Eng-
land and settled in Nissouri Township in 1821. In 1822, Thomas
Scatcherd arrived. On August 1, 1822, the former married Annie,
daughter of John Farley of London Township, who died in 1865.
Wm. Fram was one of the earliest settlers of West Nissom'i. His son
James B. Fram, was born there in 1834. Among the old settlers of
Nissouri who were classed as representative men in 1878-80, were : —
E. M. Vining, a settler of 1820; Alonzo Vining, 1824; Thomas
562 HISTORY OF THE
Scatcherd, 1822 ; John Morden, 1822, postmaster at Belton ; Huoh
Davis, 1820, of Thorndale ; and William Logan, 1825 ; Thomas Mc-
Wain, 1822, of the Thorndale Hotel; Robert McGuffin, 1826 ; Henry
Powell, 1828; Edward Fitzgerald, 1832; Harvey Scott, 1833; James
McGuffin, 1832; James Tomlinson, Sol. Vining, jr., and John Legg.
1836 ; D. Bailey and James B. Fram, 1834 ; Rich. Hobbs and A. W.
Brown, 1837 ; Peter and Bernard Carling, 1842 ; Wm. Coleman, jr.,
John Burns, postmaster, at Evelyn, and John Taylor, 1843 ; John
Woods and Alex. Mc^Nlartin. in 1844 ; Henrv McLean, Humphrey
Pardy, in 1842 ; Samuel Pardy, in 1840; Thomas Badggood, 1839;
Robert Wood and Wm. Hue.ston, 1845 ; Robert A. Brown, John
Johnston, and H. H. Scott, 1846 ; John McGurk, Wm. Murrell, and
Wm. Mahon, 1847; Allan Barr, Luke Dyer, sr., Richard B. Gleeson,
and Richard Mills, 1848 ; Daniel Aiken, sr., Thomas Duffin, Thomas
Evans and James Elgie, 1849.
Phoebe Campbell, who murdered her husband in Missouri West,
was hanged June 20, 1872. As related in other pages, this female
fiend conceived an affection for her farm-hand, named Coyle, and, in
the dead of night left her husband's bed, and, seizing an axe, hacked
him to death. How she essayed to plant the guilt on others has been
related ; but she was unable to blindfold justice. Her death was like
her crime, cool and swift. A reference to the courts and bar will
point out the Pickard affair and other criminal matters connected with
this division of the county.
The first record of Nissouri West is dated January 19, 1852, when
Councillors Scatcherd, Vining, Crone, Logan and McMartin qualified,
and opened official work at Robert Logan's house. Francis Bowers
was appointed first clerk, vice Forster Scatcherd, who was chosen and
resigned ; James Scott and R. Logan, jr., auditors ; Solomon Vining,
auditor. Among the ordinary business transactions in February was
the establishment of free school No. 3, on petition of Elisha Brown
and others. In 1853, Councillor Moore's name appears, with those of
the same officers as in 1852. In 1855 Messrs. Vining, Mc]Martin,
Moore, Uren and Scott formed the Council. Richard Logan, who died
in 1886, succeeded Solomon Vining as trea.surer in 1856, and served
until his death, when Charles Harrison, the present treasurer, was
appointed. William Lee, the present township clerk, has held that
office since 1858. In 1856 Messrs. McMartin, Scott, Moore and
Chambers were chosen councilmen ; in 1857-8, Moore, Scott, Evans,
Vining and R. W. Giffen, and, in 1858, Robert McGuffin, vice Moore.
During the years 1857-8, the Council instructed the reeve to inform
the engineer in charge of this division of the railway to take such
measures in the matter of railway crossings as to render them safe for
travellers.
The dealings of the District Quarter Sessions Court with Nissouri
West prior to 1842, and of the County Council since that time are
detailed in the general histoiy, and the names of reeves and deputy-
reeves given.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 563
Tliorndale in 188S claimed 350 inhabitants. W. H. Salmon was
postmaster, and he with E. Dunn, James Harding and H. Baillie were
general merchants. W. H. Diinlop's saw-mill, G. Matheson's flouring-
raill and Aaron Griffith's cheese box-factory were the principal indus-
tries. John Falkner's bakery, E. Eyckmau's tinshop and Northcott &
Paynter's meat market may be said to make up the business houses of
the village. Henry McLean's hotel may be said to have been estab-
lished within the last two decades. The new Salmon Hotel stands on
the site of the old Central, built years ago by William Logan. The
Central was variously conducted, but in 1888 W. H. Salmon pur-
chased the building and grounds, and erected the neat hotel building
of the present time.
Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 248, built their hall here in 1874. It is
a small brick structure.
The Methodist Church of Canada at Thorndale, formerly of Nis-
souri Circuit, of which Hugh McLean was Wesleyan, and Charles
Barltrop, New Connexion ministers in 1874, was presided over in
1875 by Christopher Hamilton. In 1878 he was succeeded by Daniel
W. Thompson. Among the assistants were D. A. Moir, Geo. A. Kerr,
Samuel G. Staples, W. H. Spence and John Henderson. In 1879-80,
D. W. Thompson; in 1881-2, James E. Ford and J. W. Saunby; in
1883, James E. Holmes took Mr. Saunby's place; in 1884, James
Kennedy and Eeuben J. Garbutt; 1887, Eev. E. Scott; 1888, C. C.
Cousins. Among the members in 1874 were Robert, John, Ann,
William and ]\Irs. William McCutcheon, William and Mary Car-
ruthers, Robert and Ann Walker, John and Eliza Pearson, Thomas,
Eliza and Libby Fitzsimmous, S. S. and Jane Murray. These, with
twenty-five others enrolled later, are the names registered. The present
house of worship was dedicated October 31, 1S80. The building cost
$1,900. Mr. Cridlaud succeeded Mr. Garbutt. Rev. E. Medd is with
Mr. Cousins, succeeding J. H. Murray.
The Thorndale Circuit now embraces Thorndale (97), Evans (57),
Bethesda (66), Bailey's (33), Wyton (32) and Laird's (18) appoint-
ments. Richard Murrell is steward at Lairds ; Jas. Wheaton, at
Wyton ; Wm. Temple, at Bailey's ; Wm. Mollaud, at Bethesda ; and
Joseph Badggood, at Evans. At Thorndale Robert Walker is steward ;
with Wm. Carruthers and Ed. Nicholson, leaders ; and Benj. Tripp,
superiutendent. The number of members of each class is given above
in brackets.
The Frame Church class was presided over by Hamilton McLeod.
Among the members were his wife, Jacob and Eliza McLeod, three
McKones, John Nixon, Clarissa Dickie, Ehza Orchard, Nelson and
Sarah Day, Sarah McNee, Eliza Simons, Eliza Tennant, Thomas Harris
and wife and Wm. Downham. The greater number of above ceased
to be members of this class in 1877, while others removed.
Laird's class comprised John Johnson, steward ; Mrs. Johnson and
Mrs. Covely, with Mr. Carr. Evans's class was presided over by Jas.
564 HISTORY OF THE
3, who died in 1880 ; claims sixty-three members, the greater
. number of whom were received Feb. 20, 1880. Hobbs's class, with
Eichard Hobbs, steward, has forty-six members on the register. Buck
Church class was presided over by Phihp Teskey.
St. George's English Church was established about 1862, with Eev.
W. Brookman pastor. Among the early members were : — John and
Thomas Fitzsimons, Hugh Pavis, William Logan, Edward Fitzgerald,
Henry IMcLean, William Mahon, Eichard Mills, Eichard Guest, James
Shanly, Colonel James Shanly, Charles Harrison, the Lovelocks,
Hobbs, Bryans, Logans, Dawsons, Cunninghams, Coswells, Bakers,
Keys, Eussell Leonard, Martins, Laiugheeds and Lumbeys. In I860,
S. Belcher succeeded jMr. Brookman in charge of St. John's, at
Thamesford ; Grace Church and St. George's, at Thoriidale. In 1871,
W. Daunt and C. W. Ball, 1883, who remained until 1886, when J.
Holmes was ajipointed. In July, 1887, F. F. Davis was appointed,
and in July, 1888, Eev. W. Seabourne. The communicants number
fifty-two. Charles Harrison is the present senior warden, having served
for the last sixteen years. He with J. J. Armstrong, station agent,
are present wardens.
Mount Olivet Lodge, No. .'300, A. F. & A. M., was chartered July
10, 1873. The list of past masters is as follows : — Eichard Mills, 1873 ;
MoHatt Forster, 1874; J.D. Salmon, 1875 ; W. H. Dunlop, 1876 ; Geo.
F. Bryan, 1877; Edward Nicholson, 1878; E. Fitzgerald, 1879-81 ;
Noble Dickie, 1882 ; S. S. Murray, 1883-84 ; Neil McKechnie. M.D.,
1885 ; W. F. Kennedy, 1886 ; Eichard Guest, 1887.
Wyton Village is one of the oldest settlements in the township.
Near this point the Scatcherd family settled in 1811), almost seventy
years before the locomotive appeared there. In 1857 the hamlet con-
tained seventy-five inhabitants. The busine.ss circle comprised: —
John Biduer, innkeeper; Christopher Goodman, innkeeper; Eobert
Gurney, tailor ; Thomas Scatcherd, grist-mill and tannery ; Charles
Scott, "shoemaker ; Sims & Sons, woollen-factory ; John Talbot, jr.,
blacksmith ; John Talbot, sr., general-store ; Eichard Talbot, carpenter ;
William Talbot, waggon-maker ; Peter VanEvery, postmaster.
Wyton Station and vicinity claims a population of fifty. George
Scatcherd is postmaster since 1874 ; ]\L Sherlock, grocer, and John
Talbot, blacksmith. Wyton Methodist class was presided over by
Joseph Wheaton, with Thomas Scatcherd, sr., and Thomas Scatcherd, jr.,
Mary Scatcherd, Jane Belton, Annie Angus and daughter, Eliza and
Margaret Talbot, Jane Farley, Mary Wilson, Mary Dundass, and Geo,
Scatcherd. On March 29, 1880, fifteen additional members were
added. Mount Zion class, as organized, claimed six members of the
Huntley family, Simon Johnson and David Dickie, stewards, and
twenty-seven others.
St. Ives and vicinity claimed a population in 1888 of 125 inhabi-
tants. Thomas Howard was postmaster; Heniy Powell, merchant;
John Healy, proprietor of saw-mill ; J. M. Barnard, of flouring-mill ;
and Daniel McKiunon, of blacksmith shop.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 565
Belton in 1888 claimed twenty inhabitants. John Gibson was
]iostmaster and general merchant ; John German, blacksmith ; and
Peter Smith, waggon-maker.
Devizes in 1888 had seventy-five inhabitants. James Bisbee was
cheese-manufacturer ; Wm. Eoss, lumber-dealer ; R Young, shoe-
maker; E. Eiddle, carpenter; Joseph Lumsden, carriage-maker; and
Wm. McKone, postmaster.
The Thames Eoad Presbyterian Church was opened Jan. 29, 1882,
the total cost of the building being S8,000. To the Eev. Colin Fletcher,
the pastor, the success of the undertaking was attributed. The congre-
gation here dates back to 1852, when Mr. Logic held services in a log
school-house; but in 1858 a stone house was built, which gave place
to the present building. In 1852, Usborne Township was almost an
unbroken forest, and this was the only place of worship outside the
settlement at Exeter.
Rebecca post-office was establi.shed eight years ago (1880), with
John Henderson master, and who still holds the position, with Eobert
Judd, deputy. Seaton's hotel was built about twenty years ago by
Samuel Hueston, who conducted the house for a number of years.
The Henderson store was established by Widow Hueston, who built
an addition to the old toll-house, which she bought. The Ashman
saw-mill (new) was established in 1887 by Mark Ashman. Prior to
this his old saw-mill stood a mile west of Rebecca.
HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXXII.
WESTMINSTER TOWNSHIP.
"Westminster is bounded on the north by the Thames Eiver, which
divides it from London Township ; on the south by Elgin County, east
by North Dorchester Township, and west by Delaware. Dingman's
Creek may be said to drain all the central sections from east to west.
The northern and southern concessions claim numerous living streams
— so many, indeed, that it may be said that every farm has its creek.
East of the railroad a number of ponds exist.
The London & Port Stanley Ilailroad runs south on what may be
termed the west line of the east half of the township, with depots at
Grove and Glanworth hamlets.
Westminster in 1817 contained 107 houses and 428 people. Two
school buildings, one grist-mill and one saw-mill, were the public build-
ings of the pioneer community. Nathan Griffith's brick sold for thirty
shillings a thousand, owing to the slow method of treading clay with
oxen. In 1811 land was worth five shillings per acre, and increased
four-fold by 1817. In 1850, 4,525 inhabitants, three grist-mills, two
carding machines, a fulling-mill and a number of schools pointed to
progi-ess. In 1849, 57,600 bushels of wheat, 54,000 bushels of oats,
12,000 bushels of peas, 28,000 pounds of wool, and 36,000 pounds of
butter were produced, and cleared land was worth about sixty shillings
per acre.
Barnabas Skuse's limekiln on Concession 1 is one of the large
industries of the county. From his quarry the limestone for the
asylum, some bridge abutments, the foundations of the Catholic Cathe-
dral and other buildings was procured. The quarry was first worked
about 1840 by old Benj. Kilbourn. Teeple, Summers and the present
owner succeeded Mr. Kilbourn.
It is one of the largest townships in Middlesex, and in it and around
it are gathered abundant evidences of material prosperity. The glory
of fertile fields ; the bounty of dairies ; the fruit of trees and vine ;
the sweets of bee-forms, and the blossoms of flowers, pay tribute to
this rich district, making the altars of the fruitful Pan and the bounti-
ful Ceres redolent with incense most pleasing to the husbandman.
And this is the land which at the beginning of the century was merely
a camping-place for the itinerant red-man. He came here at intervals
to take what the river, ponds and streams ofi'ered of the finny tribe ; or
the forest of game ; or the soil of wild fruits or herbs. Here, among
the red-willow marshes, he manufactured the bark into Kinnikinick,
and dried the wild tea in imitation of the Chinese ; but the children
of nature never slept to dream of drawing forth the resources of the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 567
soil and forests. The task was held for another race — the white
workers — who came to plow and sow, and build, and to transform the
wilderness into the garden which we now find it. Throughout the
Province there cannot be found a more beautiful township, nor one
where wealth and happiness are more equally distributed.
On Monday (Feb. 4, 1793), His Excellency Lieut.-Governor Sim-
coe, accompanied by Capt. Fitzgerald and Lieut. Smith, of the 5th
Eegiment, Lieuts. Talbot, Grey and Givens, and Major Littlehales, left
Navy Hall (Newark) in sleighs, and proceeded through the concessions
parallel with Lake Ontario to the twelve-mile creek, the roads being
very indifferent and wet, owing to the unusual mildness of the season.
From this point the party proceeded along the mountain and the ir-
regular ridge which stretches westward near Brantford and Woodstock,
and which is probably a continuation of the " mountain." They passed
through the Mohawk Village, where they saw the old Mohawk Church,
and thence near Woodstock, and down the west branch of the Thames,
entering the County of Middlesex in North Dorchester, and passing
into Westminster, camped for the night near the Westminster ponds.
The* survey of the line bounding the rear of the first Concession
north of the street, beginning at a dead beech tree standing in the
north-westerly corner of the Township of Dorchester, thence S. 81° 30'
W., was made in 1809-10 by Deputy Provincial Surveyor Simon T.
Z. Watson. Then there was no settler on E. 23, where Captain Jos.
Odell subsequently settled, nor on E. 24, where Albert S. Odell located
his lands, and the only residents on the whole Township of Westmin-
ster were Arch. McMillan, on E. 45 and 46, twenty chains from the
line, and Nathaniel Fairchild, on E. 47 and 48. The sui-vey extended
to Chestnut post, standing in the north-easterly angle of Delaware
Township. The north street or branch of Talbot road was surveyed by
Col. Burwell, and the remaining part of the township (see field notes
at Meredith) by Col. Bostwick in 1820. Lands here were not granted
to absentees or sold to speculators prior to 1817, and so became the
home of many who came here to carve out farms. Unlike Dorchester,
Delaware and Adelaide, where large tracts were parcelled out among
favorites, actual settlers flocked iuto Westminster. In 1817, John and
Oliver McClary arrived from Pennsylvania with the family, and
entered on life in the forest.
Michael McLaughlin brought the first spring wagon — wooden
springs — into Westminster about 1823—1. Alvard Ladd had the first
stage between Delaware and Ancaster, and held it until Eli Trowbridge
took the route. Trowbridge lived where the present Nathan Griffiths's
house stands, on Concession 1 of Westminster.
A road through David Eeynolds's lands in Westminster was ap-
proved in July, 1830, and damages of £2 10s. awarded. In the case
of a road in Yarmouth, £3 15s. per acre for improved land, and £1 5s.
William Mo-
568 HISTOKY OF riiE
for unimproved, was the rate of damage allowed to Aaron Whitesell
and Wm. Doan. In April, 1832, the surveyor's report on the Wharn-
cliffe road was approved by a jury of twelve men. In April, 1831,
Wm. King Cornish, surveyor, reported a road through Lot 44, West-
minster, to McMillan's bridge, and a jury of twelve men confirmed
this report. A road from Thomas Pool's to Michael McLaughlin's
house in Westminster was also approved. In October, 1836, the court
received a petition of the inhabitants of Westminster, asking that a
bridge be built over the eastern branch of the Thames, near Alvard's
or Kenny's mills. £25 were granted.
Organization. — The first record of the Westminster Council is
dated March 4, 1817. The first meeting was held at Archibald Mc-
Millan's tavern, for the united townships of Westminster, Delaware
and Dorchester. Henry Schenick was chosen clerk ; Jacobus Schenick
and Jos. L. Odell, assessors ; Major S. Tousley, collector ; and Timothy
Kilbourn, Capt. B. B. Brigham, John Wells, Davis Doty, Barnabas
Flanagan and Jeremiah Schram, overseers of highways; Albert S.
Odell and Robert Frank, town- wardens ; Nathan Griffith and Gideon
Tiffany, pound-keepers. This Council ordered that all fences should
be four and a-half feet high, with rails not more than four inches
apart. Hogs were allowed at large. In 1818, Archibald McMillan
was chosen clerk and A. S. Odell, collector, who gave place to Joseph
B. Flanagan in 1819, and he to Asa Townsend in 1820, Archibald
McMillan still holding the clerkship. 1819, fences were ordered to be
five feet Irigh, while hogs were free-commoners. A note made February
10, 1820, gives the snow fall at two feet of " hard winter snow."
In 1821 the town meeting was held at Asa Townsend's Tavern.
Henry Schenick was elected collector. In 1822, Nathan GriOith took
McMillan's place as town clerk, and Geo. J. Goodhue was chosen col-
lector, with James Choate, Michael Crydemau, John Sutton and Benj.
Woodhull, wardens ; Charles Pettis and Abram Sloat (who was Bap-
tist preacher at Brick street school) were roadrnasters for North street
to Mill Creek, and Gardner Merrick for West Westminster. In 1823
the meeting was held at E. Trowbridge's house, Arch. McMillan was
chosen clerk, and Samuel Hungerford, collector ; B. B. Brigham and
Ben. Woodhull, pathmasters for Delaware ; Josepli Kilbourn and
James Sheldon for West Westminster ; Seth Putnam and Abram Car-
roll, for Dorchester; Timothy Kilbourn, Jesse Cornwell and John
O'Neil (who afterwards kept stage tavern where Abram Carroll built
in 1826-7), church or town-wardens. In 1824, Nathan Griffith was
clerk ; Samuel Hunt, collector ; Pobert Summers and Adolphus Bost-
wick, wardens; Gideon Bostwick was collector in 1825, and John
Sutton and Timothy Kilbourn, wardens. In 1826, at a meeting
held at Sylvanus Reynolds's house, Westminster, Sweet Gardner was
chosen collector; Griffith being still clerk, with Robert Frank and
John Sutton, wardens.
In 1827 a meeting at Eli Trowbridge's house selected the same
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 569
clerk and collector, with Andrew Fortner and Josejih L. Odell, wardens.
In 1828, A. S. Odell was collector and Daniel McPherson and John
Stevens, wardens. In 1829, Gideon Bostwick took Odell's place, with
Bartley Seward and Andrew Beattie, wardens. The meeting of 1830
was held at David Doly's house. Griffith, clerk, and Bostwick,
collector, were re-elected, also in 1831-2; in 1833 A. S. Odell was
chosen collector, replaced in 1834 by G. G. Bostwick, who was also
chosen in 1835, but gave place to Ross Kobertson in 1836, while G.
G. Bostwick was chosen clerk. In 1 837 a meeting held at Shubal
Nichol's house, Lot 31, Concession 2, Westminster, elected Nathan
Griffith clerk; Calvin Burch, assessor, and Wm. Odell, collector.
During the years 1835-7 roads claimed much attention. In 1838, Henry
Schenick was collector, Griffith still holding the clerkship. In 1839,
Calvin Burch was chosen assessor and collector. In 1840, Henry
Schenick was chosen clerk, and Charles Montague was chosen pathmaster
for Dorchester and Westminster town-line. Schenick and Burch held
their positions till 1843 ; in 1846 James Haldane was selected clerk
and John Beattie assessor and collector. In 1848, Samuel Eiddell was
assessor and collector. In 1849, these, with Isaac Campbell, councillor,
were re-elected. In 1850, Lsaac Campbell received 350 votes ; James
Eae, 253; Eichard Frank, 228; David Eymal, 224, and J. L. Odell,
207 votes, and were chosen councillors under the municipal act. Isaac
Campbell was chosen reeve ; Eichard Frank, deputy ; James Haldane,
clerk; Samuel Eiddell, assessor; Andrew Beattie, collector; and Wm.
Crinklaw, treasurer. Thomas B. French was chosen school superin-
tendent.
In 1851, E. Frank, James Eae, Garner Elwood, Charles Montague
and John Glendenning formed the Council. In 1852, Peter McClary
was a councillor; John Ferris, license inspector in 1853, and Eli
Griffith was councilman. Adam Murray served as clerk from 1853 to
1860, when James Armstrong was appointed. In 1871 he was suc-
ceeded by Henry Anderson, the present incumbent.
Pioneer Days. — It was no uncommon sight to see a band of
Indians with their squaws, pappooses, ponies and dogs, travelling
through the country, or their wigwams at their favorite camping
grounds. Trails — some deep-worn paths led from all sides toward
the forks of the Thames, and thence to the springs. When the first
settlers came, several small garden spots were observed ; but such spots,
like the old Indian trails, were soon plowed up by the new comers, and
even the red man's grave disappeared before their plow or spade.
Prior to the war of 1812, a ship-load of farming implements was
sent out from England to York for distribution among actual settlers
on 200-acre tracts. For each was a spade, hoe, plow mold, iron wedges
set of nine harrow teeth, ox-ring and staple, ox-chain, and some other
articles. The cargo was kept at York, and it is said that instead of
distributing the implements as intended, the governing class charged
the settlers one sterling shilling per pound. Among the number who
570 HISTORY OF THE
went to York was Ned Teeples, Bill Hale and others. When the
Americans captured Toronto, they called the settlers to the point to
carry away what was justly theirs. This statement is made on the
authority of Wm. Hale, later of London, who was present, and related
the facts to Eobert Summers.
Abram Patrick served in the war of 1812, leaving his wife and
children alone. Durmg his absence his wife caught an Indian driving
away her cow off the Dingraan farm, but her intrepidity conquered
the dusky thief, who looked puzzled indeed when the brave woman
advanced, and turning the cow homewards, left the savage standing in
mute surprise. That night the Indians killed two cows, the property
of Nathaniel Fairchild. Abrara Patrick and his sons were some of the
famous hunters of early years. Their prowess in the chase was un-
equaled in the wilds of the Thames, and thousands of the wild animals
of the forest fell victims to their aim. While at dinner one day, his
daughter discovered a huge black bear and three cubs within the yard.
The himters at once gave chase, the elder Patrick bringing the bear
mother to bay, when John Patrick shot and killed her. Two cubs
were then killed, and in later days the other.
Two brothers of Isaac Grouse were lost one Sunday in April, 1829.
All the settlers turned out, old Dr. Lee offering $50 for finding them,
except Abram Patrick, who, with his dog and rifle, said he would hunt
them alone. On Wednesday he found one, Nelson, sitting on a log,
five miles away ; the other boy. Tommy, was never found.
Alpha, Archie, Cyrus and Thomas Mc^Millan, were sons, and Mercy,
who married Reynolds, Lovina, who married Anson Simons, and Cyreua,
were the daughters of the pioneer of Byron, and indeed, of the county
outside the Hmits of Delaware and Dorchester, as it was in 1809. David
Patrick maintains that they were his nearest neighbors, as none were
south of them until the settlement of St. Thomas was reached. Dur-
ing the early years they ground their corn in mortars, until the mill at
Delaware was running. At St. Thomas they found a store where they
paid $10 per bushel for salt, and SI per yard for common calico.
Captain Jos. Odell, John Odell and James Lester settled on Con.
1, Westminster, in 1811, and were the first three permanent settlers on
the concession, which was surveyed in 1809-10 by Mr. Watson. The
two Odells served against the Americans in 1812-14. William Odell
settled in Westminster in 1836. His son, W. L. Odell, is proprietor
of the Warrior Hotel, on Concession 1, and also postmaster at that
point. The latter assisted in building the old Wellington bridge across
the Thames and did the iron work for other early bridges. He also
assisted in cutting through the Wellington road from Concession 1 to
London.
Albert S. Odell settled in Westminster in 1810, and was soon
after joined by his brother and sister. Joshua S. settled on Concession
1 in 1811. He moved to London ia 1831, and opened a tavern on
Duudas street, where the Mansion House now stands. In 1834 he
moved to Belmont, and died in 18(33.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 571
The grandfather of the present Francis D. Norton is said to have
settled on Concession 1, Lot 7, of Westminster, in 1810 (David Mor-
ton states 1811), immediately after the snrvey (hegnn in 1809) was
completed. L. A. Norton, a member of this family, was confined six
months in London jail in 1838 ; but on account of his youth, escaped
the gallows, and was banished from Canada. He is now a lawyer at
Healdsburg, Cal. David Norton and brother served against the
Americans at Lundy's Lane.
Nathan Griffith, grandfather of the present Nathan, served with
the Americans in the Eevolution, while his sons, who settled here in
1812, served against them in the war of 1812. The old gentleman
drew a pension during his life from the American Government. In
1816 he was one of the founders of the M. E. Church on Brick street,
and is said to have continued a member until his death in 1862.
Pioneer Duncan, his wife, five sons and three daughters, came from
Scotland to New York in 1815, and were induced by Col. Talbot's
agents to come hither, which they did that fall, settling on Con. 2.
Margaret married James McGuffin, who died about 1848, and she died
in August, 1881.
Cyrus W. Sumner is said to have settled on Con. 1 about 1816, on
a lot which was a grant to Delia, daughter of John Fowler, a United
Empire Loyalist. He died in 1880. He had a six-pound iron cannon
ball which was fired from Lewiston into Queenstown during the war
of 1812.
Nathan Burch, grandfather of D. B. Burch, of Westminster, came
from New York ia 1798, and settled in Blenheim, where he was
granted lands. In 1816 he moved to Lot 75, north Talbot Koad, and
died in 1829, aged 77 years. Calvin, his son, was brought from New
York in 1802, when four years old. He was one of the first school
teachers, and used to say that he sold himself to Canada for a johnny-
cake, given to him by his mother. In 1818 he came to this township,
and taught school until 1820. Among his pupils was David Patrick,
still living. He married a daughter of Jeremiah Schram.
John McClary, a pioneer of Westminster, settled on Lot 2, Con. 1,
about 1817. He came hither from Pennsylvania. Peter McClary,
one of his sons, was Eevenue Collector at London for twenty-three
years ; and William one of the early surveyors. Samuel Hunt settled
in Westminster in 1817, on the west side of Talbot Road, where he
assisted in forming a class of Methodists. He died in 1865. Mrs.
Elizabeth Frank, the daughter of a United Empire Loyalist who set-
tled in Westminster in 1817, and relict of Eobert Frank, died at
Strathroy in June, 1874.
John Caldwell settled on Concession 2, Westminster, in 1818,
when there were only two settlers there, Wm. Bryant and John Elliott.
He was local Methodist preacher of this district. John Sutton, a
soldier of 1812, was granted 200 acres on the west side of the Talbot
Road in Westminster, where he settled in 1818. At this time the
572 HISTOKY OF THE
settlers had to go to Garduer & Eeynolds's mill, where the London
■waterworks now stand.
James Schenick, sr., and his son Henry, came to Westminster in
1818, and purchased lands on Lot 26, Con. 1, that year. Henry nlti-
mately located on Lot 28, and married Hnlda, sister of Dr. Duncombe,
and daughter of Thomas Duncombe, in 1819. The doctor was a leader
of the Patriots in 1837; went to England to represent the radical ideas;
returning took a full part in the rebellion, and, fleeing for shelter to
the United States, died some years ago in California. Henry Schen-
ick built the frame house in Middlesex, the same which is still in
use near the house of A. C. Johnston, who married his granddaughter.
William Bryant, a British soldier, came iti 1818, or very early in 1819,
and settled on Lot 36, Con. 2, Westminster. Robert Summers, now
living, settled there with his father that year. Richard Tunks and
Spettigue came with him. Jacob Dale settled on Con. 1, March 17,
181S, according to Caldwell's statement, although his son Jacob Dale
states that the pioneer settled there in 1813. When building his house
in Westminster, three or four miles from London, near the Lambeth
road, about the time Goodhue opened his Westminster store, he gave
the merchant 100 bushels of good wheat for 100 pounds weight of
nails. Samuel Glass, father of Sheritf Glass, left Armagh County,
Ireland, in 1819, for Westminster Township, where his sister, who
manied Lieut.-Col. Git, had settled in 1817. On his way hither he
induced Mr. Owrey, of Donaghadee, Ireland, to also settle in West-
minster. The latter purchassed lands here, while, in 1826, Mr. Glass
maiTied Eliza Owrey, and purchased the tract since known as Mount
Pleasant. In 1830 he sold the farm and located in London Township,
and in 1831 settled in London Village, where he died in 1877. Jas.
Nixon, who settled in AVestminster in 1819, died in 1873; but his
widow (Margaret Summers) is still residing there at the age of 94.
For thirty-five years liis son John Nixon has been justice of the peace,
and councillor for twenty-nine years.
Jesse Cornell settled in 1819 on Lot 78, North Talbot road. Eobt.
Summers came from Cumberland County, England, in 1819, bringing
with him his family. It is stated that the family came the time that
James Nixon's family came ; but this is wrong, as the Nixons settled
in New York in 1816, and came to Westminster in February, 1819.
Elliot Grieves settled on Concession 1, of Westminster, in 1819. South
of his location were two families. John Elliott settled at Ponds Mills
in 1836. John McGill and Sylvanus Reynolds, both of Westminster,
were granted tavern licenses June 17, 1820, on payment of £3 10s.
each. In July, Asa Townsend of Westminster, was authorized to keep
a house of entertainment on payment of £3. Eli Trowbridge, who
settled on Lot 35, Concession 1, in 1821-3, kept the stage station
there, and there married Mary, Robert Summer's daughter, after the
death of his first wife ; iu 1825 came from New York. For some
years he carried tliu mail from Ancaster to Delaware, and died in 1828.
COUNTV OF MIDDLESEX. 573
On April 20, 1820, one Joshua Applegarth of Westminster, was con-
victed of using two stills for the distilling of spirituous liquors for sale
(in November, 1819), and sentenced to pay £10 in currency — one-half
to the King, and the other to ^lagistrate Mitchell, who was also inspec-
tor and prosecutor, together with £3 16s. 6d. to the same James
Mitchell for costs, and to forfeit his stills to His Majesty. This was a
little log house opposite Applegarth's house, where Goodhue lived
later.
Cyrus Sumner settled in Westminster in 1822 on Concession 1,
and later built one of the first brick houses in the village of London.
He has served as tax collector for the last twenty-three years, with the
exception of one year. During the troubles of 1837-8 he served
against the Patriots, and had his horse shot. His father, John A.,
settled in 1823. John Eoutledge settled on east side of Talbot road
in 1824. He came to the United States in 1819.
Dr. Elijah Duncombe (son of Thomas Duncombe, who came from
New York in 1822 and settled in Westminster, but died at St. Thomas
that year) died at St. Thomas, February 20, 1870. He came to St.
Thomas in 1823, and resided there until his death. He had his name
entered for the land, at $2.50 per acre, on which the eastern part of
London now stands, but surrendered it on account of its inaccessibility,
there being no bridge over the Thames here in 1823-4. Elizabeth
Parrott, who married John Bogue in England in 1826, and settled
with him in Westminster Township in 1837, died June 25, 1886.
John Cooke Meredith, a native of Dublin, Ireland, came to West-
minster Township at an early date, and, with his wife, Sarah Pegler,
resided there for a number of years. George Pegler was Samuel
Peters's opponent in the butchers' trade at London, having their stores
on King street. John O'Brien was also a butcher here when the
market was held on the court-house square. John Stephens settled in
Westminster in 1827. His son, Eichard, came at that time. Later he
served as clerk in Dennis O'Brien's store at London until the death of
his father in 1837. James Armstrong, born in New Brunswick in
1830, came with his parents to Westminster in 1836. George Laidlaw
settled on Lot 11, Concession 3, in 1832. Dr. George McDermott, the
celebrated oculist of Cincinnati, O, is the son of James and Jane
McDermott, who came from Ireland in 1833, and worked for Dennis
O'Brien, of London, in 1841. The family settled in Westminster
Township where James (the father) died in 1872.
Thomas Anderson settled in Westminster in 1833, at a time when
there was not a settler south of the 2nd Concession, in the eastern half
of the township. His son Henry killed fifty deer within a few years
after settlement. In 1837, Henry Anderson was sergeant in the 4th
Middlesex militia, and was called out against the Patriots. At a gen-
eral muster at Henry Schenick's, 500 militia were present. Capt.
Joseph Odell called for volunteers to serve as minute-men, when four-
teen men responded, among them Henry and Thomas F. Anderson,
574 HISTORY OF THE
Wm. Dubeny and three brothers of the Shore family. Of the whole
number (500), only the fourteen were willing to go to the front.
Francis Nichol, who in 1833 settled on the 4th Concession of
Westminster, where Adam now resides, died in 1868. He built the
first brick house there, and one of the first frame barns, which is still
standing. John Nichol accompanied his father. Isaac Willsie settled
on Con. 5, Lot 5, Westminster, in 1834. W. T. Willsie settled on Con.
7 in 1845. John Wilson settled on Con. 4, Lot 11, in 1844. Thomas
and John Shore settled in Westminster Township in 1833, where they
were soon joined by Frederick Shore. Thomas served as a Colonel in
the Reserve militia, and against the Patriots. In 1834 John Shore, sr„
settled here. Timothy Coughlin, sr., settled on the 8th Concession of
Westminster in 1834. His sou, John T. Coughlin, has served the
township on the local and county Board since 1868. Isaac Manning
settled in Westminster in 1833, on Lot 1, Con. 4, of which he was one
of the few pioneers. Squire Jacob I. Manning came in 1834 and set-
tled on Con. C, where he was appointed a magistrate soon after, and
still holds that position. For fourteen years he kept a general store
where Belmont now stands, and was postmaster there. A reference to
the military chapter points out his services as captain and colonel of
mihtia. Byron Barnard settled on Con. '1 in 1833. His son assisted
in cutting the road between \^^estminste^ and Dorchester. About 1853
the younger Barnard killed a 40G-pound bear on the farm.
Donald and Jane (Martin) Fraser, the latter a sister of the late
John Martin, the Irish patriot, settled in Westminster in 1834. Their
son. Dr. John Martin Fraser, of London, is one of the leading physicians
of Canada. He was born in Westminster, August 12, 183G. Mrs.
Margaret Bentley, M'idow of Robert Bentley, died October 6, 1880.
Daniel Morden, "The Prophet," died in Westminster, June 21, 1860.
He was an eccentric, well-known character. Alex. Kerr settled on Lot
15, Concession 5, in 1835, with his family. John jMcKellar came to
Elgin County that year. Arch. Cameron came in 1843. Morris
Simpson settled on Lot 2, Concession 5, in 1835. He served against
the Patriots, and had previously served against the Americans with the
English. His death took place in 18G0. Lewis Simpson accompanied
his father hither. David McEweu settled in Delaware Township in
1834, and, in 1836, located on the east town-line, Concession 1, West-
minster. John Elliot settled in 1836 on Lot 17, Concession 2, West-
minster.
Thomas Enington settled on Concession 8 of Westminster in
1836. He mairied a daughter of Andrew Neville, an old settler of
the township, who was a soldier at Lundy's Lane in the war of 1812.
Mr. Errington was lo.st in the wreck of the Glasgow in 1853. F. W.
Errington .settled here in 1831). Thomas Turnbull, who came from
Scotland and settled in Westminster in 1837, died in September, 1887.
John Bogue, a settler of 1837, resides on Lot 33, Concession 1, where
George J. Goodhue's store aiid distillery stood up to 1829. Duncan
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 575
McPberson seti-led on Concession 8 of Westminster in 1847, bring-
ing with him $6,000, and, in 1848, purchased the Labatt farm.
Dr. W. B. Lindsay, a settler of 1843, was the eldest of four sons of G.
H. Lindsay, of Mt. Brydges. He gi-aduated in 1869, and began
practice at Napier. In 1869 he raised a volunteer company, and was
commissioned captain.
Among the early settlers of Westminster Township who were
prominent in 1878-80 may be named : — David Patrick, a settler of
1818, Cyrus Sumner, 1822 ; John Stephens, 1826 ; JohuTeeple, 1824 ;
G. E. Jarvis, 1828; Eli S. Jarvis, Thomas Shore and F. NicoU, 1833;
George Eoutledge, Samuel Bratt and David Beattie, 1834 ; Robert
Baty, 1831; James Armstrong, 1835; Michael Carrothers and J. S.
Reynolds, 1837 ; Minchin Jackson, D. McEwen and James O'Brien,
1836 ; W. Laidlaw, 1839 ; Alex. Ken- and Andrew Eoutledge, 1840 ;
A. C. Davis and John Kerr, 1841 ; Wm. Walker and Hugh Thompson,
1842; Samuel Adams and John Parke, 1843; Thomas Frank, 1845;
John McGregor, Sam. Thomas, jr., John A. Mill, and James McDonald,
1847; Andrew Mair and Alex. Hyman. 1848; Wm. McCurley 1842;
John Kay, 1836.
The Subscription School, a very primitive institution, existed here
as far back as 1816. Twenty years later the school system began to
take shape, for in 1836, as the following letter shows, the district clerk,
as well as trustees and teacher, had all something to do with the schools :
Westminster, 9th December, 1836.
Received of Mr. Askins, by the hands of our teacher, H. W. Milne, six spelling
books, six Testaments, six easy-readers, and three English readers, for the use of a
common school, situated on Lot No. 54, north-east branch, Talbot street.
L. A. Weisholm, "I
B. Davis, [-Trustees.
Andrew Nevills, J
Westminster Insurance Co')npany was formally organized in
October, 1857, at Henry Anderson's house, and on November 11,
1857, fully organized at the Wharncliffe Inn. William McKerlie pre-
sided, with J. B. French, secretary. Tiie directors chosen were : — •
Thomas Shore, William Walker, John Wilson, John Nixon, Leonard
Odell, Alexander Kerr and Henry Anderson. John Wilson was
chosen president ; Henry Anderson, secretary; Alexander Kerr, trea-
siner ; James Haldane and Robert Fleming, auditors. The salary of
treasurer and secretary in 1857-8 was $10 per annum each. On
December 3, 1857, seventy-six applications were accepted and pohcies
issued. Donald Eraser's log-barn was burned in November, 1858,
entailing a loss of $32.33. In October, 1859, Robert Carrothers's
house was destroyed, the loss paid being $200. In 1862, Thomas
Shore was elected president. In 1869, William McKerlie's barn was
destroyed, entailing a loss of $350. In 1870, N. K. Davi-s's house was
destroyed, the loss being $200. In 1872, Eger's barn, $150, and
Cyrus Sumner's house, $800, were burned. In 1873, Peter McClary's
576 HISTORY OF THE
two barns, $1,000, and No. 18 school-house, $300, were burned. In
1874 the loss on James Catvill's house was $600. In 1875, Andrew
Weldon was elected president. T. McDougal's barn was burned, en-
tailing a loss of $800 ; Fisher's house, $666. In 1876, James
Craig was elected president. The minister's house, on Concession 3,
was burned, the loss being $650 ; Bernard Skuse's driving house, $315 ;
J. Blair's barn, $200. Thomas McDougall was elected president in
1877. George Munu's barn was destroyed iu 1877. In 1878, J. H.
Little was elected president. Wm. Wright's barn, $380 ; Chas. Main's
green-house, $100, and a number of smaller buildings were destroyed
this year. In 1879, John Nixon was chosen president. There were
five small fires. In 1880, Andrew Weldon was president, succeeded
by George Koutledge in 1881. There were no less than sixteen
claims made this year — one for a cow and four for a sheep killed. The
heavy losses were: — Milne's barns, $1,850; J. Dale's barn, $1,000;
and James O'Brien's barn, $732. The total losses were $7,502.67.
In 1882, Hugh McPherson was elected president. The claims tliis
year amounted to $2,835, among which were Henry Wall's house,
$900, and Thomas Smith's house, $800. R. G. Eose was president in
1883. The claims this year amounted to $3,466, while in 1884 the
amount was only $1,251. In 1885, A. Weldon was president. The
total loss was $1,162. Wm. Walker resigned in 1886, when Thomas
McDougall was elected treasurer. The losses amounted to $168.
John H. Little was chosen president. In 1887, John Nixon was
elected president, succeeded in 1888 by Geo. Routledge. The total
losses in 1887 amounted to $756.66. Henry Anderson has served as
secretary and manager since 1857. There are now about 836 members,
holding policies amounting to $1,204,960.
Churches. — Westminster Circuit of the Wesleyan Church was es-
tablished in 1816, and John Hamilton appointed minister; David
Youmans and Caleb Swazey in 1817; Daniel Shepherdson, 1818;
Alvin Tovy, 1819 ; Isaac B. Smith and S. Belton, 1820 ; James Jack-
son, George Ferguson and Wm. Kyerson, 1821 ; James Jackson and
George Ferguson, 1822; George Ferguson, 1823-4; James Jackson,
1825 ; Kobert Corson, 1826 ; Matt Whiting, 1827 ; Geo. Sovereign
and Kichard Phelps, 1828; Asabel Hurlburt,l829 ; Sam. Belton and
Simon Huntingdon, 1830 ; Horace Dean and John Baxter, 1831 ;
Hamilton Biggar, 1832; Samuel liose and Peter Kerr, 1833-4; C.
Vandusen and J. K. Williston, 1835, when the township was attached
to St. Thomas for circuit purposes. The ministers of St. Thomas Cir-
cuit in 1836 were Vandusen and Williston ; in 1837, Thos. Fawcett
and C. B. Gooderich; in 1838, James Norris and David Hardie ; in
18:19, James Non-is and C. W. M. Gilbert; in 1840, Hugh Monl^
goraery; in 1841-2, Solomon Waldron ; in 1843-4, Kennedy Creigh-
ton ; in 1845, Sol. Snider; in 1846-8, Sam. C Philp, with A. T. Green
and Pv. Whiting, assistants; in 1850, Wm. Pollard and E. White; in
1851, John Bredin, Jo.s. Hughill and E. H. Dewart ; in 1852-3,
COUNTY 01' MIDDLESEX. 577
Eichard Whiting ; and in 1854, Wm. Price and Sam. E. Maudsley.
In 1855, the circuit was re-estabhshed, with John Hutchinson, pastor.
Thomas Crews served from 1857 to 1859 ; L. 0. Eice, 1860-1 ; James
A. Iveson, 1862-4 ; Wm. Ames, 1865-0 ; Eichard J. Forman, 1867-8 ;
James E. Dyer, 1869-71 ; and David C. Clappison, 1872-3. The
Methodist Church of Canada in Westminster succeeded the Wesleyan
Society in 1874, when David C. Clappison was pastor. Wm. Lund
and Geo. W. Henderson were preachers in 1875-6 ; Joseph S. ColHng,
in 1877-9, with C. Harper in 1877 and E. A. Fear in 1878, assistants ;
Thomas Crews and W. J. Brandon presided in 1880 ; Thomas and H.
W. Crews, in 1881-2 ; Edwin Holmes and John Henderson, 1883 ;
E. Holmes and James E. Holmes, 1884.
Byron. — The first settler of Westminster was Archibald McMillan,
who settled at Byron prior to 1810. The North Talbot road was a
blazed trail at this time. When Abram Patrick arrived (in 1810 or
1811) at Byron, he found Arch. McMillan's tavern and David Eey-
nolds's, John Wells's and Nathaniel Fairchild's cabins, and settled on
Lot 71, Talbot survey, range 4, in 1810. He cut the road from Byron
to Lambeth. Jeremiah Schram and John Dingmau were then settled
at Lambeth, of which Mr. Patrick was the third settler. Thomas Poole
came shortly after. His ■wife died at the age of 102 years in 1875.
In 1820, William Sutherland took up 200 acres of land where Byron
Village now stands ; but subsequently moved to Lambeth, where he
resided until his death in 1858. In 1873 his widow died in Delaware
Township, where John Sutherland, their son, now resides. From 1822,
when the Lawrasons opened their farm near Byron, and established a
store and distillery there, to 1833, when the son, Lawrence Lawrason,
joined G. J. Goodhue in business at Loudon, the Byron neighborhood
was a busy place, indeed. In 1825 the first post-office was opened
there, with young Lawrason in charge, being then the only post-office,
except Delaware, north of St. Thomas. When the magistrates used to
meet at Sylvanus Eeynolds's new inn at Springbank in 1836, Ira
Schofield and James Parkinson were the active magistrates; while
Captain Matthews, Duncan Mackenzie and others would preside at
times. It is said that at this time some merchants could get judgment
on any bill presented to the court. Such a case was before the court
in 1826, when the grist of some London Township settler was seized
at the Byron mill, and carried into the court-room by the constable.
Captain Matthews, seeing the grist, said : " Hello ! Have you turned the
court into a grist-mill?" The unfortunate owner of the grist told his
story, and affirmed that he never owed the plaintiff a penny. Matthews
said to him : " Take your gi-ist out of this — take it home. This busi-
ness must be stopped." The grateful settler returned with his grist,
blessing the good captain. He was tried for this contempt of court,
defended himself, and was acquitted by the jury.
Dr. Henry Hall, born here in 1836, studied medicine, and began
practice there in 1856, when Dr. Woodruff, of London, began practice.
578 HISTORY OF THE
He cured Mrs. Hull, who for two years was blind. She was com-
pletely cured, and subsequently married Godfrey, who gave Hall $100
for curing the woman. He also cured Jane Griffith (Nathan Griffith's
wife), of London South, who could not tell whether her children were
dressed in black or white. The present Nathan Griffith paid him $250
for curing his mother. Dr. Hall moved to Peru, where he died in
1863. His brother Cyrenus went to a priest tliere to ask permission
to bury him, and, to his great surprise, the priest granted permission
and rendered him assistance. Dr. Hall performed an extraordinary
cure iu the case of James, son of Gilbert Eobson, of London Township,
and during the typhoid epidemic in Delaware, only losing two cases
out of all he attended.
The Byron Mission is first mentioned in 1878, when Mr. De Lew,
of Lambeth, presided, and in 1882 Eev. G. B. Sage was pastor. The
church, however, is almost contemporary with settlement.
The new Methodist Church at Byron, erected in 1884-5, was
built by contractor WoodhuU for the society, Robert Summers being
a member of the building committee. The house is constructed of
brick, and a very fair house for the old village : was opened in Novem-
ber, 1885. This was the first Methodist building at this point, the
society liitherto attending the old English Church, which was open to
all bodies until its dedication in 1882 or 1883. This action of the
English Church led to their co-religionists at Hyde Park ceasing to
hold services in the Methodist Church there, and ultimately to the
building of a new house.
F. H. Kenney's mill, one of the early industries of Byron, was
said to have sustained damages by the erection of the dam by the
water commissioners. The matter was placed in the hands of arbi-
trators in March, 1880, when one of the witnesses, Allan Bogue, stated
that he patronized this mill for forty years, the same wliich Burleigh
Hunt built in 1833 or 1834. The population of Byron iu 1888 was
175. Eobert Sadlier was postmaster. Mrs. Harrington kept a general
store; J. K. Montague a grocery; R. Heron and W. Memara were
blacksmiths ; James Fortner, hotel-keeper ; Henry jMartin, shoemaker ;
J. B. Wells, carpenter ; William Griffith's woollen mill and S. & R.
Sisson's saw-mill were the only manufacturing indu.stries.
Lambeth, formerly called " The Junction " and Westminster, was
settled in 1809 or 1810. It is claimed by David Patrick that his
father, Abram, built the first log-house at Lambeth, and was the first
settler there, -lohn Patrick, a brother, agrees with him, while Abram,
another brother, states th;it Schram and Dingman were there. Poole
settled at Lambeth about 1810, and in 1822 came John Routledge and
his son, William, who settled on Lot 72, North Talbot road, where he
died in 182t). His death being caused by falling olf a fence.
In 185(3, Rev. St. George Caulfield, of St. Thomas, was appointed
to the mission of Westmiuster. About 1859 a temperance meeting
was held within the church (a stone building) for the use of which the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 579
temperance men paid one dollar a month rent. Some one complained
that they were destroying the building; but Mr. Caulfield, who was
sent to report, could not agree with the rumor.
Trinity or Lambeth Church was presided over in 1858-9 by Rev.
T. Hughes ; in 1860, by M. S. Baldwin ; in 1861-2, by A. Potts, who
had charge of this and Hall's Mills ; in 186.5, E. E. Newman was
appointed ; in 1878, W. H. Halpin attended here as well as at Glan-
worth; 1879, Eev. L. De Lew was pastor; in 1880, Eev. R. Fletcher;
and G. B. Sage in 1882. Abram Patrick, sr., donated the Methodist
Church lands at Lambeth many years ago.
The Bible Christian Church at Lambeth was established in 1872-3,
with Rev. T. Greene, pastor, and he with Rev. T. Broad were here in
1874, and in 1875 Rev. Whitlock, of London, assisted Mr. Greene, the
former being alone in 1876-8. In 1879, Rev. T. Mason was appointed,
and was succeeded in 1881 by Rev. J. G. Yealland, who continued to
preside until the Methodist Union.
John Heard & Son's carnage and waggon shops at Lambeth were
burned in November, 1877, entailing a loss of $10,000, on which there
was no insurance.
The village in 1857 contained 350 inhabitants. John Chalmers
was postmaster; George Kelly, William McCracken and Charles Laird,
merchants ; W. Croker and \V. Sanagan, tailors ; Wm. Eagleton and
James Reynolds, inn-keepers ; J. Douglass, blacksmith ; W. & J.
Hall, carpenters; J. ]\IcConnell, cooper; J. Lackie, shoemaker; A.
Ferguson, cabinet-maker ; and W. H. Lancaster, bailiff'. Lambeth in
1888 had a population of 270. George Kelley was postmaster, and
he with A. J. G. Henderson and L. M. Vandermade were general
merchants ; William Collins, hotel proprietor ; A. King and J. G.
Manston, carpenters ; Thomas Hall and P. Ransom, saw-mill owners ;
Wm. Burch, cheese manufacturer; J. McLellan and George Rout-
ledge, physicians ; A. Bauantyne and D. Mann, blacksmiths ; George
Heard, waggon-maker.
Hall Mills, or Westminster, claimed a store, a distillery, grist-mill,
tannery, cloth-factory and carding machine, in 1850. The distillery
was operated prior to this by Robert Summers. It was built by Cy.
Hall about the time of the Rebellion; he also built the tannery
operated later by James ilcDowell and Taylor, the husband of one of
the Allen girls. Putfer S. Simonds erected the carding machine.
Jonathan Sissons last and peg-factory was also estabhshed here. The
English Church was presided over in 1861-2 by Mr. Potts. Among
the members were : — The Lees, Youngs, Martins, Lackeys, Appletons,
Harpers, Booths, Summers, Stephens, and others ; in 1880, Rev. R.
Fletcher is named as pastor.
Pond Mills. — Thomas Baty settled on the 9th Concession of Lon-
don Township in 1820. Robert Telfer also came here the same year.
Baty purchased the Pond Mills in 1830, and operated it for many
years. It is said that during years of shortage or depression, he kept
£>80 HISTORY OF THE
flour for the suffering people to whom he sold on credit, while sending
the moneyed men to some other mill. Jack Hart is a witness of this
liberality of the miller. Adam Murray taught school at Pond Mills
years ago. Among his pupils was James Armstrong, with two others
who have served in Parliament
In June, 1865, a large lodge of Good Templars was organized here
by S. T. Hammond, P. D , L 0. G. T., and S. Allen, D,''G. W. C. T.
Pioneer Temple was the name adopted, and the officers chosen were : —
Jas. Armstrong, D. Jackson, J. L. Lyman, Eobert Beattie, Thomas
Fleming, William Shannon, Sister Martha Barclay, John Grieve, Elliot
Grieve, Elizabeth Nicklin, Andrew Beattie, jr., Andrew Beattie, sr.,
Thomas Grieve. In 1882 a post-office was established here, with W.
Auger, master.
Glaniuorth in 1888 had a population of 160. John Turnbull was
postmaster, and he with Joshua Kendree were general merchants.
John Dromgole kept hotel; G. W. Doan was harness-maker; J. A.
Glenn, lumber dealer; A. Scott, carriage- builder ; A. Taylor, black-
smith ; D. W. Turner, dealer in agricultural implements ; and Henry
Wall and Glanworth Cheese Co., manufacturers of cheese. John
Coughlin, an extensive stock-grower and dealer, is classed with the
business men of the village. Richard Rose's clearing, the iirst on the
8th Concession, was made in 1834, between Belmont and north Talbot
road ; while his son Richard and Arch. Carr surveyed and blazed the
road from Glanworth to London, and from Glanworth to St. Thomas.
He and Leonard Lewis killed a black bear there weighing 300 pounds.
The pioneer died in 1851. His son served against the Patriots, and
took two prisoners near St, Thomas. Minchin Jackson settled in
Westminster in the thirties, where he was one of the founders of the
Churcli of England. He was instrumental in securing the railroad
depot for Glanworth.
Mary Watson, an eccentric, educated English spinster, who was an
early settler of Westminster, (in 1839) donated twelve acres for Church
of England purposes in the township, and was one of the founders of
Christ Church there in 1844. She returned to England, and went
thence to New Zealand, where she died. Her niece. Miss Watson,
married Captain Kenny, of the old London garrison. Christ Church,
Glanworth, appears in the records of 1869, with Rev. I. Brock, rector,
who also was connected with St. John's Church and Huron College, of
London City. In 1871, Rev. W. H. Halpin attended this church;
in 1873, W. B. Rally; in 1876, Rev, W. H. Halpin; in 1880, Rev. R.
Fletcher; in 1883, Rev. S. L. Smith,
Glanworth Presbyterian Church of St. Andrew, one and three-
quarter miles east of the village, was erected in the foil of 1888 by W.
F. Fawcett, just east of the old building. The architect was Mr.
Durand, of London. The contract price was $7,000. " Jehovah Jireh"
appears in raised letters on the east side of the tower.
Westminster Grange was organized at Glanwortli, March 4, 1874.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 581
with the following-named officers : — Wm. M. Beatty, master ; A.
Nicholl, overseer ; Henry Anderson, lecturer ; N. Carruthers, steward ;
J. McCall, assistant-steward ; F. Anderson, chaplain ; J. Kerr, treas-
urer; J. Elliot, secretary; P. MacMillan, gate-keeper; M. C. Thomp-
son, Ceres ; Miss M. Anderson, Flora ; Miss I. Anderson, Pomona ;
Miss J. Kerr, assistant-steward. There were then but one other
Grange in Ontario. In Quebec there were nine Granges, and it is
estimated that throughout the States the number reached 12,000.
The North Westminster Presbyterian congregation was organized
in 1854, and a log building erected, which gave place to a frame, and
in 1880 to a brick structure. Among the members were : — ten Nichols,
eight Elliotts, four Grieves, six Beatties, two Eatys, four Raes, two
Thompsons, nine Flemings, two Armstrongs, two Scotts, with Farris,
Dodd, Stewart, Eose, Wilson, Ireland, Gowanlock, Bell, and others,
aggregating si.xty-nine members.
The new Presbyterian church of Wilton Grove, Westminster
Township, was opened November 14, 1880. The building committee
comprised : — E. Grieve, E. Beattie, D. Scott, W. Fleming, J. Arm-
strong, W. Hay, Alex. Begg, W. Beatty, J. Lawson, with A. Nichol, of
the finance committee. Eev. Wm. Inglis, who in 1860 was called as
first pastor of the old church, was present. The total cost of building
was $4,400. Tracy & Durand were architects, and Allan King, builder.
Derwent claimed in 1888 a population of forty. George Jeffrey
was postmaster ; J. Jeffrey, merchant ; H. McCallum and E. Water-
land, blacksmiths, and G. E. Manning, butcher.
Maple Gh'ove in 1888 had a population of seventy-five. Thomas
Langford was postmaster, Mrs. Ashworth caiTied on a general store
and Thomas Bunn a blacksmith's shop.
Glendale post office was established in April, 1882.
Maguire post-office was established in April, 1882.
Accidents. — John Lee, an old settler of St. Thomas, who moved to
Westminster, was killed on the railroad in 1857. His widow died in
1868.
Minnie Leonard was burned to death in Westminster in December,
1867.
Alex. Kerr, a resident of Westminster for thirty years, died in July,
1868. This old settler had just started to visit his son's house, when
the horses ran away. He was cast out of the wagon, the wheels of
which were drawn across his heart.
In August, 1869, a Mr. Sedgman and sou, of Westminster, and
Albert Pannell, wife and child, of Strathroy, were drowned in the St.
Clair, off Port Huron ; also a Mr. Sedgman, of Fort Gratiot, and a Mrs.
Wilson.
Walter Bodington, an English emigrant, shot himself at Lambeth,
December 25, 1885.
Thomas Pargater, an old resident of Westminster, was killed by a
falliu" tree in December, 1887.
582 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXXIII.
LONDON SOUTH.
London South, although a distinct municipality, has been referred
to often in the general history of the county, as well as in that of the
city and of Westminster. Its organization, with the names of repre-
sentatives in the county council, is given in the pages devoted to the
transactions of that council.
The town is simply a suburb of the city, where many of the best
citizens reside, among the number : — Col. Leys, John IJeattie, Henry
Taylor, John Marshall, Dr. Piper, Eev. Evans Davis, John McClary,
Rev. James Ballantyne, Mrs. John Bifrell, Chas. A. Case, E. Jones
Parke, Hon. David Mills, Thomas Churcher, Wm. J. Clarke, R. N.
Curry, T. G. Davey, Judge Davis, Charles Hutchinson, Charles
Elliott, Henry M. Elliott, John Fairgrieve, Alexander Ferguson, Major
Gartshore, Wm. Gerry, Chas. F. Goodhue, Wallace Halle, Col. Hesketh,
Wm. R. Hobbs, Wm. Horton, C. B. Hunt, C. S. Hyman, L. Ingram,
M. J. Kent, Rev. A. Langford, Chas. H. Fewings, Thomas McCormick,
Daniel Macfie, John R. Minhinnick, A. S. Murray, John Pope, Mrs.
Teale, Mrs. Simpson Smith, Wm. Thomas, Geo. T. Trebilcock, George
White, Charles Richardson, Levi Lewis and A. Gauld. The homes
may be said to be all comfortable, while many of the persons named
above have elegant residences here. The work of building has been
carried on through the past year, the houses of Donald Ferguson, W.
Gerry, John Fox, Peter McGill, W. Covet, C. H. Fewings, James
Williams and James Hatfield being two story brick buildings. Wm.
Chapman and D. MacAlpine had their brick cottages erected last year,
while a number of frame cottages have been constructed.
St. James's, Westminster, appears on the records of 1874-5, with
Rev. E. Davis, pastor. In 1882 this was known as St. James's, of Lon-
don South. In 1873 a modest brick building was erected for the pur-
poses of worship, wherein Reverends Smythe or Innes would preside.
A large brick edifice has taken the place of the pioneer church build-
ing, but the latter is still used for Sunday school purposes.
The number of Bajitist families resident in the beautiful suburb of
London South having been steadily increasing, preliminary steps were
taken, which resulted in the formal organization of the congregation at
a meeting held April 6, 1888 ; Rev. A. H. Munroe of St. Thomas,
officiating as moderator. On the evening of that day the inaugural
service was held. Among those taking part were : — Rev. Mr. Mun-
roe, Rev. W. H. Porter, Rev. T. T. Trotter (of Woodstock), Rev. Alex.
Grant, Rev. T. Johnston, and Rev. Jas. Ballantyne, pastor of Knox
Presbyterian Church. Since that time services have been held in
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 58'!
the building occupied by the Bible Christian congregation prior to
the union of the Methodist churches in 1884. Latterly it has been
used by the Knox Presbyterian Church people for a Sunday school-
room. Eev. W. J. McKay, B. A., of McMaster Hall, Toronto, has
been selected as pastor of the new Baptist church. At the present
writing the congregation numbers about 175. In the general history
of the Baptist Church many of the early names connected therewith
will be found, particulaly during the pastorate of Mr. Sloot.
The Methodist Church, situated on the corner of Askin and
Theresa streets, was a branch of the old parent tree on North street of
this city, beginning in charge of Rev. Dr. Freshman, a converted Jew.
Services were first held in the public school building, and in January,
1875, a frame structure, the nucleus of the Sunday-school building,
was erected. The deed of the lot is dated October 24, 1874. In con-
sequence of a deplorable accident. Rev. Dr. Freshman did not live to
see the inception of the pastorate in the structure then being raised.
He was thrown backward from a carriage in which he was seated by
the sudden starting of the horse and sustained injuries from which he
shortly afterwards died at his home on Talbot street in the city. The
foundation of the membership in the new church was the result of a
gracious revival conducted by the Rev. Wm. Chapman, of this city.
For a time the church was supplied from Queen's avenue, but by the
zealous exertions of Wesleyan and New Connexion Methodists in
in the suburb, liberally aided by members of Queen's Avenue Church,
a regular pastor. Rev. Jabez Edmunds, now connected with the Church
of England, was secured in 1876. He was succeeded by Rev. F. H.
Sanderson, under whose ministry the edifice became too small, and
was enlarged at a cost of about $500. Next came Rev. Mr. McCullough,
who had pastoral charge for about nine months, when he was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. Thomas Colling, now of Simcoe. He remained
for three years.
By this time the congregation began to outgrow altogether the
frame structure, and the present brick edifice was resolved upon, and
on August 10, 1.S80, the corner-stone was laid, Mr. John Mason
wielding the trowel. Rev. Dr. Sanderson, then chairman of the
district, was present, and took the leading part in the ceremonial.
Among other clergymen present were the Rev. Messrs. J. Philp, J. S.
Ross, B. B. Keefer, D. Savage, J. Rollins, T. Colhng (pastor), and R. E.
Tupper. The edifice was opened for pubhc worship on Friday, Febru-
ary 11, 1881, Rev. Dr. Sanderson opening the service. Rev. Dr. Potts
preaching, and Rev. Mauley Benson delivering an address ; Rev. Mr.
Colling assisted in the service. The succeeding pastor was Rev. Geo.
Brown, who remained two years, before the close of which period a
large addition to the school-room (the old church) became necessary, in
order to provide accommodation consequent upon the coming in of the
Bible Chiistian congregation and Sunday school, as a result of the
Methodist Union. At the expiration of two years, Rev. R. J. Tre-
584 HISTOKY OF THE
leaven, previously in the Queen's Avenue Church, was stationed in
London South, and continued for three years, when he was stationed
at Chatham. During his pastorate galleries were placed in the church,
a new pipe organ placed in position, and other improvements made.
In June, 1887, the present worthy pastor, the Rev. Alex. Langford, of
Winnipeg, and a former president of the Loudon Conference, was
appointed, and under his ministration the cause is enjoying large
prosperity. Last winter the Sunday school was again enlarged and
improved, it being now, in many respects, a model. Including the
parsonage, the London South Methodist Church property is valued at
$24,000. The office of recording steward is filled by A. "Westman.
In 1879, London South Circuit of the Bible Christian Church was
established, with Rev. W. Rollins in charge. In 1881, Rev. A. C.
Courtice was appointed, and, in 188.3, T. W. Blatchford, who served
until the Union of Methodist Churches.
Knox Church was organized and services begun in connection with
it in September, 1884. The names of the original members are : —
Mr. and Mrs. A. Gauld, Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Curry, Mr. and Mrs.
Johnston Brown, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Sutherland, Miss E. J. Suther-
land, William Morris, Charles Morton, Mrs. Charles JMorton, Miss E.
W. Morton, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Elliott, Miss Minnie Moore, Mr. and
Mrs. A. Riddell, Mrs. Jno. Tytler, i\Iiss Jessie Tytler, J. R. Hamilton,
Mrs. J. Malcolm, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Scott, Alex. McQueen, Mrs. R.
J. Blackwell, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Fairgrieve, Mr. and Mrs. Robt. Cowan,
Geo. Shaw, Mrs. M. G. Westland, Miss E. M. Westland, Miss Lillian
Westland, Miss H. V. Westland, Mrs. E. H. Sammons, Mrs. F. B.
Leys, Mis. D. Macfie, Mrs. K. Hamilton, Miss JMary Milne. The
officers of the church are Rev. James Ballantyue, B. A., pastor.
Elders — A. Gauld, C. H. Elliott aud Charles Morton, Board of man-
agers comprises D. Macfie, chairman; James Stewart, sec.-treas. ;
Jno. Macpherson, Jno. Ferguson. Jno. Marshall, W. H. Weston, P. J.
McGill aud And. Dick. Superintendent of Sabbath School — Alexander
McQueen ; secreta.ry, J. Stewart ; librarian, W. Morris, jr. The
Women's Missionary Society is presided over by Jlrs. Ballantyne ;
Vice-presidents, Mrs. Schoolin aud Mrs. Gauld ; secretary, Miss
McKenzie ; treasurer, Miss Rossiter. The main church building was
erected in 1884, and the Sabbath School in 1888, at a total cost of
$17,000. From its inception the congregation has been self-sustaining.
The contributions for all purposes have amounted each year to up-
wards of $40 per fiimily.
Sclwols. — London South is provided with excellent schools, which
are, in fact, combined public and high schools, doing successfully all
the work from the primary class to the preparation of candidates for
teachers' certificates. London South has the honor of being one of
the very few places in Canada which jiractically recognizes the sur-
passing importance of excellent teaching in the primary classes. All
the assistauts in this suburb are Normal-trained second-class teachers,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 585
receiving equal salary. It would not be considered a promotion by a
teacher to be changed from a First Book to a Third Book class. A
successful Kindergarten school is carried on in connection with the
London South system, which is a part of East Middlesex, under the
inspectorate of Mr. John Dearness, whose predecessor was Mr. E.
Groat. In former times, schools in that district were under the super-
intendence for awhile of Eev. James Simpson, and at another period
of Mr. James Armstrong, now M. P.
The southern part of London Township forms a circuit, known as
London South, of the Methodist Church of Canada. It was formerly
a Wesleyan Society. In 1874, Benjamin Sherlock was appointed
pastor, and served until 1876. In 1877-9, Thomas and A. C. Crews
were ministers; but in 1879, Geo. Lounds succeeded A. C. Crews.
In 1880, Joseph S. Colling and Thomas A. Moore were appointed to
this circuit. In 1874 there were 222 members, increased in 1880 to
270. In 1881, J. S. Colling, of Arva, and J. E. Hockey were minis-
ters, the latter succeeded in 1882 by F. A. Cassidy ; in 1883, by
Wm. Morton, Arva, W. Cassidy still assisting. In 1884, Heber W.
Crews toolc Mr. Cassidy's place.
586 HISTOUY OF THE
CHAPTER XXX IV.
EAST WILLIAMS.
East Williams is bounded south by Adelaide, south-east by Lobo,
north by McGillivray, east by London, and west by West Williams.
The township is watered by the Aux Saubles, which runs in a zig-zag
course from Ailsa Craig, in the north east, to the hamlet of Spring-
bank, in the south-west. Numerous feeders of this river are found
everywhere in the eastern and south-eastern sections. The soil of the
towuship is excellent, and several farm houses portray the taste and
thrift of the inhabitants.
The days of large game passed away long before the pioneers, but
still at long intervals a bear or wolf or Indian comes to make a survey
of the old hunting grounds. In fact, there are a few Indian residents
here, who reside on or near John Doyle's lands in the Wyhe neigh-
borhood.
In 1885, an eagle was killed by James Campbell, of East Wil-
liams. It measured seven feet from tip to tip of its outspread wings.
The township formed part of the domain of the Canada company,
for whom it was surveyed by Macdonald, of Goderich. In 1833 the
Highland Scotch flocked hither and soon the air of the wilderness was
filled with the pastoral shouts and songs of the Donalds — Mcintosh,
Henderson, and Eraser ; of the Jamies — Iloss, McPherson, Bremner ;
and of the Hughs — McKenzie and Crawford. George Shipley was
also here, and all with their families opened the drama of settlement
here in 1833. Donald Mcintosh, as agent of the Canada company,
established the village of Nairn and built the mills at that point. Roads
were opened by the company, and other steps taken to insure the sale
of lands in this portion of their territory. Donald Mcintosh settled in
Williams Township in 1831 as agent of the Canada company. He
built the first grist and saw-mills in that section at Nairn, the same
which was running in modern times. His death occurred in 1863.
Alex. S. Stuart, who came about 1832 or 1833, died at Carlisle, in
September, 1886. John Stewart, who with his parents settled here in
1832, died in 1884. Mrs. Dougald Moore, who died at Strathroy
October 30, 1878, was a daughter of Donald Henderson of East Wil-
liams, who came to Canada from Scotland in 1832. The Ross family
referred to in the general history, is one of the oldest in tlie township ;
while one of the family is a member of the Dominion Cabinet.
David Cluness, who came from Scotland in 1833 and settled in
East Williams, died in July, 1875. John Levie came with his parents
from Scotland in 1834, and settled in East Williams at a time
when not more than fifty acres were cleared in the whole township.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 587
His neighbors were Donald Mcintosh, Captain Hugh Mcintosh,
"the great loyalist," the Andersons, Campbells, Petty Streets, A. D.
Stewart, the McQuillicans, McNeils, and Squire Cluness. In 1876' he
contested the seat in Parliament with Colin Scatcherd ; but, being a
Liberal-Conservative, was defeated. Wm. Fraser, who died in 1856,
and his wife, Janet McLean, who died in March, 1887, settled in East
Williams in 1838. Robert Summers, who settled on Lot 20, East
Williams, in 1837, on the Lobo line, put up the first fi-ame barn ever
erected there. The second barn he erected for George Shipley. The
oak and rock elm were hewed for the frame, while the beech boards
were sawn by Jeremiah Eobinson, where Duncriefs mill now is. Of
course, there were saw-mills west of East Williams before Mcintosh
built his saw or grist-mill, and some years before Siddall or Shipley
built theirs. On Lot 20, Robert Summers was almost killed fy a
falling tree on March 15, 1838. David II. Craig was born at Ailsa
Craig in 1844. Alex. B. McDonald came from Scotland to East
Williams in 1848, and settled on Concession 12. He died April 14,
1888. Neil McKinnon, who came from Scotland in 1848 and settled
with his people on the 14th Concession, died in April, 1888. William
Halbert, of Ailsa Craig, died July 8, 1880. He migi-ated to the United
States in 1825, and fifteen years later moved hither.
Betty Singular, who lived with her son in East Williams in 1876,
then aged 98 years, settled there in 1859. Ehzabeth, widow of Archi-
bald McLeish, was a resident here in 1876, then aged 83, while Robert
Thompson, another resident, was in his 83rd year.
The leading old residents of East Williams who were in the town-
ship in 1880 are named as follows : — Trafford Campbell, 1847; James
Campbell, 1846; John Dingman, 1833; Donald McNaughton, 1834:
A. R. Fraser, 1836; Dugald Fraser, 1844; Duncan Graham, 1846;
Joseph Haskett, 1834; John Levie, 1834; John Leitch, 1843; Neil
McTaggart, 1831 ; William Mcintosh, 1832; Hugh McDonald, 1840 ;
David McKenzie, 1836 ; John L. McKenzie, 1831 ; Malcolm Mc-
Intyre, 1835; Wm. Menzies, 1844; John Moore, 1846; John MiUi-
ken, 1848; James B. McDonald, 1838; A. J. Ross, 1833; Donald
Ross, 1832; Thomas Shipley, 1848; Duncan Stewart, 1844; Donald
C. Stewart, 1833; John Stewart, 1845; J. S. Scale, 1844; D. J.
Thomas, 1840.
In 1842 the original township of Williams was organized, as relat-
ed in the history of West Williams.
East Williams was organized in 1860, with Wm. Wells, Neil Mc-
Taggart, James McAithur, Donald Waters and Alexander Henderson,
councillors. David Wyhe was appointed auditor and Colin McKenzie,
clerk. In 1862, Messrs. Tapping, Campbell, Levie, Stewart, Waters
and ilcLeod formed the Council, and on February 20, David Wyhe,
the present clerk, was appointed to that office ; David M. Ross, collec-
tor, and Paul Austin, issuer of licenses. The Council of 1888 com-
prised : — Trafford Campbell, reeve ; James McFarlane, deputy- reeve ;
588 HISTOKY OF THE
Thomas Wyatt, John Leslie and Richard W. Tweddle, councillors ;
Wm. McCallum, assessor; John Duncan and Andrew J. Eoss, audi-
tors ; and Dugald Campbell, treasurer.
Churches. — The Methodist Church of this township dates back in
the forties, but not until 1865 did Methodism take organized shape
here. Delancey's Wesleyan class of 1865 comprised : — The Joneses,
Taylors, Hageimans, Eeises, Delanceys, Blisses, Fikes, Bayntous,
Smiths, Hunsickers, and Armstrongs.
The members of the "Wesleyan Church of the 19th Concession in
1866, were : — The Turners, Beswithericks, Eeeders, Youngs, Towles,
Baynhams, Mawsons, Johnstons, Paxtons, and Appletons.
Among the members at Ailsa Craig in 1867 were : — W. K. Atkin-
son and wife, the Merritt and Scafe families, Joseph Revington and
wife, Sarah Harcuss, Mary Longstaff, Duncan McAlpine and wife,
James and Sarah Kerr, Mrs. Mihill. Catherine Sholf, Jane Stonehouse
Sol. Casler and wife, John Topping and wife, Robert and Margaret
Armstrong. John Atkinson, Hector S. Munroe and wife, Mrs. Prangley,
William and Elizabeth Smith, ilargaret Murray, Eliza Levie, Mrs.
Evans, Ellen Jones, John Ranton, Geo. Wallace, William Diamond,
Robert and Elijah Sherburne, Nathan Buttrick and P. McDermid.
In 1868 a number were received into the Church here.
The Wesleyans of Mars Hill in 1866 were the Lees, Dickhouts,
Garbuts, McJIurtrys, Brightens. Corbetts, Hodgins, Loyds, Arcoats,
George and Thomas Brown, Dixnns, Watsons, Pierces, Richardsons,
Rumolers, Cravens, Smiths, Lightfoots, Portes, Mahoiis, Glens and
Martins. The Methodist Church of Canada at Ailsa Craig is a con-
tinuation of the Wesleyan Society of 1873. R. W. Williams was
pastor in 1874 ; Geo. Jackson, in 1875-7 ; John Ridley, 1878-80 ;
John Turner, 1881-3 ; David Rogers, 1884, who remained until suc-
ceeded by Rev. John Hough in 1887. The church was built by John
Scafe, contractor, who with J. M. Remington, Aaron Marritt, Andrew
Robinson, David Kennedy, James Watson and W. K. Atkinson, form
the Board of Trustees.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian congregation of East Williams under-
took the work of building a frame house of worship on land donated
by Angus Stewart, adjoining the glebe lands, in May, 1872. In 1871
a similar building was erected in another part of Rev. R. Chambers's
field, which was dedicated Oct 29, 1871 ; and in 1872 a new
building took tlie place of the old one on the Andrew Ross farm. The
Presbyterian Church at Nairn was detached from Ailsa Craig in 1877.
Rev. Lachlan McPherson, who for thirty-seven years was pastor of the
McPherson Presbyterian Church of East Williams, died in March,
1886.
After the destruction of the Presbyterian Church at Nairn by
lightning, June 11, 1880, Rev. John Wells, the pastor, called a meet-
ing to consider the question of rebuilding. At this time, June 21,
1880, Jas. McArthur, John S. McEwen, Colin Stewart, Peter Stewart,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 58S
David Fraser, David Sutherland, Hugh Heuderson and Trafford Camp-
bell were appointed a building committee. On March 6, 1881, the
house was finished and opened.
The oldest record in possession of the clerk of the Presbyterian
Church of Ailsa Craig dates back to January 18, 1871. Rev. John
llennie presided, with Robert Calderwood, secretary. Mr. Rennie also
preached at Nairn ; and among the official members of the two churches
at this time were : — Alex. Hotson, Henry Spence, Arch. Bell, R. David-
son, J. Livingstone, John Morton, R. Lorimer, Wm. Mcintosh, Wm.
Shipley, David Craig, A. Henderson and A. D. Stewart. At this time
Shipley and Craig oflered lots for a building site, and the latter's offer
of Lot No. 40 was accepted. Preparations were at once made for
building, and the name Presbyterian Church of Ailsa Craig adopted.
Pending the erection of this house, services were held in the Methodist
Church.
In 1876, John McKay was secretary, but H. Gilchrist filled that
position, and the question of building a manse was considered. In
1875, Dr. Gunn, and, in 1878, Dr. Anderson, came to the village, both
being members, and the latter has served as secretary since 1881.
Rev. John Rennie continued to preside over the churches of Carlisle
and Ailsa Craig up to May, 1888, when he moved to Sault Ste. Marie.
The enrolled membership of Ailsa Craig is 166, while at Carlisle the
number approximates 100.
The English Church Mission at Nairn in 1861 claimed, among
others, the following members: — John Dimond, Alex. McDonald,
Donald McLeod, D. Fraser and W. Glass.
Trinity Church, Ailsa Craig, dates back as a separate mission to
1871, when Rev. W. Davis, who came in 1869, presided over the con-
gregation here ; also at St. Mary's and Christ Church, McGillivray,
and at Ryan's school-house. During his administration the three
churches were built. Rev. F. Ryan was pastor in 1873 ; Rev. C. J.
Green, in 1874-5 ; Rev. J. Holmes, in 1877 ; Rev. W. Johnson, 1878.
Rev. W. M. Shore is the present rector.
The East Williams Mutual Fire Insurance Compauy was organized
July 26, 1875. On that day the following- named officers were
appointed : — J. Levie, Jas. McArthur, W. J. Anderson, J. Hord, J.
Bremner, R. Cowie, T. G. Shipley, W. Ross, A. R. Fraser, and D. Jones.
Of these the first three were respectively president, vice-president, and
secretary ; John Duncan, Treasurer.
At the first annual meeting of the East Wilhams Insurance Com-
pany, February, 1876, John Levie was elected president ; James Mc-
Arthur, vice-president; T. Shipley, R. Cowie, Hugh McLachlan, A.
Campbell, A. C. Stewart, W. Fraser, A. Fraser, and A. Bass, directors ;
W. J. Anderson was appointed secretary, and John Duncan, treasurer.
Springhank and neighhorhood claimed, in 1880, a population of
fifty. 1 )aniel Moore was postmaster and general merchant ; S. Singu-
lar, blacksmith ; and James McLean, proprietor of the saw-mill.
590 HISTORY OF THE
FaUcirk claimed, in 1888, a population of 222. A. E. Garden was
postmaster and general merchant ; Joseph Haskett, hotel-keeper ; John
Kelly, harness-maker ; and George Humble, waggon-builder.
Nairn in 1888 claimed 125 inhabitants. Malcom Mclntyre was
postmaster and merchant ; Mrs. Carmichael, hotel proprietor ; Donald
and Robert Mcintosh, brick and tile-manufacturers ; David McKenzie,
proprietor of saw-mill ; and John Parsons, of the Nairn flouring-mill.
In the fall of this year D. F. Stewart opened the new cemetery.
Archibald Bell, one of Lobo's pioneers, and for many years postmaster
at Nairn, died at Strathroy in December, 1887. In 1857 the popula-
tion was over 200, while the business circle claimed the following
representatives : — James Bradley, cooper ; Eobert Brown, bricklayer ;
Wm. Brown, circulating library; James Campbell, inn-keeper; Allen
Carmichael, inn-keeper and stage proprietor ; Hugh Clark, house car-
penter; David Cluness, J. P. ; Roderick Davidson, blacksmith; John
Dimond, tannei' and proprietor of the Nairn mills ; Peter Dunlop,
general store ; Valoros Foster, millwright ; Mrs. James Forbes, dress-
maker ; David Fraser, brick-yard ; Donald Fraser, builder ; Hugh
Fraser, blacksmith; Simon Fraser, farmer; W. G. S. Fraser, carpenter;
John Gilchrist, saw-mill ; Matthew Glass, waggon-maker ; James Har-
rison, saddler and harness-maker ; Donald Henderson, M. U. ; Robert
Hopkins, tinsmith ; John Livingston, waggon-maker ; Daniel Macleod,
dealer in dry goods, hardware, groceries, produce, &c. ; Donald McBain,
shoemaker; Donald McClure, tailor and clothier; Alex. McDonald,
general dealer ; Colin McKenzie, postmaster and waggon-maker ; D.
Mclntyre, M. D. ; Donald Mcintosh ; James Mcintosh, tailor ; Allen
McQuillan, shoemaker ; Angus Munroe, carpenter ; Donald Munroe,
carpenter ; A. Ross, general store ; Donald Ross, brick-yard ; John
Scafe, contractor; Wm. Scriminger, carpenter; Miss J. Scriminger,
dressmaker ; Rev. Eobert Stevenson, Church of Scotland ; Mrs. J.
Stewart, grocery store ; James Stewart, shoemaker ; John Stirton, mil-
ler; Samuel Thomas, cabinet-maker; Robert Waugh, woollen factory.
^
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 591
CHAPTEE XXXV.
AILSA CllAIG VILLAGE.
David Craig, who now resides at Toronto, settled in McGillivray,
where the village of Ailsa Craig now stands, in 1835. His wife resided
there nine months without meeting a white woman. In 1858, he
planned Craig's station ; but another office of that name existing, the
name had to be changed, and he with T. Atkinson, ,sr., gave the
present name, deriving it from the rock at the mouth of the Clyde. In
his early settlement he had to go to Siddalsville, five miles away, to
mill. In 1836 the Indians camped on his land. Some state that
Mr. Lynde was the first settler of Ailsa Craig; others that Angus
Munroe was the first white man, while others maintain that David
Craig, who came from New York, purchased lands here, returned for
his family, and, on aiTiving at his new home, carried the doors for his
house from London. William Shipley's field is now occupied by the
south side of Main street. In 1858, David Craig and W. G. Shipley
offered lots there for sale. Shortly after W. K. Atkinson established
a general store. Thomas Barnes followed in the mercantile business.
Geo. Prangley built and opened an hotel, now going to ruin, and Thos.
Atkinson and John H. Priestly established their grain warehouse. W.
K. Atkinson, of Queen's County, Ireland, came to Canada in 1850 ;
taught school in McGillivray in 1858, and in 1860 went into business
at Ailsa Craig.
A traveller of 1868, vsriting of the village, says : — " This is a village
of vast importance to the neighborhood around for many miles, a
large amount of business being transacted daily. The railroad alone
keeps many teams in active employ, procuring wood, of which there
are immense piles around the station. A large business is also being
done in getting out square timber for shi]iment. We have thirteen
well- stocked stores, two of them being medical halls ; two tailor-shops,
a tin-shop, two shoe-stores, five taverns and a cooper-shop ; to keep
all of which in active operation, there is a bakery, recently established,
which turns out bread, buns, etc., of the best quality ; and that the
masticating organs may not fail to perform their duty on said articles,
we have Mr. H. Kinsman, dentist, who will quickly rectify or replace
the dental organs to the entire satisfaction of aching or toothless
humanity. For the prevention and cure of all ills to which flesh is
heir, we have two medical gentlemen of acknowledged ability. For
the suppression of intemperance and the reclamation of the inebriate,
we have a temple of the I. 0. of G. T., which is rapidly increasing in
numbers and influence. For those whose tastes are educational, we
have a literary society and reading-room. For church-going people.
592 HISTOUY OF THE
we have three sects estabhshed, Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist ;
and for dealers in cattle, we have our monthly fairs. We have also a
papei', the Review, whicli is well patronized ; also a good book-store."
The business circle of Ailsa Craig in 1878-80 claimed the following
representative business men, the dates indicating settlement in the
county:— W. K. Atkinson, 1860; T. G. S. Neville, 1867; Joseph
Rosser, IS-tJS, general merchants. J. S. Cameron, 1833 ; Hey & Jones,
1861 ; Mihell & Alexander, 1865, grain or produce dealers. James
Alexander, 1855, foundry ; C. W. Elliott, 1875, watch-maker; Kil-
bourne & Gray, 1857-71, grocers and telegraph agents ; Thomas Hey,
186G, druggist and Dominion Telegraph agent; Thomas Jones, 1848,
groceries and liquors ; Samuel Gillies, 1873, planing mill ; John
Livingstone, 1855, carriage builder; Robert Mills, 1876, flax mOls;
John S. McDonald, 1876, Railroad Exchange Hotel; A. M. Munro,
1855, Ailsa Craig Hotel ; H. C. Munro, 1856, Farmers' Hotel ; Peter
McKeith, 1855, and Robert Harrison, 1861, shoe-dealers; Thomas
Brown, 1854, and Peter Overholt, 1865, shoemakers ; McCallum,
1876, and John McKay, 1871, tailors; Wni. O'Leary, 1850, painter;
John Pemberton, 1850, builder; E. B. Smith, 1870, conveyancer; W.
Sherwin, 1861, furniture; Joseph W. Stewart, 1847, teacher; R. W.
Twiddle, 1857, lumber dealer; Joseph Tate, 1869, builder; David J.
Craig, 1842, and Thomas Kcown, 1856, drovers; James R. Anderson,
18 , and John Gunn, 1875, physicians.
The population in 1888 was 725. Shackleton Hey was post-
master. The business interests of the village are represented by
Gunn & Grant, G. F. Arnold and J. H. McKay, general merchants ;
Thomas Hey and D. A. Stewart, druggists ; James Allen and Joseph
Rosser, hardware dealers ; T. Brown and D. Stevenson, boots and shoes;
A. Brownley, jeweler; L. M. Cather, stationery and books; Mrs.
Coulter, .7. Morgan & Co., and AV. M. Shoebottom, grocers ; J. W.
Reid, W. McKay and W. McAlpine, tailors ; A. M. Munro, H. C.
Munro and Wra. Drought, hotel-keepers; John Bowman, butcher;
C Melville, harness ; D. S. Maedonald, shoemaker ; T. Stevenson,
furniture ; Misses McNaughton and Overholt. dressmakers ; Peter
Overholt and A. H. Paull, bakers ; M Mclntyre, R. Robinson, George
Shipley and D. F. Stewart, live stock dealers; Owen & Co., Shipley &
Co., and Hey & Co., bankers. The manufacturing interests are repre-
sented by W. C. Nichol's pump-factory, Gunn & Ward's flax-mill,
Gilles & Son's saw-mill, J. Alexander's and the McDonald's carriage
factories.
In 1871 a committee was appointed to further the interests of the
village. On February 23, this committee held the first meeting, with
Dr. llarrison, presiding, and S. Hey, secretary. Dr. Henderson, T. G.
S. Neville, and W. K. Atkinson, members, were present. Their first
action related to the measures then being taken by the people of Park-
hill to secure a registry office, when a resolution to have sucli office
established here was adopted, and a communication on the subject
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 593
mailed to Mr. Scatcherd, at Ottawa. In March, 1871, a map of the
village was drafted by W. McInto.sh and presented to this Council.
At this time, G. G. Hamilton, W. G. Shipley, and J. H. Priestly, were
added to the committee. Eftbrts were made to secure a foundrj', and
plans for the general improvement of the village adopted. The last
record of this committee is dated April 27, 1871^ but in May, 1874, a
similar body was organized.
The committee on incoqjoration met May 6, 1874, when W. K.
Atkinson, presided, with Dr. W. T. Harrison, secretary. Among the
members were : — S. Hey, G. D. Arnold, H. Gilchrist, W. Mcintosh,
and Joseph Eosser. The last meeting was held June 25, when pro-
gress was reported and the committee discharged. The first village
meeting was held January 19, 1875, when S. Hey, presided, and John
Hughs, T. G. S. Neville, H. Gilchrist, and W. R. Atkinson, councillors,
were present. William Mcintosh was appointed clerk ; Wm. Slioff,
license inspector; G. D. Arnold, and J. W. Priestly, auditors. In
March, the fire engines, then owned by the volunteer brigade, were
ordered to be repaired at public expense. In May, the following
named were granted 311.37 each, being the amount contributed by
each toward the expenses of incorporation : — William Mcintosh, W.
T. Harrison, T. G. S. Neville, S. Hey, Geo. D. Arnold, G. A. Mihell,
Jos. Kosser, H. Gilchrist, and W. K. Atkinson.
The Council of 1876 comprised, W. K. Atkinson, H. Gilchrist, J.
Livingston and W. Shoff; of 1877, George D. Arnold, H.Gilchrist,
Joseph Rosser and R. W. Tweddle; of 1878, George D. Arnold, H. Gil-
christ, W. K. Atkinson, Joseph Rosser and R. W. Tweddle ; of 1879,
George D. Arnold. S. Hey, J. W. Priestly and Joseph Rosser ; of
1880, John S. Cameron, David H. Craig, Wm. Drought and Duncan
A. Stewart; of 1881, John S. Cameron, Wm. Drought, David Jones
and Duncan F. Stewart; of 1882, J. S. Cameron, H. Gilchrist, D. Jones
and D. F. Stewart ; of 1883, W. Barbour, S. Hey, D. F. Stewart and
C. Walker; of 1884, G. D. Arnold, F. Atkinson. T. Keown and C.
Walker; of 1885, J. Alexander, F. Atkinson, S. Hey and T. Keown;
of 1886, J. Alexander, F. Atkinson, G. S. McDonald and D. A.
Stewart; of 1887, James Alexander, G. S. McDonald, S. Pride and D.
A. Stewart ; and of 1888, James Alexander, D. Gray and William
Tweddle. E B. Smith served as clerk from 1876 to 18SG, when Wm.
McKay was elected.
In 1875, Christopher Cuisick's Western Hotel, A. D. Campbell's
Railroad Exchange, Hector C. Munro's Farmers' Hotel, Angus Mun-
ro's Ailsa Craig Hotel, Mrs. and Mary Coulter's Royal Hotel, were the
hotels of the village. Liquor licenses were also issued in 1875 to
Duncan Gray and Wm. H. Neville.
On December 1, 1879, the fire department by-law was adopted.
In this document the name of Elihu B. Smith occurs as engineer. He
was succeeded by John Alexander ; and on July 26, 1888, when the
old fire company was reorganized, was succeeded by E. B. Smith,
594 HISTORY OF THE
engineer ; John Alexander, assistant ; Frank Atkinson, captain of
engine company ; Win. McKay, of hose company ; and D. H. Gilles,
of hook and ladder company ; John McKay, first-lieutenant, and Dun-
can Bell, second-lieutenant, of hose company. The membership com-
prises forty men of engine company, twelve of hose company, and
fourteen of hook and ladder company.
Zod^es.— Craig Lodge, No. 214, A. F. & A, M., G. K. C, was
chartered July 15, 1869. The list of past masters is as follows: — T.
Eichardson, 1869; E. A. Mumford, 1870-71 ; William Matheson,
1872; J. Wilson, 1873; Richard Sand.s, 1874; D. J. Watson, 1875;
William K. Atkinson, 1876 ; William Barbour, 1877 ; William Mathe-
son, 1878; James E. Anderson, 1879; L. E. Shipley, 1880; J. E.
Anderson, 1881 ; John Wells, 1882-83 ; John H. McKay. 1884 ; E. B.
Smith, 1885 ; John McKay, 1886-87.
Saxon Lodge, No. 121, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted September 17,
1873, the charter members being W. T. Harrison, N. G. ; Frank Atkin-
son, V. G. ; S. Pride, treasurer ; C. Munro, P. S. ; Jos. Eosser, E. S. ;
and J. E. Neville, L. S. N. G. The officers at present are : — Junior
past-grand, Wm. McKay ; noble-grand, D. H. Gillies ; vice-grand.
John Shipley ; recording secretary, Wm. McKay ; permanent secre-
tary, Jno. Alexander; treasurer, Jos. Eosser.
The A. 0. U. W. Lodge was instituted June 29, 1883, by W. Long,
D. D. G. M. W., under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ontario.
There were eighteen charter members ; following are the names : —
John Gunn, M. D. ; Hector Gurin, G. S. McDonald, C. Walker, J. S.
McDonald, Jos. Eosser, G. A. Mihell, Malcolm McCallum, Eev. W.
Johnson, H. G. Anderson, J. E. Anderson, M. D., Thos. Hey, S. Hey,
J. J. Cassidy, E. Lambert, Duncan Stevenson, W. Eobson and Alex.
Leitch. The present officers are : — G. A. Mihell, G. S. McDonald,
Thomas Hey, E. Parker, J. S. McDonald, Jas. Eosser, D. A. Stewart,
G. W. Munroe, W. Hughes, E. H. Sands; and J. E. Anderson, Dr.
Gunn, J. S. McDonald and W. Easton are trustees. The lodge owns
the building.
The W. C. T. U. of Ailsa Craig was organized in February, 1886,
with thirty-eight members. The first president was Mrs. Dempsey,
with Mrs Eogers and Mrs. Murray, vice-presidents; Miss M. McKay,
E. S. ; Mrs. G. W. Perry, C. S. ; and Mrs. Forbes, treasurer.
Mihell & Owens's turning factory at Ailsa Craig was destroyed by
fire in March, 1886. The total loss was over $4,000 ; insurance, $2^
500.
The Ailsa Craig fire of July, 1888, destroyed Wm. Easton's flour-
ing mill and the Scafe dwelling. Prior to this George McDonald's
dwelling was destroyed.
Accidents. — The explosion of a steam sawing machine boiler at
Ailsa Craig, June 22, 1868, resulted in the death of two whites and
two negroes, and the serious wounding of four other persons.
In January, 1873, an old man named Frank McKenzie was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 595
instantly killed on the track of the Grand Trunk, about half a mile
east of Aiha, Craig, by No. 2 Express. It appears the old man was
going to see his son, who, a short time before, lost his arm while coupl-
ing cars at Ailsa Craig, and had reached the point mentioned on his
way there, when he was found horribly mutilated, the top and back
part of his head being completely crushed. His position on the track
was not discovered until too late to stop the train. It will be remem-
bered that the wife of deceased, while endeavoring to send some cloth-
ing to the injured son. was run over by the cars at Point a few days
before and instantly killed ; while another son was killed in a similar
manner about two years before. In July, 1886, James Carr, an old
resident of Ailsa Craig, and owner of the brick and tile-works there,
was drawn into the machinery and crushed to death.
Physicians. — The first resident physician at Ailsa Craig was Dr.
McKinnon, followed by Doctors McAlpine, Harrison, Henderson, Gunn,
Anderson and Stewart, the last-named three being the present physi-
cians of the district.
596 HISTORY OF THE
CHAPTER XXXVI.
WEST WILLIAMS.
West Williams is bounded on the west by the River Aux Saubles,
dividing it from Lambton County ; south by Adelaide Township ; east
by East Williams ; and north by McGillivray.
The Aux Saubles flows in a tortuous course across its southern
sections, taking its northward course just north of its south-western
corner. Several tributaries of the main river course through the town-
ship, affording a water supply to almost every lot. Under date July
2, 1886, the following report on a stream of this township was made to
the County Council : —
" The water course is called Seba River in McGillivray, and Spring
Creek in West Williams. It leaves West Williams at Lot 20, in the
20th Concession and crosses the Town Line on the allowance for road
between it and McGillivray. At that point there is a willow marsh
from GOO feet to SCO feet wide ; the bridge is 180 feet in length ; the
floor of the bridge at the lowest place is two feet and a half above the
water, as observed by the County Engineer on the 8th of June, 1886.
Mr. Talbot thinks the water is never as high as the lowest elevation of
the bridge. The clear water is about 150 feet wide, and the depth from
three to seven feet. On either side there is a willow marsh. It is very
hard on the Town Line, at the site of the present bridge, to tell the direc-
tion that tlie water flows ; it seems to flow with the wind whichever
way it may be for the time. The Grand Trunk Railroad crosses the
creek at an elevation of about twenty feet with a span of thirty feet on
Lot No. 10 in the 20th Concession of West Williams. After crossing
into McGillivray, the creek takes a north-westerly course until it
spreads and is lost in the drowned lands in the latter township, between
three and four miles from the Town Line of McGillivray, on the side
road between Lots 20 and 21. There is a township bridge 150 feet
long ; but Mud Creek empties into the stream between the Town Line
and the lower bridge. The sources of the stream are apparently all in
the Township of West Williams."
The Aaron Arnold gas well at Sylvan was discovered September 4,
1888, by Welch and Smith. On striking the gas vein, the explosion
threw clay and rock far above the derrick, and on the gas being ignited
the flame leaped fifty feet, but was ultimately confined to a one- inch
jet, which was utilized to run the engine. Later, when pumping
commenced, a large quantity of petroleum was found with the water.
The first meeting to organize the Township of Williams was held
January o, 1842, when the following officers were appointed, Andrew
Thompson presiding: — Donald Mcintosh, councillor; A. Thompson,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 597
clerk ; W. Stewart, Geo. Shipley, Eev. Duncan McMillan, Duncan
Campbell and Colin McKenzie, school commissioners ; Duncan Camp-
bell, assessor ; Peter Melville, collector ; Donald Campbell, John Fisher,
David Cluness, wardens ; John Stewait, Wm. Moore, Donald Watson
and Donald Campbell, pound-keepers ; Dugald Moore, Peter Currie,
Hugh Crawford, Duncan Stewart, John Stewart, Thomas Eyenon, D.
Walters, John Fisher, Alex. Stewart, H. McKenzie, John McKillican,
John Mcintosh, Wm. Wells, Wm. Halbert, J. McNaughton, James
Eoss, John Bremner, Malcolm Cameron and Austin Boot, road over-
seer.?. The first action of this council was to enact that all fences
should be five feet high, and that hogs, horses and bulls should not run at
large. In 1843, all the officers of the former year held their positions.
In June, 1843, £6 6s. 3d. were expended on public works. In
1844, Wm. Wells was appointed town clerk; John McE wen, Hugh
Eraser and Fred. Harrison, wardens ; Alex. Stewart, Duncan McEwen,
John Forbes, Peter Currie and John Clark, pound-keepers. Among
the new names given in the list of road- overseers were those of John
Levie, Roderick McKay, John Pedin, D. Bisset, Martin Dugan, Asa
Lynde, Tom Daniel, II. Webb and Duncan McFarlane. In 1845,
John Topping appears as warden, while John Skiff, Alexander Munro,
Angus IMcDonald are named among the new road-overseers. During
this year the wardens sold the effects " of the late James Dixon,"
realizing £61 13s. 3d. at auction, and £1 lis. 6d. at private sale. The
list of buyers appears to cover the roll of all the settlers in the old
Township of Williams and neighborhood.
In 1846 new names appear on the list of officers, such as Donald
Gillies, Donald McNeil, John Scafe, Andrew Ross, John Cruikshank,
John Cummins. Robert Dewer, A. McLaughlin, C. Ward, Dugald Fer-
guson, D. Granie and John Cluness. In 1847 the officers were, in the
main, the same as in the former year ; but in 1848 Peter Melville was
chosen clerk ; Wm. Stewart, assessor ; and John McNaughton, col-
lector. Colin McKenzie was clerk in 1849, and Robert Leslie, asses-
sor ; Donald Mcintosh being still councillor. In 1851, Geo. Shipley
for Carlisle, Hugh Eraser for Inverness, David Cluness for Victoria,
John McLachlan for Bruce, and Donald Eraser for Albert Ward, were
elected councillors, and Peter Melville, auditor. In 1852, James Gray
replaced John McLachlan. This year there were no less than fifty-two
pathmasters appointed, and five fence-viewers. In 1853, John Clark
and James Morgan were appointed license inspector. In 1854, Hugh
Eraser, D, Ross, John Levie, Lewis Mott and Donald Eraser were
elected councillors. Jn 1855, Donald Watters of Victoria, John
Bremner of Bruce, and Andrew Elliot of Albert, were elected coun-
cillors, and David Wylie, inspector of licenses. In 1856, Donald
Watters was chosen reeve, and Councillor Eraser, deputy ; with John
Love and Peter Melville, assessors. In 1857 mention is made of the
town hall at Nairn, and at this time also mention is made of a new
school section being granted on petition of Robert Thompson and
598 HISTORY OF THE
others ; and a saloon license was granted to Walter Iloss for his house
at Nairn.
The first meeting to divide the township was called on Feb. 5, 1857,
to meet at Nairn, Feb 26 ; but on that date C'. Fraser and C. Bremner
moved that such a division was inexpedient.
In 1857 the Council established the Nairn Fair, to be held on the
third Thursday in April each year. Councillors Topping and Burns
were the proposers. At this time also an emphatic disapproval of the
division of the county, as requested by the people of Wardsville, was
given. In 1858 very few changes were made in the list of officials.
In 1859, James McArthur, Alex. Campbell, Alex. Levie, Eonald
Mclntyre and Andrew Elliott were councillors, with Colin McKenzie
clerk. In 1860 the original township was divided into Williams East
and Williams West, as related in the sketch of the former township.
The reeves and deputy-reeves of AVest Williams, from the date of
its organization to 1887, are named in the general chapter on the
transactions of the County Council. The Council in 1878 comprised
Messrs. George H. Fair, Stewart, John Barrett. Samuel Peck,
and Andrew Elliott. In 1879, Mr. Fair was re-elected, with Angus
McLachlan, Augustine and John McDonald, new members. The
three last named were re-elected for 1881 ; while for 1882, John
McDonald, Henry Mosure and John Patterson were chosen ; for 1883,
John James, John B. Smith and Wm. Pedlar were elected. The
councillors for 1884 were John G. James, Wm. Pedlar and Wm. Hill,
while the first and last named, with Donald Morrison, were elected for
1885. Andrew Cutler, Hugh Watson and Donald Morrison were
councilmen in 1886 ; James Cluness, A. Cutler and Wm. Pedlar for
1887, and were re-elected in 1S88.
West Williams dates its settlement to 1850, when Henry Saul
began farming on Con. 21 ; L. C. and Ronald Mclntyre located their
farms on the banks of the Aux Saubles ; and Lewis Mott, and Henry
James entered their lands. In 1851, the Niblock Brothers — John,
Thomas, and Ilobert, arrived, and the Elliott Brothers purchased the
heavy timbered tract near what is now Parkhill. In 1852, Robert
Burns and Sanford Eastman built a mill among the pines on the sandy
tract, where Sylvan now stands. The early roads were opened by the
Canada Land Company. Thomas Elliott, one of the first settlers of
West Williams, served against the Patriots in 1837-8. Among the
old settlers of the county, who were residents of West Williams in
18S0, were:— David Brock, 1838; John Elliott, 1820; Duncan
Fletcher, 1843; Henry James, 1X32; Andrew McAdam, 1843; A.
R. Mcintosh, 1833 ; Duncan McGregor, 1841 ; Wm. McKenzie and
Wm. O'Neil, 1837 ; James Peddeii, 1846 ; John Riggs and James
Saul, 1843; Joseph E. Wann, 1844; and Joseph Zavitz, 1847.
Syluan and neighborhood claimed sixty inhabitants in 1888. Mrs.
E. Dawson had charge of the post-office, and was owner of the general
store ; Eli Randall carried on the saw-mill, and John McLachlan the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 599
blacksmith shop. The village of 1857 was made up as follows: —
Nathan Bellington, shoemaker; Wilson Blanchard, farmer; George
Brown, farmer; Lewis Brush, laborer; Eobert Burns, postmaster,
lumber merchant, mill-owner and councillor ; Wm, Channer, land-
owner ; John Dawson, engineer ; Philip Knight, sawyer ; Robert Mc-
Alpine, storekeeper, and sash and door maker ; Eeuben Proctor, lumber
merchant ; William and Samuel Eandall, brickmakers ; John A. Scoon,
storekeeper ; Abraham Wismer, land-owner.
Wm. Eandall, who carried the mail from Adelaide to Delaware in
1836, and from London to Sarnia fifty years ago, and for thirty-one
years carried the mail between Sylvan and other offices in the neigh-
borhood, is still a resident of Sylvan.
The first Presbyterian Church of West Williams was organized in
1872, with the following-named members :— John Love, sr., John Gal-
braith, Hugh Watson, John McLeish, Arch. McLeish, John McCubbin,
Donald Munro, John Love, jr., John Johnstone. The elders were
John Love, sr., and Hugh Watson. The trustees were Hugh Watson,
John Love, jr., and John McCubbin. The church was built in 1855.
The subscriljers were :— Donald Waters, John Galbraith, John McLeish,
Hugh Watson, John McCubbin, Donald Munro, John Love, sr., John
Love, jr. The church building cost about $900. The second church
here has always been called the " Twenty-first," because it is on the
21st Concession. The congregation was organized in 1874, with the
following members : — Donald Eraser, Arch. McLachlan, Donald Mc-
Donald, Arch. McLeLsh, John Galbraith, Mr. Nunday, Angus Galbraith,
Hugh Brown, and Peter White. The elders were Donald Fraser and
Arch. McLeish. The trustees were Donald Fraser, Arch. McLeish and
Hugh Brown. The church was built in 1872, and cost $900. The
subscribers were : — Donald Fraser, Arch. McLeish, Donald McDonald,
Mr. Nunday, and Hugh Brown. Eev. John Lees is pastor of both
congregations.
The Wesleyan class at Centenary, or Sylvan, comprised: — Mrs.
Armstrong, the Thompsons, Magladerys, Henry and Mary Eunish, the
Joneses, Woodburns, Mannings and Thomas Brayton, Taylors, Hager-
mans, Metcalfes, Eeises, Delaneys, Blisses, Fike, Fairless and Arm-
strongs.
The Primitive Methodist Church, two miles west of Parkhill, was
built in 1878. The congregation has since been merged in the Metho-
dist Church of Canada.
Bornish post-ofBce was established, with John Doyle, postmaster,
in January, 1874. It appears that he had the petition for an office at
this point signed, and to him credit is given for its establishment. In
1878, Archibald McLeod, the present postmaster, was appointed. Mr.
McLeod also keeps the hotel at this point, both office and hotel being
on the East Williams side of the town line.
The Separate School of Bornish was established about 1870, but
reorganized as a common school. The present school was established
600 HISTORY OF THE
about 1873. Among the first trustees were : — Donald McDonald, J.
G. McMillan and Archibald Curry ; the former and John Doyle have
each served the Board nine years. Among others may be named L.
C Mclntyre and T. Kearns.
Father Kirwan visited the settlements of West and East Williams
during the decade ending in 1856. Among the names on his records
are those of the McGregors, McPhees, Currys, McLellands, McCor-
micks, McLeods, Neil Mclntyre, the McKinnons, the McMillans, Hugh
.Morrison, John Maginnis, Angus Ross, Alex. B McDonald, the Monks,
Donald jNIcDonald, Hugh Smyth, Donald Steele and brother, Michael
iind John O'Hanly, the Mclntyres, McKissac, Alex. Morrison,
Angus IMorrison. Martin Gilles, the Mcintosh families, Donald McCor-
inick, Donald O'Hanly, the Connoleys, P. Kilgallon, Laughlin Ma-
guinness, Murdock McCloud, John Doyle, Bernard Dignan, Thomas
Kearns, and later John Doyle, sou of one of the pioneers of London
district. The church building of St. Columbia, Bornish, was begun in
1861, and the main building completed. During the administration of
Father Lamont the spire was constructed and the vestry erected. In
1888 the building was reconstructed and painted. In January, 1887,
Ilev. D. A. McRae was appointed the first resident priest. The con-
gregation numbers 380 members.
West Williams Agricultural Society is an old society, but like
other organizations has lost (it is alleged by Mr. Shoults) its old
records, if it ever had any. William Elliott was president for a num-
ber of years, and the late John Dawson, secretary. He was succeeded
by B. Pile, and he by R. Shoults. In 1S86 the society sold the old
Fair Grounds for $400, which sum is estimated in the receipts for that
year.
The revenue of this society in 1882 was $563.97, and in 1886,
including price of grounds and grant, $1,219.25; in 1887, $900; and
ill 1888, over $l,0(iO. J. A. Mayberry was chosen president for 1887;
W. H. Taylor, V. P. ; John Grieves, John Barrett, P. Stewart, Wm.
Elliott, S. Tudor, D. G. Smith, David Waters, Dr. Caw and Benjamin
Pile, directors; N. Grieves and E. F. Stephenson, auditors. W. H.
Taylor is the present president ; P. Stewart, V. P. ; and T. L. Rogers,
treasurer.
The Fair of October 10 and 11, 1888, was attended by over 2,000
persons. The exhibits of heavy draft horses, roots and vegetables were
surpassingly good, while in every other department the display was
e.Ncellent. Fruit may be said to be the only thing in which there was
a defect, but the show of apples was good in quality, though not large.
The special prize for best collection, consisting of thirty-seven kinds,
was carried off by Mrs. R. Couch, West Williams. The events in the
speeding ring were all keenly contested by a number of competitors in
each class.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 601
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Parkhill is made up of all kinds of people, boiled dowa to an
enterprising community by the same spirit of progress and enterprise
which first suggested the building of a village at this point. There are
no church towers here with bells which tolled great- grandfathers to
their graves ; no long lines of tombs, in which lie the virtues of
ancestors known only by tradition ; no gray-haired friars rising up like
statues before the memory ; no grim sexton looking into some new-
made grave waiting for his inanimate company — nothing of the dead
past. Merchants and tradesmen, physicians and priests, are all modern,
pushing ever onwards, building and rebuilding, always active. Above
it. Nature's mighty cathedral still stands with its lofty dome of sun,
moon and stars, but the pillars are not overgrown with centuried moss.
It is a modern village with great promise. Non-existent when all
around was a wilderness, it has nothing of the age, but claims all the -
reality and grit of youth.
lu earlier years the hemlock woods of McGillivray extended north,
while south of and around the settlement were the maple, beech and
oak forests. The oak was sawn here, split into staves, and shipped to
India, via Quebec. The stave gangs (about sixty-one men, or seven
gangs) were then gathered round the village. The population in May,
1888, was placed by the assessor at 1,613.
Parkhill dates its beginnings back to 1860, when a post-office was
established one-half mile south-west of the railroad depot, with James
Plues, or Plews, in charge. In 1860, Donald McClure, later of
Petrolea, opened the first store at Parkhill. Donald McKitmon estab-
lished his hotel near the present Powell House, and in 1863, Simon
McLeod purchased MclCinnon's house and made an addition thereto.
In 1864, John Noble, who was postmaster then, established a large
store there, his being the fifth house in the village. John Gibbs, fol-
lowed in the mercantile business, and in 1865-6 the Harrison & Har-
rison brick flouring-mills were built on a bonus of $1,078 by the
village. In April, 1867, no less than sixteen buildings were in course
of construction.
In 1860 the first frame residence was built for W. Hastings, just
east of the present Hastings — where the hotel and stables were built
in 1867-8. The hotel was opened by Samuel Tudor, October 15, that
year. The first brick business building was erected prior to 1867, on
Broadway. J. Scoon's drug-store was the first brick north of the rail-
road about 1869, by the present owner. James Taylor's building, now
occupied by Mathewson and Stephenson, followed the block erected by
602 HISTORY OF THE
Boyce and Eccles, part of which is uow the Eoyal Hotel. The Dixon
brick block, which stood on the site of John Noble's buildings, was
erected after the Fletcher frame was destroyed, and his present brick
store erected. John McNeil and John Hanison also erected brick
buildings south of the track.
The Ontario Hall, built by Jack Whitmore late in the sixties, was
used for public meetings, etc., etc. ; then moved from Ann street to
King street, where it was destroyed by fire. Daniel Eccles, born in
Lambton County in 1841, moved to Parkhill in 1871 ; built two store-
houses, which were destroyed in 1872, and in 1873 erected the Eccles
block. Nathaniel Jackson, son of William Jackson, a U. E. Loyalist,
moved from a point north of Kingston, his original location in Canada,
to Lot 21, Centre road. West Williams, in 18-51. At this time Wil-
liam and his son had to chop a road for two miles through heavy
timber to reach their new home. Large game, such as deer was plenti-
ful, and offered substantial food to the pioneer families. In 1872 the
father died, and a few years later Nathaniel moved to Parkhill, where,
in 1878, he completed one of the first large brick buildings ever
erected there, known as the Victoria block, where R. C. Thompson's
building now stands. The Dickson block was completed in January,
1886, on the site of the building erected in 1883, which was destroyed
in the fire of September, 1885.
When William Clark came to Parkhill in July, 1865, Dr. Caw's
small frame dwelling held the place where his present residence now
stands ; John Harrison's frame, now in rear of his present residence, on
Mill street ; ,T. M. Gibbs had his dwelling and store where the tank
stands ; W. Hastings's house, in rear of the present hotel ; a large
frame store building, erected by Eobert Phippin, on the site of Nicho-
las Phippin's present store, still stands in rear of store ; John Harri-
son's mill building, just west of the market-house, and Wm. Elliott's
house on brickyard were the only buildings north of the railroad.
South of the track, on the east side of Main street, where now is Mc-
Leod's store, was Nelson Smitli's shoemaker's shop and dwelling, a
log-building ; Alexander Raymond's blacksmith-shop and dwelling,
a frame building, was opposite. The spinster, Jane Niblock, owned a
log-house where the Tudor Hotel now stands. On King street, John
Noble's two and one half story frame building, near where is now the
post-office. They were burned about fourteen years ago. Butcher,
the harness-maker, had a one-story frame building, while Henry
Streeter's tannery and dwelling stood close by. Dr. M. Taggart's new
building was erected on the site about six years ago, now Mason's car-
penter's shop. West of the tannery was Simon McLeod's store, then
kei>t by Archibald & Backus. The old Catholic Church was completed
some time before, south of the Powell House, on Charles McKinuon's,
land. On one corner of Westwood and King streets was Colavin's
general store, and on the other John Scoon's one-story building, used
as a drug-store and dwelling, stood, while west of that was James
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 603
Ross's shoemaker's-shop and dwelling, now rented by AVm. Atmore,
while east of Boss's was Douglass's blacksmith-shop and Scott's wag-
gon-shop. Simon McLeod's hotel stood where the Powell House is,
and C. ]VIcKinnon's store was close by, while westward was Charles
Mesjg's hotel, both frame buildings, and both destroyed by fire about
187^3.
James Parkyn's grain warehouse, a frame building, stood opposite
the Powell House. It was built in 1859, but not used until the rail-
road was opened. The depot at that time stood about ten rods west of
the present depot building. Both buildings were burned in 1881 or
1882. The pioneer saw-mill of Parkhill was estabhshed on the south
side of Mill street by Eobert Phippen, James Taylor and Robert Porte
in 1868, giving employment to fifteen men. This building was de-
stroyed by fire in May, 1869, but rebuilt at once by E. Phippen and
J. Taylor, and opened iu August, 1869. Mr. Taylor sold his interests
to N. Phippen that year, and he with his brother carried on this mill,
with the sash and door factory, until 1874, when N. Phippen came
from Brooklin, Ont., and the manufacture of furniture became a
specialty, in connection with lumber yards, mill, etc., giving employ-
ment to from thirty to fifty men up to 1880, when the collapse of the
Exchange Bank carried down this industry.
The Harrison grist mill was erected in 1864, near the present
town hall. In 1869 he rented the concern to Stephen Lake, who was
operating it when the fire of November, 1877, destroyed the buildings
and machinery. Wm. Clarke was engineer of this pioneer industry
up to within a few months of the fire. The Harrison stave-factory
was established about twenty years ago. This industry gives employ-
ment to six hands the year round. In 1880, Mr. Harrison re-estab-
lished his present flouring-mills.
James Mclnnes's grist-mill, a four-story brick building, erected in
1876-7, was destroyed by fire in May, 1879, the proprietor losing aU,
as the insurance (about $9,000) passed into the hands of the persons
who supplied the machinery and the five-run of stones. Wm. Clarke
was engineer of this mill for the three years it was in operation.
Hugh C. Baird's foundry was established in 1879. This present
great industry, in which Oliver Baird is a partner, has made steady
progress, particularly since the purchase of the Michigan patent for the
tile and brick machine.
WiUiam Baird, who settled here in May, 1865, and built a shop
for the manufacture of pumps that year next nortli of Dr. Cain's house,
adjoining the present R. Porte's store, has carried on the business down
to the present time. In 1867 he sold the building to Abram Mathers,
who used it as a blacksmith-shop. It was ultimately made part of a
new building, which was burned down about 1874. He built his
second pump factory twenty-two years ago on Lot 13, Main street,
which he used up to 1886, when his present factory was erected on the
same lot, the old building being moved to a lot adjoining.
604 HISTORY OF THE
John R. Hockey's waggon-shop was erected twenty-two years ago,
in which he has conducted his extensive waggon and blacksmith- shop
down to the present time.
The Parkhill woollen-mills were built by John Harrison in 1870,
for carding-mill purposes. Thos. Dickerson purchased the building
and machinery from Harrison, and operated it until 1877-8, when
William Jackson became lessee, and, in 1879, John Griffith leased the
mill for one year, and then purchased and remodelled the building, and
introduced woollen machinery. The industry gives employment to
seven hands.
In August, 1886, John Hanison began the work of constructing
the stone flouring-mills into roller-mills, and in November of that
year had his plans of improvement so far advanced as to give his mills
a capacity of 10,000 bushels. The council agreed to grant Mr. Harri-
son ten years' exemption from taxes, the improvements named being
the only condition. The old mill, which stood where the City Hall
now stands, was destroyed by fire. The new mills are in a number of
tenement houses which he buUt on Mill street, but converted into the
present mills.
The Parkhill flax-mill was established by Shantz Bros, in 1876.
In 1885-6 the old W. Elliot brick-yard, established in 1862, on
David Reeser's farm, was revived after some years of idleness. Wil-
liam Elliot, the owner, introduced at this time the Kell's brick and
tile machine. In 1885, Erastus Miller began the manufacture of brick
on his farm, while the yard on the Hastings property was worked at
the rate of 12,000 brick per day, by the Messrs. East. It was estab-
lished seventeen years ago by William Hastings. T. A. Mayberry
rented the Hastings brick-yard from 1874 to 187t>. He was followed
by James Fullerton, Akin & Mitchell, and Tedder & Mitchell, who
preceded the present lessees. Thomas East, jr, is now operating the
yards.
William Shoults's grain warehouse was destroyed by fire in 1887.
This building was moved to Mill street and a large addition made.
William Carter's grain warehouse, purchased by John Jarvis about
1877, was moved from south of the railroad to Mill street.
Banks. — Henry Mann's private bank was the first financial house
with oHice, where is now Massey's implement shop. The Kittridge
private bank was Ciirried on until he sold his business to Henry Allan,
who, it is alleged, did not succeed in doing any business. The
Exchange Bank was established here, and in 1875 the large building
was erected at a cost of $13,000. In the fall of 1882 theWik went
into liquidation, when its interests here were sold to the Parkhill Bank-
ing Company, represented by T. L. & R. A. Rogers.
The business circle of Parkhill in 1878 : — Henry Allan, a settler of
18G.'-), lumberman ; Wm. Atmore, 1854, livery and farm ; Thomas
Bm-ns, 1851, conveyancer; A. Bruce, 1855, waggon-maker; Charles
R. Bell, 1836, blacksmith; Dr. W. Caw, 18G4; D. B. Campbell, 1843,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 605
marble- works ; A. D. Campbell, 1870, proprietor Hastings Hotel ;
Wm. Dickson, 1869, A. D. Euticknap, 1861, John Gibbs, 1862,
and Angus Macaulay, 1872, general merchants; John Darragh, 1856,
teacher ; W. W. Eutherford, principal of High School, 1874 ; J. H.
Dalmage, 1844, Royal Hotel; Thomas Pignan, 1833, Van Wick
House; D. Eccles, 1871, druggist, and Dominion telegraph agent;
John English, 1866, tinsmith ;" Sandford Tudor's hotel, 1861 ; Wm.
Fletcher, 1868, baker; James Fullerton, 1874, brick maker ; John
Grandy, 1875, insurance; Wallace Graham 1870, editor of Gazette;
Kenneth Goodman, 1872, barrister ; B. F. Holmes, 1874, veterinary
surgeon ; J. McNeil, barber ; H. H. Kittredge, 1873, banker ; E. J.
Phippen, 1866, photographer; A. A. McDonald, 1863, merchant and
lumberman; Dr. E. S. McAlpine, 1867; E. & J. McDonald, 1873,
carriage-makers; Wm. Munro, 1869, Wm. McDonald, 1868, and N.J.
Mclntyre, 1871, general grocers ; Adam Paxman, 1848, auctioneer ;
J. W. Marsden, 1844, pork-packer; E. Manes, 1868, agricultural im-
plement manufacturer; Thomas Magladery, 1869, agent for agricul-
tural implements ; Wm. Newcombe, 1872, hardware ; John Shoults,
1851, and John Parsons, 1874, provisions; Robert Phippen, 1864, and
Nicholas Phippen, 1873, manufacturers ; Wm. Eoss, 1874, and W.
Shoults, 1851, millers; James H. Eobinson, 1856, watchmaker; Alex.
Smith, 1867, architect ; J. E. Soady, 1865, boot and shoe maker; Wm.
Wallace, 1866, builder; John Eobertson, 1870, carpenter; Henry
Mann, 1844, livery; John Morrison, 1875, harness; and John Noble,
1861, postmaster.
Organization. — The petition from the inhabitants of Parkhill,
asking for incorporation, was presented June 7, 1871, Mr. Noble repre-
senting the petitioners. He and S. Lake were appointed to take the
census. In 1872, Parkhill changed its relations to West Williams by
becoming an incorporated village. Simon McLeod was elected first
reeve, with Messrs. T. A. Mayberry, Wm. Dickson, Stephen Lake and
W. Shoults, councilmen. In 1873, T. A. Mayberry, D. L. Cruikshanks,
Joseph Siddall and Stephen Lake, councillors, with Eeeve Shoults.
The records of the town from 1871 to March 31, 1882, were des-
troyed in the fire of April 1, 1882, so that the written history of the old
village begins April 10, 1882. The councilmen present on that date
were, the reeve (K. Goodman), Messrs. Harrison, McKenzie, Thomp-
son and Fletcher. T. A. Mayberry was reappointed clerk ; William
Dickson, assessor and collector ; John Noble, treasurer ; Thos Boubier,
pound-keeper; B. Vanalstine, bell-ringer; Drs. Caw and McAlpine,
with John Harrison, members of the Board of Health. All were
reappointments. Later, John Hodgins was appointed pound-keeper.
In July, Councillor Thompson was present. The Council of 1883
comprised Eeeve Goodman, with Wm. Fletcher, James Gray, Dr. E. S.
McAlpine and Adam Paxman. Eobert Burns was appointed assessor ;
Wm. Boyer, treasurer, and Wm. Wells, police magistrate. In Septem-
ber, 1883, street lamps were ordered to be erected. In 1884, W. M.
606 HISTORY OF THE
Thompson, J. Harrison, J. Cluness and D. N. McLeod were elected
members. In 1885 Richard Shoults presided, with John Harrison,
John Cluness, Robert White and D. N. McLeod, conncillors. A. A.
Macdonald and J. L. Rogers were appointed auditors for the year, and
Dr. McAlpine trustee of high school. In December, 1885, the same
council was elected by acclamation for 1886. In January the question
of raising the village to the rank of town was considered on motion of
Messrs. White and McLeod, and a petition drafted for presentation to
the Legislature. Messrs. K. Goodman, J. Noble and E. White were
appointed delegates to urge the passage of the biU.
The first election for mayor, reeve and councillors of Parkhill, under
the legislative act, elevating the village to the rank of a town, was
held Jan. 3, 1886. W. H. Hutchins received 252, and D. L. Stone-
house 52 votes for mayor; R. White received 162, and D. McKenzie
134 votes for reeve. In Ward 1, John Cluness received 62 votes, and
W. Fletcher 47 ; S. McLeod 46, and N. McPhee 45. In Ward 2,
W. Dickson received 72 votes, A. Miller 54, and F. Fussel 51 ; but
Messrs. Baird and Griffith were declared elected on the day of nomina-
tion. The council of 1887 comprised W. H. Hutcliins, mayor; Robt.
White, reeve ; John Cluness and Wm. Fletcher, Wm. Baird and John
Griffith, Wm. Dickson and A. M. Miller. In 1888, John M. Gibbs
was mayor ; Robert White, reeve ; Wm. Fletcher, John Griffith and
Wm. Dickson, councillors. In 1879 or 1880, Mr. Mayberry was
appointed clerk, and has served up to the present time.
The salt well was put down by a joint stock company in the fall of
1884, at an expense of S2,500. The salt-works by-law was submit-
ted to the people November 23, 1887, and was carried, the vote being
107 for and 32 against. This by-law provided for a bonus of $3,000
to any person or persons who would successfully develop the salt
deposit.
In July, 1887, a meeting of the residents of Parkhill, presided over
by John Harrison, petitioned the Council to submit to the people the
question of authorizing the expenditure of $15,000 on water- works.
On July 27, Councillors Fletcher and Cluness proposed that a by-law
be drafted. The water-works by-law was submitted to the people of
Parkhill, May 17, 1888, when it was negatived by a vote of 77 to 50.
A determined ettbrt was made to procure a good supply of good water
by men who had the interest of the town at heart.
Schools. — The records of the School Board, at present in possession
of Mr. Dickson, date back to September 11, 1885. At that time
Messrs. Mayberry, Hastings, McLeod, McAlpine, Caw, Shoults, Bis-
hop, Gibbs, Dickson, Rogers and Griffith were the trustees. The
secretary, Mr. Dickson, reported the loss of records in the fire of Sep-
tember 3, 1885. In October, John Darrach was employed as assistant
in high school and A. B. Gibbert as principal of common schools, and
Miss Cluness, assistant, but in 1886 she was promoted to Mi.ss Catley's
class and her place was taken by Miss B. Shoults. In November,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 607
1885, Mr. Parkinson was appointed to succeed Mr. Darrach. Among
other teachers named at this time were : — Misses Mulveny, Magladery
and Taylor. In December, D. N. McTjCod was appointed trustee, vice
Dickson. Messrs. Bishop and GrifBth were elected trustees to fill
vacancies, while the names of Edward Manes, Thompson, Phelan and
J. Bradt appear as trustees.
In July, 1886, Mr. Mays succeeded Parkinson as assistant in high
school, and in August, Mr. Eogers was employed as third teacher. In
December, 1886, Miss Summers was engaged as teacher, vice Miss
McLeod ; and Miss Graham was also employed. At this time nomi-
nations for the new School Board were made, when Eobert Porte and
A. W. Humphries, Simon McLeod and T. A. Mayberry, J. Simpson
and John Shoults, were elected by acclamation for the public schools ;
while William Hastings and T. L. Rogers were appointed high school
trustees. T. A. MaybeiTy, Dr. McAlpine, W. M. Thompson, Phelan,
Rogers, Simpson, and Dr. Caw, holding over. Wm. Dickson was
appointed secretary of the new Board.
In April, 1887, S. McLeod, R. Porte and E. S. McAlpine were
appointed a committee to report on the subject of a high school build-
ing and site. In November, 1887, Head-master Bigg, with Messrs.
May and Rogers, were re-engaged as teachers ; while Mr. Gilbert and
the other teachers of the public schools were re-employed. In Decem-
ber, 1887, Thomas Watson replaced A. W. Humphries on the School
Board, and about this time the names of R. Shoults, W. H. Hutchins,
and Mr. O'Brien, appear.
In January, 1887, John Lockead, a twelve-year-old pupil of the
Parkhill public school, won the gold medal offered in Inspector Carson's
district, leading 261 other candidates. In the treasurer's record of
1875, it appears that $2,500 were borrowed October ;^, 1870, payable
in ten years, and in 1873, an equal amount from D. Mcintosh, also
payable in ten years. In 1870 the first brick school-house was erected,
and in 1872 the high school was opened, while additions to the first
building were made in 1873. In January, 1875, the names of John
Darrach, W. Newcomb, W. W. Rutherford, Misses Armstrong, Grant,
and Baker, appear as teachers. In 1875-7, T. B. Woodhull, John
Tauner, Miss I3aker, L. Walsh, Miss Porte, T. O. Allen, Miss Murray,
Miss Zapfe, and Thomas Murray. In 1878, E. M. Bigg's name
appears with those of T. 0. Allen, D. E. Eccles, Miss Edwards, Miss
Stewart, Miss Porte, Miss Murray, W. W. Rutherford, Miss Niblock,
H. D. Johnson, Miss Burns, and John Darrach. In 1879, McKay's
name appears, also that of Wm. Tait, Miss Sutton. In 1880-1, Miss
Jones, Miss Blair and Miss Taylor, were among the teachers. In
1881-2, Miss Johnson, W. S. McBrayne, Miss Baxter and Miss Mc-
Arthur.
In 1871 the south wing of the present school buildings was com-
pleted. In 1872 the high school was established here, and opened
October 4 by D. A. McMichael, who presided over twenty-two pupils.
608 - HISTORY OF THE
In 1873 the northern part of the buildings was erected. Later, the
Baptist school-room was rented, and there, north of the railroad, served
as a ward school-house. In 1884 the old building known as St.
Andrew's Church was purchased for scliool puqioses, and contemporary
with this progress was the establishment of the Catholic Separate
School system^ and the erection of new school buildings. In 1874 W.
"W. Eutiierford succeeded Mr. McMichael, and, in 1878, E. M. Bigg,
M. A., was appointed head master, atid still holds the position.
Among the leading teachers the following names may be given : —
John Darrach, Misses Edwards, Taylor, McLeod, Spencer, Baxter, and
Mr. McBrayne; in 1883-4, Misses Spencer, Aitken, Hamilton and
Magladery.
The Separate School records date back to 1878, and Jos. McEachran,
Neil Mclntyre (who was then secretary) and D. McNeil appear as
trustees. Miss Glenn presided over the school. In 1879 the names
of John McDonald, Thos. Eyan and James Colovin appear as trustees.
In January, Mr. Marshall was elected, vice D. McNeil, retired, and
John ]\IcNeil, vice Thomas Ryan ; and the new trustees, with Charles
Mallon and other members of 1878, formed the new board. In 1880
the names of C. Gleeson, H. Leonard, M. J. Mclntyre, J. McEachin,
C. Colovin and J. McDonald formed the board. Thomas T. McGuigan
was employed as teacher for 1880, and J.J. Madden for 1881. A.
McLeod was elected a trustee for the latter year, with Thomas Stanley.
Miss Amelia jMcGeorgy was employed as teacher for 1882.
In 1885, the name of John JMcAulifie appears as trustee; also
that of C. P. McKenna, Hugh Leonard and Thomas Ryan; Rev.
Donald McCrae being president of the board. In 1886, J\lrs. Gough
was teacher, but was succeeded the same year by Miss Lottie Eckhart,
who, in 1887, was succeeded by Miss Lavin, and .she. in January,
1888, by Miss Tilhe Dean. The new separate school-house was
opened Januarj' 1, 1886. On this occasion a house and lot were
drawn for, which were won by Angus Wilson.
Fires. — In May, 1870, a fire department was organized, James
AVinn being the active canvasser for volunteers. The fire of October
28, 1878, destroyed Simeon McLeod's building in North Main street.
During the destruction of George jManuing's furniture store January
16, 1880, William Grieves, a farmer, of McGillivray, who was present
aiding in saving property, was burned to death. The fire of February
2, 1885, originated in the cellar of Bishop's hardware store, in the
Victoria Block, and resulted in the destruction of the biulding, the
loss, exclusive of insurance, being estimated at .$10,000.
The fire of January 9, 1886, originated in the room occupied by
James Porteus, in the Levitt building. This block was completed in
1885, and would have been then destroyed had it not been for the
timely alarm of Mrs. Bannerman and the successful etlbrts of Messrs.
Levitt, Eynouf, John Hodgins, Archibald Kay and others who rushed
to the scene and extinguished the fire.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 609
The five of November 22-3, 1887, originated in Wm. Shoebottom's
store, spread to Munro Bros.' store on the north, Palmer's jewelry store
on the south and thence to Garden's large block on the east. In this
fire J. Scoon, druggist, lost $1,500, and Munro Bros., $5,000, each fully
covered by insurance; the destruction of the Levitt building and
household goods entailed a loss of $3,500, but were insured for
$2,250 ; W. S. Shoebottom's grocery stock, valued for $2,000, was
insured for $1,000 ; T. E. Palmer lost $500 ; W. H. Hutchins's build-
ing, value $3,100, was insured for $2,200; Alexander Garden's
stock and building were valued at $13,000, but insured for $7,000.
The Gazette office, owned by James W. Green, was entirely destroyed,
the net loss being $1,000, but the loss of the files of the paper, from
1871 to that date, is incalculable. Button's block, Mclnnes's feed-
store, Andrews & Appleton's barber shop, the billiard hall, the Misses
Skinner's millinery and Phippen's photograph gallery were damaged,
while Magladery's building was torn down.
Accidents. — Duncan Galbraith, of the 9th Concession of Williams,
was killed by a falling tree in December, 1859. Ronald McDonald
was burned to death near Parkhill, Oct. 26, 1869. The house from
which he was about to be evicted was also burned. In August, 1878,
a son of Martin Fogarty, of Parkhill, was burned to death by coal oil.
The widow Meggs and Miss Long were killed on the track at Parkhill
in 1879. Hector McLeish, brother of Angus McLeish, of West Wil-
liams, was killed at Wolseley, N. W. T., May 31, 1887.
Churches. — The first church building was erected during the Amer-
ican war by Charles McKinnon, for the use of the pari.sh. It now
stands behind the Powell House. It was subsequently used as a
separate school, until won at a bazaar by Angus Wilson, The
Methodists erected a frame building on the site of their present house;
the Presbyterians followed very soon after ; then the Baptists, and
next the Episcopal Methodists. The latter building was sold after the
union to John Hockey, who used it as a carriage repository.
The Catholic Parish of Parkhill previous to 1872 comprised the
Catholics of the Village of Parkhill, East and West Williams, and part
of McGillivray, and was attended from Strathroy. On January 21,
1872, Eev. .James Lamont was appointed the first resident pastor of
Parkhill and Williams. In December, 1874, Father Lamont, on
account of advanced years and declining health, was obliged to resign,
and Eev. P. Corcoran, who was acting pastor of St. Mary's Catholic
Church, London, Ont., was appointed to succeed the venerable Father
Lamont in the Parish of Parkhill and Williams. When Eev. P. Cor-
coran arrived, he found the large frame church, on the 12th Concession
of Williams, heavily encumbered with debt, which has since been paid
oft'. The Catholics of Parkhill had no church worthy of the name.
They attended Mass in a small frame structure near the Grand Trunk
station. Father Corcoran seeing the absolute necessity of providing
better church accommodation for his people, and more commensurate
610 HISTORY OF THE
with their means, in the spring of 1875 commenced the erection of a
handsome brick church oli the lot donated by the late Charles McKin-
non, on Ann street, in the Village (now town) of Parkhill. On Nov.
7, 1875, the new Catholic Church was solemnly dedicated by Right
Eev. John Walsh, D. D., to the service of Almighty God and the
salvation of souls. Since then a handsome brick parsonage and a
brick separate school have been built upon the same site. The total
cost of buildings was $10,000 — all paid. Rev. P. Corcoran has been
pastor since 1874.
The members of the Wesleyan Church of Parkhill in 1865 were
Robert, Emma and Henry Phippen, Henry Barron, the Woodburns>
Lambs, Englands, Crutherses, Snowdens, Charles Smith, E. F. Kenney,
Robt. Porte, Huttons, Hords, and, in 1867, the Wilsons and Shoultses.
In February, 1866, the society completed its first building. Ailsa
Craig and Parkhill Circuit dates back to 1867, when Hall Christopher-
son and James S. Ross presided over a society of 210 members. In
1869, Parkhill was established as a circuit, and Ailsa Craig attached to
Lucan; but in 1871 it was re-established, with John Smiley, pastor.
In 1872-3, Richard W. Williams presided.
Parkhill Circuit, formerly a part of Ailsa Craig, was set off in
1868, wlien William Galbraith was appointed minister. John Bur-
wash presided in 1869 ; John Scanlon, in 1870-1 ; James Whiting
and Joseph Guest, in 1872 ; Wm. Ames and W. J. Maxwell, in 1873.
The membership increased from 122 in 1869 to 200 in 1873.
The Methodist Church of Canada at Parkhill succeeded the Wes-
leyan Society in 1874, during the pastorate of Wm. Ames. Wm. J.
Maxwell assisted him that year, and John McLean tlie following year.
In 1876-8, James H. McCartney was minister, with T. R. Earle,
assistant. In 1879-81, W. C. Watson had charge of the circuit; in
1882-3, R. C. Millyard; io 1884, Wm. Bryers. In August, 1886, the
Methodists resolved to build a large brick house of worship. In
February, 1887, the contract for mason work on the building was sold
to Dan. McDonald, and for carpenter and paint work to Gibson, of
Lucan. The corner-stone was placed May 24, 1887. The religious
services were conducted by Dr. Ryckman, assisted by the pastor, JNIr.
Harris. The building was dedicated Jan. 1, 1888, the total co.st being
$10,000, including the moving of the parsonage, all of which was paid,
except $4,000, on day of dedication.
The Baptist Clmrch may be said to date back to the winter of
1867-8, when Rev. Mr. Turner, of the McGillivray church, visited the
village. In 1868-9, Mr. McKee held services in Keyser's Hall. In
1870 the pulpit was filled by Mr. M. P. Campbell, a student from
Woodstock ; but, in December of that year, Rev. Mr. Martell came,
and on March 2, 1871, organized a society here, with the following
members : — J. B. Miller, Charles A. and Robert Wade, D. Pugh, T .
Matthews, Wm. Dickson, Mary and Alice M. Wade, Eliza M. Burns
and daughter, Mr. Belington, Mrs. T. Mott, Madames Raymond, Mc-
COUNTY OF JUDDLESEX. 611
Intosh, B. Miller, Ellen Martell, and Miss Mary Southworth and Anne
Martell. On the same date, John Matthews, Madames Cruikshank,
Pugh, Mann, Barclay, and Mr. Dunaphy asked admission to the
society. Wm. Dickson was appointed clerk, a position he still holds,
and J. B. Miller, treasurer. Mr. Martell was called as first pastor.
The building committee then appointed comprised Dr. E. S. McAlpine,
John Scott, Charles A. Wade, J. B. Miller and Wm. Dickson. On
March 7 a council of recognition was held, when Dr. Cooper, of the
London church, Eev. A. A. Cameron, of Strathroy, and Mr. Turner, of
McGillivray, were present. In 1872, Rev. S. Jackson filled the pulpit
for a short time. In October, J. G. Calder was called, and served this
church until October, 1874. In February, 1875, T. S. Johnson was
inducted pastor, but from the November following to August, 1876,
Eev. John E. Trotter was supply, succeeded by H. F. Griffin, who
remained till October, 1876. At that time Mr. Lyman came, and in
April, 1877, he was succeeded by Rev. C. Y. Snell, who presided until
April, 1879. In May following, Eev. W. G. Eogers came, and remained
rmtil November, 1881, when Rev. S. G. Anderson took charge. In
February, 1884, Mr. Hankinson succeeded in charge of this and
McGillivray church. In July, 1885, W. J. Waddell preached here.
About a year later Mr. Waddell left " for parts unknown," and in June,
1886, Eev. R. Fountain became pastor, and remained until February,
1888. The present number of members is about fifty. The church
building was erected at once on Lot 2, south side of Broadway, which
was dedicated in January, 1872. The cost of this building and lot
was $2,000.
Parkhill is mentioned in the records of 1877, and J. Johnson
named as Catechist of St. James's. It was attended by Rev. J. Holmes,
of Ailsa Craig. In 1869 it formed part of McGillivray mission, of
which Rev. W. Davis was pastor; in 1878, Eev. W. Johnson; in
1883, Eev. H. A. Thomas ; and in 1885, Eev. J. H, Fairlie. Eev. H.
A. Thomas, of Parkhill, attended Grace Church and 16th Concession
Church, McGillivray, and for part of the time to Hyde Park in 1883.
The members of the Carlisle and Siddalsville congi'egation in 1860-1
were :— The Waughs: Grif&ths, Sykes, Eudds, Westcotts, Dr. Mc-
Candless, Siddalls, Hopkinses, Browns, Harpers, Moores, O'Neils, Glash-
ans, Jamiesons and Haskets. In 1861-2, Eev. E. Sullivan was
rector of this and St. George's, succeeded by Mr. Caulfield, and in 1866
by Mr. Walker. In 1867, Eev. W. Davis had charge.
St. Paul's Presbyterian congregation of Parkhill was originally
called Knox's Church. In 1870, Eev. James Pritchard was pastor,
with Neil Stewart and Charles Munro, elders. Among the early mem-
bers were : — Donald McKeuzie, Dr. Wm. Caw, Donatd McLeod, John
Houston, George Christie, Wm. Begg, Andrew and Wm. Elliott, John
Patton, James Plues, John Thompson, Donald Peterkin, Alex. Eonalds,
James Eoss, John Noble, T. A. Mayberry, J. M. Gibbs, James Wilson,
John Cluness, James Forest, Silas Hoover, John, James and Jane
612 HISTOKY OF THE
Niblock. In May, 1872, Mr. Pritchard was transferred to Wiugham,
when Eev. D. F. Sage took his place in August, 1873. Prior to the
coming of Mr. Sage, St. Andrew's congregation was formed, and Mr.
Aitken called as pastor, and he presided until the union of 1875, when
St. Andrew's united with Knox, and the building was sold to the
School Board. In April, 1878, Mr. Sage returned to Scotland, when
Rev. D. I). MacEachran was called as pastor, and remained until trans-
ferred to Dundee in April, 1882. The pulpit was supplied by pro-
bationers until May, 1882, when Pie v. J. S. Lochead was called from
Londesborough, in the Huron Presbytery. In November, 1873, Andrew
Thompson, John M. Gibbs, and Donald McKenzie, were chosen elders.
In 1888, T. A. IVIayburry and Robert White, were elected elders — one,
vice A. Thompson, deceased, and the other to increase the number.
During the existence of St. Andrew's, Andrew Elliott was chosen elder,
and holds that rank in the United Church. The present membership
is 146. The Presbyterian Church of Lieury is in charge of the pastor
of Parkhill. The membership is fifty. The present brick church
building was erected during the admiuistratiou oi Mr. MacEachran.
The corner-stone of the Presbyterian Church, Parkhill, was placed
May 2-t, 1888, the cost of the building being estimated at $7,000, and
the total cost about S9,000, of which the ladies of the congregation
have $1,000 for furnishing. The building committee of St. Paul's com-
prises. Dr. Caw, J. M. Gibbs, T. A. MaybuiTy, R. White and John
Cluness, with Eev. Mr. Lochead ex-officio member. The contractors
are Mr. Gibson, of Lucan, for carpentry, and Mr. Ireland, of Parkhill,
for stone and brickwork. The architect is the same as planned the
Methodist building.
Societies — Doric Lodge, No. 233, A. F. & A. M., was chartered
July 15, 1870. The past masters are named as follows :— John Daw-
son, 1870; G. B. Reeve, 1871; W. C. Patterson, 1872; G. B. Reeve,
1873; William Caw, 1874; E. E. Chipman, 1875; Peter McGregor,
1876; William Caw, 1877; W. W. Rutherford, 1878; Alex. Burns,
1879; W. M. Thompson, 1880; E. N. Bigg, 1881; William Caw,
1882 ; Thomas Magladery, 1883 ; T. L. Rodgeis, 1884 ; E. D. Stephen-
son, 1885 ; Dr. William Caw, 1886 ; D. N. McLeod, 1887.
Minerva Chapter, No. 78, foiTuerly called Parkhill Chapter, re-
ceived its warrant from the Grand Chapter of Canada, August 8, 1S77.
The hst of first principals is as follows : — William McCaw, 1877 ; G.
W. Holwell, 1878; E. E. Chipman, 1879; A. Burns, 1880; W.
Thompson, 1881; W. D. Grigg, 1882-83; E. M. Bigg, 1884; Dr.
William McCaw, 1885. Since 1885 no meetings have been held,
although they still retain their charter.
Ivy Lodge, No. 20, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered Aug. 10, 1872, with
John Dauncey, Wm. Reid, Alex. Bruce, W. 0. Massin and Angus
McFie, members. The lodge, however, was organized April 24, 1872,
when the names of D. L. Cruikshanks, D. C. McGregor, R. J. Potter,
Geo. Gamble, Joseph Bell, E. E. Chapman, A. Exticknoss, E. Manes
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 613
and Wm. Baird were admitted to degiees by Grand Master Gibson, of
Stratford. In 1872, John Dauncey was N. G., and E. E. Chapman,
P. S. ; 1873, Wm. Eeid, N. G., D. C. McGregor, secretary, and E. E.
Chapman, N. G. ; 1874, H. W. Harrison, with D. Eccles, secretary,
E. Potter, N. G. ; 1875, S. N. Boughner and John Dauncey ; 187t3,
A. Burns and John Mclloberts ; 1877, D. Eccles and W. J. McKoberts,
and M. Newcombe, secretary ; 1878, Wm. Keid and S. McLeod ; 1879,
S. McLeod and Alex. Ross, with R. S. McAlpine and J. P. Owen,
secretaries ; 1880, N. A. McKinnon, with W. Fletcher, secretary ;
1881-2, N. A. McKinnon and J. P. Owens, N. G., for latter part of
year. In July, 1883, Mr. McKinnon's place as N. G. was taken by
J. P. Owens, with the past-grand secretary. In the latter part of 1883,
W. Fletcher and Joseph Thompson were presiding at various meetings.
In December, 1883, Wm. .Fletcher was elected K G., and N. A.
McKinnon, R. S,, and in July, 1884, John Hamilton was elected secre-
tary. In January, 1885, J. A, Scoon was installed presiding officer,
and in July, E. J. Kennisten signs the records as secretary ; but later,
the signature of John Hamilton appears, with F. Fussell, N. G. John
Hamilton, jr., was chosen Grand, for 1886, with Wm. Fletcher, R. S. ;
and in July they were succeeded in the respective offices by W, J.
McRoberts and John Hamilton, jr. In January, 1887, N. A. iMc-
Kinnon was re-elected N. G. ; and in July, Hector Matheson succeeded
him, who in January, 1888 was succeeded by Wm, Kirpatrick, with
W. J. McRoberts, secretary. In July, 1888, J. T. Appleton was
installed N. G., and the secretary re-elected. The number of mem-
bers in November, 1888 is placed at sixty-nine.
The officers of Ivy Lodge, No. 90, I. 0. 0. F., installed in July,
1888, are :— J. T. Appleton, D. H. Cameron, W. J. McRoberts, Archi-
bald Campbell, Dr, McDonald, W, Kirkpatrick, E, Greenwood, F.
Fussell, W. Fletcher, H. Matheson, T, Haines. E. Jack.son, W. H.
Marks. John Marks, J. Hamilton, R. McLean, D, McKenzie and W.
J. McRoberts,
Hebron Encampment was organized March 28, 1873, with Richard
J. Potter, H. W. Harrison, R, H. Dyas, D. C, McGregor, William C,
Noble, Alexander Burns, Wm. Reid, G. B. Reeve, L. G. Cruikshank
and John English, The first-named was elected Cliief Patriarch and
W. C. Noble, scribe. Among the names of presiding officers those
occur of: — D. Eccles, A. Burns, W. Staufler, E. E. Chapman, W. Reid,
N. A. McKinnon, A. Ross, W. J. McRoberts, W. Fletcher, F. Fussell
and John Hamilton.
Court Parkhill, No. 156, I. 0. F., was instituted in April, 1885,
with W. M. Thompson first Chief Ranger Toward the close of that
year the court suspended, but in April, 1887, reorganized, with John
Danach, C. R. ; A. W. Miller. V, C. R. ; J. H. Laughton, F. S.; Aler-
ritt Green, R. S. ; H. Bishop, T. ; Thomas Magladery, C. ; Dr. Caw,
physician ; T. Mollard, S. W, ; Wm. Ireland, J. W. ; Frank Schram,
S. R. ; L. D. Vanalstine, J. B. ; John Griffith, C. D. In April, 1888,
€14 HISTORY OF THE
Mr. Darrach was re-elected ; A. M. Miller, C. D. ; W. Ireland, V. C. E. ;
B. Pyle, treasurer ; Rev. J. S. Lochead, C. ; Geo. Turner, J. W. ; and
D. Cameron, S. W. Otherwise the official list of 1887 is unchanged.
The W. C T. U. was organized January 25, 1886, with Mrs. Eoss,
president; Madames N. Phippen, Loudon, Fairlie, and Forbes, vice-
presidents ; Mrs. A. W. Humphries, E. S. ; Miss Kate Hamilton, C. S. ;
and Mrs. Scoon, treasurer. There were twentv-five members enrolled.
The officers of the A. 0. U. W., of Ailsa Craig, for 1886 were:—
J. S. McDonald, D. Stevenson, G. A. Mihell, G. S. McDonald, T. Hey,
Joseph Eosser, E. Parker, H. Gunn, J. J. Cassidy, and Dr. J. Gunn.
The North Middlesex Agricultural Society was organized in 1868
by W. K. Atkinson and Lionel E. Shipley ; but later the name was
changed to the Northern Fair Association.
The North Middlesex Bee Keepers' Association was presided over in
1885-6 by Frank Atkinson, with D. P. Campbell, vice-president, and
A. \V. Humphries, secretary. The Review is noticed in the general
chapter. The Parkhill Gazette referred to in the history of the Strath-
roy papers, was established in 1871 by C. H. Mcintosh. Wallace
Graham carried on this journal until the spring of 1887, when the
office was purchased by J. W. Green. The fire of November 2o, 1887,
destroyed the Hutchin, Leavitt and Garden buildings, and in the ruin
all the files of the Gazette disappeared, and also William Lyon Mac-
kenzie's old press. In 1 885, the Gazette office was burned, when he
purchased the Hoiuick Enterprise from Mr. Green, employed him as
editor, and also established his paper at Windsor.
Mrs. John H. Fairlie, of Parkhill, won the first prize, S30, offered
by the Montreal Star for the best poem. It was entitled, " Little
Sweethearts,"
The Parkhill wooden shed and armory was built in 1870, on Lots 3
and 4, Mill street north.
In April, 1880, the Salvation Army established headquarters in
the Victoria Block, with Captain Veele in charge.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
615
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
GENERAL ITEMS.
Herbs and Weeds. — The ginseng plant, of the genus Panax, was
<iiscovered m 1716 by one of the Jesuit fathers, who recognized the
Canadian weed as one of the most valuable plants known to the
Chinese. It was valued at two francs per pound at Quebec, while at
Canton it brought twenty-five francs. It soon became one of the
principal articles of Canadian commerce, and returned to Quebec in
one year no less than 500,000 francs. This fact, however, remains,
that the settlers pulled the crop iu May, rather than wait for its ripen-
ing in September, and so won for the plant such a bad reputation that
the Chinese refused to buy it. Even in 1799, when Ebenezer Wash-
burn tried to revive the trade in Upper Canada through Colonel Bell,
of Thurlow, the dealers in drugs at London refused to recognize his
enterprise, as 500 pounds of ginseng root was left on the Colonel's
hands.
In the earlier years of London Village an herb grew along the street
now known as Dundas street and the land adjoining on the north. It
was known as wild tea, and, when properly dried, made a beverage
similar in many respects to that produced by cheap Japan tea.
In 1876, waterproof rubber, the product of milkweed grown in
Delaware Township, was presented to the people of London by J,
O'Connor, for whom the Lambs, of Montreal, manufactured the
material. The rubber was composed of .666 of milkweed and .333
india-rubber.
Among the imported weeds found here, are the following well-
known and generally troublesome ones from Great Britain, Ireland and
France : —
The common thistle.
The Canada thistle.
Burdock.
Yellow dock.
"Wild carrot.
Ox eye daisy.
Chamomile.
The mullein.
Elecampane.
Nightshade.
Buttercup.
Dandelion.
Wild Mustard.
.39
Shepherd's purse.
St. John's wort.
Chick-weed.
Purslane.
Mallow.
Plantain.
Motherwort.
Stramonium.
Catnip.
Gill.
Blue-weed.
Stick-seed.
Hound's tongue.
Henbane.
Pig-weed.
Quitch Grass.
Darnel.
Poison hemlock.
Hop clover.
Yan-ow.
Wild radish.
Wild parsnip.
Chicory.
Live forever.
Toad-flax.
Sheep-sorrel.
616 HISTORY OF THE
The Irish kept the shamrock, daisy, larkspur, field-poppy, maize-
weed, and imported the Ei-igeron Canadensis to ornament their road-
sides. They left us the milk-weed, rag-weed or Aynhrosia, and
golden rod, common here, but uncongenial to the freshening soil and
climate of the Emerald Isle.
Zoology. — Prior to the last quarter of the last century, the buffalo
ceased to inhabit or visit this part of Canada. The Indian hunters
had killed or driven off the moose, so that by the time the pioneers of
the Thames valley arrived, the bear, wolf, and deer, were the only
large animals of the chase to be found ; while, occasionally, a lynx
would visit the settlement in search of prey or to escape the capture
which awaited him in the peninsula of Michigan.
Benjamin Matthews, better known as Squire Matthews, in his
reminiscences published in 1881, stated that when he came here in
1822, the country was a " howling wilderness." At that time (1881)
he possessed a large iron trap, weighing about twenty-five pounds, in
which he caught twentj'-niiie wolves. He was able even then to set
this huge machine by mounting it carefully and forcing down the
springs so as to open the jaws. Once set, he touched the springs and
instantly there was a clash of jaws, teeth, steel and iron, that rang
through the neighborhood. A wolf caught in such a trap would
venture to eat his leg off rather than remain a prisoner. Sometimes a
lynx or wild cat would become its victim, and so thoroughly savage
would the animal become, says Mr. Matthews, tliat could he get a
sweep of his paws at a human being he would " rip him right open."
The act of March 6, 1830, placed the bounty on wolf scalps at
twenty shillings. The first payment by London district under this act
was made to Charles Wellswaters — £1, July 17 ; and the second to
Justus Wilcox — £3, in October.
In October, 1865, a bear was hunted in the woods of Westminster.
He was discovered by Henry, the toll-gate keeper, and captured. In
June, 1871, a bear strolled into the yard of David Harris, of Adelaide.
Chase was given, ending in his death on Martyn's farm. The animal
weighed ninety pounds.
George Buttery, of Adelaide, had a gun in 1876 by which he killed
400 deer, while Solomon Dell killed 800 deer up to that time.
In 1878 the township of Ekfiid offered a reward for the scalp of a
wild cat then infesting the county. In February, Darius and Charles
Kettlewell and Edward and David Laughton won the prize on Lot 6,
Concession 5. The animal weighed eighteen pounds, was twenty-four
inches high and forty-eight long. In October, 1887, a wild cat located
near Middlemiss, but disappeared after committing a few depredations.
A loon was killed at Pincombe's mill pond, Strathroy, by E. Good-
erham in June, 1873.
A fish eagle was killed by Francis Frank at the Strathroy mill-
pond in May, 1875.
In July, 1884, two rattlesnakes were captured on the Isaac Bart-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 617
lett farm, iu Mosa, by Messrs. Laherty, Coyne and Steinhoif. One
had four and the other eight rattles.
In June, 1877, myriads of caterpillars swarmed on the tracks of
the Port Stanley and Sarnia Eailroads, so as to prevent the sticking
of the wheels to the rails. On the Port Stanley line cars had to be
left at Glanworth to enable the locomotive to haul half the train to
London.
The fishery district, of which Peter McCann was inspector in
1877, embraced the Thames from London to St. Clair Lake. His
report for that year shows that 33 boats, manned by 122 men, were
engaged in the fishery trade. The season's catch was 412 barrels of
pickerel, 343 of coarse fish, 33 of bass, and 9 of pike — or a total of 797
barrels — a decrease from the catch of 1875 and 1S7G.
Storms. — The dark day of November, 1819, is an unexplained
phenomenon. The pioneers and Indians were alarmed, and thousands
throughout the country believed the end of the world was at hand.
The heavy storm of July, 1860, destroyed Woodhull's brick house
near Kil worth, and damaged barns, fences and orchards throughout the
county.
The storm of December, 1867, destroyed several buildings in the
neighborhood of the old barracks.
The tornado of June 27, 1869, swept over the townships of Lon-
don and Nissouri, carrying away almost everything in its tracks.
The storm of June, 1880, destroyed property in East Williams,
damaged Taylor's house in W. Nissouri and that of Eobert Ayer, of
Adelaide. At Nairn, the Presbyterian building, erected a few years
before, was struck by lightning and burned ; also Grifdth Philip's barns,
two miles distant.
The thunderstorm of August 31, 1881, destroyed $50,000 worth
of farm property in Westminster, London and Lobo Townships. The
lightning seemed to search out everything in the path of the storm,
burning up what the winds failed to demolish. A. J. Thirlwell. of
11th Concession, Lobo, lost barn, sheds, waggons and gi-ain. David
Charlton's barn was destroyed, with grain, &c., also John Grey's
property. James Morden, of London, had his whole crop, barn, sheds,
and a span of horses destroyed, while Charles Hartson was killed. In
Westminster, James Milne lost $6,000 ; Wm. Beattie, near Pond Mills,
lost barns, crops, farm machinery and three horses ; Peter Ferguson
sustained similar losses ; Piobert Fraser, near Lambetli, lost house,
barns and crops ; James Mills, of 7th Concession, lost all his out-
buildings. Near Byron, John Raymond, the lime burner, lost property
during the destruction of Kobert Summer's barn. Throughout the
townships named, and in London East, the storm did much damage,
while, in Delaware, Leaker's barn and grain were destroyed. The
line of the stoiin track was a pathway of fire.
The strange darkness at midday, caused by a yellow haze filling
the sky, which awakened surprise and alarm on the borders of Lake
618 HISTORY OF THE
Huron, and in Boston, Providence, Portland and other Eastern cities
in the year of ISSl, is not without parallel in meteorological historj^.
Everybody has heard of the Dark Day of 1780, which is sometimes
spoken of as Black Friday. The year 1780 resembled 1881 in its
wonderful phy.sical phenomena. It was a year to drive weather
prophets mad, and it impressed its memory indelibly upon the minds
of the people. Its freaks culminated on May 19, when the light of
the sun seemed suddenly to fail, and all of New England, and portions
of New York, Pennsylvania and Canada were plunged in mysterious
gloom. Birds and fowls retired to their roosts ; dinner was eaten by
candle-light. The air seemed of a brassy color, and there was a sulphur-
ous or sooty smell pervading it.
On November 17, 1882, the great magnetic storm raged here, but
beyond the death recorded in the history of the township, and a little
damage to property in a few localities, it was unattended with serious
results. The flood of July 11, 1882, de-stroyed much property in
London West, carrying away one bridge, damaging others, sweeping
away a number of houses, and resulting in the drowning of a few.
The flood was not confined to London West, for all aloug the river the
high water created havoc.
Rai7i and Snow. — The record of rain and snow fall for 1886-7 is
as follows : —
Locality.
Observer.
Rain, 1887.
Inches.Days.
Rain. 1888.
Inches.Days.
Snow
Inche
, 1887. 1 Snow, 1886.
.Days.llnches.Days.
London
Wilton Grove. ..
J. Kennle
E. B. Reed
H. Anderson....
21.56 .'=3
23.15 68
20.23 61
20 77 43
26.54 71
27 57 74
ai.o
89.7
.54.5
37 i 93.0 26
45 133.5 50
27 1 .59.0 41
The precipitation of rain for the six summer months was not quite
two-thirds of the usual rainfall, being only 10.16 inches, while in 1886
it was 15.83 inches; the average for the five years, 1882-6, was 16.81,
and for the six years, 1882-7, 15.71 inches. The driest month of the
six was September, and there were four months of the period when the
rainfall was less than that of the driest month of the previous year.
During each month the fall of rain was less than the average for the
same month in the six-months period, and also smaller than in the
•corresponding month in 1886. The drouth appeared to prevail to the
greatest extent in the eastern half of the Province, the centre district
being the least favored with rain. In the other half of the Province
the local showers peculiar to the peninsula formed by the great lakes
raised the record to an average of 2.11 inches higher than that of the
two districts forming the eastern half During the months of July and
August, the period of harvest, there was but little rain, and, as a con-
sequence, the crops were saved with scarcely any damage.
Taking the Province as a whole, there was an increase in the pre-
cipitation of both rain and snow in the winter months of 1886-7, com-
pared with the average of the same period of 1882-7, and in each of
the districts, except the north-west and north, a like record was made.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 619
During the last three months the total fall of rain and snow, reckoning
an inch of rain as the equivalant of ten inches of snow, was below that
of the coiTesponding three months of 1886, but greater than that of the
three months of the five-years period, 1882-6. The lowest record of
rainfall was in December, being .50 inch, and, strange to say, the
second lowest was in March, the last month of the season, when only
.52 inch of rain fell. February was the wettest month, the rainfall
being 2.25 inches. The greatest precipitation of snow occurred in
January, when 26.5 inches were marked. This was 2.3 inches more
than the average of that month in the six years, 1882-7, but less by .8
inch than in 1886. The greatest rainfall by districts was experienced
in the west and south-west district, and the least in the north-west and
north. The snowfall, however, was greatest in the latter district. In
the matter of total precipitation, the south-west district shows the
highest figures.
Duration of Sunshine. — There were 2,614.9 hours of possible
sunshine (calculated for the latitude of Toronto) in the six months
given above, but the actual sunshine recorded as the mean of the
Province was only 1,404.8 hours, or about 53.7 per cent, of the possi-
ble. The hours of sun above horizon in April was 406.4 ; in May,
461.1; in June, 465.7; in July, 470.9; in August, 434.5; and in
September, 376.3. In 1888 the average of sunshine was lower and
that of rainfall higher. At the close of September, snow fell to the
depth of from one to nine inches — the snow wave being very irregular
in its intensity. This, however, was higher than that of the Province
for the previous year by 79.4 hours, and above that of the five years
1883-7 by 71.8 hours. The April record of 1887 was slightly below
its average for the five years, but May showed an increase of 53.5
hours over that of the same month in the years 1883-7. June fell
below its average for the five years by 8.4 hours, but July and
August, which are pre-eminently the ripening months of the grain
crops, were each considerably higher than their average for the same
term of years. September's record was 17.7 hours below the average
of the same month in the years 1883-7. July led the record for sun-
shine with 295.3 hours ; May came next with 272.0 hours, and
August was third with 251.2 hours. Sunshine appears to have pre-
vailed to the greatest extent at Pembroke, where 1,544.1 hours, or
139.3 more than the average of the Province, were registered for the
six months. Toronto came next with 1,468.6 hours, while the lowest
record of sunshine was made at Barrie, where only 1,203.7 hours were
observed, or 201.1 hours less than the mean of the Province for the
six months.
Indian Summer. — Robert Summers states that Indian summer is
named from the fact that in the fall the Indians would burn the west-
ern prairies to make their harvest of game, the smoke and sometimes
leaves coming over to Canada, and the settlers called the season Indian
summer.
620 HISTORY OF THE
The great frosts of June, 1859, destroyed the crops. On the night
of the i5th the thermometer fell to zero. A farmer residing at
Komoka, on seeing his wheat-field next moniing, committed suicide.
Arcltd'ology, Etc. — In Se])tember, 1887, Messrs. Jones and Burt
unearthed the remains of a gigantic mastodon in Chatham Township.
One tusk measured ninety-two inches long and twenty-three inches
round. The large bone of the forehead was thirty-seven inches long,
and nineteen inches at smallest circumference. They calculated that
the animal was fourteen feet high, could reach his trunk out thirty-five
feet, and weighed twenty tons. The measurement round the knee was
six feet. At various places along the rivers and creeks old settlers
found mounds of various sizes and shapes ; but whether natural or
artificial, their curiosity never led them to find out. To-day it may be
truly said, that not a vestige of the unknown or early Indian occupiers
of the county exists.
In 1824, after Robert Summers moved from Nixon's to his new
farm on Concession 1, three miles from London, and while engaged in
clearing a field, he discovered an ash heap on a small mound, and out
of the ashes grew up a red oak, which in 182-4 was eighteen inches in
diameter. The ashes were four feet deep. In another place, near a
spring, was a shallow ash heap, out of which grew a white ash tree.
A short sword with an ivory handle was found there in 1850.
Miscellaneous. — On March 12, 1833, D. McKenzie, a justice of
the peace, united in the bonds of matrimony James and Margaret
Campbell, both of Williams, Donald Mcintosh and Duncan Campbell
being the witnesses. Mr. McKenzie at that time was one of the
justices of the District of London.
In 1833, Peter Teeple, a justice of the peace, united in matrimony
Hiram Pickard and Eliza German, and Scott German and Margaret
Pickard, all of Nissouri.
Squire James Ingersoll solemnized the marriages of Arch. McCoU
and Nancy McDonald, and of John Cameron and Marian Patterson, of
Nissouri, in 1834.
Ruth Springer, a widow, of the Township of Delaware, certified in
May, 1837, that she was present at the marriage of Thomas Orchard
and Mary Fioclc, and heard the late Daniel Springer, tlien a magistrate
of the London District, pronounce the couple man and wife, some time
in 1820, according to the rites of the Church of England.
Commodore Vanderbilt was married to Miss E. Crawford at the
Tecumseh House, by Ilev. W. Briggs, a Wesleyan, August 20, 1869.
The lollowing is taken from an early record of the county treasurer,
and explains itself: —
Early Statistics. —
1826. £ s. d.
April 20. To paid sheriff for services to April 1, 1825 75 0 3
182(1 (19 9 6
13. Gaoler, one year's .services, I S25 40 0 0
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 621
£ S. d.
April 13. To Gaoler, provisions and necessaries, 1825 4 18 1
" service and provisions, 1825 19 8 10
" i year's salary and balances I J n^j, r,o ■> n,
" I " " and allowances j - -^ ^ J
" fuel and provisions to April, 1826... 10 0
Oct. 19. " provisions, &c., to April, 1826 10 9
April 25. James Graham, for medical attendance 10 0 0
July 19. Coroner, for holding inquest 15 0 0
James Mitchell and Jos. Eyerson 2 10 0
" G.C.Salmon 2 10 0
2 10 0
Clerk of the Peace, service in 1824 78 16 10
Clerk, for obtaining release to the ground on
which the late court house stood, and ex-
ecuted 8 15 0
Stationery and fuel one year 17 0 0
Services on land matters 5 0 0
Drawing up collection rolls 40 0 0
Crier of court to January, 1826 7 5 0
John Bostwick, surveyor of roads 10 0
Daniel Hagen, " " 3 0 0
A. A. Eapelje, for can-ying round collection
roll 6 15 0
John Gillies, overrated assessment 19 7
D. Eoss, drafts and interest 74 10 3|
P. Steinhoff, a witness at assize 10 0
J. Mitchell, balance of draft 15 17 6
Interest on account to November, 1826 8 7 9f
Edward Collard, for picking up old iron in
ruins of court house 2 12 6
Thomas Finch, for use of his house to hold
the courts 10 0 0
E. Malcolm, a witness at sessions 2 10 0
W. V. Cornish, " " 7 10 0
Constable Charles Hawley 1 12 8
Silas E. Curtis 115 0
" James Eakin 118
Alpheus Burch 117 6
John M. Park 6 3 6
Thomas Smith 7 6
James Taft -6 10 0
Samuel Smith 5 13 2
John Elliott 10 0 0
Arch Olds 2 8 8
" Geo. Sovereen 11 4
John Haght 2 4 9
622 HISTORY OF THE
£ s. d.
July 19. To Constable Theber Boughner 1 0 0
Wm. Wood 9 8
" Duncan Malcolm 14 6
" JacobWood 15 6
" David Procunier 15 10
Clark & Street, on acct. of loan 172 10 7
Collectors, on account of absentees :—
Oakland 2 2 5
London 3 12 10^
Malahide 2 15 6
Lobo 3 10 4|
Bayhara 3 18 2^
Woodhouse 1 14 5|
Mosa 15 OJ
Townsend 1 2 o|
Middleton 11 9i
Windham 1 13 7
Oxford West 1 1 2
Charlotteville 2 11 6
Fees to town clerks 30 5 0
" assessors 71 19 3
Assessor of Harford for 1823 16 3
Town clerk of Nissouri, 1824 10 0
" " Lobo, 1823-4 1 14 3
Collector's fees of Woodhouse for 1825 4 4 Of
Charlotteville " 5 3 4
Walsingham " 1 18 7
" Oakland " 1 5 11
" " Norwich " 4 3 0
" " Bayham " 3 10 5
Southwold " 4 3 2
" Malahide " 3 13 3
" Zorra " 1 4 10
Stationery for year " 2 0 0
Members of Parliament :—
JohuKolph, " 46 10 0
John Matthews, " 49 10 0
Duncan Mc( "oil, " 46 10 0
Francis L. Walsh, " 43 0 0
Thomas Horner. " 46 0 0
Charles Ingersoll, " 40 0 0
1827.
April 12. To amount of disbursements on account of
the public of the London District
from April 1, 1S2('), to March 31,
lS-7 1,222 2 7i
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 623>
To this sum was added 4 per cent, on disbursements (£48 17s. lOd.),
making the aggregate expenditure £1,271 Os. 5^d. The total re-
revenue was £1,193 16s. 5fd., thus leaving a balance due the treasurer
of £77 3s. ll|d. This revenue was derived from direct tax on culti-
vated and wild lands, almost exclusively, as appears from the well-
kept records of John Harris, then treasurer of the London District.
£ s. d.
In 1826-7 1,256 15 11
1828 3,019 1 10
1829* 2,408 11 0
1830 1,964 13 1
1831 4,271 4 10
1832 3,240 15 7
1833+ 3,834 4 9
1834 2,148 3 7
1835 2,913 6 0
1836 3,237 3 4
1837 3,962 15 8
1838 3,802 7 2
1839 3,700 0 0
1840 .3,821 14 7
1841 4,142 4 1
1842 2,371 7 2
1843 2,184 3 8
1844 2,149 18 7
Indebtedness. — In 1853 the amount of debentures issued was
$76,000, the discount ranging from 11| to 13-^ per cent. In 1864,
$57,650, with discount from 12J to 14 per cent., exclusive of a deben-
ture sold to James Porter, of Sarnia, at 6J per cent. In 1865 the
total amount issued was $28,000, at a discount of from 12i to 14 per
cent. In June, 1865, a committee of the Council recommended
$64,200 to be raised to pay interest on debentures, and $13,000 under
the act to consolidate the debt of Middlesex. In addition to these
items, $22,122, for current expenses and new offices, and $6,400, for
schools, were recommended to be raised. The total assured valuation
was then $7,087,000.
In a report made to the Council in December, 1865, by a com-
mittee, of which Thomas Moyle was chairman, an estimate of the
amounts required each year, from 1866 to 1872, to pay debentures,
interest, and to create a sinking fund, were presented. This report
recommended $80,479.48 to be raised in 1866 ; $68,538,75, in 1867 ;,
$79,042, in 1868; $63,472, in 1869; $63,505, in 1870; $82,080, in
1871, and $65,356, in 1872. From the totals given, the sum of $5,000
'The assessed value of London District in 1839 was £387,783, and the tax £11,98" ; of the
Western District £115,209, and the tax £480.
+0f this sum £1,03U 19s. 9Hd. were advanced by the treasurer.
624 HISTORY OF THE
annually should be deducted to represent the revenue from toll roads.
The estimate for 1871 assumed that of the S60,119 in debentures
falling due, S20,119 would apply from the taxes of that year. The
committee further recommended the levy of $6,500 annually to meet
the debentures due in 1873-4, bringing the total average annual levy
up to $91,281.06, thus providing for the payment of $133,759 within
the seven years.
The total liabilities of the county outside the Townships of McGil-
livra}' and Biddulph for the year ending July 1, 1866, was $107,301.
The liabilities of the county, not relating to debentures, interest or toll-
roads for the same period, was $22,202. For the year ending July 1,
1867, the figures were $99,578 and $24,615 respectively, and, includ-
ing the two townships, $26,322.
The assets of the county December 31, 1868, were set forth as
follows : — •
Cash $ 17,902 90
Due on Tax for 1868 48,716 37
" Sales in Westminster 531 16
Rent of ToU-Gate 555 32
City of London for Eailroad Stock 40,000 00
City of London for Interest on Debentures 30,791 67
City of London, Jail Expenses 1,488 00
" City of London, Jury Expenses 685 54
Provincial Government for Administration of
Justice 3,100 00
Stock owned in Great Western Railroad Company 80,000 00
London & Port Stanley Railroad Company 80,000 00
Toll Roads 475,419 05
Real P:state 50,000 00
$829,190 01
The liabilities were as follows: —
Debentures matured December 31 $ 10,033 33
" Interest " " 15,340 67
Wild Land Tax due Townships 2,834 81
" Redemption Money 145 61
Percentage to Towns) lips on Rate 251 29
Due on Grant of 1868 to Town Lines 1,300 GO
" Provincial Government for Roads 18,000 00
" " Interest on Purchase Money
of Roads 10,447 39
Debentures Payable in 18G9 $ 6,000
1870 8,400
1871 50,119
CaiTied forward $64,519 58,353 10
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 625
Brought forward $ 64,519 $ 58,353 10
Debentures Payable in 1872 7,000
1873 188,050
1874 307,6831
1876 25,000
1877 7,000
1878 4,000
1880 25,000
1881 12,000
1883 76,000
1884 87.250
1885 13,000
1887 20,000
836,502 33J
$894,855 43i
The total interest paid on debentures from 1860 to 1869, inclusive,
amounted to $546,496.47.
The total liabilities of the county for the year ending July 1, 1868,
amounted to $97,332.
The estimated expenditures for the year ending July 1, 1870, out-
side of Biddulph and McGillivray, were $97,755 ; while the expendi-
ture apart from debentures, interest and toll-roads, amounted to $26,-
657. The total disbursement was $168,867.61 to December 31, 1870.
The liabilities for the year ending July, 1869, exclusive of Bid-
dulph and McGillivray, were $75,383. The expenditures of the whole
county for that year, outside debentures and interest and toll-roads,
were $21,501. The total disbursement from December 31, 1867 to
November 24, 1868, amounted to $136,861.14; and to January 1,
1869, $189,260.53.
The expenditures of the county for the year ending December 31,
1871, amounted to $191,233.18. At that time the assets of the county
were estimated at $748,601.67, and the liabilities at $750,300.23. The
estimated total liabilities for year ending July 1, 1873, were $109,307,
and the assets $17,275, exclusive of the two new townships. The
estimate outside debentures, interest and toll-roads, shows $30,719,
less assets $4,440. The total disbursement for year ending December
31, 1872, was $147,506.46 ; for 1873, $186,208.70. The amount of
county rate paid by the municipalities from 1852 to 1872, inclusive,
was $1,563,660.41.
The expenditures of the county for the year ending December 31,
1874, amounted to $337,935.53; while for the eleven months ending
November 30, 1875, the amount expended was $209,664.32, and to
December 31, $238,187.94. In 1876 the total expenditiu-e was $145,-
018.66; in 1877, $171,711.41, including $5,249.22 for maintenance of
poor persons.
626
HISTORY OF THE
The following statement shows the debenture debt on December 5,
1883, date of issue, and, lastly, date of maturity. The interest down
to 1879 was 6 per cent., and since that year, with the exception of one
issue, 5 per cent.
S18,000 Issued June 30, 1863 Due in 1883
33,000
24,350
9,000
6,000
2,900
4,000
2,000
7,000
20,000
34,300
10,000
12,500
3,200
27,000
13,000
4,000
45,000
40,000
5,000
31,000
31,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
24,000
34,500
" 1884
" 1884
" 1884
" 1885
" 1885
" 1885
" 1885
" 1885
" 1887
" 1888
" 1888
'■ 1888
" 1888
" 1890
" 1890
" 1891
" 1893
•' 1895
" 1895
" 1896
" 1897
" 1897'
" 1899
" 1900
" 1901
" 1902
" 1903.
All the debentures due after the last payable in 1887 to the last
payable in 1901 fall due on December 31 each year, and on March 31
in 1902 and 1903, the total issued up to 1883 being $520,750.
The report of the Finance Committee for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1888, contained the following clause : —
1st. — Your committee beg to report that they have examined the
estimates of our assets and liabilities for the year, from the 30th of
June, 1887, to the 30th of June, 1888, and recommend that a rate of
one and six-tenths of a mill on the dollar be levied on the whole of
Middlesex for current expenses, producing S54,746.55, also a rate of
nine-tenths of a mill on the dollar on Middlesex proper, producing
• The amount of debentures paid in 18W was SM : in 1865, 815,093 ; in 1896. $24,540 ; wliile
the amount to be paid out of the taxes of 1667 was $24,U00, agirreeailnK $6i,fSZ:. In 1862 there
were 84,700 paid on debentures; in 1863, $10,100; and In 1867, and to November 26, 1868,
$25,250, makiuK the true total $80,672.
" Julv
1
1864.
" Dec.
SI,
1864.
" Dec.
31,
0
1864.
1865
" Mar.
1,
1
1865.
" Aug.
1865.
" Nov.
1,
1865.
1,
1,
1865.
" Feb.
1867*
" June 30,
1874.
" Aug.
1874.
" Sept.
1874.
" Oct.
1874.
" Aug.
31
1877.
" Oct.
1877.
June
30,
1878.
" June 30,
1879.
" Dec.
18,
1879.
" Dec.
31,
1879.
" Dec.
31,
1879.
" Dec.
31,
1879.
June
1,
1880.
" June 23
1881
" Oct.
1,
1881.
" Julv
1
188'^
" Sept.
20,
1882.
" Mar.
31,
1883.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 627
$26,554.66. The above rates have been struck on the equalization of
1886. The following are the amounts to be levied in each munici-
pality as certified by D. A. Gillies, chairman of finance committee,
and the equalized value as certified by J. T. Coughlin, chairman of
the equalization committee : —
MUNICIPALITY. TAX LEVY. EQ. VALUE. ACRE.
Adelaide $4,502 19 $1,788,760 $40
Caradoc 4,446 81 1,780,736 28
Delaware 2,375 55 944,925 40
Dorchester 5,330 64 2,113,780 40
Ekfrid 4,629 13 1,833,628 34
Lobe 5,988 38 2,392,010 50
London 13,673 46 5,468,288 54
Metcalfe 3,223 68 1,289,125 35
Mosa 3,244 17 l,30i,822 27
Nissouri West 6,326 63 2,528,125 50
Westminster 9,304 96 3,759,386 57
Williams East 4,027 12 1,615,643 41
Williams West 2,951 17 1,182,428 33
Strathroy 1,697 00 678,798 —
ParkhiU 578 25 225,000 —
London West 562 50 231,299 —
Glencoe 341 06 136,425 —
Newbury 178 66 71,465 —
Wardsville 15121 60,483 —
Ailsa Craig 2.30 39 92,155 —
Lucan 236 46 147,790 —
McGillivray 4,484 20 2,797,528 41
Biddulph 2,712 64 1,695,403 42
The value of farm lands in the county in 1887 was $37,339,199,
or $49.29 per acre, being $1.29 less than the average value in 1886,
and $1.36 less than the average value for the six preceding years.
The value of farm buildings in 1887 was $9,694,804, or an average
per acre of $12.80, being forty-seven cents less than the average of
1886, but forty-three cents above the average of the six preceding
years.
Farm implements were valued at $2,435,664, or $3.21 per acre,
being two cents per acre over the average for the six preceding years,
including the high average of 1886.
Live stock were valued at $5,943,174, being below the values of
1886. The average value to the acre in 1887 was $7.85, while in
the former year the figures were $8.32. However, the general average
for the six years, including 1887, was $7.72.
The total value of farm lands, buildings, implements and live
stock was $55,412,841, or $73.15 per acre, being fifty-eight cents less
than the average value per acre for the six years, including 1887.
628 HISTORY OF THE
The value of all field crops produced in 1887 was $3,955,340, or
an average of S13.49 per acre, against S14.96 per acre in 1886, and an
average of $16.08 per acre for the six years, including 1887.
The cost of growing crops in 1887 in this district may be estimated
as follows: — Fall wheat, S18.16; value of product, S17.37; spring
wheat, $15.56; value of product, $15.61; barley, S16.53; value of
product, $17.78; oats, $15.71; value of product, $15.84; peas, $16.13;
value of product, $12.09; corn, $21.89; value of product, $25.62;
potatoes, $28.88; value of product, .$45.41; turnips, $33.41 ; value of
product, $41.27. The estimate for each crop includes expenditures
for the following items : — Plowing, cultivating, etc., barnyard manure,
manure applied previously, seed, sowing or drilling, after fitting or
cultivation, cutting and putting in barn, threshing, marketing, wear
of implements, rent, taxes and insurance. In estimating the fer-
tilizers, only the pro-rata value of manure to one year's crop is consid-
ered— its value to future crops is not calculated. The cost also includes
taking it to the usual market place, and the value of the product is
based on the price there received.
The number of working horses in the county in 1887 was 13,200 ;
of breeding mares, 5,417 ; and of unbroken horses, 8,169 — or 26,786
liorses, being over the average of four previous years.
The number of cattle was 107,408 — 47 working oxen, 34,435
milch cows, 30,303 store cattle over two years, and 42,623 young
cattle. The total in 1883 was 104,803 ; increased in 1886 to 117,397.
The number of sheep in 1887 was 46,005 — a great decrease from
1883, when there were 81,563. In 1884 there were 72,194 ; in 1885,
61,468, and in 1886, 52,192. The annual decrease, as may be seen,
is very marked.
The number of hogs in 1887 was 38,557, while in 1883, the num-
ber reported was 42,941. In 1885 there were only 35,147, being
4,250 less than 1884, and 4,730 less than in 1886.
Poultry numbered 319,395 fowls in 1887, against 269,904 in 1883.
Of the first number 25,692 were turkeys, 17,600 geese, and 276,097
other fowls.
The yield of coarse wool was 132,234 lbs. from 21,079 fleeces, or
6.27 lbs. per fleece. The average for six years (L882-7) was only
5.94 lbs. per fleece.
The fiue wool yield was 26,544 lbs. from 4,655 fleeces, or 5.70 lbs.
per fleece, the average for the six years being 5.58 lbs. In 1882 the
total clip weighed 301,953 lbs. The total value of wool was $35,090,
or $1.36 per fleece.
Middlesex yielded in 1887, 1,151,993 bushels of fall wheat, or six-
teen bushels per acre, while in 1886 the yield was 22.2 bushels, or a
greater yield in 1886 from 64,948 acres than from 71,820 acres in
1887. The average yield of fall wheat (1882-7) was 20.04 bushels,
wliile the average yield of spring wheat for the six years was 15.01
bushels ; although in 1887, 7,439 acres yielded only 57,355 bushels,
or 7.7 bushels per acre.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 629
The average yield of oats for 1882-7 was 3,809 bushels, including
the yield of 32.5 per each of the 72,309 acres planted in 1887.
The average yield of barley for the six years was twenty-six bush-
els, including the yield of 22.5 per acre in 1887, when 13,884 acres
were under seed.
The average yield of rye from 1882 to 1887 was 17.01 bushels.
In 1887, 535 acres gave 7.758 bushels, or an average of 14.05.
Peas yielded 19.04 bushels for the years 1882-7, but in the latter
year only 17.01 bushels, or 466,454 to 27,294 acres.
The corn yield for the six years, including 1887, was 67.06 bush-
els; but 9,130 acres, yieldiug 457,048 in 1887, averaged only 50.01
bushels.
Buckwheat yielded 17.07 bushels per acre for the six years; but
in 1887 only 11 04, or 8,812 to 773 acres.
Beans yielded an average of 18.50 per acre from 1882 to 1887, in-
clusive; but 165 acres in 1887 gave only 2,035 bushels, or 12.03
bushels per acre.
The average yield of hay and clover for the six years was 1.52
tons per acre ; but in 1887, 82,900 acres yielded only 108,599, or 1.31
tons per acre.
The average yield of potatoes for six years, including 1887, was
103.09 bushels. In 1887, 4,890 acres yielded only 305,576, or an
average of 62 5.
Mangel- wurzels yielded 415.02 bushels per acre for the years
1882-7 ; but in the latter year the average dropped to 288.2, or 400,-
365 bushels to 1,389 acres.
The average yield of carrots was 310.04 for each of the six years ;
but dropped to 220.8 in 1887, or 94,515 from 428 acres.
Turnips averaged 361.01 bushels for the six years ; but in 1887,
1,644 acres yielded only 459,219, or 279.03 bushels per acre.
The acreage under crop in 1882 was 307,688; in 1883, 309,925;
in 1884, 285,139 ; in 1885, 305,922 ; in 1886, 298,447 ; and in 1887,
294,600, the latter being an average of 57.03 of aU cleared land ;
while for the six years the average was 60.8.
The average salary paid male farm help in 1887 was $159, with
board, and $245 without board. The pay per month was $16.81 and
$29.92, respectively. The average for the six years ending January,
1888, was $167 with, and $251 without, board.
Female help received $6.22 per month, with board, in 1887. The
average for the five previous years was $1.57 per week, with board.
There is a marked falling off in the rate of wages paid to laborers
in 1887 from the average for the last six years, and there is, on the
whole, a slight reduction from the figures for 1886. The average
wages paid in the case of yearly engagements, with board, is $159 per
annum for the present year, and in monthly engagements, which apply
principally to the summer months, the rate of $16 91 per month, with
board, is paid. During the harvest, wages generally ran at from $1 to
€30 HISTORY OF THE
$1.25 per day, or $20 by the month, for short terms. For engagements
covering six months of the summer about S16 per month was the
usual rate for a laborer of average ability and experience. The highest
rates are paid in the northern districts, probably owing to the fact that
these localities are nearer than others to the lumber region, and to rail-
ways in process of construction, where the demand for labor is greater.
Although the introduction of improved machinery, and the dullness
in lumbering operations, and in the construction of public works, have
resulted in reducing the cost of labor in farm management, there is as
yet no solution of the domestic servant problem on the farm. Cor-
respondents complain that servants girls are scarce, and cannot be
induced to remain, owing to the gi'eater attractions that are offered
them in cities and towns. Many of the remarks are far from compli-
mentary to the girls ; but these latter might be able to give evidence
which would tend to throw more light on tliis question of the general
scarcity of female help in the Canadian farm-house. A chapter on
Canadian farm life, written by the farmer's wife, daughter or hired
girl, might possibly show why manj' of the last-named prefer the town
or city to the toiling and moiling of the rural kitchen, the dairy and
the barnyard. Immigrant girls that are brought out to the farms soon
iind their way to the towns as a rule, and refuse service in the
country. The average monthly rate of wages for the province to
servant girls for 18S7 is $6.05, and the average weekly rate for the
five years, 1882-6, is $1.52.
The cheese factories of the county in 1887 are as follows : —
TOWNSHIP. LOCATION. OWNEIt. POST OFFICE.
Adelaide Adelaide Riissell Smith Keyser.
Kerwood James Beckton Kerwood.
Mud Creek R. J. Coulton Springbank.
Victoria John L. Fuller Watford.
Uiddulph Cedar Vale Michael Blake See.. . .Elginfield.
North Middlesex Georee W. Fox See.. . . Lucan.
■Caradoc Caradoc W. E.Sawyer Sec. ..Mt. Hrydges.
Mt. Carmel D. Leitch Strathroy.
Muncey Road Samuel Price Sec. . . Muucey.
Delaware Delaware William Field Sec. . . . Delaware.
Dorchester N. , Hurnside S. Harr Sec. . . . Mossley.
Dorchester Station Tobias Eokhardt Dorchester Sta.
Gladstone J. H. Lane Treas. . do.
Gore James Smith Crampton.
Harrietsville Francis Kunz Sec. . Harrietsville.
Thames J. A. James . . .Cheesemaker. .Nilestown.
Ekfrid Appin lames McFie Treas. .Appin.
Mayfair James G. Begg Melbourne.
London Devizes Union R. Elliott Cheesemaker . . Tlover Mills.
Geary lohn Geary Prop. . Loudon.
Melrose David Sells Ferguson.
North Branch A.J. Kernohan Sec. ..The Grove.
Proof Line John B. Muir Sec. ..Arva.
Union Hill R. H. Harding Sec. . .Thorndale.
Metcalfe Napier John Hutton Sec. . .Napier.
Sif ton's William Sifton Strathroy.
Wilson's Francis AVilson do.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 631
TOWNSHIP. LOCATION, OWNER. POST OFFICE.
Mosa Glencoe Hector McFarlane Sec. . .Glenooe.
WardsviUe W.Atkinson Sec. . . Wardsville.
Nissouri ■W.,..Nissoun and Blanchard.. Fergus McMaster Sec. ..St. Marys.
Cherry Hill Hope Webster Thamesford.
Nissouri West William L<>e Sec. . . . Thorndale.
Westminster.. Belmont George McKellar Sec. . . Belmont.
Belmont Branch Henry Shoff. do.
Glanworth Sidney A. Smith Glanworth.
North Street William Buich Prop. . . Lambeth.
Pond Mills John McDougall Sec. ..Pond Mills.
White Oak John H. Burnard Sec. . . White Oak.
Williams W.,. Rob Roy William Dickson Sec, ..Parkhill.
In 18S7 there were 51,616,887 pounds of milk used in those
cheese factories, and 4,803,998 pounds of cheese produced, the value
being $501,824.13. The weight of Middlesex milk required to make
one pound of cheese was 10.74 lbs., and the market value of cheese
per loo Ihs. was .•JIO.45. The factories are kept open generally from
May 1 to November 8.
The creamery butter made in the factories of the county was 12,-
180 lbs., valued at $2,801.40.
In 1887, 34 colonies of bees were reported. 1,525 were put into
winter quarters in 1886, and 1,777 in the Ml of 1887. The product
was 3,827 lbs. comb honey, 36,635 lbs. extracted honey, and 385 lbs.
wax ; all valued at $3,878.48.
The average prices paid in the London market for the closing half
year of the six years ending Jan. 1, 1888, are as follows : — Fall wheat,
76 cents; spring wheat, 75; barley, 49.6; oats, 32.9; rye, 51.9; peas,
52.4 ; corn in ear, 29 ; buckwheat, 45.5 ; potatoes, 70.05 ; carrots, 22.5 ;
turnip, 25.7 ; hay per ton $10.69 ; wool per lb., 22.5c.
In 1S51 there were in the town of London 1,017 occupied houses,
and in the county 5,159 houses. The religious denominations were
represented as follows : — Adventi-sts, 5 ; Baptists, 3,268 in county, and
371 in London ; Christian-s, 87, and 50 in London; Church of England,
8,094, and 2,201 in London; Catholics, 2,277, and 1,179 in London;
Congregationalists, 199, and 144 in London; Lutherans, 31, and 7
in London ; British Methodists in county, 682 ; Wesleyans, 5,809 ;
Episcopal Methodists, 2,265 ; New Connexion, 694 ; Mormons, 6 ;
Presbyterians, 3,960 ; Church of Scotland, 1,645 ; Free Church, 4,447 ;
Protestants, 668 ; Quakers, 112; Unitarian.s, 36; Universalists, 275;
other denominations, 450 ; non-denominational, 936.
The population of the county outside of London was made up as
follows:— 3,171 English and Welsh; 3,976 Irish; 4,762 Scotch; 3
natives of French origin ; 18,800 not of French origin ; 387 of Mari-
time Provinces ; 6 Channel Islanders ; 22 of other British possessions ;
1,652 Americans ; 43 Dutch ; and 4 of other countries.
London town contained 1,334 English and Welsh in 1851 ; 1,877
Irish; 712 Scotch; 2 620 native Canadians; 3 Channel Islanders; 43
natives of other British possessions ; 394 Americans ; and 24 of other
countries.
40
632 HISTORY OF THE
Of the total population of Upper Canada in 1851 — 952,004 — there
were 1(37,695 Catholics, the remainder belonging to the Protestant
creeds, except about 42,000, who did not profess any faith. In Lower
Canada, of a total population of 890,261, no less than 746,866 be-
longed to the Catholic Church, and the remainder to the several Pro-
testant creeds, except 4,911, who did not profess any faith, and twelve
Mormons.
Population, 1S61. — The population of the county by race in 1861
shows 30,702 English speaking, and 77 French-speaking, natives of
Canada; 5,545 Scotch; 5,175 English and Welsh ; 4,721 Irish; 1,841
Americans ; 224 Nova Scotians and natives of Prince Edward Island ;
115 New Brunswickers ; 21 natives of Newfoundland ; 16 of the West
Indies; 4 of the East Indies; 168 Germans; 12 French; 2 Italians;
5 Spaniards; 2 Swedes; 1 Pole; 17 Swiss ; 15 Channel Islanders; and
21 of other countries. Included in above were 312 negroes and 1,182
Indians. Of the latter, 643 resided in Caradoc ; 531 in Delaware ; 2
in London ; and 6 in Westminster.
The religious bodies claimed the following representation in 1861 :
— Protestant Episcopal Church, 11909; Catholic, 4,045; Church of
Scotland, 3,887 ; Free Church of Scotland, 6,074; United Presbyter-
ians, 3,131 ; Wesleyan Methodists, 7,819 ; Episcopal Methodists, 3,522 ;
New Connexion Methodists, 1,201 ; other Methodists, 554 ; Baptists,
3,851; Lutherans, 70; Congregationalists, 90 ; Quakers, 165; Bible
Christians, 135; Christians, 43; Second Ad ventists, 37 ; Protestants,
107; Disciples, 191; Mennonites and Tunkers, 24 ; Universalists, 95 ;
Unitarians, 5; no creed, l,2(i0 ; other creeds, 571. The figures for
London in the above order are 3,452 ; 2,071; 736; 684; 232; 1,453;
209; 395; 211; 515; 19; 145; 5;40; 12 ; 149 ; 1,057; ; 3;
1; 38; 5; ; 80 ; 44.
There were, in 1861, 5,930 occupiers of lands in Middlesex, of
whom 314 were owners of 10 acres and less, 178 of between 10 and
20 acres, 1,469 of between 20 and 50 acres, 2.993 of between 50 and
100 acres, 815 of between 100 and 200, and 161 of over 200 acres.
Of the 521,353 acres held, 233,672 were under cultivation, and
287,681 wood and wild lands. The cash value of farms was S13,261,-
174; of farming implements, $440,371; of produce of gardens and
orchards, §67,167. Five thousand seven hundred and twenty acres
of fall wheat produced 76,282 bushels, while 53,211 acres of spring
wheat produced 1,046,096 bushels ; 3,663 acres of barley produced
96,731 bushels; 274 acres of rye, 3,625 bushels; 23,613 acres of peas,
529,984 bushels ; 29,800 acres of oats, 941,192 bushels; 1,731 acres
of buckwheat, 30,421 bushels; 2,683 acres of corn, 65,410 bushels;
5,811 acres of potatoes, 640,201 bushels; 4,966 acres of turnips,
1,369,309 bushels ; carrots, 56,044 bushels ; 39 acres of mangel wur-
zel, 14,187 bushels; beans, 1,474 bushels; clover, timothy and other
seeds, 1,872 bushels ; hay, 39,188 tons; hops, 31,216 pounds; maple
sugar, 498,627 pounds; cider, 57,960 gallons; wool, 211,973 pounds ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 633
flannel, 74,100 yards; flax and hemp, 7,329 pounds; linen, 209 yards;
butter, 1,081,805 pounds; cheese, 79,100 pounds; beef in 200 lb.
barrels, 2,557 barrels ; pork, 12,557 barrels; dried fish, 55 quintals;
fish in barrels, 66 barrels; sold fresh, 67 lbs.; bulls, oxen and steers,
3,565; milch cows, 19,006; calves and heifers, 24,501; horses over
three years old, 11,050, valued at $755,392; colts and fillies, 4,675 ;
sheep, 52,202 ; pigs, 42,648. The total value of live stock was placed
at $1,776,694.
At this time (1861) there were 695 brick, nine stone, and 1,386
frame buildings in the city, with two Protestant Episcopal church
buildings, one Catholic, one Church of Scotland, one Free Church of
Scotland, one Wesleyan Methodist, one Episcojial Methodist, one Bap-
tist and one Cougregationalist. The population comprised 2,185
English and Welsh, 2,149 IrLsh, 999 Scotch, 5,119 English-speaking
natives, seventy-seven French-sijeakiug natives, 7 1 9 Americans, seventy
natives of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, twenty-three of
New Brunswick, twenty-eight of Newfoundland, nineteen West
Indians, five East Indians, seventy-eight Germans and Dutch, twenty-
six French, one Italian, four Spaniards, seven Swedes, one Pole, two
Swiss, fifteen Channel Islanders, and two from other countries. In-
cluded in the above were thirty-five colored persons and eight Indians.
There were five residents at sea, and twenty-four unknown.
In the county, in 1831, were 190 church buildings and Loudon
twenty, or a total of 210, the Baptists claiming twenty-four, with 4,609
members, 558 being of London City ; the Catholics, twelve, with 9,024
members, 2,700 being of London ; Church of England, forty, with about
22,000 members ; the Methodists, 138, with 775 members, about
14,000 Wesleyan Methodists, 5,200 Episcopal Methodists, 1,366 Primi-
tive Methodists, 2,268 New Connexion Methodists, 113 British Epis-
copal Metliodists ; 820 Bible Christians ; two Mormons ; fifty-nine
pagans; 4,552 Presbyterians, 11,710 Canadian Presbyterians, 2,169 con-
nected with the Church of Scotland, 662 Reformed Presbyterians ; 129
Protestants ; 233 Quakers ; forty-two Swedenborgians ; seventy- nine
Unitarians ; fifty-seven Universalists ; thirty-six of other denominations ;
474, religion not given, and 124 without creed.
The population by race origin in 1871 was as follows : — English,
28,464 ; French, 519 ; negroes, 651 ; Dutch, 1,077 ; German, 2,888 ;
Indians, 1,278 ; Scandinavians, forty-nine ; Scotch, 20,354 ; Irish,
26,569 ; Poles, twenty-one ; Italians, one ; Spaniards, twelve ; Swiss,
twenty- eight ; Welsh, 516 ; other countries, seven ; unknown, 163.
The census returns of 1880 by subdivisions, are as follows :—
TOWNSHIPS AND TILLAGES. TOTAL POP. MALES. HOUSES.
Westminster 7,892 3,978 1,540
Dorchester 4,056 2,093 815
London 9.599 4,920 1,718
Tendon East (village) 3,890 1,949 796-
634 HISTORY OF THE
TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES. TOTAL POP. MALES. HOUSES.
Petersville (village) 1,601 776 328
Nissouri West 3,562 1,879 676
Mosa 2,673 1,372 464
Wardsville (village) 540 260 108
Ekfrid 3,023 1,612 583
Metcalfe 2,192 1,158 396
Caradoc 5,230 2,684 1,068
Strathroy (town) 3,817 1,837 780
Delaware 2,674 1,352 548
Newbury (village) 546 278 120
Glencoe (village) 801 410 156
Adelaide 3,108 1,634 564
Williams West 2,339 1,189 437
Williams East 2,195 1,075 426
McGillivray 4,178 2,147 761
Lobo 3,092 1,556 602
Ailsa Craig (viUage) 872 433 175
Lucan (village) 976 488 190
Parkhill 1,539 744 307
Biddulph 2,940 1,557 532
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
GENERAL MISCELLANY.
Middlesex of to-day, rejoicing in the pride of her strength, teeming
with wealth, and ghttering in prosperity's sunlight, was, even sixty
years ago, a wilderness as unbroken as when the generous Champlain
traversed it early in the seventeenth century. What prompted the
pioneers to come into this land ? Was it that spirit of adventure which
impelled the cavaliers of the olden time to pursue with eagerness the
phantom of a hope in the East ? No ! Was it a sense of duty to
themselves and children ? Partly. The original object of some was
to find a spot of land where they could rest from the trials and terrors
of the revolution which founded the Great Republic ; of others, to
settle here with the view of propagating north of the St. Lawrence the
political principles forever abolished south of that river ; of others, the
prime idea was to maintain the privileges of the English Church, and,
of all, to build up a northern power which would hold in check the
self-governed citizens of the new Republic. Amid all of them, there
settled men and women who came to better their condition — to buy
cheap lauds for a speculation or for a home. Almost all are dead.
The men who came to the front and laid the foundations for this pros-
perous land belonged to a regime which has given place to an enter-
prise which, though greater, is less earnest, because modern Nature
and modern Providence (if we may speak of the world and her ruler
so) aid men's ambitions more thoroughly than in the days of the
grizzled grenadiers of the pioneer army who first made a conquest of
the forest.
Public Schools. — Four years ago the present Minister of Education
began the work of making all the public schools in Ontario English
schools. He found that in some sections of the Province, where the
population was largely French, there were schools where instruction
was given in the French language. Believing that this was a state of
things which ought not to exist, he introduced an amendment of the
Departmental regulations which required that —
" In French or German schools the authorized readers shall be used,
in addition to any text books, in either of the languages aforesaid."
This was the first regulation of the kind upon the subject, although
the old reports of the Education Office abound with evidence of the
existence of French and German schools in the country, without an
effort being made to Anglicify them, or without a word of fault-finding
being uttered at their existence. In the old reports are found inspec-
tors again and again referring to French schools in the counties of
Prescott and Russell, and stating that in some sections of those counties
636 HISTORY OF THE
one hears Gaelic and French as frequently as English, as the vernacular
of the peojile ; and in the County of Essex reports of a like character
■were often made to the department without eliciting a word of disap-
proval from those in authority, or from the politicians who were then
in opposition. Here, for instance, is what Theodule Giradot, of Essex
County, reported on the schools of the Township of Sandwich West in
1867:—
" We have eight schools in this township ; in two of them onl)' is
English taught. The six others being among the French population,
French is taught with the English. All the English books used are
authorized. The French books are used by the Christian Brothers."
Again in the report of 1868, Dennis Dowling wrote of the schools
in the Township of Sandwich East, in the same county, as follows : —
" The National school books are used in all the schools except in
sections 2, 3, 4 and 5, where they use French Canadian books, together
with the English National books."
Dr. Ryerson does not appear to have made the first attempt to
check the use of French in the schools, and no man was partisan
enough to try to make the matter a political party question. The dis-
credit of seeking to make it a political question has been reserved for
the " dwindled .sons of little men " in later days.
London South Schools. — The attendance at the London South
schools for March, 1889, was as follows: —
No. on Eoll. Aver. Att.
7th Division 73 63
6th Division 65 50
5th Division 61 47
4th Division 69 45
3rd Division 63 48
2nd Division 55 37
1st Division 65 33
Kindergarten 40 25
Total 491 348
The London South Board accepted the tender of A. A. Lind, of
Bruce street, for repairs and alterations to the frame school-house.
Ailsa Craig Mechanics' Institute. — The oflicers appointed for the
Ailsa Craig Mechanics' Institute for the year 1889-90 were as follows :
President, Dr. Stewart ; vice-president, John McKay ; secretary, Well-
ington Walton ; treasurer. Mayor Rosser ; directors, J. T. Owens, John
H. McKay, John H. McDonald, Wm. Jones, Dr. Gunn, Rev. Mr.
Shore, D. J. White, David Gillies, John Morgan. J. Grant and D.
McKay were appointed auditors.
Art School Annual Meeting. — The twelfth annual meeting of the
Western School of Art was held at the school, Mechanics' Institute, in
the spring of 1889. The following were present : — Colonel John
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 637
Walker (president), Messrs. James Griffiths, Frank T-eonard, George
Macbeth, J. E. Peel and J. H. Griffiths (secretary). Colonel Walker
spoke of the success attending the school during the past year. Al-
though the Government grant had been reduced, there was no decrease
in the financial standing of the school. It was hoped that the quality
of work shown by the school would induce the Government to increase
the grant from $400 to the former sum, S1,000. The secretary, J. H.
Griffiths, read the annual report, which showed that twenty-five pupils
had attended during the fall term of 1888, and thirty-one from January
to March, 1889. An exhibition of the various art schools throughout
the province being about to take place in Toronto, the teachers were
directed to make selections of work done by pupils to exhibit thereat.
The financial statement showed an expenditure of $1,042.36, with a
small balance. The appointment of directors resulted as follows : —
Messrs. F. E. Leonard, Frank Peters, Colonel Walker, James Griffiths,
Colonel Lewis, James Cowan, W. R Meredith, George Durand, Thos.
Ti'acy, W. C. L. Gill, W. Bowman, John Marshall, Talbot Macbeth, E.
T. Essery, J. R. Peel, J. H. Griffiths. Messrs, Griffiths and J. R. Peel
were re-elected teachers ; J. S. Dewar, auditor ; Colonel Walker,
president ; James Griffiths, first vice-president ; Talbot Macbeth, second
vice-president ; J. H. Griffiths, secretary-treasurer.
Agncultural and Arts Association. — The Board of Directors of
the Provincial Agricultural and Arts Association met at the office of
the Western Fair Association early in 1889. The following members
were present : — J. C. Rykert, M. P., president ; A. Rawlmgs, vice-
president ; Henry ^Yade, Toronto, secretary ; D. A. Macpherson, Lan-
caster ; Ira Morgan, Metcalfe ; Joshua Legg, Gananoque ; Robert
Vance, Ida ; J. C. Snell, Edmonton ; L. E. Shipley, Grey.stead ; Nicho-
las Awrey, M. P. P., Binbrook ; William Dawson, Vittoria ; James
Eowand, M. P., Dunblane ; Chas. Drury, M. P. P., Minister of Agri-
culture, Crown Hill ; P. R. Palmer, Belleville. Allan Bogue, presi-
dent of the poultry committee of the Western Fair, appeared before the
Board and made various recommendations regarding prizes for poultry,
etc.
The offer of the London Baseball Association to advertise the exhi-
bition for $12 on their streamers was accepted.
The entire Board, accompanied by Mayor Taylor and President
Porte, of the Western Fair Board, inspected the exhibition grounds,
examining the main edifices and outbuildings, and expressed them-
selves well pleased with everything connected therewith.
In the evening the revision of the prize-list was again proceeded
with, the changes made being patterned after the Western lists. An
offer from William Weld to supply a $65 silver service, as a prize for
the best butter production from three cows of one breed, was accepted.
John S. Pearce & Co.'s offer of a $25 water pitcher, as a prize for a
sweepstake in the sheep department, was accepted, A discussion on
the merits and demerits of the Indian exhibit resulted in a decision to
638 HISTORY OF THE
retain it, with the exception of the fine arts department. The follow-
ing superintendents of departments were appointed : —
Ladies' Department — Miss Street.
Heavy Machinery and Indian — Joseph Hook.
The directors of the Western Fair Association were placed upon
the different Provincial committees as follows : —
Horses— Col. Leys and Aid. Dreaney,
Cattle — Messrs. K. Venning and R. VVhetter.
Sheep and Pigs— Messrs. George Douglas and A. R. Rowat.
Poultry — Messrs. A. W. Porte and A. J. B. Macdonald.
Implements — Messrs. W. M. Gartshore and W. R. Hobbs.
Pine Arts— Col. Lewis, Messrs. J. W. Little and T. H. Marsh.
Horticultural Products — Messrs. W. Y. Bruntou and A. M. Smart.
Agricultural Products — Mr. D. Mackenzie and Aid. O'Meara.
Dairy Products — Messrs. J. S Pearce and A. J. B. Macdonald.
Indian — Mr. Allen Bogue, Aldermen Garratt and Wyatt.
A request for a grant to the Shorthorn herd-book was laid on the
table. A proposal to send the secretary to the Royal Agricultural
Exhibition, at the association's expense, was voted down.
Agricultural Spring Show. — The spring show of 1889 of the
West Middlesex Agricultural Society was held at Strathroy, and was
the most successful ever held under their auspices. The number of
entries in all classes was very large, while the attendance of farmers
and others was equally lai'ge, showing that the farmers of the county
are taking a deep interest in stock raising. The trot in (he roadster
class was close, the race being won by Prangley's Little Wonder,
Ralph & Roache's Verus second, and McLurg's Chester third. The
judges, however, gave first prize to Chester, second to Verus, and third
to Little Wonder, on account of superority in points as roadster sires.
Scott Act i?e^jmL— Following are the majorities in the Scott Act
repeal in Leeds and Grenville : —
Against For
repeal. repeal.
Brockville 386
Prescott 1220
Gananoque 83
Rear of Yonge and Escott Ill
Kitley Township 103
North Crosby 94
Bastard and Buri,'ess 39
Newboro' 8
Cardinal 23
Kemptville 23
MeiTickville 10
South Cro.sby 77
Elizabethtown 12.5
Wolford Township 45
Edwardsburg Township ;">
North Augusta 100
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 639
A71 Old Resident Gone. — Hiram Purdy died at his late residence,
St. Marys, on April 22, aged 60 years. Mr. Purdy was a resident of
East Nissouri over forty years, where he not only built himself a fine
home, but also a good character. As a boy he was honest and trust-
worthy, and as a man active and useful, and an exemplary church
member and father in principle. He was a staunch Reformer. Ten
years ago he removed to the town of St. Marys, whence he has been
called, leaving a beautiful home, an affectionate wife, one daughter and
three sons to mourn his death.
Sale of Fair Ground Lots. — The sale of lots on the old fair
ground by the London Trust, in the spring of 1889, drew a large
attendance. Ten lots altogether were sold, the others being withdrawn,
as the otlers did not not come up to the price placed on them by the
Trust. The following are the names of the purchasers and the prices
obtained per foot : —
On Wellington street —
No. 59, R. S. Holmes $14 75
No. 60, G. F. Ryder 14 00
On Central avenue —
No. 65, John McMillan 31 00
No. 66, Mrs. Maria Elliott 24 00
No. 67, Mrs. Maria Elliott 23 25
No. 68, Edwin Paul 20 75
No. 69, A. A. Booker 20 50
No. 70, Frank B. Friend 19 GO
On Waterloo street —
No. 80, Thomas A. Browne 14 75
No. 84, E. 0. Dodd 13 75
The total amount realized was $9,365.82. So far for lots on the
exhibition grounds the Trust have received $60,634.13. There yet
remain to be sold eight lots on Central avenue and one on Richmond
street. The prices realized from lots sold privately have been higher
than for those sold by auction.
This Year's Assessment Roll. — The following is a recapitulation of
the assessment roll for 1889 as compiled by Assessment Commissioner
Grant : —
Ward 1. Ward 2. Ward 3. Ward 4. Ward 5. Total.
Population 4,483 5,182 6,147 5,820 5,154 26,786
Jurors 279 427 411 516 394 2,027
Real property.. §3,047,250 $2,969,635 $1,690,227 $2,000,315 $1,258,685 $10,966,112
Personal $ 900,400$ 509,400$ 199,650$ 22,750$ 111,000 $ 1,743,200
Taxable income.S 436,685 $ 435,550 $ 43,590 $ 47,900 $ 5.S00 $ 969 625
Statute labor... $ 486$ 588$ 322$ 270$ 150$ 1,822
Dogs .. 126 233 196 324 222 1,101
Cattle 1 28 1.5 39 59 142
Hogs 24 24
Horses 186 173 204 126 208 897
Children(5to21) 1,055 1,269 1,961 1,674 1,637 7,596
Steam boilers... 26 19 22 3 23 94
Nonresidents.. 56 42 96 76 114 384
640 HISTOliY OF THE
Liquor Licenses — The City License Commissioners, Messrs. John
McClary, D. Eegan and George M. Eeid, met in the secretary's office,
in the Albert Block, in the spring of 1889, for the purpose of consider-
ing applications for licenses to sell spirituous liquors for the coming
year. The petitions of all the temperance people, asking for a reduc-
tion in the number of licenses usually granted, were practically ignored,
for, instead of making a reduction, the Commissioners granted an addi-
tional shop license, that to Alex. Tytler. The apj^lication of Freeman
Hodgins was refused, and the license held by him last year was granted
to William Bernard. Below is a complete list of the licenses granted : —
J. W. Humpidge, north-west corner Dundas and Talbot.
John Kincaid, 723 Ilichmond.
James A. Itoss, 1007 Dundas, corner Egerton.
Thomas Boswell, 121 King.
Henry Walsh, 147-149 King,
James Fallahe, 621-623 Dundas.
Charles Cruickshank, south-east corner Ilichmond and York.
Edwin Panton, north-west corner Wellington and York.
Jerry McDonald, 87-89 Dundas.
James Westbrook, 633-635 Dundas.
John Eraser, south-east corner Talbot and King.
H. M. Ryan, north-west corner Clarence and King.
William Avey, north-east corner Dundas and English.
John Burton, 682-686 Adelaide.
John Tomlinson, 400-402 Clarence.
E. M. Hawthorn, 203 Dundas.
William C. Drake, 421-425 Park avenue.
J. P. Evans, 299 Pichmond.
J. B. Land, 522 Eichmond.
Thomas Morkin, 587 Eichmond.
J. & J. McMartin, Dundas and Talbot.
Charles Kennedv, north-west corner Talbot and King.
J. W. Martin, 89-91 King
John Lewis, north-west corner Eichmond and Maple.
M. O'Meara, Clarence and York.
James James, north-west corner Eichmond and Fullarton.
Edward Morkin, south-east corner Wellington and Dullerin avenue.
T. S. Hodgins, 131 King.
Mrs. M. Elliott, south-west corner Wellington and Bathurst.
J. B. Jennings, north-east corner Eichmond and King.
Edward Panton, 677-679 Adelaide.
E. A. Carrothers, south-west corner Waterloo and Horton.
Louis Eisk, south-west corner Eichmond and Litchfield.
S. & T. K. Grigg, north-east corner Eichmond and York.
James Homister, 415 ILamilton road.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 641
John Howe, north-west corner Clarence and York.
McGaw & Winnett, Tecumseh House.
J. C. Grant, 80-84 Dundas.
John Horsman, north-west corner Dundas and Wellington.
Alonzo Hall, south-west corner Ridout and King.
Robert Keating, 236 Rectory.
Henry Powell, 188 Hamilton Road.
Henry Brinsmead, corner Wellington and York.
Mr. M. Taylor, 374 Ridout.
John McGill, north-west corner Talbot and York.
Charles Collett, corner Hamilton Road and Burwell.
James McDonald, 122 Carling.
Wm. Bernard, north-west corner of Carling and Talbot.
BEER AND WINE.
Jonathan Ardiel, 785 Simcoe.
J. A. Depotie, 1007 Frances and Egerton.
Arthur Jeffries, 60-62 Dundas.
Charles Maker, King and Rectory.
C. N. Nellis, 577 Hamilton Road.
EXEMPT TAVERNS.
James Smith, 399 Richmond.
David Sare, 378 Richmond.
Peter McCann, corner Market Lane and Square.
W. J. Fowler, G. T. R. restaurant.
GROCERIES — RETAIL.
John Scandrett, 175t} Dundas.
James Dobbin, east side Lyle.
E. B. Smith, 9 Market Square, 125 Dundas.
J. & A. Wilson, 398 Richmond.
John Garvey, 156 Dundas.
P. J. Watt, 12 Market Square.
F. McNeil, west side Maitland.
Wm. Connor, King near Richmond.
J. S. Deacon, 371 Talbot.
Somerville & Frederick, 112 Talbot.
C. L. Driefer, 747 Waterloo.
Henry Depper, west side Alma.
John Orange, 470 Clarence.
Alex. McBean, 237 Dundas.
Alex. Tytler, 384 Richmond.
GROCERIES— WHOLESALE.
E. Adams & Co., 75-97 Dundas.
The successful applicants were required to pay their fee bjfore
May 3, iu order to secure their certificates.
04:-^ HISTORY OF THE
Western Congregational Association. — The semi-annual session
of the Western Congregational Association commenced in the school-
room of the Congregational Church, in the spring of 1889. After the
opening prayer-meeting, led by Rev. D. McGregor, Guelph, the min-
utes of the last semi-annual meeting in Woodstock were read by Rev.
J. K. Unsworth, secretary, and adopted. The appointing of commit-
tees was left to the chairman, Rev. J. Fuller, Brantford, who appointed
them as follows : —
Business Committee — Rev. R. K. Black, Messrs. J. Ritchie and J.
Brockbank.
Membership Committee — Rev. W. Hay, Messrs. Georing and
Randall.
An application was read for membership from Rev. G. T. Carr, of
St. Catharines, which was referred to the Membership Committee.
The secretary called the roll, and the following delegates and ministers
were found to have reported : — Mr. D. D. Hay, Stratford ; Rev. J. P.
Gerrie and Mrs. Gerrie, Stratford ; Rev. R. K. Black, Sarnia ; Rev. W.
K. Short, Wingham ; Mr. R. Ritchie, Wingham ; Rev. Jas. Webb and
Mrs. Webb, New Durham ; Rev. W. H. Claris, Mrs. Burgess, Miss
Silcox, Frome ; Mr. Silcox, Shedden ; Rev. Wm. Hay, Scotland ; Rev.
W. K. Unsworth, Mr. J. Carrie, Mr. J.'B. Brockbank, Paris; Rev. G.
Y. Carr and Mrs. Carr, St. Catharines ; Rev. D. McGregor, Mr. G. H.
Skiimer, Guelph ; Rev. G. Franklin, Listowel, Mass. ; Wm. Yeigh,
Toronto ; Jlr. Watson, sr., Mr. and Mrs. Reid, Mr. Masterman, Miss
Cuthbertson, Woodstock ; Rev. G. Fuller, Mr. Randall, Brantford ;
Rev. R. Hay, Watford ; Rev. C. H. Whisker, St. Thomas ; Thomas
Cannom, George Rendell, J. B. Hicks, Mrs. Tappen and Rev. H. D.
Hunter, I-ondon.
Railway Subsidies. — The following railway subsidies were allowed
by the Government in the spring of 1889 : — For a lino from Sicamous,
on the C. P. R., in British Columbia, to Lake Okavagan, .'?1 63,200; the
Cornwall Valley Railway Company, $3,200 ; the Lake Temiscamingue
Colonization Railway Company, .S48,00() ; the Mackinonge & Nipissing
Railway, §48,000 ; the Kingston, Smith's Falls & Ottawa Railway,
$04,000; the South Ontario Pacific Railway Company, .$158,400 ; a
line from St. Ceasare to St. Paul d'Abbottsford, C^ue., $1(),000; the
Great Eastern Railway Company, Quebec, $04,000 ; the Drummond
County Railway Company, $14,400 ; the St. Catharines & Niagara Cen-
tral Railway Company, $64,000; the Quebec & Lake St. John Railway,
$64,000 ; the Grand Trunk, Georgian Bay & Lake Erie Company,
$48,000 ; the Hereford Railway Company,"$48,000 ; the Massawippi
Junction Railway Company, $48,000; the Brockvilie, Westport &
Sault St. Marie Railway Company, $64,000 ; Thousand Islands Rail-
way Company, $54,400 ; for a line from Cape Tormente to Murray
Bay, $64,000 ; the Amherstburg & Lake Shore Railway Company,
$64,000. There was no vigorous discussion on these subsidies, until it
came to the extraordinary proposal regarding the Bale des Chaleurs
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 643
Eailway. This road is one of those which was known as one of the
principal of the great Hst of political railways which came to the front
in 1886 and 1SS7. Sir Eichard Cartwright, Messrs. Laurier, Davies,
Mills, Casey, McMullen and others oppo.sed the proposition as being
extravagant, but the proposal was allowed to go through.
The Asyluvi Improvements. — The various works which had been
in progress for some time at the Insane Asylum were completed in
May, 1889. A thorough system of fire protection was established, a
large double cylinder steam pump furnishing the power. Five thou-
sand feet of four and six-inch supply pipes were laid to all the build-
ings, sixteen hydrants similar to those used in the city being placed at
convenient points. New hose and reels with all the necessary appli-
ances were purchased for the ofticials to drill the staff regularly in their
use. The old kitchen and laundry, which were destroyed by fire, were
rebuilt much larger and better suited for the purpose. A fine amuse-
ment hall was erected over the kitchen. The walls are twenty-two
feet high, which support the roof The ceiling is of wood, moulded. A
large platform, eighteen feet wide, extending the full width of the
room, stands at the north end of the hall, over which is a handsome
arch with Corinthian columns, surmounted with carved capitals.
There are five wide staircases leading to the hall, which are very im-
portant in case of emergency. The north cottage, which was partly
destroyed by fire on the night of the 26th of January, was restored, and
now shows no signs of the scorching it received. The works were car-
ried on by the Public Works Department, under the superintendence
of B. O'Byrne, clerk of the works. The fire protection was constructed
by Cryer & Co., the remainder of the work being done b}' John
Purdom,
Masonic. — At a meeting of the London Sovereign Chapter of Eose
Croix, A. and A. S. E., held on the 25th of April, the following oificers
wQie elected -.—P. Pr. J. Callard, 18 ° , M. W. S. ; P. Pr. H. C. Simp-
son, 18 ° , first general ; P. Pr. Jas. Douglas, 18 ° , second general; P.
Pr. J. S. Niven, 18 =" , prelate ; P. Pr. J. S. Dewar, 18 ° , raphael ; HI.
Bro. A. W. Porte, 32 ° , treasurer ; 111. Bro. Jas. Priddis, 32 ° , regis-
trar; P. Pr. Alexander Irvine, 18°, gi-and hospitaler; 111. Bro. C. N.
Spencer, 32 ° , gi-and marshal ; P. Pr. A. 0. Jeffrey, 18 ° , grand
almoner ; P. Pr. J. D. Sharman, 18 ° , grand M. of C. ; P. Pr. T. H.
Carling, 18 ° , grand captain of guard ; P. Pr. H. P. Kennedy, 18 ° ,
grand organist ; 111. Bros. John McBeth, 23 = , C. B. Hunt, 32 ° , P.
Pr. F. W. Lilley, 18 ° , gi-and stewards ; P. Pr. F. J. Hood, 18 ° , guard.
Amalgamation of London South. — At a meeting of the joint
City and London South Amalgamation Committee in the spring of
1889, there were present Aid. Chas. Taylor (chairman), Aid. W. Jones,
Aid. Joshua Garrett, JMayor Taylor, City Auditor Jewell, Secretaiy
Kingston, Deputy-Eeeve Pritchett, John Marshall, Col. Leys, E. E.
Cameron, Thomas Alexander, Philip McKenzie and J. A. Thomas.
Mayor Taylor opened the proceedings by pointing out the mutual
644 HISTORY OF THE
advantages to be gained by amalgamating Ldndon South and the city.
Mr. Alexander said the committee had been appointed out of courtesy
to the city. They would receive the city's otter and report it to the
people of London South. Unless it was favorable he did not think it
would he entertained. The London South representatives expressed
themselves as willing to pay a share of the expenses of the ])olice, fire
and waterworks departments, also the City Hosj^ital. They wei'e
opposed to assuming any portion of the city's railroad debt, or for
schools, parks, public halls, etc. The Mayor said it took eleven mills
on the dollar to pay the interest on the city debt. He proposed that
the assessment of the city and London South should be conducted on
the same basis ; that the city proper should pay wholly six mills out
of the eleven, and that London South should pay her share of the
remaining five. The city to assume all of the suburb's proportion of
the township and county debts.
The gentlemen from London South did not think the people over
there wo>ild agree to have the assessment raised. If a certain sum
were named for the benefits to be derived by London South, and let
the suburb raise it the way the ratepayers thought best, it would be
more satisfactory.
Mr. Jewell stated upon inquiry that the city debt was S1,9G4,-
523.47. Of this amount S190 000 bore interest" at seven per cent.
The debentures matured as follows:— 1888 (overdue), S6, 500 ; 1889,
$16,500; 1890, $34,500; 1891, $134,500; 1892, $70,000; 1893,
$672,634.99; 1894, $134,866.66; 1895, $6,000; 1896, $219,486.66;
1897, $2,000; 1898. $325,035.16; 1901, $2,000; 1902, $43,500;
1903, $7,000; 1913, $175,000; 1917, $115,000 ; total, $1,964,523.47.
The two following proposals were then drafted by Messrs. Kingston
and Cameron, to be submitted respectively to the City Council and
the ratepayers of London South : —
" Amalgamation to be effected upon the following terms : —
1. London South to become a ward of the city, assuming all assets
and liabilities of the same, and to oljtain its due share of appropria-
tions for public improvements hereafter.
2. London South to be as.sessed at its assessment of 1889 for the
ten years next succeeding the date of amalgamation ; but all property
hereinafter imjiroved shall be assessed at a proportionate increase
thereon, but not to exceed two-thirds of its actual value.
3. Water mains for domestic and fire purposes to be extended
through London South as soon as possible after the special act here-
after mentioned, on such streets as shall be agreed upon, and as shall
adequately protect and provide for the said ward, and extensions to be
made therefrom whenever the Water Commissioners can be shown
that a ten per cent, profit will be received upon the expenditure.
4. The city, as enlarged, to assume and pay the liabilities to the
county and township of the new ward.
5. Legislation to be obtained to carry out the provisions of this
agreement."
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 645
Or, amalgamation to be effected upon the following terms : —
" 1. London South to become a ward of the city upon the same
basis of assessment as obtains in the city, but to have a fixed reduc-
tion of six mills off the annual rate for the ten years next succeeding
amalgamation.
Clauses 3, 4 and 5 of the first proposal to be the same."
Law Candidates. — The following candidates in 1889 passed the
Law Society's examinations at Toronto for certificate of fitness as
solicitors : — 1, S. H. Bradford ; 2, A. G. Browning ; 3, W. Greene ; 4,
E. J. W. McLaughlin ; 5, J. H. Macdonald ; 6, H. Cronyn ; 7, E. P.
McNeil ; 8, E. M. Lake ; 9, A. Henderson, F. J. Eoche, and C. Swabey
(equal) ; 12, J. B. Incas ; 13. H. Harvey ; 14, E. A. McCulloch ; 15,
J. F. Edgar ; 16, W. C. Fitzgerald ; 17, W. H. Irving, and J. J. Poole
(equal) ; 19, E. E, Hall, and W. E. Welton (equal) ; 21, A. M. Mac-
donnell; 22, J. A. McLean; 23, G. J. Smith; 24, T. A. Wardell; 25,
S. E. Wright (without oral), and W. L. Beal (with oral).
Canal Comparisons. — The Duluth Chamber of Commerce has
collected figures which show the relative business done over the Suez
and Sault Ste. Jlarie canals. It is developed that in 1870, the first
year of the opening of the Suez Canal, 486 vessels passed through it,
with a net tonnage of 435,911 tons, and the receipts from tolls were
6,387,204 francs, or §1,277,440. Ten years later, in 1880, 2,026
vessels passed, with a tonnage of 3,057,421 tons, and receipts of $13,-
265,875.
The St. Mary's Falls Canal was opened June 18, 1855, having been
built by the State of Michigan at a cost of about Sl,O00,000. It is free to
all vessels navigating the great lakes. There is no record of the number
of vessel passages, or of the freight tonnage, earlier than 1864. During
that year there were 1,411 vessel passages, with a registered tonnage
of 571,438 tons ; but in the year 1870 (the year of the opening of the
Suez Canal), the number of ves.sel passages was 1,828, with a registered
tonnage of 690,826 tons, as against 486 vessel passages and 435,011
tons through the Suez. In 1880 the vessel passages of the St. Mary's
Falls Canal were 3,503, with a registered tonnage of 1,734,890 totis, as
against 2,026 vessels and 3,059,421 tons by the Suez. Not until the
year 1880 did the Government of the United States take possession of
the Canal and keep systematic records of its commerce.
During the year 1881 the number of vessel passages was 4,004,
with a tonnage of 2,092,757 tons. In the year 1888 the number of
vessel passages had increased to 7,314, while the actual freight ton-
nage passing through the canal was 6,411,423 tons, an amount only
224,411 tons less than that of the Suez Canal. But the showing for
the daily tonnage of the two canals is most remarkable. The Suez
Canal is open 365 days in the year ; the St. Mary's Falls Canal in
1888 was open for business only 212 days. The daily tonnage of the
Suez Canal averaged 18,194 tons, while that of the St. Mary's Falls
Canal was 30,242 tons. At the rate of increase in the business of the
646
HISTORY OF THE
St. Mary's Falls Canal, next year will witness by far the greater aggre-
gate tonnage in the latter than in the Suez.
The daily tonnage of the St Mary's Falls Canal in 1886, was 18,-
839 tons, while in 18S8, two years later, it had been increased, as
above stated, to 30,242 tons. The value of the freight passing through
the St. Mary's Falls Canal in 1888 was $53,413,472.13; in 1886,
$69,030,071.95 ; in 1887, $79,031,757.78, and in 1888 it was in round
numbers about $82,000,000. Had the United States imposed the
same tonnage tax last year on the business of the St. Mary's Falls
Canal, as the Suez Company imposed upon its traffic, the amount
would have reached over $13,000,000, a sum at least three times as
great as the total cost of the work up to the present time.
ImpoHs. — The statement of imports into Canada, exclusive of
British Columbia, during March shows a total of $9,746,222 and duty
of $2,256,065, against $7,385,421 and $1,737,089 in the previous
month, showing an increase of $2,360,801 in value and of $548,976 in
duty. The free goods entered in March were valued at $1,752,258
against $2,479,609 in February, a decrease of $727,351. Manufac-
tures of silk show an increased importation in March over the previous
month of $87,017, and sugars show an increase of $229,009. The
total amount of coin and buUion imported during March was $67,442
against $26,589 for February, au increase of $40,853. The total
amount of goods entered for consumption for the nine months ending
March 31st, 1889, was $78,246,110, and the duties to $17,151,022, as
compared with $73,054,443 and $15,957,753 in the same period last
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 647
CHAPTER XL.
MISCELLANY.
Board of Trade. — The annual meeting of the Board of Trade was
held in the spring of 1889. Present — Messrs. John Campbell (presi-
dent in the chair), J. W. Little, T. H. Marsh, John Marshall, Thomas
Coffey, L. H. Ingram, D. Regan, J. S. Pearce, P. Pocock, George M.
Reid, Major Gartshore, T. S. Hobbs, J. Bland, Ed. Cleghorn, George
Burns, Moses Masuret, J. Tanton, T. R. Parker, C. W. Leonard, S. F.
Olass, J. Houston, James Cowan and J. A. NeUes, secretary.
A communication was read from Mr. Houston, of the Canadian
Pacific Railroad, giving notice of a reduction in rates from Montreal on
iron hardware and grocers' supplies.
Mr. Hobbs said that the railway committee of the Board had met
the representatives of the Canadian Pacific Railway and secured a
reduction. Mr. Hyman had gone to Montreal and secured a promise
of further reductions. The Michigan Central had of their own accord
reduced the rates to Amherstburg west, and further reductions on the
whole line were being considered.
John Marshall reported that the committee on new premises had
met with great success, and had a guarantee of oyer $300 beyond the
regular subscriptions towards securing the new premises in the Cana-
dian Savings & Loan Society, in the building which they were now
putting up. He considered they had a sufficient guarantee, and if
the meeting was willing they would close for the rooms, and would
furnish them with suitable furniture and literature. The matter was
left in the hands of the committee.
Alex. Stevens and J. H. Glass were duly balloted for and elected
members of the Board.
The secretary submitted the financial statement for the year as
follows : — ■
Receipts —
On hand April 30, 1888 S 416 50
Sundries 172 73
Members' fees 435 00
Total $1,024 23
Disbursements —
Rent $ 224 00
Secretary's salary 100 00
Sundries 77 75
Balance 622 48
Total $1,024 23
41
648 HISTORY OF THE
Assets —
Balance on hand $622 48
Eent from commercial travellers 33 34
Members' fees unpaid 167 50
Total §823 32
Liabilities —
Kent due Masonic Temple Company $58 08
Balance due $765 24
The following oentlemen were nominated for membership: — By
Mr. Marshall,— S. Munro, K. G. Macfie, N. Reid, N. S. Williams ; by
Mr. Pearce, — George A. Somerville, D. W. Blackwell ; by Mr. Gleg-
horn, — Albert Leighom; by Mr. Marsh, — -George White, John
Ferguson, Aid. John Callard, W. F. Bullen, W. A. Hipsey, A. E.
Hourd, J. E. Keenleyside, T. H. Carling and John Wolfe.
Vice president T. H. Marsh was elected president for the ensuing
year. He thanked the members for the honor conferred, and promised
to do all in his power to forward the interests of the Board. Mr.
Masuret was elected vice-president, and suitably replied, warning the
members against permitting French aggression. J. A. Nelles was
re-elected secretary-treasurer. Messrs. Campbell, Hobbs, Bland and
Little were nominated a committee to strike standing committees.
They recommended as follows : —
Council — John Labatt, W. R. Hobbs, J. W. Little, R. Lewis, John
Marshall, John Bland, G. S. Birrell, C. Leonard, W. J. Reid, G. S.
Hyman and T. R. Parker.
Board of Arbitration — John McClary, J. S. Pearce, D. Regan, L.
H. Ingram, John Campbell, A. M. Smart, James Slater, W. A. Gunn,
R, C. Struthers, T. H. Smallman, R. Reid, jr., and E. A. Cleghorn.
Western Fair Delegates — -T. H. Marsli, J. Campbell, Col. Lewis,
W. J. Reid, J. W. Little, W. R. Hobbs and John Bland.
Board of Examiners — James Slater, J. D. Saunby, J. S. Pearce, ('.
B. Hunt and J. Tanton. Adopted.
T. A. Brown was appointed auditor.
It was ordered that the Railway Committee communicate with the
Canadian Pacific Railway in reference to the location of the divisional
shops in London.
Wovien's Christian Association. — The annual meeting of the
Women's Christian Association was held in the spring of 1889, in the
Aged Women's Home ; the members present being : — Mesdames
Carfrae, Roger, Kent, Hopkins, Murray, Dobie, Gibson, Reid, Cox,
Rogers, Fysh, Fraser, G. M. Reid, Burns, Ward, Glass, Perrin, PatuUo,
(Jhisholm, VanBrockdorf, B. A. Mitchell, Ware, H. V. Taylor, Misses
Kennedy, Moore, Ware, and Mr. C. F. Complin. The secretary's
report, in reviewing the past year said : — " A feeling of deep gi-atitude
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 649
to God fills our hearts for the success which has attended our efforts,
for the well-being of our homes, for relief afforded to the needy, and
for any good that has been accomplished." At the last annual meeting
six adults were in the Women's liefuge, twenty-five have been admit-
ted since, and seven now remain. The association can testify to no
little benefit to society from the reformation of more than one inmate.
Nine infants were in the refuge at the last annual meeting ; since
admitted, fifty-three ; now in the home, ten. The report goes on to
show the operations of the association during the year, which include
a very wide range of charities. Its members visit all kinds of suffer-
ings brought to their notice, and very few in the city escape them.
They give relief when needed, investigate each case carefully, and use
a wise discretion as almoners of the funds intrusted to them by the
charitably disposed. In addition to this they conduct the Aged
Women's Home, the Home for Old Men, and the Refuge, visit the
prisoners at the jail and try to reclaim them by kind influences and
religious exercises. They also do good work at the Hospital, and the
patients there have reason to be grateful for much that has been done
to alleviate the tedium of illness, through the influence of the Women's
Christian Association. In fact the usefulness of the society is only
limited by the modest means at its command, and cases are known
where ladies in its ranks have given more than they could justly
afford, to aid some cases of destitution for which no other funds were
available. There is, doubtless, a great deal of ill-bestowed charity, and
if those who are in the habit of bestowing gifts upon the needy with-
out careful inquiry would make the Women's Christian Association
their almoner, they would do twice as much good with half as much
outlay.
Mrs. Perrin, the treasurer, reported receipts of $4,191.50 for the
year; disbursements, $3,918.71; balance on hand, $272.74. The
building fund now amounts to $664.65. The officers were then
elected as follows : — President, Mrs. Carfrae ; vice-presidents, Mrs.
Eogers and Mrs. Peto ; secretary, Mrs. PatuUo ; assistant secretary,
Miss Keneally ; treasurer, Mrs. Perrin.
Donations were acknowledged for the month of April as follows : —
Aged Women's Home — Stockings, from Mrs. Carfrae ; preserves,
Mrs. Gibson ; tea, per Mrs. Hopldns ; apples and milk, Mrs. Glass ;
buns, Mrs. McGuire ; onions, Mrs. Carfrae ; magazines, ^Irs. Hewitt ;
bread, Inspector Bell ; clothing, Mrs. Burns; milk, Mrs. Winen; rice,
Mrs. Mitchell.
Old Men's Home — A friend, four cans salmon, one box stove polish,
can baking powder, two ban-els of potatoes, one bushel of apples ; Mr.
Cumberhdge, twenty-five pounds of flour ; a friend, papers ; Knox
Church Ladies' Aid, cakes, etc.; Mrs. Stabler, one bottle catsup ; Mr.
Macklin, papers ; Mr. Mitcheltree, two baskets meat ; Mr. Murdock,
vegetables every Friday ; friend, books ; Mr. Perrin, boxes biscuits ;
Mrs. Sherlock, bottle catsup.
650 HISTORY OF THE
Knights of tlm Maccabees, Etc. — A Tent of the Knights of the
Maccabees was instituted in Parkhill in the spring of 1889, by Mr.
D. Hebner, who had been working there for a couple of weeks. The
Maccabees is a sort of mutual insurance association, which is worked
so economically that the members' risks are carried at a very low rate.
The headquarters of the organization is in Port Huron, and the mem-
bership is increasing at an astonishing rate. The new lodge is named
Banner Tent, and starts with sixteen members. The following officers
were installed by W. L. Wilson, D. S. C. :— Sir Kt. P. C, Thos.
Grundy ; Sir Kt. C, Erastus Miller ; Sir Kt. Lt. C, I. Cobleigh ; Sir
Kt. K. K., F. D. McLeod ; Sir Kt. F. K., A. Campbell ; Sir Kt. Pre.,
E. J. Phippen ; Sir Kt. Phy., Dr. Piper ; Sir Kt. Serg., Jas. Anderson ;
Sir Kt. M. at A., D. W. Eumohr; Sir Kt. 1st M. of the G., G. Simp-
son ; Su' Kt. 2nd M. of the G. A. Aitkins; Sir Kt. Sen., Mr. McKen-
zie ; Su- Kt. Sic, O. Jennings.
The average age of deceased members of the Ancient Order United
Workmen for the last year was forty-four years. Applications for
$6,910,000 were received during 1888 ; of this amount $3(36,000 was
refused. The medical examination, since it has been remodeled, is
much more strict than formerly.
Piccadilly Lodge. — A new lodge of the Sons of England Benevo-
lent Society was instituted early in 1889, for the northern part of
London, called Piccadilly Lodge, No. 88, to which about thirty names
were handed in. The lodge was dedicated by the Supreme Gmnd
Secretary, John W. Carter, of Toronto ; assisted by H. J. Carter, Dis-
trict Deputy, London ; T. H. Jones, D. D., St. Thomas, and members
of the city lodges. The first officers of the new lodge were : — Presi-
dent, H. Wheeler ; vice-president, W. E. Hiscott ; past-president,
Thome.
Court Defiance. — At a regular meeting of Court Defiance, No. 7,
Canadian Order of Foresters, held in 1889, the following officers were
installed by E. A. Reed, D. D. H. C. R. ; assisted by R. McElheran, H.
M. ; Jas. McCormick, H. V. ; J. W. Thompson, H. S. ; Jas. Logic, H.
T. :— C. R., C. Taylor ; V. C, T. C. Howell ; R. S., J. W. Fletcher;
F. S., Thos. Burridge; T., Jas. H. Ferguson; S. B., Terrauce Heeney;
J. B., A. Isaac ; S. W., R. S. Walker ; Chap., Geo. Harper ; Physician,
Dr. Samuel Payne. The installing officer complimented the court
upon the very prominent position they occupy, being the leading court
of the west; a good balance on hand, and a membership of 138 ; send-
ing five representatives to the High Court, to be held in London in
June, 1889, E. A. Reed, Geo. Harper, A. Cave, T. A.Atkinson, C.
Walker, P. C. R.'s, being the ones elected.
London Lodge of Perfection. — The inauguration of London Lodge
of Perfection 14 ° , under the warrant of the Supreme Council of the
A. & A. S. Rite, took place at the Masonic Temple in the spring of
1889, a fair representation of members being on hand. Under the
former aiTangement, the Lodge of Perfection was a subsidiary body of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 651
the Eose Croix Chapter. In the fall of 18S8, at the request of the
Supreme Council, the powers held by the Chapter in respect of the
Lodge of Perfection were surrendered, and a warrant was issued in
February, 1889, all the members of the Rose Croix Chapter being named
as charter members. P. P. J. D. Sharnian, 18 ® , presided. After the
preliminaries had been finally settled and agreed upon, the following
officers were named for the year 1889-90 : — P. Pr. J. D. Sharman,
18 =>, T. P. G. M.; John Callard, 18 ° , exG. S. W.; H. C. Simpson,
18 => , ex-G. J. W. ; J. S. Dewar, 18 ° , ex G. Orator ; Isaiah Danks,
18 ° , ex-G. Almoner ; 111. Bro. A. W. Porte, 82 ° , ex-G. Treasurer ;
P. Pr. A. 0. Jefiery, 18 ° , ex-G. Secretary ; Frank W. Lilley, 18 ° ,
ex-G. M. of C. ; F. J. Hood, 18 ° , G. Tyler ; Alex. Irvine, 18 =" , G.
Expert ; Bros. A. E. Cooper, Asst-G. Expert ; J. Siddons, 14 ° , G. C.
of H. ; T. Brock, 14 ° , and J. C. Hegler, 14 ° , Stewards.
Verses. — The following clever verses possess no little poetic merit.
They were written by a young gentleman of London : —
CANADIAN plowman's SONG.*
Soho ! my good steeds, soho !
The reign of the frost-king is over.
And Nature's last token of snow.
Has vanished from wheat-field and clover ;
And she calleth for me and for you.
Out from our idle hours —
Out, where the meadow-lands through.
Are waiting the April showers.
Then let us be up and away.
Through the lanes and over the bridges,
To the fields, at the dawn of day.
And plow out our furrows and ridges.
The gloom of the coming night
May be touching our lives already ;
Let us work while our hearts are light —
Let us work while our hands are steady.
Away ! over stubble and sod,
Over the faUow-ground, turning
The soil to the sunshine of God,
To bask in its life-giving burning ;
Over the grasses, impearled
With brilliants of peerless creating :
Shall we stop when a hungry world
For the golden harvest is waiting ?
*Wruten for the Advertiser.
6o2 HISTOUY OF THE
0 speed ye, my bonnie brave steeds !
What care we for suu or for weather ?
If ours be inglorious deeds,
We will share them unhonored together.
Let others their brothers' blood shed,
That their names may be written in story ;
If we give to earth's perishing bread,
0 what do we care for her glory ?
We laugh at her praise and her blame,
While our birthright is honest endeavor ;
The palm of our merited name,
We will yield to no pride whatsoever.
Our realm is as wide as the zones.
We scorn all distinctions and stations ;
We labor for kings on their thrones,
And the humblest-born of the nations.
Then onward, haste onward, good steeds !
Let us turn o'er the sod and the stubble ;
While we walk where the furrow-path leads.
Let us think not of sorrow and trouble.
0 the smell of the upturning soil
Is the fragrance that lightens our labor; —
But what do we care for the toil,
When we call all humanity " Neighbor."
Sam. Gkeenwood.
London South, April 8, 1889.
The Liberal-Conservatives. — The annual meeting of the City Con-
servative Association was held in London in the spring of 1889, in the
Masonic Temple rooms. Ex- Mayor Hodgens presided, and among
those present were Messrs. 11. Bayly, Q. C, A. W. Porte, John Christie,
James Priddis, W. J. Eeid, C. L. Briefer, B. W. Greer, S. Ruse, C.
Colerick, Aid. Taylor, W. de Pay Williams, D. J. Batzner, L. 0. Law-
rason, E. W. M. Flock, E. M. Graham, J. Saiusbury, li. Pritchard, R.
A. Bayly, F. P. Blackwell, John Pritchard, R. Sainsbury, Wilson
Owens, W. Coles, J. P. Moore, G. E. Sayers, T. H. Shoebottom, Samuel
Turner, Peter Toll, L. Haylock, W. J. Thompson, E. A. Graham, Geo.
Freeman, F. J. Hood, Harry Slater, J. W. McLintock, Bert Moore,
George Hodder, George Carruthers, G. Mortimore, E. Carruthers, J.
Fleming and others.
The business of the evening was the election of officers and the
organization of ward committees to prepare the voters' lists under the
Manhood Suftiago Act passed by the Ontario Government. The
meeting was both harmonious and enthusiastic, and tiie business was
transacted in an earnest and energetic manner, that augured well for
the standing of the party in London.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 653
The following officers were elected : — President, T. D. Hodgens ;
vice-presidents, J. A. Cousins, B. W. Greer and A. B. Powell ; secre-
tary-treasurer, John Arnold. Ward committees were also elected to
look after the new hsts. R. Bayly, Q. C, Aid. Taylor, John Christie
and others spoke in regard to the necessity of looking after the voters'
lists and maintaining a perfect organization for the next Provincial
election.
London West Schools. — The April (1889) report of the schools of
London West was as follows : —
On Roll. D'ly Av.
1st Div., W. H. Liddicoat 48 39
Hud " Miss E. Douglass 45 42
ord " Miss C. A. Jefl'ery 58 51
4th " MissAdaPlatt 96 70
5th " Miss J. P. Gordon 70 37
Total 317 239
Non-residents, 17 on roll ; 16, daily average.
Typographical Union. — London Typographical Union, with a full
attendance of members, early in 1889, elected the following officers
for the year : — President, A. E. White ; vice-president, Chas. Ruse ;
financial secretary, Frank Plant (third term) ; treasurer, Ed. Fleming ;
sergeant-at-arms, F. Gee ; recording secretary, J. Element ; board of
directors, W. Lyttle, H. McPherson, F. Gee, H. Housen, E. Fleming ;
delegates to Trades and Labor Council, W. Lyttle, A. Marshall, H. Mc-
Lean, J. B. Anderson, Wm. Joanes.
Glencoe Mechanics' Institute. — The officers of the Glencoe Me-
chanics' Institute elected for 1889, were as follows : — ^President, I.
Kathburn ; vice-president. Dr. Lumley ; secretary, S. Ranton ; treas-
urer, G. M. Harrison ; librarian, J. E. Roome ; lecturer. Rev. D.
Cun-ie, B. D. ; associate lecturer, G. D. Wilson, B. A. ; directors, J. M.
Tait, G. D. Wilson, E. C. Swaisland, W. J. French, W. S. Rogers, A.
Stuart, R. Coad, S. Ranton, H. C. Dixon ; auditor, D. Stuart.
Strathroy Board of Trade. — The Strathroy Board of Trade was
organized in 1889 under the following officers : — President, C. Griste ;
vice-president, L. Dampier ; secretary, Frank Evans ; treasurer, W. T.
Smith, and Messrs. Dewar, J. Gillies, J. Barry, F. W. Meek, J. W.
Mitchell, D. M. Cameron, and W. H. Murray, councillors. Geo.
Richardson was appointed auditor.
Bank Statement. — The Bank of Montreal statement for the year
ending April 30, 1889, was as follows : — Balance of profit and loss
account, April 30— For 1889, $690,241.52 ; for 1888, .§605,743.34.
Profits for the year ending April 30, 1889, after deducting charges of
management and making provisions for all bad and doubtful debts,
$1,377,176.01 ; for 1888, $1,284,501.17— total for 1889, $2,067,417.53 ;
for 1888, $1,890,241.52. Dividend of 5 per cent, paid December, 1888,
$600,000; dividend of 5 per cent, payable June, 1889, $600,000.
654: HISTORY OF THE
Amount reserved for bank buildings in course of construction, $50,000
— total, $1,250,000. Balance of profit and loss carried forward, S817,-
417.53.
Repeal of the Scott Act. — Eeturning Of&cer Wm. Stanley and
Clerk W. Porte completed the official count of the ballots polled in the
vote in the County of Middlesex on the Canada Temperance Act, at
the City Hall, and gave the majority for repeal as 2,538. Following
are the official figures by municipalities : —
TOWNSHIPS.
,, . . ,., Against For Mai. Mai.
Municipality. the Act. the Act. Against. For.
Adelaide 235 143 92
Biddulph 407 57 350
Caradoc 397 140 257
Dorchester North 303 188 115
Delaware 135 85 40
Ekfrid 269 129 140
London 683 454 229
Lobo 159 238 ... 79
McGiUivray 348 205 143
Metcalfe 179 64 115
Mesa 170 69 101
Nissouri West 158 232 ... 74
Westminster 542 451 91
WilhamsEast 127 112 15
Williams West 115 58 57
Totals 4,227 2,625 1,745 153
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
Ailsa Craig 74 25 59
Glencoe 98 35 73
London East 295 78 217
London West 159 57 102
Lucan 127 8 119
Newbury 54 9 44
Strathroy 343 90 253
Parkhill 114 39 75
Wardsville 40 16 24
1,304 357 966
Total vote polled 8,513
Total vote against the Act 5,531
Total vote for the Act 2,982
Total majority against the Act 2,711
Oood Templars. — At the meeting of Rescue Lodge, No. 11, of the
I. 0. G. T., in the spring of 1889, the following officers were installed
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 655
for the ensuing tenn by George Harper, L. D., as Grand Chief Templar,
assisted by Mr. Hardy, of Lifeboat Lodge, No. 8, Toronto, as Grand
Marshal :— F. H. Wright, C. T. ; Nellie Telfer, R. H. S. ; Alice Watson,
L. H. S. ; Emma Groves, V. T. ; Al. Hodgins, recording secretary ;
Carrie Wright, assistant secretary ; Minnie Galpin, financial secretary ;
Harry Heaman, treasurer ; Mary Merritt, chaplain ; Fred. Groves,
marshal ; Lizzie Merritt, deputy marshal ; Lizzie Drew, guard ; T.
Copeland, sentinel ; J. Bryan, P. C. T. This lodge added fourteen new-
members to its list during the spring quarter of 1889. A very pleasing
incident of this meeting was the presentation of prizes to the three
members bringing in the most members during the quarter.
656 HISTOUY OF THE
CHAPTER XLI.
SUNDRY HISTORICAL NOTES.
Early Items. — It may not be generally known that elk once made
this part of what is now known as Southern Ontario then- home ; but
the exact date when they did so can hardly be arrived at. The earliest
settlers who came in, about 1820 or before, give no account of having
ever seen any. But there is positive proof that these fine de^r once
roamed along the flats of our own Bear Creek. In the fall of 1887,
Jno. E. Thompson, whilst doing some work on his land on the flats of
the creek above the mill pond, uncovered a well preserved specimen of
an elk's horn. It is now in the possession of L. H. Smith, and may
be seen by any person taking an interest in natural history affecting
this part of the country. It is impossible to say its age, but consider-
ing that it was covered with several inches of vegetable earth, perhaps
it is safe to say it was more than a hundred years since it adorned the
head of the noble buck. Another horn was dug up on that part of
Victoria street, south of the Maitland street school-house, at the time
that part of the street was ditched.
While some men were engaged in removing a large oak tree on
the route of the Canadian Pacific Railroad, on the farm of Mr. Henry
Edwards, Lot 10, Con. 2, Lobo, early in 1889, they came across some
three or four skeletons buried directly under where the tree had stood.
The tree is supposed to be 150 years old, being but little larger now
than when Mr. Edwards took possession, nearly fifty years ago. A
number of flint arrow-heads and other articles were also found at the
same place.
A number of human bones, consisting of a skull and other parts,
were taken from a cut on the Canadian Pacific Railroad lately, near
Newbury. The remains are said to be those of an Indian who was
buried there about thirty years ago.
Small Toions. — Glen Oak had a population of thirty in 1888. L.
J. Hixon was postmaster and general dealer, while Joe Whitker had a
boot and shoe store.
Ettrick claimed in 1888 a population of sixty. A. J. Thompson
was postmaster and saw-mill proprietor, while Wm. Fuller also owned
a .saw-mill at that point.
The post-office at Crampton was opened in June, 1882, with A.
Fleming, master.
Glendale's population in 1888 was thirty-five. A. Baughart was
l)o.>tmaster and hotel-keeper ; John Eagan's hotel, L. Howard's meat
market and C. Perkins's blacksmith shop made up the settlement.
Tlie new post-office of Crampton was established in 1888. The
population is placed at thirty-five. James Smith's cheese-factory and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 657
Alex. Fleming's blacksmith shop form the village. The latter is post-
master.
Ferguson was credited in 1888 with a population of 100. LesHe
Eomey kept the post-office, Andrew Ferguson and John McRoberts
the general stores, David Sells the cheese-factory, Mrs. Woolway tlie
hotel, and E. Colver the livery.
Postmasters of ISSS (no Towns).— J. H. Shoebottom, Ballymote ;
Arch. McLeod, Bornish ; T. A. Westcott, Cairngorm ; Thomas Hall,
Calder ; Wra. Masson, Cherry Grove ; John Sands, Crathie ; John
llielly, Glenwillow ; A. J. Thirlwall, Greystead.
Westminster Totunship Presbi/tenan Church. — What is known
as the North Westminster Presbyterian congi-egation was organized in
1854. The church then was a log building. A frame was put up
which served its day ; now it is a brick with a school-room added to
it. It was built in 1880, at a cost of about $6,000, including school-
room. The original members who signed the petition which asked for
organization are as follows : — Francis Nichol, sr., Jenet Nichol, Francis
Nichol, jr., Mary Nichol, James Eae, Janet Rae, John Nichol, Bar-
bara Nichol, John E. Elliott, David Jackson, John Elliott, John Elliott,
Jennet Elliott, Thomas Fleming, Elizabeth Fleming, John Elliott, Mrs.
John Elliott, James Thomson, Ehzabeth Thomson, Eobert Nichol, Mrs.
Robert Nichol, John Fan-is, Mrs. John Farris, Thomas Grieve, Robert
Fleming, James Ireland, Arthur Baty, Mrs. Arthur Baty, Elliott Grieve,
Elizabeth Grieve, John Riddel, Robert Baty, William Fleming, Thos.
Nichol, Mrs. Grieve, William Duguid, Jean Duguid, William Beattie,
Janet Beattie, Edward Beattie, Agnes Stewart, Helen Kirkpatrick, Mrs.
Fleming, sr., Mrs. Fleming, jr., Thos. Armstrong, Agnes Armstrong,
Helen Scott, Elizabeth Rose, Mrs. Drummond, Isabella Oliver, Mar-
garet Beattie, Elizabeth Nichol, Azor Jackson, Andrew Dodds, Mar-
garet Dodds, Margaret Bell, Jane Fleming, Christian Fleming, Anne
Beattie, Jane Govenlock,' Christina Fleming, Andrew Rae, Catherine
Rae, Humphrey Elliott, Margaret Elhott, Mrs. J. Ireland, Sarah
Wilson, Andrew Beattie, John Scott. Elliott Grieve, Thos. Baty, and
Eobert Fleming, elders. Their first pastor was the Rev. Wm. Inglis.
Their present one is the Rev. E. H. Sawers ; session clerk, John H.
Elliott ; chairman of congi-egation, Thos. Baty ; secretary, James Elliott ;
chairman of committee of management, John Lawson ; secretary, Adam
Nichol ; superintendent of Sabbath school, Elliott Grieve.
Strathroy Spring Fair of i<%'9.— Although the weather was
threatening, horsemen from all sections of the county poured into
town, bringing along the finest specimens of horseflesh. The stable
accommodation was taxed to its utmost limit, and early in the morn-
ing the owner of a valuable horse had reason to be thankful for even
an open stall in which to tie his animal. At nine o'clock the secretary,
Mr. Greenaway, began receiving entries at Griffith's Hotel, and from that
hour until twelve o'clock he was kept busy. When the hour arrived
for closing, the entries numbered seventy-eight, as follows : — Blood,
Oo8 HISTORY OF THE
aged, three ; carriage, aged, eight ; carriage, three years old, two ; road,
aged, six ; road, three years old, four; draught, imported, four ; draught,
imported, three years old, one ; agricultural, aged, two ; agricultural,
three years old, four ; general purpose, aged, seven ; general purpose,
three years old, four ; diplomas, thirty -three.
About noon the weather cleared off, and large crowds wended their
way to the show ground, and by one o'clock the work of exhibiting
and judging the animals was entered into.
Considerable interest was manifested in the trotting race for road
horses. The race was close, Prangley's Little Wonder winning both
heats, with Ealph & Roach's Verus a close second, and JMcLurg's Ches-
ter third. Speed, however, was not the only point to be considered,
and when all were counted up, the judges just reversed the order of
things, and awarded the first prize to Chester, second to Verus and
third to Little Wonder. Other matters of interest will be found in the
prize list, as follows : —
Blood — 1st prize and diploma, J. B. Martyn, Raulagh II. ; 2nd
prize, Frank Cook, Speculum Junior.
Carriage — 1st prize and diploma, Cameron & Dewar, Yorkshire
Lad ; 2nd prize, Alfred Cuddy, Harkaway ; 3rd prize, J. B. Gough,
Joe Gales Junior.
Carriage, three years old — 1st prize and diploma, David James,
John E. Ryskyk ; 2nd prize, J. L. Hill, Royal George.
Road — 1st prize and diploma, Henry McLurg, Chester ; 2nd prize,
Ralph & Roach, Verus ; 3rd prize, J. W. Pranglej', Little Wonder.
Road, three years old — 1st prize, Wm. Bishop, Seaforth ; 2nd prize,
A. H. Kittredge, Tony T.
Judges — Alex. Cameron and Geo. Smith.
Draught, imported— 1st prize and diploma, Paul and Charlton,
Baron II., Drumbanrig ; 2nd prize, Robert Alexander, Highland Laddie ;
3rd prize, Kingston & Sharpe, Clark Maxwell.
Draught, imported, three years old — 1st prize, E. W. & G. Charl-
ton, St. Regulus.
Agricultural — 1st prize, Thos. Crapp, King John ; 2nd prize, Ronald
Cowan, ex-Boy in Blue.
Agricultural, three years old. — First prize and diploma, James A.
McArthur, Glengary Junior; second prize, Wm. Stevenson, Young
Silver Pure ; third prize, Robert Atterson, Pride of Life.
General Purpose. — First prize and diploma^ Richard Briggs, Young
Douglas ; second prize, John W. Shipley, French Sovereign ; third
prize. Denning & McLean, Lord Nelson.
General Purpose, three years old. — First prize, D. Campbell,
Glenelg ; second prize, John McVicar, Sir Thomas.
Judges — R. Craig, Robert Walker, Joseph Moore.
Machinery Notes. — The display of agricultural machinery on the
market square was unusually fine, and the agents were kept busy all
day showing the merits of their machinery. Mr. A. S. Deavitt, of
COU.XTV OF MIDDLESEX. 659
Strathroy, had a very large exhibit, representing A. Harris, Son & Co.,
of Brantford, with binders and mowers, and Wisner, Son and Co., with
drills, cultivators and hay rakes. Besides these, Mr. Ueavitt had an
assortment of Copp Bros.' (Hamilton) plows and harrows, and harrows
from the Eagle Sulky-Harrow Company, of Brantford.
The Sarnia Manufacturing Company was represented by Mr. J.
Goodison in person. His steam threshing machine in full running
order attracted much attention, and deservedly so. He also had
several mowing machines, altogether making a very creditable display.
The local agent of the Massey Manufacturing Company, of To-
ronto, had an excellent display of binders and mowers ; also the Coltart
and Scott seed drills.
Mr. Peter Ferguson, of Strathroy, had a good exhibit of the Max-
well binders and mowers ; also the Forest plows.
Mr. Thomas Bailey was on baud with a fine display of Fleury
plows, both riding and walking, also a gang plow and other machinery
manufactured by the Fleury Company, the whole attracting consider-
able attention.
Noxon Bros., of Ingersoll, were represented by their Coldstream
agent, who had a very good exhibit.
The Thorn's Implement Company, of Watford, exhibited binders,
etc.
Statistics. — Mr. J. Huston, the Glencoe assessor, made his return
in the spring of 1889, from which are gleaned the following facts : —
No. of acres assessed, 425i ; total value of real property, §190,650 ;
value of personal property other than income, $11,000 ; taxable income,
!?2,600 ; population, 905; male persons from 21 to 50 years, 249;
births in 1888, 24 ; deaths, 8 ; No. of dogs, 50 ; increase in value of
real property over last year, $4,650.
The following is a statement of the revenue and expense of the
principal post-ofBces in the Dominion, 1888 : —
KECEIPT.S. EXPENSES.
Toronto $287,000 $101,000
Montreal 246,000 112,000
Winnipeg 57,000 34,000
Halifax 50,000 31,000
London 47,000 30,000
Ottawa 46,000 45,000
St. John, N. B 37,000 39,000
Quebec 36,000 33,000
Kingston 21,000 15,000
Glencoe Presbytenan Church. — The Glencoe Presbyterian Church
Building Committee met in the spring of 1889, at the store of Mc-
Millan & McLean, and accepted the tender of Andrew Clanahan for
the erection of a new church. The tender was $9,300, plans to be
followed in detail, with the exception of the spire, which the commit-
660 HISTORY OF THE
tee did not feel warranted in going on with at present with the amount
of subscriptions guaranteed. However, the ladies concluded to under-
take to raise the extra amount (.§600) required for the spire, so as to
have the building complete. The contractor was to lurnish all the
material, with the exception of sand and brick on the ground, and the
brick of the two old churches. The work was begun at once, but the
contractor did not bind himself to have the church completed before
1890. The Sunday school room was designed to seat 300 people, the
.seating to be taken from the old St. Andrew's Church after the con-
tractor had completed his work.
Caradoc Spring Show.— The annual spring fair of the Caradoc
Agricultural Society in 1889 was held at Mt. Brydges. The various
classes were well filled, the number of entries being twenty-six, and
exceeding that of any previous show held by the society. The horses
were all well-bred animals, and much admired. The attendance was
up to the average, and, no doubt, would have been much larger had it
not been for the inclement weather. .Messrs. Geo. Ballantyne, Robert
Porter and James Chambers discharged the duties of judges. Follow-
ing is the prize list : —
Stallions. — Heavy Draught, four years old and upwards — N. Nor-
ton's Silver Pure, T. Crapp's King John.
General Purpose, four years old and upwards — C. McKeigan's
Huron Chief, J. W. Shipley's French Sovereign, James McArthur's
Glengary Junior.
General Purpose, three years old — Hughes & Siftou's Hero.
Carriage, four years old and upwards. — Cameron & Dewar's York-
shire Lad, A. Cuddy's Harkaway.
Carriage, three years old — G. V. Burwell's Young Canada Southern,
D. James's John E. Rysdyk.
Roadster, four years old and upwards — Charles Kosser's Chepacket,
J. W. Drake's Nimble Ned, A. H. Kittridge's Erie.
Roadster, three years old — A. H. Kittridge's Tony T., J. L. Hill's
Koyal George.
Cattle. — Durham bull, one year old — T. Fauld's Acorn.
Items. — At the annual vestry meeting of St. James's Cliurch,
Parkhill, held on Easter Monday, 1889, the following officers were
appointed : — T. L. Rogers, J. L. Barnum, wardens, re-elected ; R. A.
Rogers, E. Simpson, sidesmen ; R. S. Macalpine, T. Watson, auditors ;
E. M. Bigg, lay delegate ; H. Smart, usher.
A meeting of No. 12 Committee of the Board of Education was held
in the city clerk's office, in London, to consider the plans submitted by
the city engineer for the proposed additions to the Talbot and Nortli
Waterloo street public schools, and after examining them Ciirefully they
were adopted. The cost of the Talbot street school extension was esti-
mated at S10,000, including furniture and furnaces, and of the Waterloo
street school about $600 less.
Protestant Home Board. — At a regular meeting of the Protestaut
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 661
Home Board, iu Victoria Hall, in 1889, Mrs. Morphy presiding, Miss
Fowler reported that there were forty-nine children in the Home —
fourteen girls and thirty-five boys. The treasurer's statement showed
the receipts to be $200.46, and the disbursements S132.94, leaving a
balance of $77.40. A special vote of thanks was passed to the City
Council for their grant of $500, and other donations were acknow-
ledged as follows : — Mrs. Fowell, cake ; Mrs. Chapman, buns ; Mrs.
H. A. Smith, eggs, twenty dozen; Mr. Perkins, meat; Mrs. D. A.
Collins, turnips; Mr. Bell, bread, twenty-one loaves; Mrs. H. Moore,
jar of fruit; Mrs. Shuttleworth, clothing; Mrs. T. E. Parker, three
dozen boys' collars ; Mr. Beattie, gloves for children ; Mr. E. Nichol-
son, five dozen hats for children.
St. George's Church. — At the vestry meeting of St. George's
Church, Loudon West, in 1889, there were present Eev. G. B. Sage
(rector), Church Wardens J. H. Lings and J. E. Snow, Messrs Jolly,
Kingsmill, Gibson, Edmonds, F. Peters, W. W. Fitzgerald, Gahan,
Houghton, Garratt, Ward, D. C. Macdonald and Hard}^ During the
year, fifty baptisms, fourteen marriages and nine deaths had taken
place, and twenty-six candidates were confirmed. Eeceipts during
year, $2,031 04 ; balance, $141.97. The assets were placed at $6,027-
.47, and the liabilities at $228, leaving assets over liabilities, $5,799.47.
Mechanics' Institute. — At the annual meeting of the trustees of
the Mechanics' In.stitute in 1889, there were present : — President
Thomas Green, Messrs. Alex. Harvev, W. Scarrow, J. Johnston, A. 0.
Jefiery, T. Macgoey, E. T. Essery, N. T. Wilson, J. Brooks, and H.
Macklin, secretary. The treasurer's annual report was read as follows :
RECEIPTS.
Balance from 1888 $ 21 55
Rent 1,488 50
Members' fees 334 00
Government grant 242 24
Sundries 73 00
Total $ 2,159 29
DISBURSEMENTS.
Ontario Investment $ 1,170 00
Salary- 376 95
Books 175 59
Magazines and papers 75 70
Gas 80 20
Taxes . 137 52
Insurance 72 00
Coal and wood 33 05
Sundries 53 52
Total $ 2,174 53
Leaving a deficit of , 15 24
662 HISTOKY OK THK
ASSETS.
Books and furniture $ 3,500 00
Building and land 25,000 00
Total 828,500 00
LIABILITIES.
Mortgage S1S,000 00
Making assets over liabilities 10,500 00
The librarian's report showed 3,589 volumes in the library, and
that 4,659 had been issued during the year. The present member-
ship was 202, a decrease of 36 compared with last year.
Officers were elected as follows : — President, Thos. Green ; first
vice-president, W. Scarrow ; second vice-president, J. Johnston ; treas-
urer, Alex. Harvey ; corresponding secretary, E. T. Essery ; minute
secretary, J. D. Keenleyside ; directors. Colonel Lewis, Colonel Walker,
Chief Roe, Messrs. R. Hannah, H. Macklin, J. Brooks, B. W. Greer,
Thos. Macgoey, A. 0. Jeffery, and J. D. Keenleyside ; auditors, Robert
Miller and Dr. Ziegler.
TJie Hospital Trust. — A meeting of the Hospital Trust was held
in the City Hall in 1889, when there were present: — Chairman Lewis,
Trustees Gilmour, Purdom, Mayor Taylor and Medical Superintendent
Balfour.
Dr. Balfour reported that seventeen patients had been admitted
since last meeting — -ten males, five females and two children. The
number discharged was fifteen — males, eleven, and females, four.
There were then in the Hospital fifty-five patients — twenty-one males,
twenty-eight females and six children.
Dr. Balfour also submitted the following report of the number of
days' stay of paying patients, and the amount charged, as follows : —
1,129 days at $3.50 per week 8 564 50
855 days at $5.60 per week 684 00
605 days at $6.30 per week 544 50
$1,798 00
Of this amount $68.40 was not considered collectible.
Masonic. — The following officers were elected in Merrill Lodge,
No. 344, A. F. & A. M., G. R. C, Dorchester Station, May 9, 1889 :—
Dr. Graham, W. M. ; John Beverly, S. W. ; W. H. Collins, J. W. ; S.
Wilson, chaplain ; Geo. Wade, treasurer ; E. T. Shaw, secretary ; Ly-
man Shaw, tyler.
Strathroy Fimince Repoii,. — April 1, 1889. Members present,
Urqnhart, Murdock, Smith and Dyas
They recommended payment of the following salaries and accounts :
J. B. Winlow, clerk $30 00
John Mallon, engineer 44 66
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 665
Geo. Wilson, chief 37 50
Thos. Whalls, street lighting 16 00
W. H. Armstrong, treasurer 37 50
Dr. Henderson, physician 30 00
A. Carruthers, disinfectants 4 91
D. Waite, relief 80
Chas. Chapman, binding assessment roll 50
Eichardson Bros., printing 29 25
A. Urquhart, repairing engine house doors 1 00
F. McGibbon, coal 3 15
J. James, relief 3 46
J. D. Meekison, stationery 4 42
A. G. Wright, firemen's boots 17 40
Toronto Rubber Co., nozzles 44 75
14 25
Cemetery receipts, $3 ; market, $24.
It was recommended that the sum of $1,200 be placed to the
credit of the Public School Board, as per requisition.
Mechanics' Institute $100 00
Pay sheet, per W. Eichardson 16 47
Ci-iminal Statistics. — The following table from the criminal statis-
tics gives the ratio of criminals per thousand of population in the cities
and^^chief towns of Ontario.
"xr» — ■ ™? ■iHu"
Toronto 126,169 4,943 39.17
Hamilton 43,982 2,377 55.17
Ottawa 37,020 1,033 27.90
London 26,315 906 34.42
Kingston 15,827 474 29.94
Brautford 12,570 487 38.74
St. Thomas 10,271 279 27.16
Guelph 10,195 179 17.55
Belleville 10,139 299 29.49
Peterborough 8,160 307 35.43
Chatham 8,342 175 20.97
Windsor 7,608 289 37.98
Woodstock 7,533 336 44.80
Court Robin Hood. — At the regular meeting of Court Robin Hood,
No. 59, Canadian Order of Foresters, held in April, 1889, the following
officers were elected for the ensuing term : — W. J. Element, P. C. R. ;
James Ellwood, C. R. ; Sid. Loveless, V. C. R. ; A. Kirkpatrick, record-
ing secretary ; John Mortimore, financial secretary ; John Fleming,
treasurer ; Ed. Walton, chaplain ; G. F. Ryder, S. W. ; W. Lillicrap,
J. W. ; M. Connors, S. B. ; Wm. McMurdie, J.B.
666 HISTORY OF THE
Railway Land Subsidies. — Notice was given of the following laud
subsidies in April, 1889, in aid of railway construction : — To the
North-western Coal & Navigation Co., in addition to former grant,
2,600 acres per mile from Dunmore station, on the Canadian Pacific
Kailroad to Lethbridge, a distance of 109i miles; also to the North-
western Coal & Navigation Co., 6,400 acres for each mile from Leth-
bridge to the International boundary, about fifty miles. To the Red
Deer Valley Eailroad Co., 6,400 acres per mile from Cheadle station,
Canadian Pacific Railroad, to its terminus, a distance of about fifty-five
miles. To the Alberta & Great North-western Railroad Co., 10,000
acres per mile from Calgary to Edmonton, about 210 miles. To the
Albei-ta & Great North-western Railroad Co., 10,000 acres per mile
from Calgary to Lethbridge, about 120 miles. To the Qu'Appelle,
Long Lake & Saskatchewan Railroad, from Long Lake to Prince
Albert, about 240 miles, 6,400 acres per mile. To the Lake Manitoba
Eailroad & Canal Co., 6,000 acres per mile from Portage La Prairie to
the southern boundary of Lake Manitoba, about seventeen miles.
Church A'ppointonents. — The appointments to Appin and Tail's
Corners Presbyterian Churches for two months in the spring of 1889
were as follows: — April 21, Rev. A. Hudson; April 28, Rev. E. Mc-
Auley ; May 5, Rev. W. H. Geddes; May 12, Rev. W. A. Stewart;
May 19, Rev. George Yeomans ; May 26, Rev. W. McKay ; June 2,
Air. Thomas Nattrass (graduate) ; June 9, Rev. A. McKenzie.
Glencoe Lacrosse Club — At a largely attended meeting held in
1889, the Glencoe Oaks Lacrosse Club was reorganieed, and was
officered by the following gentlemen for the season: — J. M. Tait,
president ; I). D. Black, vice-president ; A. IMcLean, treasurer ; D.
Stuart, secretary ; F. Carter, captain. The committee secured the
grounds opposite the station for the season.
Entomology. — One of the most inviting intellectual retreats in
London is the headquarters of the Entomological Society in the Young
Men's Christian Association building on Clarence street. The room
presents to the visitor a strikingly bright and cheerful appearance.
The library, from very small beginnings, has grown into a handsome
and valuable collection, containing .some hundreds of well bound
volumes treating of subjects in natural history, and especially of the
gi'eat and multiplex family of bugs in their relation to agricultural in-
dustries. The collection of insects also is most interesting to those
who have pursued the study of entomology. It comprises thousands
of specimens gathered not only in home fields, forests and gardens,
but brought from far-ofl' countries — all classified and named according
to their order and functions in the course of nature. Among the appli-
ances of the society is a fine microscope, costing $500, and a great
variety of objects for examination. All this is the result of the intelli-
gent labor of a few citizens enthusiastic in the study of nature, as ex-
emplified at their " bug meetings." participated in by E. B. Reed, Wm.
Saunders, J. M. Denton and others, aided, of course, by an annual
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 667
grant of money from the Ontario Government, and the active co-
operation of other enthusiastic professors and students in other parts
of the province. The records of the society, as edited for pubhcation
by E. B. Eeed, form a large accumulation of valuable facts and deduc-
tions of practical use to farmers and fruit growers ; and the members of
the society are agreeably astonished at the interest which the farmers
of this district are taking in their work, and express special appreciation
of the favorable interest which the Hon. Mr, Drury, Minister of Agri-
culture, has shown in it.
Old Folks' Concert. — The choir, under the direction of Mr. T.
Allen, gave an old folks' concert in the Congregational Church in the
spring of 1889. The affair was a success in all respects, and the pro-
gramme, a highly appropriate one, was rendered with admirable spirit.
The costumes were very attractive, and the opening tableau, in which
all appeared, showed up well. The cast was as follows : — Tyme beater.
Squire Verity, T. Allen ; harpsichordist, Hiram Huckleberry, A. Allen ;
Mehitabel Abigail Speedwell, Miss Allen; Mistress Amaryllis Rose-
mary, Miss C. Freeland ; Phyllis Buttercup, Miss Trafford ; Charity
Hayseed, Miss E. Emory ; Dorothea Dumpkins, Miss Hargreaves ;
Euth Eosebud, Miss Stevens ; Barbara Jingles, Miss Pink ; Mistress
Phoebe Contralti, Miss Eendell ; Damsel Singsong, Miss Wrighton ;
Dame L. Willoughby, Mrs. Pink ; Miriam Treetop, Aliss E. Greenway ;
Patience Parminter, Miss E. Hourd ; Hope Blossom, Miss M. Sweeney ;
Bart. Bumblebee, H. Freeland ; Lord Dunraven, W. Rowlands ; Sir
John Barleycorn, H. Eoberts ; Eeuben Mainbrace, Mr. Pink ; Obadiah
Swiftfoot, W. Aloule ; Felix Goodhope, C. Freeland ; Anthony Heavy-
tone, A. Hourd ; Dry Bones, the Weeper, W. Allen.
London Cricket Club. — The meeting of the London Cricket Club
was held in 1889, and a large number were present and the utmost
enthusiasm prevailed. In the unavoidable absence of the president the
chair was taken by G. B. Harris. The secretary reported membership
as follows: — Patrons, thirty; players, seventy-four ; juniors, six; non-
residents, one; total. 111 members. The treasurer reported subscrip-
tions as follows : — Patrons (4), $-40 ; members (55), $275 ; juniors (2),
$4; total cash on hand, $ol9. The agreement with the Tecumseh
Base Ball Association was read and discussed at length, and finally
passed with a few trifling alterations. Another otter of a cricket
gi'ound was made and discussed, and referred to the gi-ound committee
for report as to ways and means. The question of club colors was
debated and postponed for the arrival of further samples. The pro-
position to join the Ontario Cricket Association was carried unanimously
and the subscription was ordered to be remitted. Eesponses from
Middlesex cricketers willing to join the county eleven were read, and
further responses were awaited. The county match and. the married
vs. single match were approved. The challenge of the New York
(Staten Island) club was accepted for August 15 and 16 on the Tecum-
seh Park. The challenge of the Hamilton Junior Eleven for July 3-
668 HISTORY OF THE
was also accepted, also on the Tecumseh ground. The secretary was
authorized to conclude the purchase of the materials of the London
South club for $20.
Insurance Abstract. — An abstract of statements of insurance
companies doing business in Canada in 1888-9, gives many interesting
particulars respecting the people's precautionary investments. The
amount of fire insurance in 1888 was :^In Canadian companies, S120,-
158,592 ; British companies, §376,408,322 ; American companies,
§448,813,432. The premiums charged upon this 945 million dollars
of insurance amounted to §6,402,608. Of this the companies received
net §5,440,009, and the net cash paid for losses was $3,076,282. The
proportion of losses to premiums was considerably less than in 1887.
In life insurance, eleven Canadian, sixteen British, and thirteen Ameri-
can companies operated in Canada in 1888. The policies in force and
the amounts were : —
POLICIES. AMOUNTS.
Canadian companies 72,203 $114,034,279
British companies 14,724 30,665,465
American companies 46,731 67.724,094
Totals for 1888 133,668 212,423,838
Totals for 1887 118,113 191,694,270
Increase in year 15,555 20,729,568
The total premiums paid during the year amount to $6,560,218,
being an increase of $558,813 on the premiums paid the previous year.
The Lawyers' Banquet. — The banquet tendered to Mr. Justice
Street, at the London Club, by the bar of the County of Middlesex, in
the spring of 1889, was a brilliant success. The various speeches were
of an interesting character, those of Col. Shanly and Justice Street
being especially so, referring as they did to the old-time associations
of both. Among those present were the following gentlemen : — Col.
Shanly (chairman), Justice Street, W. E. Meredith, Q. C, E. Bayly,
Q. C, Cohn McUougall, Q. C, Hon. David Mills, J. H. Flock, G. 0.
Gibbons, W. H. Bartram, T. G. Meredith, I. F. Hellmuth, V. Cronyn,
Jas. Magee, J. 1?. McKillop, F. W. Thomas, E. Meredith, Q. C, E. A.
Meredith, E. T. Essery, F. Love, T. H. Purdom, Talbot .Macbeth, Col.
Macbeth, E. E. Cameron, Eraser (Wallaceburg), Duncan MclNIil-
lan, Fred. Harper, John McDonald, A. Stuart (Glencoe), Emery
(Petrolea), A. B. Cox, H. S. Blackburn, B. H. Tennent, W. A. Proud-
foot, N. P. Graydon, Sherili' Glass, P. Mulkern, J. H. A. Beattie, M.
D. Fraser, C. .Jarvis, and many others. Several of these gentlemen
contributed songs, which were heartily received. All present enjoyed
the banquet greatly.
Scott Act at Strathroy. — The following is the result of the town
vote in the several iwlling sub-divisions at the close of the polls on
Thursday : —
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 669
For. Against.
No. 1 17 48
" 2 21 27
" 3 12 77
" 4 16 62
" 5 15 65
" 6 9 64
90 343
Majority against the Act 253
The following was the town vote in June, 1885, when the Act
was passed : —
For. Against.
Div. No. 1 35 19
2 47 6
3 30 34
4 43 11
5 35 24
6 36 15
232 109
Majority for the Act 123
Ditl'erence in the two votes 376
Glencoe Spring Fair. — The Glencoe semi-annual live stock fair
held there in the spring of 1889 was, as usual, well attended by
farmers from the surrounding country. Not a dozen cattle, however,
were offered for sale, but there was a large display of entire horses and
farm machinery. In horses some fine Percheron, Clydesdale, general
purpose and blood animals were shown, the exhibition being equal in
this respect to that of any previous fair. It was the agents' oppor-
tunity to reach the farmer, and many sales were made of farm
machinery. A new sulky plow, manufactured by Thorn's Implement
Works, Watford, attracted a good share of attention, being one of the
latest improvements in farm machinery. It was simple, and any
ordinary walking plow could be attached very easily. A Chatham
fanning-mill was exhibited with bagging attachment. This also was
something new. Good exhibitions were made of machinery by local
agents, among whom were Bayne Bros., W. Coyne, D. D. Thompson,
A. Hyndman, J. McAlpine, N. McKellar, D. C'obie and Mr. Black.
Independent Order of Foresters. — The headquarters of the Inde-
pendent Order of Foresters was established on the corner of Bay and
King streets, Toronto, in 1889, where the supreme chief ranger.
Dr. Oronhyatekha, was in command, with four lady assistants, in
charge of the various departments into which the business is divided.
The Order is only in its eighth year, yet the progress made is
remarkable, under Dr. Oronhyatekha's management. It started with
670 HISTORY OF THE
a membership of less than 400 and a debt of $4,000. The member-
ship in the spring of 18S9 was 13,000, and the surplus in the treasury
$106,774.74, invested as follows :—
Post Office Savings Bank, Ottawa $11,779 5(3
Dominion Savings Bank, London 10,871 02
Ontario Loan and Debenture Co., London 21,580 08
Canada Permanent, Toronto 5,000 00
Bank of Toronto, Toronto 10,367 10
Bank of British North America, London 10,000 00
Huron and Erie Loan Co., London 10,000 00
School and Municipal Debentures 17,179 98
Freeholds. & L. Co 10,000 00
Besides this magnificent showing, S250,000 was paid to widows
and orphans, not to speak of the benefits and medical attendance re-
ceived by the sick from time to time. The security given by the Order
is ample and systematic. No cheque, unless signed by the seven
members of the executive council, can be cashed, and with respect to
the ordinary fund, the cheque must be signed by the supreme chief
ranger, secretary and auditor. The number of lodges under the juris-
diction of the High Court was 40G, and the Order was growing rapidly.
The supreme chief ranger deserves great credit, for the Order has
risen so rapidly and has made such strides into popular favor as to
leave no room for doubt that its past progress is as nothing to what
will take place within the next decade.
Death Statistics. — The number of deaths per 1,000 of population
for the leading cities of the Dominion is shown in the following of&cial
figures for 1887, except Hamilton, which is for 1888 : —
Hamilton 44,229 749 16.
Montreal 198,760 6,051 30.74
Toronto 126,169 2,441 19.34
Quebec 64,092 1,818 28.36
Halifax 40,000 727 18.19
Ottawa 37,000 813 2L96
St. John, KB 28,110 589 20.95
London 26,315 425 16.15
Winnipeg 21,257 522 24.55
The Methodists. — The Transfer Committee of the General Confer-
cvence of the Methodist Church met April 4, 1889, in the Metropolitan
(Jhurch at Toronto. The following were transferred to Toronto Con-
ference : — Revs. W. L. Scott, from Bay of Quinte ; P. Sparling, from
Guelph ; J. H. Holmes, from Gueli>h ; E. Crummey, from Montreal ;
J. F. Ockley, from Bay of (^linte ; J. V. Smith, from London ; S. T.
Bartlett, from London.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 671
Into London — Eevs. John Learoyd, from Bay of Quinte ; A. S.
Galton, from Toronto ; A. C. Courtice, from Toronto ; S. Bond, from
Montreal ; J. P. Eice, from Toronto ; J. W. Andrews, from Bay of
Quinte.
Into Niagara — Revs. Jas. Awde, from Montreal; John Wood, from
London ; J. Jackson, from Manitoba.
Into Gnelph — Dr. Henderson, from Montreal.
Into Bay of Quinte— Revs. T. H. Griffith, Ph. D., from Toronto ;
J. ]\I. Hodson, from London ; R. Johnston, from Guelph.
Into Montreal — Revs. S. P. Rose, from Niagara ; J. Davies, from
Bay of Quinte ; William Harris, from Niagara ; Geo. S. Reynolds, from
Bay of Quinte ; Dr. Ryckman, from Loudon ; J. M. Tredrey, from New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Into Manitoba — Revs. Albert C. Crews, from Niagara ; John Stew-
art, from Montreal ; J. J. Leach, from Bay of Quinte ; J. A. Mussel,
from Montreal ; J. W. Sparling, from Montreal; F. J. Oaten, from
Toronto ; W. R. Jamieson, from Toronto ; C. A. Procunier, from
Niagara ; J. W. Runions, from Montreal ; S. R. Brown, from Mon-
treal ; John Tozeland, from Bay of Quinte.
Into British Columbia — Rev. W. D. Wisner, fi-om Niagara.
Into Nova Scotia — Rev. J. P. Heald, from Newfoundland.
Dairying Interests. — The following table of the comparative
quantity of cheese and butter exported from Canada in the years 1869,
1883, 1886 and 1888 will show better than any amount of words to
what an extent the butter industry has fallen off' and the cheese interest
has increased : —
CHEESE EXPORTS. BUTTER EXPORTS.
Years. Weight in lbs. Years. Weight in lbs.
186'J 6,111,482 1869 .• 10,853,268
1883 58,041,387 1883 8,106,447
1886 78,000,000 1886 4,500,000
1888. ..more than 78.500,000 1888 about 1,500,000
Oddfellotvs' Annual Statement. — The following is a statement of
the work of the Independent Order of Oddfellows in Ontario, for the
term ending December 31, 1888, and is taken from the Grand Secre-
tary's yearly report : — Installed during the year, 1,790 ; admitted by
card, 151 ; re-installed, 161 ; grand total, 2,102. The number of
members who were suspended, withdrew, expelled or died during the
year was 1,402 ; leaving a net increase of 700 members. Member-
ship on December 31, 1888, 16,053. Number of Past Grands, 2,900 ;
number of degrees conferred, 4,913. The total number of brothers
who received sick benefits was 1,951 ; number of widows who re-
ceived benefits, 293 ; number of orphans who received benefits, 95 ;
number of wives of brothers died, 78. The amount paid in sick
benefits was $30,009.37 ; amount paid for surgeons' fees and nursing.
672 HISTORY OF THE
$5,302.32; amount paid for widows' benefits, $11,376.80; amount
paid for orphans' benefits, $919.28 ; amount paid for burjdng deceased
brothers, §3,487.50 ; amount paid for burying deceased wives of
brothers, §1,350.80 ; total for ls88, §53,497.01, being an average for
each day in the year 1888 of $145.56, an increase of $4.23 per day
over the year 1887.
Tim Public Revenue. — The returns of revenue and expenditure for
March, 1889, are found to produce a net gain in income of about
$100,000 as compared with the corresponding month last year, the
figures being: —
1888. 1889.
Customs $1,859,852 $2,376,451
Excise 485,192 524,149
Post-office 142,250 219,378
Public works 277,063 172,189
Miscellaneous 65,559 31,680
Total $2,829,916 $3,323,847
The increase in revenue of March reached half a million dollars,
customs increasing $516,600, inland revenue $39,000, and post-office
$77,000, while the income from public works, including Government
railways, declined $105,000, and miscellaneous fell off $34,000. The
total expenditure of the month was $1,756,464, as compared with
$1,349,357 in March of 1888, an increa,se of $407,000, or about $87,-
000 less than the gain in revenue. The total revenue for the nine
months ending with March aggregates $27,940,616, and the total ex-
penditure $23,729,291, leaving a surplus of $4,211,325 at the present
time. Besides the above statement on consolidated fund account, there
was expended on capital account, in March, $282,288, and in the
nine months, $3,887,693, made up thus : — Public works, railways and
canals, $2,993,322 ; Dominion lauds, $76,762 ; railway subsidies, $799,-
200 ; rebellion account, $18,409.
The total gross debt of the Dominion on the 31st of March was
$287,889,980. Deducting from this the investments in sinking
funds and otherwise, the Provincial, the miscellaneous and banking
accounts a total of $53,016,343 of assets, the net debt remains at
$234,873,637.
Strathroy Mechanics' iTistitute. — The annual meeting of the
members of the Strathroy Mechanics' Institute was held in the rooms
in the spring of 1889, at which there was a fair attendance of those
interested in its welliire. The report, read by Secretary Greenaway,
showed that the organization was in a healthy and flourishing con-
dition, and that much interest was taken in the work by the citizens
generally. From the report, which was for the year ending May 1,
1889, are culled the following particulars : —
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 673
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand $ 30 52
Members' fees 202 75
Legislative grant for membership 50 00
library 150 GO
" " reading-room 50 00
Municipal grant 100 00
Lectures and entertainments 128 00
Other soiu-ces 67 00
Total $778 27
DISBURSEMENTS.
Eent, light and heating $ 77 54
Salaries 117 45
Books, not fiction 298 94
" fiction 39 17
Magazines, papers, etc 100 77
Lectures and entertainments 115 62
Miscellaneous 15 43
Balance on hand 13 35
Total $778 27
STOCK AND ASSETS.
Furniture and appliances $ 100 00
Books ill library 3,800 00
Cash in hand 13 35
The membership on May 1, 1889, was 338. '
No. of volumes purchased in 1888-9 : — Biography, 18 ; fiction, 45 ;
history, 15; miscellaneous, 40; general literature, 99; poetry and
drama, 9 ; religious literature, 6 ; science and art, 5 ; voyages and
travels, 7 ; works of reference, 2 ; total, 246.
No. of volumes in the library: — Biography, 211; fiction, 1,026;
history, 364 ; miscellaneous, 407 ; general literature, 302 ; poetry and
drama, 107 ; religious literature, 142 ; science and art, 278 ; voyages
and travels, 190; works of reference, 85; total, 3,112.
No, of volumes issued during the year :— Biography, 162 ; fiction,
5,030 ; history, 335 ; miscellaneous, 409 ; general literature, 655 ;
poetry and drama, 102 ; religious hterature, 144; science and art, 260 ;
voyages and travels, 279; works of reference, 15; total, 7,391.
The reading-room is open every day, Sundays excepted, from 3.30
to 9 p. m., and on the tables are to be found the following : — •
Daily Papers. — Toronto Globe, Empire, Mail, and World, London
Free Pi-ess, and Advertiser, Montreal Witness, Detroit Free Press, and
New York Tribune.
Weekly Papers. — London Times, Strathroy Dispatch and Age,
Scientific American, The Week, Ch^p, and Punch.
67-1 HISTOUY OF THE
Magazines. — Harper's Monthly, and Young People, The Century,
and Smbner's. English. — Illustrated Magazine, Chambers's Jour-
nal, London Society, St. McImIos, and Tlie Eclectic.
Other Papers. — Illustrated London News, G-raphic, and Hai-per's
Weekly.
The officers were elected as follows: — President, D. L. Leitch ;
vice president, Eev. L. DesBrisay ; treasurer, J. H. Mcintosh ; secre-
tary and librarian, C. Greenaway ; directors, J. E. Wetherell, D. W.
Vary, D. Evans. Rev. T. Macadam. K. F. Eichardsou, J. Heard, E.
Eowland, Miss Balmer, and Miss R. Robertson.
Ancient Order United Workmen. — The membership account of
the entire order, according to the jurisdictions, is summarized as fol-
lows :— New York, 29,077 ; Missouri, 20,705 ; lUinois, 20,668 ; Cali-
fornia, 17,964 ; Ontario (Canada), 16,050 ; Pennsylvania, 19,314 ;
Massachusetts, 14,129 ; Michigan, 13,732 ; Kansas, 12,935 ; Wiscon-
sin, 6,730 ; Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware, 5,885 ; Minnesota,
5,525; Nebraska, 5,115; Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, 4,350;
Oregon and Washington Territory, 4,200 ; Iowa, 3,686 ; Ohio, 3,658 ;
Nevada, 3,465 ; Indiana, 2,544 ; Texas, 2,480 ; Tennessee, 2,316 ;
Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and
Florida, 1,950; Kentucky, 1,475, making a grand total of 213,962 in
good standing at date of Dec. 31, 1888. The jurisdiction of Ontario
made the largest gain, 613, and California suffered the greatest loss, 69.
Base Ball Association. — The second annual meeting of the Lon-
don Athletic and Base Ball Association (limited) was held in the
jMasonic Temple, in the spring of 18S9. Thomas S. Hobbs, the
president, was in the chair, and a fair representation of stockholders in
attendance. The financial statement was presented, showing liabilities
of $13,388 ; assets, §5,900, and profit and loss, $7,500, the latter
amount being less than the figures obtainable for the different players
if put on the market. The statement was adopted without discussion.
The president explained at considerable length the steps which had
been taken during the spring to strengthen the team, and felt that,
although hard luck had been their portion for a few days past, the
club would demonstrate to the citizens of London before many weeks
elapsed that they were able to cope with the best of the many good
teams in the Association. The election of directors resulted in the
choice of the following : — Geo. S. Birrell, C. S. Hyman, Adam Beck,
W. J. Reid, W. M. Gartshore, E. 0. Macfie, Thos. S. Hobbs and R. B.
D. Nicholson. The Board subsequently met and re-elected Mr. Hobbs,
president; Mr. Birrell, vice-president ; Mr. Gartshore, treasurer; and
Mr. A. M. Smart, secretary.
Against Papal Aggression. — Taking advantage of their meeting
as the TraTisfer Committee of the Methodist Church in Canada, the
principal officials of that denomination adopted the following resolution
in 1889 regarding the Jesuit Estates Bill : —
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 675
" We, the general superintendents of the Methodist Church of this
Dominion, and the presidents of the annual conferences assembled,
without assuming to speak for any other men's consciences or intelli-
gence than our own, and with only the desire to obtain righteous ends
by righteous means, deem it our bounden duty to protest against the
aggressions of the hierarchy of the Eoman Catholic Church, as we
believe, to the serious prejudice of our civil and religious liberty, more
especially in the recent act for the incorporation and endowment of the
Jesuits, a society which has been suppressed in Great Britain and
again and again disqualified by imperial statutes to hold property
within the British realm, and has also been expelled from all Christian
and civilized lands because of its influence in the subversion of gov-
ernment and the corruption of morals, and notably from the Republic
of France as lately as 1879-80, and which society, for similar and
other causes, was abolished in all the world by the Pope himself
" We further protest against the recognition of the authority of the
Pope in any civil affairs of a British Province, as we believe to be the
case in this act representing the settlement of the Jesuit estates, and
further, against the appropriation of public funds to ecclesiastical and
secular uses, as a discrimination betwixt religious bodies, and subversive
of the principle of separation of Church and State, as recognized in the
British North America Act ; and further, we desire to declare that our
aid and influence shall be given to all ettbrts to test the constitution-
ality of these acts before the proper tribunals, and we cannot but
express our deep regret that the House of Commons, in its recent vote
upon the subject, should have manifested so little regard to petitions
asking for disallowance, and to the strong expressions of feeling from
influential bodies in various parts of the Dominion.
" In putting forth thus moderately our convictions on these import-
ant matters, we disclaim any and every intention to interfere with the
full rights of our Roman Catholic fellow-citizens in civil and religious
matters. We appeal to the history of Methodism as to her advocacy
and guardianship of equal privileges to all. We desire earnestly the
peace and prosperity of our commonwealth, and must cast upon aggres-
sors the responsibility for disasters which we gravely apprehend. Ever
confident that Protestantism in the fear of God will stand for the liberty
of the subject, the honor of the Crown, and the full freedom of worship
according to the dictates of conscience, under the sense of personal
responsibility and the exercise of individual right.
" A. Carman, general superintendent ; John A. Williams, general
superintendent ; E. A, Stafford, president Toronto Conference ; J. Gra-
ham, president London Conference ; W. J. Maxwell, president Niagara
Conference ; George Richardson, president Guelph Conference ; M. L.
Parsons, president Bay of Quinte Conference ; J. W. Sparling, presi-
dent Montreal Conference ; Thos. Argue, president Manitoba Confer-
ence ; J. S. CofEin, president Nova Scotia Conference; Chas. H. Paisley,
president New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Conference."
676
HISTORY OF THE
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678 HISTORY OF THE
Canadian Pacific Railway. — The Canadian Pacific Railway report
for 1888 made an excellent showing for the company. It was stated
that the gross earnings reached the large total of $13, 19 5,535, and that in
only the second year of the operation of the line was there an increase
of nearly SI, 600,000 over the income of 1887 ; while the operating ex-
penses were $9,324,760, giving net earnings of $3,870,774, and a sur-
plus of $326,423 after paying fixed charges. The financial position of
tlie company as represented in the report was an exceptionally strong
one. The fixed charges about reached the maximum for a few years ;
at any rate, the Act obtained by the company from Parliament provid-
ed, for the conversion of existing obligations into perpetual debenture
four per cent, stock, by which an economy in interest would be effect-
ed sufficient to meet the charges that might arise out of any future
requirements iu the way of improvements, equipments and facilities.
The company, moreover, exhibited a very valuable asset in its land
grant. Of the original grant of twenty-five million acres, there were
surrendered to the Government in 1886 in part payment of the com-
pany's debt, 0,793,014 acres, leaving a balance of 18,206,986 acres, of
which the large quantity of 14,807,536 acres was yet unsold. lu
addition, the company held 1,309,424 acres in Southern Manitoba, ac-
quired through the purchase of the Manitoba South-western road, a
property which on the average of the sales last year, $4.54 per acre,
was worth $5,944,800, and against which the only lien was $884,873
to the Governnjent of Manitoba. Tliese laud grants, on the basis of
last year's sales, were worth no less than $55,000,000, a sum ample to
extinguish the land grant mortgages and the whole of the first mort-
gage bonds of the company, and the value of the property steadily
enhances as settlement extends and the public lauds are taken up.
The report affords an indication of the gratifying improvement in
North-west prospects, the total number af acres sold by the company in
the first four months of the year 1888 having been 72,441 for $259,-
922, as against 24,970 acres for $80,869 in the corresponding period
of 1887.
Distinct Metliodist Meeting. — The general business meeting of the
London district of the London Conference convened in Pall Mall street
Methodist Church, May 23, 1889, with Rev. Dr. Ryckmau in the
chair, and Rev. S. J. Allin acting as secretary. There were also in
attendance the following delegates : — Ministerial — Rev. J. G. Scott, J.
V. Smith, E. B. Lanceley, John Holmes, S. G. Livingston, B. A. ; Alex.
Langford, Charles Smith, C. C. Couzens, W. W. Edwards, J. E. Ford,
Reuben Millyard, C. W. Brown, B. A. ; John Beale. Lay — Messrs.
R. J. C. Dawson, C. J. Beale, W. 11. ]\IcCutcheon, W. D. Buckle, J.
Friend, A. B. Campbell, W. F. Connor, W. J. Gibbling, R. W. Jack-
son, E. F. Hunt, W. M. Baker, Robert Bodkin, T. S. Minton.
The schedule re])orts from the different circuits in the district were
then received : — Queen's Avenue — Membership 517, increase 14, total
amount raised, $13,249.56. Dundas Centre — Membership 550, increase
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 679
120, total amount raised, S9,200. Hamilton Road— Membership 112,
increase 9, total amount raised $1,627.20. St. Johns — Membership
161, increase 1, total amount raised $1,103.52. Elizabeth Street —
Membership 160, increase 45, total amount raised $1,236.73. London
South — Membership 360, increase 32, total amount raised $4,291.38.
Siloam — Membership 201, decrease 4, total amount raised $2,136.28.
Pall Mall — Membership 178, increase 10, total amount raised S3. 118.-
51. Dorchester — Membership 371, decrease 1, total amount collected
$3,208.94. Lambeth — Membership 274, decrease 6, total amount
raised $1,245.70. Westminster — Membership 385, decrease 8, total
amount raised $1,864.53. Thorndale — Membership 277, decrease 25,
total amount raised $1,899.43. Delaware — Membership 224, increase
4, total amount raised, $954.28. Wellington Street — Membership 273,
decrease 40, total amount raised $2,736.93. King Street — Member-
ship 205, increase 40, total amount raised .$3,373.62. London West
— Membership 252, increase 75, total amount raised $1,847.59.
These returns placed the total membership of the district at 4,511,
an increase of 269 as compared with 1888. The largest increase is in
Dundas Centre Church (120) ; where Evangelist Crossley held services
during the winter. The total amount collected for all purposes in the
district was $54,994.20, a satisfactory increase over the previous year.
Delegates to the different Conference Committees were appointed
as follows : — •
Stationary — Eev. Reuben Millyard.
Sabbath School — Rev. J. E. Ford and Layman E. S. Hunt.
Lay Delegates to Conference — R. J. C. Dawson, C. J. Beale, John
Friend, Thos. Minton, J. Wheaton, Thos. Bedgood, W. Henderson, W.
Heamau, B. Davis, W. Yates, E. Bodkin, W. H. McCutcheon, W. D.
Buckle, Wm. Orme, A. V. Campbell, W. J. Gilling, A. Westman,
Thos. Minton, R. W. Jackson, F. Lewis, J. B. Lane, John Mill, E.
Hunt, C. Sifton, W. M. Baker, T. Webster, Dr. Eccles, W. H. Winnett,
H. Henderson, Chas. Thome, Wm. Blinn, W. Gibson, J. F. Jeffers.
Lay Delegate to Missionary Committee — E. J. C. Dawson.
Revs. Messrs. Langford, J. G. Scott and Mr. R. J. C. Dawson were
appointed a committee to confer with Delaware and Westminster, and
report at next district meeting.
Rev. Dr. Sanderson moved the following resolution, seconded by
Rev. J. G. Scott, which carried amidst applause.
" 1. That this London District meeting solemnly and earnestly pro-
test against the permitted aggressions of the hierarchy of the Roman
Catholic Church, to the serious prejudice of our civil and rehgious liberty.
More especially do we protest against the recent acts passed by the
Legislature of Quebec, and not disallowed, as they should have been,
by our Dominion Government, for the incorporation and for the endow-
ment of the Jesuits — a society which has been suppressed in Great
Britain, and again and again disqualified by Imperial statutes to hold
property within the British realm, and which society further has been
680 HISTOUY OF THE
expelled from nearly all Christian and civilized countries, Eoman
Catholic as well as Protestant, because of its influence in the subversion
of governments and the corrui^tion of morals, and notably from the
Eepublic of France, within the last ten years ; and which society, for
similar and other causes, was abolished in all the world by the Pope
himself — an authority now claiming to be infallible.
" 2. We further protest against the recognition of the authority of
the Pope in any civil affairs of a British province, as a dishonor done
to our Queen, as in the Jesuits' Estates Act ; and, further, against the
appropriation of public funds to ecclesiastical and secular uses, as a
discrimination betwixt religious bodies and subversive of the principle
of separation of Church and State recoguized in the British North
America Act ; and we further declare that our best aid and our
unceasing influence shall be given to all legitimate efforts to test the
constitutionality of these acts before the proper tribunals.
" 3. Whilst thus moderately setting forth our conviction and deter-
mination, we disclaim all intention and desire to interfere with the
rights of our Eoman Catholic fellow-citizens in civil and religious
matters, conceding to them, to their fullest extent, what we claim for
ourselves, but not a jot beyond. We desire earnestly the peace and
prosperity of our country, and righteously cast upon aggressors the
responsibility for disasters, which we gravely apprehend will ensue.
We stand for the honor of the Crown, the equality of rights, the hberty
of the subject, and the full freedom of worship according to the dictates
of conscience ; and, whatever the cost may be, by the grace of God we
will stand for these to the end."
Loyal Orange Association. — The members of the Eoyal Scarlet
Chajiter of London held their regular meeting in the Orange Hall,
Mechanics' Institute, on Saturday evening, the 18th of May, 1889.
Three candidates were exalted to the degree of Sir Knight Companion
of the Eoyal Scarlet. The beautiful and impressive ceremony and
e-xemphfication of the degree was accomplished in a very able manner.
After the usual routine of business was disposed of the election of
officers was then proceeded with, resulting as follows: — Sir Knight
E. A. Smith, worshipful companion in command ; Sir Knight Wm.
Brodison, excellent companion in command ; Sir Knight E. D. H.
Hillier, companion chaplain ; Sir Knight Samuel Cardwell, companion
scribe ; Sir Knight Hugh Newell, companion treasure)' ; Sir Knight F.
H. Wright, herald-at-arms ; Sir Knight Samuel Young, inward herald ;
Sir Knight John Turrilf, outward herald.
Sundry Notes. — The deaths ia Beaver Lodge, Strathroy, are re-
corded as follows : — Hugh Fraser, 1864 ; Timothy Cook, 18G5 ; John
Frank, 1886 ; Abel Wilcox, 1«64 ; E. H. Smith, 1867 ; Donald Eob-
insou, 1882 ; Joseph C. Small, 1879 ; Wm. Henderson, 1866 ; Geo.
Lagenby, 1872 ; W. J. Bradley, 1868 ; E. C. Scatcherd, 1879 ; Jame
Harvey, 1871; Dr. James Mothersill, 1877; Eobert C. McGregor,
1871 ; Wm. Long, 1875 ; John D. Lauler, 1879 ; Thomas L. Arm-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 681
strong, 1887 ; Eev. James Smythe, 1879 ; Robert Bentley, 1878 ;
Kobert Moore, 1876; Hamilton Howe, 1882; James McNeece, 1883 ;
James Thompson, 1888; Charles A. Eothwell, 1884.
The second anniversary of the opening of the Canada Methodist
Church on Front street, Strathroy, was held January 15, 1882. The
receipts for the year 1881 amounted to $4,874.32, all of which was
expended except $515.32. The assets amounted to $21,209.81, of
which $17,280.68 represented the ground, church and parsonage
buildings.
In October, 1873, John Hawkey, of Parkhill, secured the contract
for the stage route between Strathroy and Parkhill.
In 1860, George Orchard established the Medical Hall at Strath-
roy. Ten years latter W. T. Dyas & Co. were the proprietors.
The name Canada is derived from the Iroquois — Kannata, or
love of cabins. This definition is accepted by Charlevoix in his " His-
toric de la Nouville France," and, with him as an authority, the defini-
tion may be accepted as the origin of the name, although Aca Nada —
" here is nothing " — was appKed by the Spaniards, and also El Cape di
Nada — "Cape Nothing" — was also used by them.
John Buttery, fruit-tree nursery near Strathroy ; Timothy Cook
was merchant and miller ; Hiram Dell was merchant ; Page & Man-
son, merchants, in 1850.
The ministers of the Strathroy churches in 1872 were: — Eev.
O'Shea, of the Catholic ; Eev. T. Cosford, of the Wesleyan Methodist ;
Eev. H. Dockham, of the Methodist Episcopal ; Eev. D. Baldwin, of
the Eegular Baptist ; Eev. J. W. P. Smith, of the English Church ;
and Eev. E. Saul, of the New Jerusalem Church.
The corner-stone of the Methodist Church of Strathroy, corner of
Front and Maria streets, was placed on Dominion Day, 1879, and
dedicated Jan. 11, 1880 — eighteen years and one day after the old
frame church building on North street was begun. The cost was $16,-
500.
Mrs. Carroll, wife of Charles Carroll, hanged herself near Strath-
roy, Oct. 1, 1887.
Patrick McDonough, who came from Ireland in 1830, and in 1837
settled in London Township, served the following winter against the
Patriots. In 1838 he entered business at London, but the campaign
so injured his health he retired shortly after, and died in 1844. Com-
modore McDonough, of the first United States navy, was his uncle.
His son, Thomas, occupies the old homestead in London Township.
Unexpected Death in August, 18SS. — Henry A. Smith, late of Her
Majesty's Inland Eevenue Department, died unexpectedly in August,
1888. Probably no man was better or more favorably known in
London than this gentleman, who had been engaged in the hardware
business for a number of years previous to his appointment in the
Inland Eevenue department in this city, some twenty-three years ago.
He founded the hardware business carried on under the name of Smith
43
682 HISTOUY OF THE
& Chapman, and which is now owned and conducted by his two sons,
W. H. & C. R. Smith. At the time of his death Mr. Smith occupied
the position of vice-president of the London Furniture Company.
Thomas Walden (or Walder), a native of Cavau County, Ireland,
and an old settler of London Township, died April 28, 1886.
James Cavey, who left Ireland in 1839, and travelled from Quebec
to the 7th Concession of London that year, died in May, 1882.
Thomas. R. Haskett, a pioneer of the 16th Concession of London,
died in September, 18S7, in his 74th year.
The Catholic Record says : — " On the 8th inst., Mr. Patrick Miir-
tagh, an old and highly esteemed resident of London, died at his resi-
dence in this city, in October, 1888, in the 63rd year of his age. He
was a native of Ledwithstowu, County Longford, Ireland. He has
been in Canada forty years, thirty-three of which he had been in the
service of Bishop Hellmuth."
Mrs. Eliza Griffith, who settled with her husband in 1854 on the
spot where stands the William Street Memorial Church, died Decem-
ber 8, 1887. She was a workhouse matron in England, and subse-
quently owned the Litchfield Lunatic Asylum.
Alex. Purdom, who came here from Scotland in 1849, and entered
the employ of James Elliott, died in 1882. In later years he erected
Labatt's brewery, St. James's Church, in London South, and the re-
fractory buildings at the asylum.
Isaac Waterman, a Bavarian, settled at London in 1858, and, with
his brother, Herman, was interested in the early oil refineries.
On the 23rd of July, 1888, another of London's oldest and most
esteemed residents, Mrs. Julia McCauslaud, rehct of the late Andrew
McCausland, was called to her reward. She was a native of the County
of Longford, Ireland, and came to Montreal in the year 1832. In
1835 she removed to London, where she was married to Mr. McCaus-
land, whose death occurred nine years ago.
Charles Davidson, an early settler of London, died February 7,
1874. John Gurd of Fermoy, Ireland, who settled at London in 1842,
died in 1882. Eebecca Gurd, who settled in London in 1842, came
from the South of Ireland that year; she died in May, 1887. Geo.
Holman, an old resident of London, died at Toronto in June, 1869.
His son George was then connected with the Holman Opera troupe.
James Glen, who.se death took place in November, 1887, came to
London with a British regiment in the forties.
In September, 1874, a boy of eight summers, Alexander Gibson,
shot and killed his sister Kate. The affair occurred at Hugh Rankin's
house during a " paring bee."
Mrs. F. Becraft, of London West, was fatally burned on September
16, 1882.
To obtain land in early times, it was necessary to visit Colonel
Talbot, and the settlers had to make the journey to his place at Port
Talbot along the North street and connecting roads. The Colonel held
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 683
a patent of the lands, and upon the settlers going to him he would
secure a lot for them.
Angus Gunn, who in 1881 resided with his daughter in Middlesex
County, near London, was the last known survivor of those who set out
to settle at Fort Garry, in IS 12, with Lord Selkirk. Charles Macbeth,
who died in 1881 at South Simcoe, was another of the men who ex-
perienced the horrors of that dreadful journey.
In the Presbyterian cemetery at Granton is a monument bearing
the following inscription : —
IN MEMOUY
WILLIAM EILEY.
Died Nov. 10, 1874, age 62.
This world is made of crooked streets ;
Death is the place all men must meet ;
If money souls would buy.
The rich would live and the poor would die.
Here lies the body of an honest man ;
Deny it who can.
This Eiley was known to the old settlers as Old Sebastopol, owing
to the fact that he aided the French troops in building the railroad
thence to Balaklava.
Physicians. — The following is a list of successful candidates at the
medical examinations held in the Ontario College of Physicians and
Surgeons at Toronto in the middle of April, 1889. There were 125
candidates who successfully passed the final examinations, as follows:^
W. J. Armstrong, Bayfield ; li, K. Anderson, Horny ; H. W. Arm-
strong, Bailieboro'; A. E. Almas, Hagersville.
F. J. Bradd, Campbellford ; J. Brown, Campbellford ; W. E. Bate-
son, Cresswell ; W. W. Birdsall, Delhi ; A. E. Bolton, Portland ; J. J.
Broad, Souva ; J. E. Bowman, Dundas ; H. Becker, Grief ; T. A. Bea-
man, Bancroft ; E. Bull, Weston ; G. M. Bowman, Hamilton ; P.
Brown, Oshawa.
G. B. Carbet, Orangeville ; G. K. Crosthwaite, Bartonville ; J.
Campbell, Mapleton; J. H. Collins, Whitby; J. T. Campbell, Whitby;
J. Carruthers, Cayuga; G. Chambers, Woodstock; C. P. Clark, St.
Marys ; H. Chappie, Newcastle ; J. Crawford, Glencoe ; W. H. Clapp,
Toronto ; Miss Jennie Carson, Strathroy ; J. A. Creasor, Owen Sound ;
Pi. C. Chamonhouse, Eganville ; R. M. Cooper, London ; C. A. Cline,
Belmont ; H. N. Coutlee, Sharbot Lake ; M. C. Dewar, Toronto ; W.
C. David, Kingston ; W. A. Dixon, Toronto ; G. A. Dickinson, Lyon ;
John Duff, Inverary.
684 msTOKY OF the
W. J. Eailey, Owen Sound ; G. F. Emery, Gananoque ; A. R.
Elliott, Belleville ; W. Egbert, Duunville ; A. T. Euimerson, Peterboro' ;
H. C. S. Elliott, Toronto.
J. B. Eraser, Spencerville ; T. A. Fitzgerald, Millbrook; S. M.
Eraser, London; A. E. Carson, Ottawa; J. B. Gamble, Toronto; F. E.
Godfrey, Belgrave ; W. 0. Gilchrist, Barrie ; J. A. Greenlaw, Palmers-
ton ; M. E. Gilbrie, Bosworth ; H. Grundy, Toronto.
1). Henderson, Bradford ; A. H. Halliday, Port Perry ; J. S. Hart,
Wilfrid ; A. E. Hillker, Port Elgin; W, E. Harding, Brockville: L. G.
Hiscon, La Salle, N.Y. ; R. H. Horner. London ; J. Holdcroft, Tweed ;
F. B. Harkness, Kingston ; C. H. Hamilton, Shelburne ; J. A. Ivey,
Jarvis; W. T. Irwin, Pembroke; W. Kerr, Guelph ; 0. L. Kilbam,
Toledo ; H. 0. Laufear, Newburg ; A. C. Little. Barrie.
H. J. Meiklejohn, Sterling ; V. J. Milne, Blyth ; A. J. McAuley,
Fraukford; W. J. Maxwell, Brockville; E. Meek, Alton; T.J. Molier,
South Douro ; J. T. McKillop, Beachburg ; T. P. McCullough, Dundalk ;
T. J. McNally, Walkerton ; D. McKay, Bradford; J. K. McCabe.
Adelaide ; J. Y. McLachlan, London ; J. M. McFarlane, Toronto ; C.
McLachlan, Toronto ; D. H. Mcintosh, Carletou Place ; G. McDonald,
Renfrew ; T. C. McRitchie, Morpeth ; P. W. H. McKeown, Toronto ;
H. McKercher, Stittsville ; Miss Isa McConville, Kingston.
W. W. Nasymith, Toronto ; H. S. Northmore, Cataraqui ; W. S.
Phillip, Brampton ; J. A. Patterson, Port Elgin ; R. H. Palmer, Dan-
forth ; T. C. Patterson, Grafton ; G. S. Rennie, Hamilton ; A. J. Rey-
nolds, Palmerstou ; S. T. Rutherford, Millbank ; D. A. Rose, Toronto ;
J. A. Ross, Barrie ; AV. H. Rankin, Collinsby ; A. A. Smith, Ridge-
town ; A. Stewart, Douglas ; W. A. Sangster, StoufiVille ; E. Silver-
thorne, Summerhill ; A. Y. Scott, Toronto ; E. T. Snider, Odessa ; H.
A. Stewart, Toronto.
R. W. Topp, Bracebridge ; H. A. Turner, Millbrook ; J. L. Turn-
bull, Newton ; R. A. Westly, Williamstown ; H. Wallwin, Barrie ; H.
P. Wilkins, Toronto ; J. A. Wylie, Wisbeach ; A. I. Wilson, Berlin ;
R. J. Wade, ISrighton; W. R. Wade, Brighton ; A. E. Wills, Belleville ;
H. W. Wilson, Huntley; W. M. Wright, Flesherton; J. Webster,
Toronto ; H. T. H. Williams, Clandeboye; S. N. Young, Ridgetown ;
H. A. Yeomans, Belleville.
The Strathroy MetJtodists. — The Strathroy Methodist district meet-
ing assembled in the town of Petrolea, May 2o, 18811, Rev. Wm. Mc-
Donagh presiding. Rev. J. G. Fallis was elected secretary, and G. J.
Kerr and W. F. Little were assistants. The laymen met the follow-
ing day. Rev. A. F. Russell, B. D., was elected to the Stationing
Committee ; Rev. Geo. Brown and James Shephard were elected to
the Sunday School Committee, and G. G. German to the Missionary
Committee.
The following resolution was passed : —
Resolved — That we, the members of this Strathroy district, in an-
nunl meeting assembled, hereby express our most decided disapproval
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 685
of the incoi-poration of the Jesuits in the Province of Quebec, and the
endowment of said society from the public funds. We believe that
the Dominion Government and our representatives in the Dominion
Parliament acted contrary to the interests of this country in not dis-
allowing said endowment, and we honor the noble thirteen who vot^d
for the resolution introduced by Col. O'Brien, and we hereby declare
that we shall withhold our support from any political party that will
sell our rights for Jesuit votes and influence, and that we shall earn-
estly contend for equal rights for all and special privileges to none.
We shall also hold ourselves in readiness to assist any association that
may take the necessary steps for testing the constitutionality of said
incorporation and endowment. We would also heartily commend the
Toronto Mail for the course it has taken in so fearlessly and ably ad-
vocating and defending the interest of the people on this great ques-
tion.
West Middlesex Reform Association. — The annual meeting of the
West Middlesex Reform Association, as constituted for Provincial
elections, was held at Mt. Brydges, May 28, 1889. The president, M.
MoGugan, of Caradoc, occupied the chair. The first business was the
election of officers, which resulted as follows: — President, Jas. F.
Sutherland, Mount Brydges; first vice-president, A. P. McDougall,
Reeve of Ekfrid ; second vice-president, H. Lockwood, Delaware ;
secretary, F. F. Evans, Strathroy; treasurer, B. Watterworth, Mosa.
Hon. G. W. Ross, Minister of Education, was present, and delivered
an address on the questions of the day, and more particularly in con-
nection with the educational department. Short addresses were also
delivered by D. M. Cameron, of Strathroy ; Geo. C. Elliott, of Ekfrid,
and A. Stuart, of Gleucoe.
Among others present were the following gentlemen : —
Caradoc — Messrs. M. McGugan, James F. Sutherland, H. Hardy,
W. Robertson, Henry Sutherland, William Francis, Robert Bond, Geo.
Bond, Cephas Sisson, Joseph Sisson, H. Lockwood, AVallace Malcolm,
Squire Northcott, Chas. Stuart, Wm. Miller, B. F. Bartlett, Frank
Thompson. .J. E. Brydon and J. C. McCollum.
Mosa — B. Watterworth, Duncan Campbell and Wm. Webster.
Ekfrid— A. P. McDougall, Jas. Pole, Alex. Douglass, Geo. C.
Elliott and Squire Campbell.
Glencoe — Alex. Stuart and J. McAlpine.
Delaware — Samuel Sutherland, F. Jarvis and Eli Perkins.
Strathroy— H. Urquhart (reeve), Wm. Geddes, D. M. Cameron, E.
Rowland, Jas. Healey, J. Banghart, Eli Griffith, John Bond, J. D.
Meekison and F. F. Evans (Age).
The following gentlemen were then elected chairmen for the vari-
ous municipalities : — Caradoc, Henry Hardy ; Delaware, Sam'l Suther-
land ; Ekfrid, A. P. McDougall ; Glencoe, J. M. Tait ; Metcalfe, W. S.
Calvert ; Strathroy, J. P. Whitehead ; Mosa, Duncan Campbell ; New-
bury, Jas. Douglas ; Wardsville, W. W. Sheppard.
686 HISTORY OF THE
Victo7na Circle. — In the spring of 1889, Deputy Supreme Com-
panion F. Ball, of London, assisted by Deputy Supreme Companion
E. Dunn, of London South, and Companion Wallace, initiated Victoria
Circle, No. 76, Companions of the Forest, in Foresters' Hall, London
West, with a membership of about thirty. The following officers were
elected : — W. Duff, chief commander ; Miss G. Gibson, sub-chief com-
mander; Mrs. Duft; treasurer; T. Glover, recording secretary; H.
McPherson, financial secretary ; Miss Ealph, right guide ; Mrs. S.
Moore, left guide ; Mrs. T. Davidson, inner guard ; Dr. G. N. Wilson,
physician. A large number of visitors were present from the city
orders, and a number of speeches were made.
Australian Population. — The estimated population of Victoria on
December 31, 1888, was 1,090,869 ; of New South Wales, 1,085,356 ;
and of South Australia, 311,961. The estimated mean population for
the year of each of the metropolitan cities of the colonies was as fol-
lows : — Melbourne, Victoria, 41 9,490 ; Sydney, New South Wales, 357,-
690; Brisbane, Queensland, 85,800; Adelaide, South Australia, 115,-
380; Hobart, Tasmania, 34,419; Welhngton, New Zealand, 30,590 ;
Perth, Western Austraha, 9,300.
Collegiate Institute Examinations. — The following is the result
of the examinations held in the Collegiate Institute in the spring of
1889:—
Sixth Form — The following have secured first-class honors : — Miss
M. Pocock, Miss Edith Vining, Miss Clara Eobson, Miss Maggie Gray,
and ]\Iiss C. Howie, while Harold Anderson and P. E. Mackenzie, rank
in second-class honors. Joseph Fowler obtained second-class honors
in algebi'a.
Fifth Form — Class II. — Mary Hamilton 63 per cent., Edith Eyck-
man 62, Arthur Hotson 60, May Field 60, James Young 57, Effie
Johnston 57, Bessie Evans 54, Frank Bryant 53, Jessie Spittal 53,
Jo.sie Jeffrey 52, Peter Gardiner 52, J. M. Johnston 52, and Ed. E.
Eeid 50, and Class I. in mathematics.
Class III.— Winnie Hotson 48, Minnie Trebilcock 46. Bertha Steele
44, Delia Bryant 43, Sarah Brett 41.
Fourth Form— Class I.— Marilla Judd 81, A. Casey 73, E. Sea-
borne 70, H. Brock 67.
Class II.— ('. Abbott 65, T. O'Brian 63, Ada Jeffrey 62, Annie
Pearse 62, Charlotte Baxter 60, Bertha Graham 60, Minnie Laidlaw
60, Annie McUurdy 60, IMary Oliphant 58, Maggie Bell 55, H. For-
sythe 55, Nellie Green 54, J. Cooper 53, Maggie Seaborne 52, H. Mc-
Ilwain 52, C. Morrison 52, A. Santo 51, R \V. Dickie 50, G. Eose 50,
Kate Colquhoun 50, Carrie Holjbs 50, Kate McArthur 50, Lizzie
Stewart 50.
Class III.— A Nugent 48, John A. Gordon 47, W. Hobbs 47,
Nellie McAuliffe 47, J. Greenfell 46, J. W. Plewes 46, Corinna Mayell
45, W. Stewart 44, W. Laidlaw 43, W. O. Johnson 36.
Third Form— Class I.— C. Sifton 67.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 687
Class II. — Minnie Hills 65, Blanche Mills 64, Annie Adcock 64,
B. Funiess 63, W. J. Kennedy 62, C. Carson 61, Mabel Bapty 60,
Jennie Watson 58, Gussie Elliott 57, H. Givens 56, E. Sifton 56, Wm.
Bucke 55, May Vining 55, Wm. Pope 54, 0. Cunningham 54, Fannie
Eoss 5o, May Millar 53, A. Little 53, Robert Gray 52, A. Stringer 52,
Came Fleming 51, James Carlisle 50, W. Hall 50, Wm. Hendrie 50.
Class III.— Kate Leary 49, John O'Higgins 49, E. C. Struthers 48,
C. Eose 48, Thomas Carlisle 48, J. Prescott 47, Janie Jacobs 47, Eobt.
Irwin 46, Geo. Aylsvvorth 46, Geo. Seaborne 46, J. McConnell 45,
Edward Wyatt 44, Frank Guillemont 43, A. G. Fraser 43, Coral Mc-
Naughton 41, H. Moore 40, Edward B. Mills 40, Wm. Macgoey 40,
Thos. Kennedy 34, B. Arniim 33.
Class IV.— L. Keilly 30.
Second B— Class I.— John M. Green 80, S. Chadwick 79, F. Baxter
76, H. O'Higgins 76, Annie Dawson 74, E. Williams 73, Wm. Bryan-
ton 71, Wm. Slaght71, Ed. Weir 71, H. Elliott 68, James Muir 70,
Emma Ince 70, James Davis 70.
Class II. — Lizzie Williams 65, A. E. Farncombe 64, F. Fitzgerald
64, B. Gahan 64. Ed. McKibbin 62, A. C. Jack 61, R. Waide 59, L.
Keenleyside 59, W. Scott 57, F. Omond 56, W. Goldner 55, James
Taylor 54, Delia Stapleton 53.
Class III.— Wilton Lang 48, H. Arnott 46, John D. McLeay 44,
George McGuffin 44, Charles Lilley 42, Edward Hunter 41.
Class IV.— J. Wolfe 32, Joseph Booth 31, H. Eichardson 28, H.
Harper 27.
Second A — Class I. — Mabel Smith 71, I. McPherson 70, Beatrice
Gibson 69, W. Carson 68.
Class II.— Annie Beattie 64, Sarah, McEvoy 63, Wm. Clarke 62,
F. Westland 62, John Allin 61, Jas. Hazlet't 59, H. Sharman 58,
Florence O'Brien 58, Hattie McGeoch 56, Kathleen Mullins 56, Wm.
Templeton 54, B. Morrison 54, H. Foote 54, Laura Kains 54, Nellie
Denahy 61, Mary Howie 50, Carrie Porter 50, Fred. Fraser 50.
Class III. — Edgar Canu 49, H. Cooke 48, Minnie Graham 48,
Laura Bilton 48, Wm. Simson 46, Lily McEwen 45, Mamie Mc-
Donald 45, George Ford 42, B. C. Chapman 40, B. McFadden 40,
Aggie Mulligan 37, Ethel Pigott 37, F. Coles 32.
" First B— Class ].— J. Heaman 81, Jessie Tilley 73, Clara Horton
70, Minnie Martin 68, W. Power 67, Eachel Wolf 67, Lulu Doidge
67, Dottie Cowan 66, Nellie Edge 66.
Class II.— C. Payne 64, C. Anderson 62, F. Tweed 61, W. Eeid
61, S. Irvine 61, E. Harris 61, H. Eock 60, C. McBeth 60, Grace Mc-
Leay 57, L. Eichardson 57, Flora Black 55, Lizzie Harvey 55, W.
Hodges 55, Viola Brown 54, W. Stewart 53, Ada Henderson 52, S.
Dulmage 51, J. McArthur 51, E. McCarthy 50, J. Muu- 50, Mary
Evart 50, E. Carnegie 50.
Class III.— Einna Kordes 49, E. J. Barker 49, C. Creighton 49,
Lilian Eourke 48, Nellie Dowing 48, C. Smith 47, S. Campbell 46,
688 HISTORY OF THE
Maude Matthews 46, Bertha Clarke 45, Jean Fraser 45, John Ken-
nedy 44, John Bland 43, Annie Eoss 42.
Class IV.— L. McBride 32.
First A— Class I.— Edith Hartson 73, N. McLeod 66.
Class II. — F. Bapty 65, Mabel AVare 64, W. Ince 59, Jennie
Steele 59. Ethel Wyatt 58, F. Abey 58, Flossie Burns 56, Lizzie
Thornton 56, McR. Elson 56, W. Millard 56, ¥. Brown 55, R. B. Cody
54, W. Tillman 53, Clara O'Dell 53, Rosie Dawes 53, Louisa Dikno-
ether 52, Katie JIcKerricher 52, Minnie Stewart 50, A. C. Gunn 50,
F. Moorhead 50, A. McKerricher 50, James O'Higgins 50, J. A. Wil-
son 50, John Hobbs 50.
Class III— Stella Han-is 48, H. Bonser 48, E. Crawford 48, Chas.
Wilford 48, F. Waide 48, C. Turner 47, Wm. Shobbrock 47, C. J. Mc-
Arthur 47, C. Kearns 47, Minnie Sharp 47, Susie Powell 46, K. Mc-
Gregor 46, H. Struthers 45, W. McConnell 43, Annie Wilson 42,
Edward Burness 41, Mary Mullins 37.
Class IV. — -Arthur Essery 30, Maude Southam 30, Maude Parker
28, Dora Larmour 27.
Scraj^s of Early Histoi-y.*- — The pioneers who saw London grow
out of the wilderness have nearly all passed away, and much of the
history of those early days, with their rough methods of life and hard-
ships, must be looked for in documents and books. The best collection
of historical manuscripts relating to Upper Canada is undoubtedly that
found in the archives at Ottawa, under the charge of Mr. Douglas
Brymner. This branch of the Government service is administered by
Hon. John Carling, and, quite recently, the Minister of Agi-iculture
found there were many papers in the collection which referred to the
history of London. In looking them over, he came upon the official
correspondence of Governor Simcoe, which very clearly bears out the
statement, often made, that London was selected at one time as the
capital of Upper Canada. In a lettei- dated Montreal, December 7,
1791, marked " secret and confidential," Governor Simcoe writes to
Hon. Henry Dundas as follows : —
'• I am happy to have found in the surveyor's office an actual
survey of the River La Tranche. It answers my most sanguine expec-
tations, and I have but little doubt that its communications with
the Ontario and Erie will be found to be very practicable, the whole
forming a route which, in all respects, may annihilate the political
consequences of Niagara and Lake Erie. * * * *
My ideas at present are to assemble the new corps, artificers, &c., at
Cataraqui (Kingston), and to take its present garrison and visit Toronto
and the heads of La Tranche, to pass down that river to Detroit, and
early in the spring to occupy such a central position as shall be jire-
viously chosen for the capital."
His Excellency was undoubtedly mistaken as to the navigability
• Ottawa correspondence to the Free Prfw, May, ltS9.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 689
of what is now known as the South Branch of the Thames, with Lake
Ontario. The Eiver La Tranche was later on called the Thames.
Four months later Governor Simcoe wrote further on the subject : — ■
" Toronto appears to be the natural arsenal of Lake Ontario and to
afford an easy access overland to Lake Huron. The River La Tranche,
near the navigable head of which I propose to establish the Capital, by
what I can gather from the few peojile who have visited it, will afford
a safe, more certain, and I am inclined to think, by taking due advan-
tage of the season, a less expensive route to Detroit than that of
Niagara."
By proclamation, dated at Kingston, July 16, 1792, La Tranche,
was called " Thames." On the 20th of September, 1793, Governor
Simcoe sent a survey of the Thames to Hon. Mr. Dundas, and said : —
"The tract of country which lies between the river (or rather
navigable canal, as its Indian name and French translation import)
and Lake Erie, is one of the finest for all agricultural purposes in
North America, and far exceeds the soil or climate of the Atlantic
States. There are few or no interjacent swamps, and a variety of use-
ful streams empty themselves into the lake, or the river." Again,
after stating his ideas about communication by road, &c., he says : — ■
" They lead to the propriety of establishing a Capital of Upper Canada,
which may be somewhat distant from the centre of the present colony.
* * * The Capital I propose to be established at New London."
Had this intention been carried out London would have received a
great impetus a quarter of a century before settlement actually began.
Up till 1819 the courts were held at Turkey Point, in the south-
west of the Township of Charlotteville. It was then called Port Norfolk.
There was a building there used as a Court-house. From 1816 to
1827 the courts were held at Vittoria, the Court-house costing £9,000.
In 1827, London was made the district town, and the offices removed
from Vittoria. There are few persons now living who actually remem-
ber this event. The late High Constable Groves was regarded as the
best authority in recent years on the early days about the Court-house,
and many an interesting reminiscence he used to tell of the times
when the stocks were used as a means of punishment, and other
primitive methods of the law prevailed.
Hon. Mr. Carling also found an interesting letter from Major-
General Proctor to Major-General de Eottenburg, dated at Ancaster,
October 23, 1813, in which the writer says :—
" I soon perceived it would not be in my power to occupy the
narrows of the River Sinclair, as I had intended, and prevent the
enemy's vessels passing into Lake Huron. I had assured the Indians
that I would not desert them, and it was my full determination to have
made a stand at the Forks (Chatham), by which our vessels and stores
would be protected ; but after my arrival at Dover, three miles lower
down the river, I was induced to take post there."
Later on than 1791, Governor Simcoe altered his mind about the
690 HISTORY OF THE
advantages which London presented as a site for the capital, and
Toronto was chosen instead.
Among the many qnaint and interesting old papers which the
archive vaults contain is a subscription list for the building of a bridge
over the two lower forks of the Thames. The date is obscure, but the
document is supposed to have been drawn up between the years 1804
and 1809. The site of the bridge is believed to have been near Chat-
ham, although it might also be held with some plausibility that Lon-
don was referred to. The subscriptions were in cash, bushels of
wheat, gallons of whisky, or labor. Whisky was not then subject
to the tax which now makes it such a luxury, and those who gave eight
shillings in money were probably contributing as much as those who
gave ten gallons of old rye. The list will be interesting to those who
may recognize the names of ancestors in it, particularly in the coun-
ties of Essex and Kent, and it is given : —
Matthew Dolson, 12 bushels of wheat; Thos. IMcCrea, 12; John
Kitson, 4 ; John Smith, 2 ; Geo. Secketsell, 4 ; David Tait, 2 ; Robt.
Bedford, 2; Wm. Boyle, 6; John Blackburn, 2; Eobt. Miller. 3;
Lewis Arnold, 4 ; John Arnold, 4 ; Job Manchester, 2 ; Wm. Event,
4 ; John Wheator, 6 ; Israel Barrett, 3 ; David Harley, 4 ; David Mc-
Kergan, 4 ; Wm. Shaw, 6 ; Isaac Williams, 4 ; Wm. Howard, 4 ;
Chas. Kelly, 3 ; Joseph Abbott, 6 ; Peter Downie, 3 ; John Martin,
5 ; Geo. VVindecker, 4 ; Ephr. Barker, 2 ; Edward Eichardson, 6 ;
Joseph Haslet, 4 ; Joshua Cornwall, 6 ; Limal Shearman. 5 ; John
Reynolds, 8 ; George Reynolds, 6 ; Richard Jackman, 4 ; Daniel
Asdell, 4 ; Stephen Casler^ 4 ; John Julian, 5 ; Joseph Johnson, 4 ;
Francis Cornwall, 8 ; Prindle Hubbell, 4 ; Samuel Choate, 6 ; Elihu
Cornwall, 5 ; Donald McDonell, 2 ; Timothy Desmond, 2 ; John Gor-
don, 2; John Ducast, 2; Wm. Harper & Son, 6; Isaac French, 4;
John Lipscomb, 3 ; John Mullin, 2 ; Daniel Rooker, 3 ; Hugh Holmes,
2 ; Daniel Fields, 6 : Aug. Dufette, 4 ; Peter Traxler, 6 ; Ab. Iredell,
6 ; John Cheapley, 6 ; Wm. Lightford, 4 ; Geo. Hicks, 2 ; Jos. Country-
man and men, 4 ; Geo. Ward, (i ; John Goose, 2 ; Hezekia Wilcox, 2 ;
Sylvan Reynolds, 2 ; Ananias Ogden, 2 ; Jas. Forsyth, 6 ; Daniel Dol-
son, 8 ; Isaac Dolson, sr., 10 ; Edward Watson, 8 ; Thos. Crowe, 8 ;
Tho.?. Williams, 4 ; Geo. Jacobs, 25 ; Wm. Coll, 4 ; And. Hamilton,
4 ; Peter Young, 2 ; Thos. Smith, 4 ; James Dolson, jr., 3 ; Gideon
Tiffany, 6 ; sundries, 80 ; Peter Reed, 8 shillings ; Thos. Willets, 4
days' labor ; James Speai's, 4 days' labor ; James JNIcGarvin, 4 gallons
whisky; John Sisenal, 2 gallons whisky; Wm. Park, 10 bushels
wheat; AVm. Caldwell, 10 bushels wheat; Gregor McGregor, 4 bushels
wheat ; Antoine Batishon, 3 days' labor ; Thos. McKee, 16 shillings,
10 bushels wheat, 3 gallons whisky ; P. Selby, 10 shillings ; George
Ermatinger, 1 shilling; A. Masonville, jr., 3 bushels wheat; J. B.
Barthe, jr., 3 bushels wheat; B. Chappel, 16 shiUings; Dulf & Leith,
10 gallons whisky ; Wm. Leaberry, 16 shillings ; Jos. Reaume, 8 shil-
lings ; Justus Allen, 8 shillings ; H. S. Mackay, 16 shiUings ; W. Duff,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 691
16 shillings ; Wm. Mackle, 8 shillings; Wm. Searl, 16 shillings, P.
Williams, 8 shillings ; Eobt. Grant, 5 bushels wheat ; Wheeler Corn-
wall, 12 shillings; John Asking, sr., 10 bushels wheat; Andrew Mac-
intosh, 10 bushels wheat; Peter Baby, 10 bushels wheat; F. Baby, 5
bushels wheat; W^m. Smith, 5 gallons whisky; James Wood, £L 10s.;
James Allen, 16 shillings; Robert Innes, 5 bushels wheat; Wm. Gil-
kinson, 16 .shillings; John and James McGregor, 20 gallons whisky;
J, and B. Baby, 20 bushels wheat; W^m. Forsyth, £1 12s.: Moses
David, 5 bushels whest ; R. M. Marchand, 5 bushels wheat ; Rev. R.
Pollard, £1 4s. ; and Wm. Harris, 16 shillings. These made up a
total subscription of £26 2s. in cash, 563 bushels of wheat, 44 gallons
of whisky and 11 days' labor.
Early Fair Premiums.— On October 7, 1851, at the old fair
grounds, east of the city, the following premiums were awarded, the
ladies' exhibit being shown in the market-house iu London : —
Class I. — Best span of mares, William Grieve, £1 5s. ; second best
span of mares, William Routledge, £1 ; third best span of mares,
Donald Fraser, 15s. Best brood mare, James Nixon, £1 ; second best
brood mare, Christopher Walker, ] 5s. ; third best brood mare, John
Wilson, 10s. Best two-year-old filly, John Bogue, £1 ; second best
two-year-old iilly, Francis Nichol, 15s ; third best two-year-old filly,
James Ray, 10s. Best two-year-old gelding, £1 ; second best two-
year-old gelding, Alexander Kerr, 15s. ; third best two-year-old geld-
ing, Leslie Pearce, IDs. Best yearling colt, Christopher Walker, 15s. ;
second best yearling colt, Donald Durand, 10s. ; third best yearling
colt, George Douglass, 5s. Best foal, Peter Graham, 15s. ; second best
foal, Christopher Walker, lOs. ; third best foal, Richard Stephens, 5s.
Class II. — Best milch cow, George Robson, £1 5s.; second best
milch cow, Christopher Walker, £1 ; third best milch cow, Charles
Coombs, 15s. Best three-year-old heifer, £1 ; second best three -year-
old heifer, Francis Nichol, 15s. ; third best three-year old heifer, Mr.
Locke, 10s. Best two-year-old ox, Stephen Summers, £1 ; second best
two-year-old ox, Leslie Pierce, 15s. ; third best two-year-old ox, Daniel
Mann, 10s. Best yearling ox, John Stiles, 15s. ; second best yearling
ox, Leslie Pierce, 10s. ; thu-d best yearling ox, Mr. Martin, 5s. Best
yoke of working oxen, Joseph Hughes, £1 5s. ; second best yoke of
working oxen, James Nixon, £1 ; third best yoke of working oxen,
Francis Nichol, 15s. Best yoke of three-year-old steers, John Little,
£1 ; second best yoke of three-year-old steers, George Robson, 1 5s. ;
third best yoke of three-year-old steers, George Belton, 10s. ; fourth
best yoke of three-year-old steers, George Robson, 5s. Best bull calf,
Francis Nichol, 15s.; second best bull calf, Christopher Walker, 10s.;
third best bull calf, Mr. Locke, 5s. Best heifer calf, William Martin,
15s.; second best heifer calf, John Wilson, M. P. P., 10s.; third best
heifer calf, William Steele, 5s. Best fat ox, George Pegler, £1 5s. ;
second best fat ox, James Baird, £1 ; third best fat ox, James Baird,
15s. Best fat cow, Anthony Pegler, £1 5s. ; second best fat cow, Wm.
Steele, £1; third best fat cow, John Elsou, 15s.
092 HISTORY OF THK
Class III. — Best ram, Walter Nixon, £1 ; second best ram, Francis
Nichol. 15s. ; third best ram, Christopher Waiigh, 10s. Best yearling
ram, William Beattie, £1 ; second best yearling ram, William Beattie,
15s. ; third best yearling ram, Williani Beattie, 10s. Best tup lamb,
William Steele, 15s. ; second best tup lamb, William Beattie, IDs ;
third best tup lamb, William Steele, 5s. Best pen of breeding ewes,
Joseph Coulsou, £1 ; second best pen of breeding ewes, William Beat-
tie, 15s. ; third best pen of breeding ewes, William Steele, 10s. Best
pen of yearling ewes, William Steele, £1 ; second best pen of yearling
ewes, William Beattie, 15s. ; third best pen of yearling ewes, Joseph
Coulson, 10s. Best pen ewe lambs, William Beattie, 15s. ; second best
pen ewe lambs, William Steele, 10s. ; third best pen ewe lambs, Joseph
Coulson, 5s. Best pen of fat sheep, Christopher Walker, £1 ; second
best pen of fat sheep, Francis Nichol, 15s. ; third best pen of fat sheep,
Christopher Walker, 10s. Best pen of two-year-old fat sheep, Chris-
topher Walker, £1 ; second best pen of two-year-old fat sheep, Chris-
topher Walker, 15s.; third best pen of two-year-old fat sheep, Chris-
topher Walker, 10s.
Class IV. — Best boar, William Moore, £1 ; second best boar, Mr.
Bennet, 15s.; third best boar, William Moore, 10s. Best boar pig,
Joseph Coulson, £1 ; second best boar pig, Joseph Coulson, 15s. ; third
best boar pig, Joseph Eowel, 10s. Best breeding sow, Joseph Land,
£1 ; second best breeding sow, Christopher Walker, 15s. ; third best
breeding sow, William Moore, 10s. Best sow pig, Joseph Coulson,
20s.; second, Joseph Anderson, 15s. ; third, Joseph Land, 18s. Best
fat hog, Alexander Kerr, 20s. ; second, Wm. Steele : third, George
Pegler, 10s. Best fat pig, George Pegler, 20s.
Dairy Produce— Best firkin of butter, Alexander Kerr, 20s. ;
second best firkin of butter, William Warner, los. ; third best firkin of
butter, William Eeeve, 10s. Best cheese, Thomas Lewis. £1; second
best cheese, Walter Nixon, 15s ; third best cheese, Pdchard Misner,
10s.
Grain— Best barley, Hugh Kennedy, £1 ; second best barley, C.
Walker, los.; third best barley, John Long, 10s. Best spring wheat,
C. Walker, £1 ; second best spring wheat, C. Walker, 15s. ; third best
spring wheat, William Warner, l().s. Best China wheat, Hugh Kenedy,
£1; second best China wheat, Wm. Patrick, 15s.; third best China
wheat, C. Walker, Ids. Best Indian corn, lUchard Misner, £1 ; second
best Indian corn, Walter Nixon, 15s. ; third best Indian corn, Joseph
Hughes, 10s.
Fruit. — Best apples, Eichard Misner, 10s. ; second best apples,
Wm. Warner, 5s. ; best peaches, Eichard Misner, 10s. ; second best
peaches, Eichard Misner, 5s.
Hops. — Best hops, George Pelton, £1 ; second best hops, Eichard
Stephens, 15s. ; best broom corn, George Harper, £1.
Domestic Cloth. — Wm. Patrick, third rate prize, 10s.
Ladies' Work. — Best Worsted Socks, Mrs. Dr. Wanless, 10s. ; best
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 693
shirt, Mrs. Dr. Wauless, 15s.; best straw hat, Miss Kennedy, 10s.; best
crotchet work. Miss Corogan, £1 ; best embroidery, Miss Mitchell, £1 ;
best fancy netting, Mrs. Buttery, £1 ; best ornamental netting. Miss
Askin, £1.
Agricultural Implements. — Best turnip cutter, Leslie Pierce ; best
turnip drill, Leslie Pierce ; scraper or levelling box, William Walker ;
best cultivator, M. Anderson ; best cooking stove, M. Anderson ; best
hall stove, M. Anderson ; best set of harness, Alexander McDonald ;
best wood plow, Jackson & Elliott ; fanning-mill, Lewis M. Crosby ;
cliurn, Lewis M. Crosby ; fancy broom, G. W. Harper ; phteton, Marcus
Holmes; covered Boston buggy, Marcus Holmes; covered Canada
buggy, Marcus Holmes ; common waggon, Marcus Holmes.
" Cabinet Ware. — Be.st bedstead, Elizabethan style, James Lavrock ;
fancy work table, James Lavi'ock ; best telescope dining table, Joseph
Jeffry ; sideboard, Joseph Jeffry ; half-dozen chairs, of different patterns,
Joseph Jeffry ; fancy chest of drawers, Joseph Jeffry ; rocking-chair,
Joseph Jefiiy ; reclining easy chair, Joseph Jeffry ; best sofa, Joseph
Jeffry ; centre table, J. B. Merrill ; picture frame, J. B. Men-ill; dining
room chair, J. B. Merrill.
Miscellaneous. — Best quilt knitting, Miss Wigmore ; oil paintings,
John Ashton ; engraving, John C. Capron ; Masonic medal, Mr.
Dewey ; Woollen cloth, Joseph Anderson ; book-binding, Robert Reid ;
silk hat, T. M. Dixon ; Raccoon robe, T. M, Dixon ; gilt picture frame,
E. Miller ; printing, H. A. Newcombe ; rifle, W. H. Soper ; side sole
leather, S. Morrill ; boot upper, S. Morrill ; calfskin, S. Morrill ; mud
boots, W. H. Esseiy ; ladies' boots, J. Arnold ; slippers, J. Arnold ;
dressed sheepskin, Mr. Lamand ; saddle, J. F. Darch.
Canadian Order of Foresters. — Court Strathroy, No. 147, C. 0. F.,
met at their lodge rooms at Strathroy on May 17, 1889, when the
following officers for the ensuing term were duly installed : — John
Ellis, C. R. ; George Orchard, V. C. R. ; Neil Dewar, financial secretary ;
Thomas Irvine, recording secretary ; Thos. Carr, chaplain ; W. Moore,
S. W. ; S. Cook, J. W. ; W. Green, S. B. ; Thomas Morrow, J. B. ; Dr.
A. S. Thompson, court physician.
When we pause to think that this beautiful country — now com-
pletely conquered by Celt, Norman and Anglo-Saxon — yielding
abundantly the various productions needed to supply the demand of
their growth, was within a life-time the haunt of wild beasts and their
hunters, we can scarcely comjirehend the change. Nor yet can the
young men and women of to-day conceive intelligently what they owe
to those pioneers who first invaded the land in civilization's cause, who
reduced the primeval forest to subjection, and turned up the virgin soil
to the sun's mellowing rays. Ah ! only those who have been here
from the first, and witnessed the gradual progress which the pass-
ing years have wrought, can realize the change, or appreciate the
struggles and sufferings of the pioneers of progress. Then men had
to fight day after day to secure the simplest food for themselves and
694
HISTORY OF THE
families. Trials, now unendurable, had to be encountered. Ah ! while
working out their own ends those people of long ago were the uncon-
scious disciples of civilization, cleaving a path to the new world of
progress, and paving the road for a future of successful ettbrts in
the work of utilizing Nature's resources, to supply civilized man's
necessities.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX.
CHAPTER XLII.
THE EXPLORATION OF CANADA.
There is an irreconcilable difference of opinion between the authori-
ties as to the man who is rightfully entitled to claim the honor of first
setting foot on Canadian soil. If the Norse Sagas can be accepted as
reliable sources of history, Leif Erikson, who, in the year 1000, set
forth on a daring quest southward, and after touching at " Hulluland "
and " Markland " (by which it is asserted were meant Newfoundland
and Nova Scotia), finally brought up at Vinlaud (Massachusetts), was
the first European to tread the American shore. But in spite of
Professor Rafn and the old mill at Newport, R. I., the Norseman's
title has been much discredited, and the honor his patriotic country-
men would confer upon him is by other investigators transferred to
one among that brave band of Portuguese navigators whose fearless
enterprise revealed not one, but two. New Worlds to the Old World
of the fifteenth century. According to the authorities, while Diaz and
Vasco di Gama were seeking a new route to India via the Cape of
Good Hope, or rather the Cape of Storms, as it was then called, John
and Sebastian Cabot, father and son, a dauntless pair of sea-dogs, with
a commission from Henry VII. of England, were speeding across the
unknown Atlantic, in full faith of finding a north-west passage, which
would lead them by a directer route to the same golden goal, and it
would seem as if the same year, 1497, beheld the discovery of Eng-
land's present domain in South Africa and in North America.
The Cabots at that time ventured no farther than Newfoundland
and Labrador, of which they took possession in the name of England ;
but the following year, Sebastian, the younger, having the same pur-
pose in view, sailed as far north as Hudson's Straits, and then, barred
by icebergs, turned southward and skirted the coast down to Chesapeake
Bay, landing at several places and partially exploring the fertile country
he had thus discovered. It was upon these discoveries that Great
Britain founded the claim she afterwards so successfully asserted, to
the greater part of North America.
In 1499 Jaspard Cortereal, a rival of Cabot, essayed to follow in
his footsteps, and, with two ships furnished him by the Portuguese
Government, reached the Labrador coast, and is generally credited with
having given that region a title, " Terra Laborador " (land which may
be cultivated), that has been abbreviated into its present appellation.
He also entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and explored it to some
extent, but of the result of his investigations no record remains.
♦Adapted from the Canadian Handbook of 1886.
696 HISTOKY OK THE
Two other explorers of this great gulf were Denys and Aubert, two
French navigators, who made their way there in the years 150G and
1508 respectively.
Meantime, the rich fisheries of the Newfoundland banks, whose
treasures are practically inexhaustible, were being drawn upon for the
first time by the hardy Breton, Basque and Norman fishermen, of
whose visits the name Cape Breton, found upon the earliest maps,
furnishes an interesting memorial.
None of the voyages thus taken, however, had any reference to
the settlement of the country. It was reserved for France to make
the first attempt in this direction, wlien, in the year 1518, the Baron
du Lery fitted out an expedition with that end in view. Unfortunately
the Fates were not propitious to this venture, and beyond the landing
of some horses on Sable Island, where they multiplied remarkably,
and exist in droves to the present day, nothing was accomplished.
France had as yet done little in exploring or occupying any por-
tion of tills boundless continent, whose wealth was filling the coffers
of her rivals, and Francis I. resolved to claim a share of the prize.
'■ Shall the Kings of Spain and Portugal," he exclaimed, " divide an
America between them? I would like to see the clause in Father
Adam's will bequeathing that vast inheritance." Under his direction,
therefore, in 1524, Verrazzani, a Florentine, was sent forth. He
ranged the coast from Florida to 50° north latitude, and with superb
assurance annexed, on behalf of France, the entire region previ-
ously explored by the Cabots, designating it "New France." The
rival claims arising from these explorations were the chief grounds of
the long and bloody conflict, which, later on, was waged between Great
Britain and France, for the possession of this magnificent region
beyond the seas, and the maritime supremacy that went with it.
Thus fitfully and feebly were the first attempts to found settle-
ments on the North American coast carried on up to the close of the
first quarter of the sixteenth century, and, without anything practical
or permanent being acliieved.
Settlement hy the French. — In the year 1534 when France had
somewhat rallied from the disaster inflicted upon her during recent
wars, fresh enterprises were undertaken in the New World, and on the
20th April of that year the real discoverer of Canada proper — Jacques
Cartier, a native of St. IMalo, was sent out with two small vessels of
about sixty tons each. Sailing through the Straits of Belle Isle he
scanned the Imrren coast of Labrador, and almost circumnavigated
Newfoundland. Turning thence south-westward, he passed tlie Mag-
dalen Islands, and on a glorious July day entered tlie large bay, for
which the intense heat suggested the name of " des Chaleurs " it bears
to this day. On the rocky headland of Gaspe he landed and, erecting
a iiuge cross bearing the Jieur-de lis of France, took possession of the
country in the name of his sovereign, Francis I.
Learning from the natives of the existence of a great river leading
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 697
SO far up into the interior that " no man had ever traced it to its
source," he sailed up the Gulf of St. Lawrence until he could see land
on either side. But the season being well advanced, he deemed it
prudent to go no farther until he should return next summer.
Delighted with the report his faithful lieutenants brought back, the
French king, in the following year, fitted Cartier out with three fine
vessels, of which the largest was 120 tons burthen, and despatched
him with the special blessing of the bishop of St. Malo and with a
commission from himself to "form settlements in the country and
open traffic with the native tribes." The little squadron reached the
mouth of the St. Lawrence about the middle of July, and the 10th of
August being the festival of Saint Lawrence, Cartier gave the name of
that saint to the small bay in which he then was, since when it has
been extended to cover the entire gulf and river.
Continuing up the noble stream, he came, on September 7th, to a
fertile, vine-clad island, which he named the Isle of Bacchus. It is
now the Island of Orleans. Here Donnacona, the king of the Algon-
quin nation, made him a state visit, accompanied by no less than five
hundred followers in twelve huge canoes ; and seven days later, having
made up his mind to winter in the country, Cartier anchored his fleet
at the mouth of the St. Charles river, where stood the Indian town of
Stadacona, beneath the high beetling promontory now crowned with
the historic ramparts of Quebec.
Impatient to explore the river stretching out so grandly before him,
Cartier advanced with fifty men in his smallest vessel. But the sand-
bar of Lake St. Peter compelled him to take to his boats. In these he
pressed onward, until on October 2nd he reached the populous Indian
town of Hochelaga, nestling beneath the wood-crested height, which
with characteristic loyalty he called " Mont Royal," since anglicized
into Montreal. The friendly natives thronged the shore by hundreds,
and received the pale-faced strangers with manifestations of the utmost
delight, loading their boats with lavish presents of corn and fish. From
his kindly hosts, Cartier learned of the existence, far to the west and
south, of inland seas, broad lands and mighty rivers, then an almost
unbroken solitude, now the home of a prosperous people.
After three days of pleasant intercourse, Cartier returned to Stada-
cona and wintered there, his little force suffering severely from insuffi-
cient food and inadequate clothing, being also plagued with scurvy of
a malignant type, whose violence neither processions, vows, nor litanies
availed to stay. The following spring he returned to France, taking
with him, much against their will. King Donnacona and nine of his
chiefs as living trophies of his expedition.
Five years elapsed before Cartier returned to Canada, and this
time he had with him the Sieur de Roberval whom the French Mon-
arch had created Lieutenant-General and Viceroy of liis newly ac-
quired possessions. The natives were at first friendly as before, but
became hostile on learning that Donnacona and his companions had
698 HISTORY OF THE
not returned; and Cartiei's treachery began to recoil upon his own
head. Another gloomy winter was spent, and again the would-be
colonists went back home disheartened, although Koberval, who met
them at Newfoundland, tried hard to retain them. Eoberval con-
tinued on his course and wintered at Cape Eouge, whither, in 1543,
Cartier was sent to carry the order for his recall, and the latter after
enduring a third winter, left the country in the spring of 1544 never
to return.
With the disastrous failure of all these early expeditions, the efforts
of France to colonize Canada were suspended for a full half century,
with the single exception of the Marquis de la Roche's quixotic
attempt to settle Sable Island with a band of convicts selected from
the royal prisons — an attempt, it need hardly be said, that had no
other result than to furnish historians with a highly romantic episode,
and a spot on that " dark isle of mourning " with the name of the
" French Gardens."
With the opening of the seventeenth century there appears upon
the scene one of the most remarkable of the many remarkable men
who have taken an active part in moulding the destinies of Canada.
This was Samuel de Champlain, whose high qualities both as sailor
and soldier, marked him out as one peculiarly fitted for the task of
opening up New France to civilization. Accordingly, in 1603, he was
commissioned, in conjunction with Pontgrave, for this arduous enter-
prise, and his first voyage, which produced nothing but a cargo of furs,
was made in that year. Two years later, however, he returned in
connection with a much larger expedition headed by the Sieur de
Monts, who had obtained a patent of the viceroyalty of La Cadie, or
Acadie, now called Nova Scotia, and the first actual settlement by
Europeans within the boundaries of the present Dominion of Canada
was then (1005) made by de Monts at Port Eoyal (now Annapolis
Royal), and there the first field of wheat ever sown by the hand of
white man in all Canada was sown — winter wheat it was, for Pourtriu-
court says " it grew under the snow." The little colony here estab-
lished, after a fitful existence of several years, was finally destroyed
by the English under Argall, the bitter strife between the French and
English nations, which disturbed the continent for one hundred and
fifty years, there finding its beginning, and making, during its con-
tinuance, Port Royal famous as the most assaulted spot on this con-
tinent. It has been taken by force five times by the English — by
Argall in 1613, by Kirk in Ifilil, by Sedgwick in 1654, by Phipps in
1690, and by Nicholson in 1710. It was by them abandoned or
restored to the French four times — by Argall in 1613, by treaty of
St. Germain in 163li, by treaty of Breda in 1667, and by treaty of
Ryswick in 1697. It was unsuccessfully attacked by the English
three times — by Church in 1694, by March in 1707, and by Waiu-
wright also in 1707. It was unsuccessfully attacked by the French
and Indians twice — in July, 1744, by Abbe de Loutre, and in Septem-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 699
ber, 1744, by Duvivier. It was taken, sacked and abandoned twice —
once by pirates in 1(390, and once by United States revolutionary forces
in 1781.
Champlaiu, in 1608, once more ascended the broad St. Lawrence,
and on the 3rd of July, beneath the craggy heights of Quebec, laid the
foundations of one of the most famous cities of the new world. The
colonists soon were comfortably housed and the laud cleared for tillage.
Thenceforward, during many years, the history of Quebec was the
history of Canada, and its annals contain little beyond the pathetic
struggles of the colonists with the difficulties of their situation, and the
dangers which constantly menaced them from their Indian foes. For
the intense hostility of the Indians, the French were themselves
wholly to blame. It is told above with what ingratitude Cartier
treated Donnacona, and now Champlain foolishly incurred the implac-
able hatred of the powerful Iroquois nation, by joining forces with the
Algonquins in an attack upon one of their strongholds. The tempor-
ary advantage thereby gained was dearly paid for by a century and a
half of rapine, plunder and nameless barbarities.
The Prince of Conde, Admiral Montmorency, and the Duke of
Ventadour became successively viceroys of Canada; but the valor,
fidehty and zeal of Champlain commanded the confidence of them all.
Dauntless and tireless, he explored the St. Lawrence and Ottawa
Elvers, warred against the Indians, visited the mother country again
and again in the interests of his beloved colony, strengthened the de-
fences of Quebec ; in fact was the heart and soul as well as the head
of the entire enterprise. While he was Governor of Quebec, the little
town was invested by Sir David Ivirk, acting under instructions from
the English court, and starved into an honorable surrender in the year
1629. But it turning out that peace had been concluded between the
nations before the surrender, by the Treaty of St. Germain signed in
1632, the whole of Canada, Cape Breton and Acadie was restored to
the French. Three years later, Champlain's busy life drew to a close,
and on Christmas day the noble soul, whose character was more like
that of knight-errant of mediseval romance than that of a practical
soldier of the seventeenth century, passed peacefully away at the
Castle of St. Louis, which he himself had built upon the summit of
the cliffs of Quebec.
Champlain had many successors in the arduous office of governor
of New France, but none of like spirit, until Frontenac came in 1673,
and the colony gi'ew very slowly, scarce one hundred Europeans being
added to it during the five years succeeding Champlain's death ; while in
1662, when the charter of the Hundred Associates, a company which
promised much and performed little, was annulled, the total foreign
population did not exceed two thousand souls. The cliief reason of
this slow growth, as compared with the rapid advance made by the
English colonies in Virginia and New England, was that, under Jesuit,
direction, far more interest was taken in the conversion of the savages-
700 HISTORY OF THE
than in the colonization of the country. From 1632 to 1682, priests of
the Jesuit, Recollet and other orders, traversed the land, undaunted
by trackless forests, terrible privations, merciless foes and appalling
loneliness, pushing the work of the church wherever human beings were
to be found and souls saved. The Jesuits were the pioneers of civiliza-
tion in the Far West. Their annual reports, which have been collected
and published by the Canadian Government in three large volumes,
entitled " Eelations des Jesuits," constitute a perfect mine of priceless
information on early Canadian history. Conspicuous among them
were P^res Hennepin, Marquette, La Salle, Alloey, Dablon and Joliet ;
and many a priest heroically laid down his life rather than swerve aside
or turn back from the forward course he believed God had called him
to pursue.
In the spring of 1642 the foundations of Montreal, the future com-
mercial metropolis of Canada, were laid by Montmagny with all the
pious pomp and churchly ceremonial possible amidst such primitive
sun-oundings ; and thus onward into the heart of the country civiliza-
tion slowly made its way, fighting with the relentless Indians for every
foot of the passage.
In 1672 the Count de Frontenae was appointed governor ; and, next
to Cham plain, he is in every way the most conspicuous figure among
the early holders of that office. The chief glory of his administration
was the spirit of daring exploration and discovery by which it was
characterized, the grandest achievement of all being the exploration of
the Mississippi River and the Great West under Joliet, Marquette, La
Salle and Hennepin. The sufferings of the colonies from the Indians,
more especially the Iroquois, were terrible during this period, and at
times it seemed as if they would really succeed in driving the detested
"pale faces" from the country. Then in 1688 came the breaking out
of war between France and England, leading to hostilities between the
French and New England colonies. Tliese were carried on with vary-
ing success until the two nations came to terms again, and by the
Treaty of Eyswick (1697) restored to each other whatever conquests
they had succeeded in making. The following year Frontenae died
and was succeeded by De Callieres.
After four years of peace, the war of the Spanish succession again
involved England and France in bloody strife, which, of course, had to
be shared by the colonies, and thenceforward until 1713 tragic scenes
were enacted from the ocean-laved shores of Acadia to the pathless
forests of the West, in which French, English and Indian warriors out-
vied one another in the lust for blood.
By the Treaty of Utrecht (1713) the whole of Acadia, Newfound-
land and Hudson's Bay were given to England, in whose possession
they have ever since remained.
During the long period of })eace that now ensued, the population
of Canada, which by a census taken in 1721, was found to be only
25,600, slowly increased, and its internal development made consider-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 701
able progress. The cultivation of the soil was, however, greatly
neglected for the seductive fur trade, which possessed for the adventur-
ous voyageur and coureur de hois a fascination that even its enor-
mous profits did not wholly explain. Assuming the garb, these often
assumed the social habits of the red men, living in their wigwams,
maiTying their daughters, and rearing a dusky brood of children from
whom have descended the Metis, or half-breeds, which were a few
years ago brought into prominence through their rebellion in the
North-west.
In 1744, the war of the Austrian succession once more involved
the colonies in a series of hostilities, which were chiefly remarkable for
the capture of the supposed impregnable fortress of Louisburg in Cape
Breton by the English under Pepperell (1745), and the first appear-
ance of George Washington, " the father of his country," who was then
a valued officer in the army of the English colonies. The war term-
inated between the principals with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chappelle
(1748), but this truce was regarded by both nations as only a breath-
ing spell to prepare for the coming struggle that would decide the
possession of the continent.
The year 1749 saw the foundations of Halifax, the capital of Nova
Scotia, laid by Governor Cornwallis, and the first muttering of the
spirit of rebellion on the part of the Acadian colonists of the province
that six years later rendered altogether unavoidable their complete
expatriation — an event, the true features of which Longfellow has in
his poem " Evangeline " obscured beneath a glamour of romance and
pathos.
In 1754 the expected conflict opened with a brush between a small
body of troops under AVashington and a party of French soldiers under
Jumonville at Fort de Quesne. Washington took the initiative, and,
as Bancroft says, his command to " fire " " kindled the world into a
flame." It precipitated the tremendous struggle which, fought out to
the bitter end on the plains of India, on the waters of the Mediterran-
ean and the Spanish Main, on the gold coast of Africa, on the ramparts
of Louisburg, on the heights of Quebec, and in the valley of the Ohio,
resulted in the utter defeat of the French and the destruction of their
sovereignty on the American continent, and prepared the way for two
important events ; the independence of the United States, and the
foundation of the unique Empire which, unlike Russia and the United
States, " equally vast but not continuous, with the ocean flowing
through it in every direction, lies, like a World-Venice, with the sea
for streets, — Greater Britain."
The fluctuating fortunes of that fearful conflict, as the tide of war
ebbed and flowed over the plains, down the rivers and through the
forests of New France, New England, and the West and South, cannot
be followed. It is known in history as the seven years' war, lasting
as it did from 1755 to 1763, and being concluded by the Treaty of
Paris in the latter year. During its continuance, many battles and
702 HISTORY OF THE
of great interest and importance took place, and many leaders
■won undying fame for themselves by their splendid achievements ; but
transcending all other events in magnitude and far-reaching conse-
quence, and towering high above all other men in the imperishable
glory of their deeds, the siege of (Juebec, and the rival commanders
Wolfe and Montcalm, seem by their vastness to fill the whole picture
as one looks back upon it from these present days. On September
13, 1759, Wolfe won Quebec on the fields of Abraham, and just one
year later, the capitulation of de Vaudreuil at Montreal, before the
combined armies of Amherst, Haviland and Murray, completed the
English conquest of Canada, and the entire continent, with the sole
exception of the little rock-bound and fog- capped islands of St. Pierre
and Miquelon, on the Newfoundland coast, passed forever out of the
possession of the French throne.
Coiiquest by the English. — It now remains to glance at the history
of Canada since it has been a British possession. Dr. Withrew, in his
admirable History of Canada, thus eloquently summarizes the improve-
ment wi-ought in Canada by its change of masters : — " The conquest of
Canada by the British was the most fortunate event in its history. It
supplanted the institutions of the Middle Ages by those of modem
civilization. It gave local self-government for abject submission to a
foreign power and a corrupt court. It gave the protection of the
Habeas Corpus and trial by jury, instead of the oppressive tribunals
of feudalism. For ignorance and repression, it gave cheap schools and
a free press. It removed the arbitrary shackles from trade and
abolished its unjust monopolies. It enfranchised the serfs of the soil
and restricted the excessive power of the seigneurs. It gave an
immeasurably ampler liberty to the people and a loftier impulse to
progress than was before known. It banished the greedy cormorants
who grew rich by the official plunder of the poor. The waste and
ruin of a prolonged and cruel war were succeeded by the reign of
peace and prosperity ; and the ])inching of famine, by the rejoicings of
abundance. The huhitans could now cultivate their long-neglected
acres free from the molestation of Indian massacres or the fear of
British invasion. Even the conquered colonists themselves soon recog-
nized their improved condition uuder their generous conquerors."
The printing press was introduced into Canada a year after the
Treaty of Paris was signed, that is in 1764, and the first printed mat-
ter published in Canada was the prdspectus of the Quebec Gazette, a
newspaper which continued in existence till ten years ago.
Wliile there was, as a matter of course, a good deal of friction
between " the new subjects," as the French were called, and the British
settlers or " old subjects," under the temperate and judicious guidance
of General Murray and Sir Guy Carleton, matters proceeded hopefully
and the country entered upon a Ciireer of prosperity, rapidly increasing
in jKjpulation and wealth.
Til Iho year 1774, what was known as the Quebec Act was passed
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 703
by the British Parliament. It extended the bounds of the Province
from Labrador to the Mississippi, from the Ohio to the watershed of
Hudson Bay. It estabhshed the right of tlie French to the observance
of the Eoman Cathohc religion without civil disability, and confirmed
the tithes to the clergy, exempting, however, all Protestants from their
payment. It restored the French civil code, and established the Eng-
lish administration of law in criminal cases. Supreme authority was
vested in the Governor and a Council of from seventeen to twenty-
three members, the latter being nominated by the Crown, and con-
sisting for the most part of persons of British birth.
This act gave profound dissatisfaction, not only to the English-
speaking minority in Canada, who considered that their rights had been
ruthlessly sacrificed, but also to the American colonists, who complained
bitterly at the transfer to Canada of the country north and west of the
Ohio Eiver, for which they had so long and variously struggled.
Despite all protests and appeals, the act, which naturally gave great
delight to the French population, continued to be the rule of govern-
ment of the province for seventeen years.
The colonists were now called upon to pass through another war-
period — bloody, but brief — and this time with their own countrymen
across the border. In the year following the passing of the Quebec
Act, the long smouldering fires of secession in the American colonies
biH'st into Hame. On April 19, 1775, the " minute men " of Concord
and Lexington " fired the shot heard round the world," and the War of
Independence began, which ended in the loss to England of her
" American " colonies. One of the first steps taken by the Secession-
ists was to capture Ticonderaga and Crown Point in Lake Champlain,
and thus possess the gateway to Canada. Forts St. John and Chambly
soon followed, and on the 12th November, Montreal succumbed ; but
the tide turned, when flushed with their first success, the Americans
essayed the capture of Quebec, two daring attempts resulting only
in disastrous failure. On the 4th July, 1776, the " American " col-
onies declared their independence, and the war closed on the 19th
October, 1781, with the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown,
Virginia.
By the terms of the treaty of peace signed at Versailles, September
3, 1783, Canada was despoiled of the magnificent region lying between
the Mississippi and the Ohio, and was divided from the new nation
designated " the United States of America " by the great lakes, the St.
Lawrence, the 49th parallel of north latitude, and the highlands divid-
ing the waters falling into the Atlantic, from those emptying themselves
into the St. Lawrence and the St. Croix Rivers.
Throughout all the secessionary movement, a considerable number
of the American colonists had remained faithful to the JMother Country.
At the close of the war it became painfully evident that there would
be no peace for them within the boundaries of the United States. They
found their property confiscated, their famihes ostracized, and even
704 HISTORY OF THE
their lives menaced. In this emergency, the British Parhament came
to tlieir aid. A sum exceeding three milhon pounds sterHng was
voted for the assistance of these United Empire LoyaHsts, as they were
proud to call themselves ; transport ships were provided for their con-
veyance to Canada, and every possible arrangements made for their
domiciliation in the sea-board provinces, and in what is now the Pro-
vince of Ontario. It is estimated that no less than 25,000 persons
were thus induced to find refuge in the British colonies, where they
proved of the utmost value in opening up and settling the country.
At that time (1784) the present Province of Ontario was almost a
wilderness. The entire European population is said to have been
under 2,000, and these dwelt chiefly in the vicinity of the fortified
posts on the St. Lawrence, the Niagara and St. Clair rivers. On the
other hand, the population of Lower Canada was about 120,000. In
order, therefore, that the western region might be developed, the Home
Government offered generous grants of land to those who would settle
there, besides assistance in the way of seed, stock and farming im-
plements. Under these inducements, the wilderness soon began to
make way for smiling farms, thriving settlements and waving fields of
grain.
In 1786, Lord Dorchester became Governor-General of British
North America. The Canadian colonists now demanded the same
constitutional privileges as were enjoyed in the Maritime Provinces,
these latter having in 1784^85 been organized under special constitu-
tional charters. The demand was met by the granting of the Habeas
Cm'jms and of trial by jury in civil cases. But this did not content
the Canadians, who asked also for an elective Legislative Assembly,
and a larger measure of constitutional liberty. Accordingly, in 1791,
the Constitutional Bill was passed by the British government. It
divided Canada into two provinces, known as Upper and Lower Can-
ada, or Canada West and Canada East. Each province received a
separate Legislature, consisting of a Legislative Council, appointed by
the Crown, a Legislative Assembly elected by the people, and a gover-
nor appointed by the Crown and responsible only to it. The Assembly
was elected for four years, and in it was vested the power of raising a
revenue for roads, bridges, schools and similar pubhc services. A body
which soon became obnoxious to the people was the Executive Coun-
cil. It coirsisted of salaried officials of the Crown, and judges, who
were the confidential advisers of the Governor, although, not account-
able for their acts either to him or to the Legislative Assembly. They
generally held seats in the Legislative Council, and virtually controlled
the legislation by their predominant, yet irresponsible, influence.
The new con.stitution, as Fox had predicted, worked badly almost
from the outset. The Legislative, and especially the Executive,
Councils became objects of popular jealousy, and questions of both
church and state soon began to divide the people into parties and
engender bitter political animosities.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 705
The first Legislature of Lower Canada sat at Quebec in 1791, when
that city contained about 7,000 inhabitants ; and the first Legislature
of Upper Canada at Newark, the present town of Niagara, in 1792,
where it continued to sit until 1797, when it removed to York, now
Toronto, which city had been founded by Governor Simcoe two years
previously.
The progi'ess of the country in trade and population, and the
development of its resources, were rapid. The tide of emigration
steadily increased, the Irish troubles of 1798, especially, leading many
hardy settlers to seek new homes in the virgin wilds of Canada.
As the province increased in wealth and population the evils of a
practically irresponsible government began to be felt. The Executive
Council, composed of the Governor and five of his nominees, removable
at his pleasure, gradually absorbed the whole administrative influence
of the colony.
In the year 1812-14 the young auxiliary nation was called upon
to undergo a severe ordeal through the United States declaring war
against Great Britain, partly because of sympathy with France and
partly through misunderstandings between the two Governments. The
United States naturally selected Canada as the first object of their
attack. The position of the two countries was very unequal. Canada
was totally unprepared for the conflict. She had less than 6,000
troops to defend 1,500 miles of frontier. Her entire population was
under 300,000, while that of the United States was 8,000,000. Despite
this startling disparity, the Canadians, rallying as one man to the
loyal support of their Government, bore themselves so nobly through-
out the two years' struggles which ensued, that, when it ended, the
advantage lay clearly upon their side, and the victories of Queenston
Heights and Chateauguay are to-day pointed to with the same patriotic
pride as the Englishman takes in Waterloo or the Frenchman in
Austerlitz.
At the close of the war, the domestic dissensions, suspended while
all attention was concentrated upon the defence of the country, broke
out afresh. In both Upper and Lower Canada the people began to
assert themselves against the rule of the Executive Councils, and the
breach between the two branches of the Legislature grew wider every
day. Conflicting claims as to revenue and other matters also sprang
up between the two provinces, to obviate which their union was sug-
gested so far back as 1822, but then withdrawn in consequence of the
intense opposition manifested by the French population of Lower
Canada. In Lower Canada, Louis J. Papineau, and in Upper Canada,
William Lyon Mackenzie, came forward as the champions of popular
rights, and were after a time drawn into actual rebellion. The struggle
for responsible government, once entered upon, was never permitted to
relax, until at length, in 1840, acting upon the suggestions contained
in the famous report of Lord Durham, on the state of the Canadas, the
Home Government determined upon the union of the two provinces
706 HISTORY OF THE
and the acknowledgment in the new constitution of the principle of
Eesponsible Government. Kesolutious were passed by the Provincial
Legislatures in favor of the scheme, and a bill based upon them passed
the Imperial Parliament in liS40, and went into eilect on the 6th
February, 1841. On that day the Provinces of Upper and Lower
Canada were peacefully united under one administration, and Eespon-
sible Government was firmly established.
The Act of Union provided that there should be one Legislative
Council and one Legislative Assembly in which each province should be
equally represented. The Council was composed of twenty life mem-
bers, appointed by the Crown ; the Assembly, of eighty-four members
elected by the people. The Executive Council or Cabinet comprised
eight members and was responsible to the Legislature. It was presided
over by the Governor-General, who held his appointment from the
Crown. The control of all public revenues was vested in the repre-
sentatives of the people. In June, 1841, the first united Parliament
met at Kingston. Three years later the seat of government was
changed to Montreal, and on the destruction of the Parliament build-
ings by a mob in 1849 it went to Toronto. It was in the first session
of the Legislature in Montreal that the present Premier, Sir John
A. Macdonald, took his seat as a legislator, and began that remark-
able career which has associated his name with all the political and
other developments Canada has experienced during more than forty
years.
At that period. Upper and Lower Canada were on an equal footing
as regards population, the lower province having 768,334, and the
upper, 765,797. Nine years subsequently, after many experiments,
all of which proved unsatisfactory, the burning question of the choice
of a permanent capital was left to the Queen herself, and under her
approval it was established at Ottawa, where it has since remained.
The history of Canada during the remaining years which preceded
Confederation is altogether a history of political parties, and may be
passed over without going into details. Above all other questions of
vital importance rose the question of Representation by Population.
By the terms of the Act of Union each of the two provinces was
allowed an equal number of representatives in Parliament; and so
long as their population remained nearly equal, the arrangement
worked satisfactorily enough. But of late years, Upper Canada had
far outstripped her sister province in population, and now naturally
enough began to demand that the representation should be readjusted
so as to bear a due proi)ortion to the respective populations.
This demand the French province vigorously resisted, and a crisis
was precipitated which threatened the integi'ity of the union. No
stable administration could be formed, and political atfairs were at a
dead-lock. Happily, in this serious juncture, the scheme for a con-
federation of all the provinces in British North America presented
itself as a solution of the existing difficulties.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 707
During all the years since the Quebec Act of 1774 was passed, the
French-speaking Canadians have displayed that loyalty to the British
Crown which found its noblest illustration in the expression of Sir
George Cartier, that he was " an Englishman speaking the French lan-
guage."
Ujiper Canada Rebellion. — The oppressive acts of the Executive
Council early in this century, against Robert Gourlay, Surveyor-
General Wyatt, Joseph Willcocks, Judge Robert Thorpe, and many
others, particularly Mr. Gourlay, may be said to have been the com-
mencement of that opposition to the then existing Government, since
known as the Upper Canada Rebellion. It would require a large
volume to give fully the origin of this unfortunate outbreak, which,
like the French Revolution, grew out of the wrongs inflicted upon the
common people and their representatives. Under the Act of 1791, the
appointment of the Executive Council, to begin with, gave grave offense
to the great mass of the inhabitants of Canada. It placed the Govern-
ment of the country in the keeping and control of men who could not
be held accountable for their misdeeds by those upon whom the wrongs
were likely to be imposed. The members of the Council, as such, were
independent of and superior to public opinion, and could override an
act of the Assembly without incurring serious responsibility. The
opposition which arose to the acts and existence of the Council was
due to no disloyalty to the Imperial power, but grew spontaneously
and luxuriantly from the soil of gross abuse practiced with impunity
by that obnoxious body. The Council found no difficulty in securing
a pliant tool in the Lieutenant-Governor, and in reducing to a practical
nullity the Assembly elected by the people. The injuries inflicted
upon Mr. Gourlay had been so frequent and unjust as to lead to the
bitterest complaint in all portions of the Province. Back in the last
century greed and favoritism in the disposal of Crown lauds was a
condition of affairs often observed, discussed and denounced ; and as
time grew, the abuses multiplied and expanded. The Executive Coun-
cil gave conspicuous evidence of unblushing corruption, one of its mem-
bers, President Russell, going so far as to grant lands to himself. The
abuses of the system of land grants alone became thus so obnoxious as
to lead to bitter complaint, and, in the end, to determined opposition.
Another measure leading to great injustice and severe denunciation
was the provision made for the clergy, known as the " Clergy Reserves,"
which were an allotment " equal in value to the seventh part of lands
granted " for the support of a Protestant clergy. Events proved that
this provision and the results growing therefrom caused more heart-
burnings than all other causes combined. The Family Compact,
whereby certain persons and their friends secured and held control of
nearly all the positions of emolument, was another source of constant
irritation. It became so odious, by its removal from office and its
oppression generally of pure-minded men of different views, that a
708 HISTORY OF THE
great cry of denunciation spread over the Dominion against the Family
Compact domination, the land-granting system, and the Clergy
Reserves. Other and more flagrant acts were perpetrated.
The Act of Exclusion, which disqualified Barnabas Bidwell from
holding any public office in the Dominion, was an arbitrary stroke of
the compact to rid itself of an able and troublesome opponent, which
arbitrary act led to the selection of his son, Marshall S. Bidwell, to the
House, and his selection, in 1829, as Speaker. He was one of the first,
and one of the ablest, of the Reformers sent to the House. He was
elected in 1824 for the third time before he was permitted to take his
seat, owing to the tactics of his political enemies. John Eolph, the
most illustrious Canadian orator of history, took his seat at the same
time with several others. A little later came Peter Perry, Captain John
Matthews, Dr. William W. Baldwin, his son Eobert Baldwin, and
William Lyon McKenzie, and allied themselves con.spicuously with the
growth of Eeform. Many flagrant acts of the government followed as
the years rolled along to 18:37: — The destruction of the Advocate
Office at York in 182G, which paper was edited by Mr. Mackenzie; the-
attempt to remove Captain Matthews across the Atlantic on a ridicul-
ous charge of disloyalty ; the Niagara Falls outrage, wherein soldiers-
were employed to do the work of the sheriff in a time of profound
peace ; the removal of Justice John W. Willis for his course of Reform ;
the unwarranted and malicious imprisonment of Francis Collins ; the
cases of Jonah Brown, Robert Randal, Hugh C. Thompson, and many
others ; the repeated expulsions of Wm. Mackenzie from the House, to-
which he was as often elected ; the continued deliberately oppressive
acts of Lieutenant-Governor Head, all lead steadily up to the point
where the people seemed no longer able to bear it, and organized and pre-
cipitated an armed rebellion. That Mr. Mackenzie was the originator
of this rebellion, admits no doubt. But it ended in immediate failure,
though it bore fruit abundantly in later times. Mr. Papineau similarly
stirred up a rebellion in Lower Canada. In all cases, the rebels who
armed themselves and were guilty of an overt act, were speedily over-
come, although, several skirmishes occurred and death resulted, and
war with the United States was seriously threatened. A number of
the leaders were executed, others fled to the United States ; but the
rebellion engendered an opposition which yet lives, having gi'own to
large proportions and importance.
Sperial ^iograpl^iral gtpattment.
BIOGRAPHY.
Alexander S. Abbott.
Thirty-two years passed in sincere and earnest endeavor to thor-
oughly discharge every duty of the position which he has occupied, has
been a marked characteristic of Mr. Abbott's career in life. He was
born in County Galway, Ireland, June 30, 1812. His father. Samuel
Abbott, was a native of the same county, and his mother, whose
maiden name was Mary Guinning, was the daughter of Rev. Alex.
Guinning, who was pastor of Castle Blakeny Church for over sixty
years, and who lived to be over fourscore years and ten. There were
seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Abbott, Alexander S.
being the second son and child. Until thirteen years of age his time
was spent in obtaining an education. He then became an apprentice
to the dry goods business in his native town, and served in this capacity
for seven years. In 1843 he was induced by an uncle, Rev. William
Hodson Guinning, who was pastor of a church in Lambspond, to emi-
grate to Canada. This he did, and settled in London in 1843, where
for forty-five years he has made his home. Previous to this, April
16, 1834, he married Miss Dorinda Ruxton, a daughter of William R.
Ruxton, of the Royal Engineer Department. To them were born eight
children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : — Keziah, who married
James G. Biuly, a prominent jeweller of Hamilton, Canada ; Samuel
W. and Hodson G., of the city of London ; Alexander R., in Illinois ;
William, a jeweller, at Decatur, 111. ; Dorinda, now the widow of
Andrew J. Tulley, and Henry Randolph, a prominent dentist of Lon-
don. One daughter, Lottie, died in 1876. After coming to London,
Canada, Mr. Abbott engaged in business, which he continued until the
fire of 1845. He then received the appointment of tax collector, and
what time he was not thus engaged he acted as salesman behind the
counter. In September, 1856, he received the appointment of City
Clerk, and notwithstanding the many changes in municipal affairs,
Mr. Abbott stiU occupies this position. It is but the truth whgn we
make the statement that a more painstaking, competent official is not
to be found in the Dominion, and long may he be found in his present
position. Although somewhat advanced in years, his eye is not dim,
neither is his natural force abated, and his records are models of neat-
ness and legibility. In his rehgious preferences, Mr. Abbott is a mem-
712 HISTORY OF THE
ber of the Methodist Church. He is also a Eoyal Arch Mason,
and was one of the first charter members of the Grand Lodge of
Canada. He has served as Itecorder of the Chapter and Secretary of
the Blue Lodge for many years. In temperance matters, Mr. Abbott
has been a leader, and since 1851 has been a teetotaler. He has
rendered valuable assistance by his example, to the cause of temper-
ance. He has in his possession a ring belonging at one time to the
sister of the celebrated Dr. Goldsmith, and the engraving " Dec. 31,
1742," is still visible. This relic descended from generation to genera-
tion, until it came into Mr. Abbott's possession, and is looked upon
by him as a priceless jewel and a veritable Mascot.
Murray Anderson.
A long life of upright and useful citizenship has placed the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch in the foremost ranks of the pro-
minent men of JNliddlesex County, and it may be truly said of him
that he has done as much to further the interests of the county and to
establish worthy entei-prises as any of its present residents. He was
born at Lundy's Lane, on the 9th of January, 1814, and is a gi'andson
of Col. Peter Anderson, who was born in England, and who married
Miss Abigail Fortner, a niece of Sir Charles Douglass, of Scotland, her
mother having been a Miss Douglass. Col. Peter Anderson was an
English officer, and during the Eevolutionary War in the United States
had occasion to measure swords with both Washington and Lafayette
at the battle of Princeton. After the restoration of peace he settled in
New Brunswick, being retired on half pay, and there resided until
1790, when he settled on the present site of Niagara Falls South. He
reared a family of four sous and two daughters, his son, Charles
Anderson, being his second son and child and the father of Mun-ay
Anderson, the subject of this sketch. In early life Charles learned the
carjjeuter and joiner's trade, and was afterwards married to Miss Sallie
Brooks, a daughter of Robert Brooks, and a native of New Jersey. He
owned the ground on which the battle of Lundy's Lane was fought,
and during that war (1812) was a captain in the English service, and
a participant in the following battles : — Queenstown, Stony Creek,
Crysler Farm, Chippewa and Lundy's Lane, having Gen. Scott for an
opponent in the latter engagement. It is worthy of note that the two
soldiers became fast friends, and for many years the latter made
periodical vists to the old battle gi'ound of Lundy's Lane, and always
hud for a companion Capt. Anderson, receiving as a souvenir from tlie
latter a cane carved from a tree which gi-ew on the battle ground of
Buena Vista, Mexico. It may be proper to state here that Mr. Ander-
son's gi'andparents left New Jersey on account of fealty to the mother-
land, and an aunt of his married .Tames Lundy, a son of William
Lundy. The family of Capt. Charles Anderson consisted of eight
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 713
children, seven sons and one daughter. IMurray Anderson, the third
son and child, was reared in the Province of his birth, and at the age of
sixteen began serving an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade in Hamil-
ton, in which capacity he worked for six years. In 1835 he came to
London, Canada, returning home at the end of eighteen mouths, but
took up a permanent residence in London in 1840, and for years has
been prominently identified with the business interests of the place.
He has been engaged in manufacturing tinwares and buying furs for
many years, and in the latter business was one of the largest individ-
ual dealers in the market, and made semi-annual trips to New York
City to dispose of his goods, and while on one of these trips had a
personal invitation to dine with John Jacob Astor and also with
Eamsey Crook. He carried on his business successfully for years, but
of late has given up this occupation. He was the first Reeve and Mayor
of the City of Loudon, and as a member of the City Council for many
years, rendered valuable aid in improving the city, and was a faithful
guardian of its best interests. In November, 183S, he was married to
Miss Jane C. Kerr, a native of Albany, N. Y., and to their union three
children were born, two of whom are now living, Edward, and Sarah,
wife of James Flock. To attempt a detailed account of the irumerous
enterprises with which he has been actively connected, or to review
even passingly his otticial and public life, his characteristics, and his
many admirable and moral traits, would be impossible in the space
allotted to this sketch ; but in every walk of life his career has been
above criticism, and he has ever been the soul of honor, a faithful
and trusty friend and a true Christian. He is one of the pioneer mem-
bers of the Methodist Church, and is one of its staunch supporters.
James I. Anderson.
James I. Anderson, bookseller, stationer and dealer in fancy goods,
is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, born March 5, 1852. His father,
John Anderson, and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Ann
Ingles, were both natives of Scotland. The son received a liberal
education, and early commenced his business experience in a book
house in Edinburgh, in which he received a thorough training. In
1872 he left the land of his birth, sailed for America, and for over two
years and a-half was a resident of Buffalo, N. Y. In 1875 he came to
London and engaged in his present business, which at first was com-
menced on a small scale, but has been of steady growth, the stock
having been increased in quality and variety from time to time as
necessities have demanded, until it has grown to be recognized as the
leading house in this line in the city. Their stock includes a complete
line of stationery and miscellaneous books, church hymnals, bibles,
prayer books and Sunday school libraries. Their stock of fancy goods
comprises an elegant array of articles of practical utility and adorn-
45
714 HISTORY OF THK
ment. By close attention to business and his honorable dealings, Mr.
Anderson has, within a comparatively short time, built up a trade
which older establishments may well envy. From his first settlement
here he has taken an interest in everything tending to increase the
reputation and good name of the city, and his influence is always on
the side of morality and right. Mr. Anderson was married in 1878 to
Miss Harriet Elliott, a native of this city, and a daughter of James and
Helen Elliott, who were early settlers in Middlesex County. The
former died in 1864, but the latter is still living.
Henry Anderson.
Henry Anderson, of Middlesex County, Ontario, is a son of Thomas
Anderson, who was born in England, and was a prominent farmer of
Wiltshire. He was married to Miss Ann Dark, by whom he became
the father of three children : — -Henry, Thomas F., and Amelia. He
immigrated with his family to Middlesex County in 18:53 — the country
at that time being an unbroken wilderness — and settled on a tract of
400 acres south of the 2nd Concession ; the farm being now occupied
by his son Thomas F. He and wife are members of the Church of
England, the latter being a descendant of the Bailys, a prominent
family of England. Francis Baily, the astronomer, after leaving school,
held a mercantile situation until twenty-two years of age, when, from
mere love of adventure, he embarked for the New World and traveled
over a great part of the Far West, and passed eleven months among the
aborigines without once seeing a civilized habitation. In 1800 he
became connected with the Stock Exchange, and published many
articles of note relating thereto in the various journals of the times,
and in 1806 ably defended the rights of the Brokers. In 1814 he
drew up the report of the committee relating to the gi'eat fraud of that
year, and arranged the evidence against the perpetrators. He was a
successful member of the Stock Exchange, and at the time of his
retirement from active basiness life in 1825, was the owner of a hand-
some fortune which he had acquired by sagacious management. His
brother was Mayor of Paris during the stormy scenes of the French
Revolution, and was beheaded by the guillotine. Henry Anderson,
whose name heads this sketch, was born in Wiltsiiire, England, iu
1816, and was a lad of sixteen years when brought to Canada. He
was greatly pleased with the wild, free life of the pioneer, and soon
became expert with the ax and the rifle. He soon became noted for
his skill in the use of the former, and his presence was always gladly
welcome when a log house was to be raised, he being always selected
as a " corner man," as it required an expert to cut the notches and fit
the logs. He was very fond of hunting, and many a deer fell before the
unerring aim of his rifle ; fifty of tiiese animals falling a victim to his
skill the first few years of his residence here, as they often came into
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 715
the clearing around their cabin during the night to browse. His early
educational advantages were of the most meagre description, but being
naturally quick-witted and intelligent, he acquired a fair education
previous to his thirteenth year. He took an active part in the Eebel-
lion of 1837, and when the Rebels were in force near Toronto, Capt.
Joseph Odell called for volunteers to serve as " Minute Men," and out
of 500 men only fourteen responded to the call, Henry and Thomas F.
Anderson being among the number. In 1850, Mr. Anderson was
married to Miss Annie McGregor, a daughter of John and Isabel
(Teddie) McGregor, who were natives of the Scotch Highlands. Mr.
and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of ten children, who lived to be
grown :— Florence A., Isabel A., Henry A., Margaret E., Ellen A.,
Annie V., John D., Frederick H., Henrietta, and Norman. After his
marriage Mr. Anderson settled on the farm of 200 acres, where he
now lives, and went to work to clear his land and get it under cultiva-
tion, in which work he has been very successful. In 1S59 he was
appointed County Auditor, which office he held until 1867, and was
then elected Deputy Reeve, the duties of which he filled until 1871.
He is now filliug the office of Township Clerk, and has been President
of the Township Agricultural Society, and from 1867 to 1880 was Secre-
tary of the Agricultural Society of the County of Middlesex. He was
the first General Superintendent of the Western Fair held in London
from 1868 until 1871, and at the latter date was appointed General
Superintendent of the Provincial Agriculture and Arts' Association of
Ontario, serving in this capacity until 1881, when he resigned, and on
his retirement was presented with a silver medal, which constituted
him a life member of the A.ssociation, his .staff of employes present-
ing him with a handsome gold watch as a token of their esteem. He
is one of the founders of the Westminster Fire Insurance Company,
the first meeting being held at his residence in 1857, and has been
Treasurer of the Reform Association of East Middlesex, and is the
present President of the Dominion Farmer's Council. In religious
views, he and family belong to the Church of England, and he is
politically a Reformer. Although seventy-two years of age, he is hale
and hearty, and in his views on all subjects is considered one of the
most sagacious and intelligent men of the county. By his straightfor-
ward and honest course through life, he has won the confidence, love,
and respect of all who know him, and he and family occupy an envi-
able position in the estimation of the citizens of Middlesex County.
William H. Ardiel.
William H. Ardiel, farmer, and native of Canada, and a resident of
London Township, in this County; was born on December 2, 1844,
and is a son of James Ardiel and Jane (Haskett) Ardiel. His
father was born in Canada, at a place then known as Frontenac, and his
716 HISTORY or THE
mother was born in Ireland, in a place called Buricane. His grand-
parents were natives of Ireland, and came to this country at a very
early date (in 1819) to Frontenac, and shortly after removed from there
to London Township, in the County of Middlesex, where his gi'and-
father entered 100 acres of land for himself and 100 acres for his eldest
son, Isaac, who was at that time a young man ; but several years
after he was taken very ill, and died, and his body was iuteired in the
then Established Church of England cemetery, in the village of St.
Johns, London Township. His grandfather afterwards reserved the
100 acres for his father, James Ardiel. At that time the country was
a wilderness, and infested by many wild animals. The wolves often
made the nights hideous with their cries. The cabins of the settlers,
which were built of round logs, were few and far between, and in
order to have their corn or wheat ground they were obliged to make a
journey of two days, carrying their grist to Pond Mills, south-east of
the present city of London, following a blazed line through the woods
to the Forks, where now stands London, and from there to Pond Mills.
Mr. Ardiel's grandfather spent the greater portion of his time chopping,
clearing up the land, and tilling the farm on which he first located
and died there at the age of 84 years, and was buried in the old St. Johns
cemetery, as is also his four oldest sons, and Mrs. Ardiel's grandfather,
Mr Haskett, and his eldest daughter. Grandfather Ardiel served in
the rebellion of ISoT, often acting in the capacity of an officer when
called on to do so. James Ardiel, the father of William H. Ardiel,
whose name heads this sketch, was born at Frontenac, in Canada, and
is the fifth son of John and Mary (Dag) Ardiel. During the rebellion
of 1837 he served as a corporal, also as sergeant, and made a faithful
officer. After the close of the war he received his discharge from the
commanding officer, and then returned home, and spent the remainder
of his days in farming and occasionally dealing in stock. He died at
the untimely age of thirty-one years, the public losing in him a useful
citizen and his family a faithful husband and father. Four of his five
children are still living. The eldest son, John H. Ardiel, and his
mother, still live at the old homestead in London Township, where the
father died. William H. Ardiel is living in the same township ; and
Elizabeth Ardiel, wife of James H. Hodgins, and Mary Jane Ardiel,
wife of William Knapton, reside in London Township. The mother
is one worthy of the name, for kindness and shrewd, honest manage-
ment.
William H. Ardiel has followed the occupations of a farmer and
carpenter through life, and his residence and suiToundings will com-
pare favorably with any in the county for neatness and taste. On
the 4th day of July, 1<S77, he was married to Miss Margaret, eldest
daughter of Mr. John Anderson, by whom he is the father of three
children, Christy Jane, James and John. Mr. Ardiel and his wife are
Methodists ; and he is a Conservative in his ])olitical views. Joha
Haskett, his grandfather, immigi-ated from Buricane, Ireland, on June
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 717
6, 1822, to this country, and settled at a place called Monire Scenaries,
in what was known at that time as Canada East, or Lower Canada.
Jane (Haskett) Ardiel was then nine months old. They lived in that
locality for ten years. At the close of that time the grandfather
buried his beloved wife, Elizabeth (Blacall) Haskett, and on the 6th of
June, 1833, the grandfather and six of his family moved from Monire
Scenaries to the Township of London, where he settled on 100 acres of
land. These were times of hardship and toil, the country being a dense
forest. He followed carpentry and farming, and built the old St.
Johns Church, which is still standing, and in those days was considered
a fine piece of workmanship. He lived on the land on which he
settled, and died on the same farm in the year 1853. His body was
interred in the old St. Johns burying ground, and his eldest daughter
also is buried in the same cemetery. His son John is still on the farm
and in good circumstances. He now owns 300 acres of land in this
township, and is an upright, honest, hard-working man, and is highly
esteemed by his fellow-men.
Richard Ardiel.
Eichard Ardiel, Depxity-Eeeve of London Township, and a native
of Middlesex County, was born in 1853, and is a son of Launcelot and
Catharine (Gleason) Ardiel, natives respectively of Ireland and Canada.
Launcelot Ardiel came from his native land to Canada in company
with three brothers and one sister, and took up his abode in Middlesex
County about 1841. The father purchased 100 acres of land, quite
heavily covered with timber, and immediately set to work to improve
his farm, making that place his home until his death, which occurred
in August, 1883. His wife died in 1870, having borne nine children
— Margaret, Thomas, William, Richard, Launcelot, Frances E., Jona-
than, Robert and Joseph. Richard Ardiel was reared on the farm he
now occupies, receiving his education in the common schools of London
Township. In 1887 he was elected to the office of Deputy-Reeve of
the township, which position he is still filling, to the entire satisfaction
of all concerned. He is an intelligent and enterprising gentleman, and
owns a valuable farm of 100 acres, besides some property in the city
of London. He is a member of the Church of England, and belongs to
the Masonic fraternity.
William Henry Armstrong.
William Henry Armstrong, one of the highly respected citizens of
the county, was born in Ireland, July 21, 1825, and is the son of John
and Margaret (Wallace) Armstrong, both natives of the " Emerald
Isle," where both passed their entire lives. Their son, William Henry
718 HISTORY OF THE
Armstrong, grew to manhood and was educated in Ireland. In 1850
lie emigrated to Canada, settled in London, and in 1854 removed to
Strathroy, where he has since resided. On first coming to Strathroy
he engaged in general merchandising, which he carried on for several
years, or until about 1859. One year later he was appointed treasurer
of Strathroy, and this office he has held continuously ever since. All
money, municipal or school, passes through his hands. In 1864, Mr.
Armstrong was appointed Collector of Inland Eevenue, which position
he held until his resignation in 1882, and is now a superannuated
officer. For some time Mr. Armstrong was inspector of weights and
measures. He now owns 250 acres of land just outside the corpora-
tion of Strathroy and thirty acres within the corporation. For many
years he has been engaged in stock-raising, having been quite success-
ful in this occupation. His marriage relation was solemnized in
January, 1855, to iliss Ehzabeth Saul, a native of Middlesex County,
Canada; born in Metcalfe Township, October 3, 1835; daughter of
Eev. Eichard Saul, who was born in England in 1800, and who came
to Canada in 1832, where he died Oct. 3, 1877. The mother of Mrs.
Armstrong was born in England in 1806, and is now a resident of
Strathroy. To the imion of Mr. and j\Irs. Armstrong were born four
children — Richard Wallace, born 1856; William Alfred, born 1857;
Maggie, born 1864; and Walter Henry, born 1883. Mr. Armstrong
in his political views is a strong Reformer, and he and his wife are
members of the Canada Methodist Church. The family is well re-
spected in the county.
James Armstrong.
James Armstrong is a member of an old Scotch family, who, for
many years resided in, and farmed in, the Lowlands of Scotland ;
Thomas Armstrong, the father of our subject, being a native of that
country. When a young man he immigrated to New Brunswick and
was married to Miss Agnes Murray, a daughter of Charles and Ehza-
beth (Armstrong) Murray, by whom he had five children, Adam,
James, Charles, Catherine and Elizabeth, Mr. Armstrong resided near
Fredericktown for a number of years, and in 1837 moved with his
family to Middlesex County, where he piirchased a farm on which he
resided until his death in 1873 at the age of 77 years. He was a
member of the I'resbyterian Church, and during the Canadian Rebel-
lion of 1837 served in the County Militia. His son, James, was
reared on a farm in York County, New Brunswick, and was brought
to Middlesex County when a lad of seven years, where he received an
excellent education under the able instructions of Adam Murray, and
at the age of 28 years was elected Township Councillor, and in 1858
was married to Miss Jane Fraser, a daughter of Major Daniel and
Jane (Martin) Fraser, the father being a native of Scotland, an early
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 719
settler of the county, and Major of the County Militia for many years.
Mrs. Armstrong died in 1871, and Mr. Armstrong afterwards married
Annie McColl, a daughter of Duncan and Isabella (Cowan) McColl,
who were natives of Scotland. Our subject and wife are the parents
of two children, Bella and Murray. Mr. Armstrong formerly owned
one of the finest farms in Westminster Township, and was engaged in
tilling the soil until called to Parliament in 1882. In 1861 he was ,
appointed Superintendent of Schools. After filling this position for
seven years he was appointed Townsliip Clerk, being elected Township
Eeeve in 1872, which position he successfully filled until 1882, being
also County Warden a portion of the time. He was elected a member
of the Canadian Parliament in 1882, and is now filling the duties of
this position to the general satisfaction of all. He and wife are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he has been president, and is
still a director, of the London Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He
is now Vice-President of the City Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
and is a director in the Canadian Savings and Loan Company. Mr.
Armstrong is one of those men who combine ability with energy,
honesty and accuracy, and as a result has beeu a trusted servant of
the public in various capacities for many years.
Henry Arnott, M.D.
Nothing is more essential to happiness than good health, and
nothing more desirable. Some seek for health in travel, others in
physical recreation, and both are, no doubt, beneficial ; but they do
not always accomplish the object in view. Medical science must be
resorted to, and the best physicians are always in demand. Among
those physicians and surgeons whose career has ever been one of
success stands the name of Dr. Arnott. Not only has he distinguished
himself as a medical practitioner, but his kindness of manner and his
happy, genial disposition has made him many friends outside his pro-
fession. He was born in the County of Peel, July 21, 1844, and is the
son of Henry and Maria (McClure) Arnott, both natives of the Emerald
Isle. The father immigrated to Canada in about 1821, and he assisted
in building one of the first liouses erected in Guelph. Dr. Henry
Arnott spent his early life in agricultural pursuits, and received a
liberal education. He prepared himself for teaching school, and
followed this caUing for six years. A desire to obtain a thorough
knowledge of some of the sciences led him to take up the study of
medicine, and with rare perseverance and energy he closely applied
himself until he was ready for matriculation in the Toronto Medical
School, from which institution he received his degi'ee in 1870. The
same year he came to the County of Middlesex, settled in the Town-
ship of London, at Arva, and here he commenced the active duties of
his profession. He remained there until 1880, when he came to Lon-
720 HISTORY OF THE
don, which has since given him a worthy place among her professional
citizens. His success has, indeed, been remarkable, and the large and
extensive patronage which he has enjoyed, and the pleasing results that
have followed warmly testify to his ability as a physician and surgeon.
He took an active part in establishing a school of medicine in the city,
and filled the position of Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Clinical
Medicine until he resigned the place in the fall of 1888. He was
married to Miss Mary Graham, of the County of Peel, and to them
have been born two children. The doctor takes a deep interest in
sanitary science, and his labors in this direction prove him to be not
only an enthusiastic but a humanitarian physician.
William Ashbuey.
William Ashbury, capitalist, is the oldest man in point of residence
in London, Ont , and is a native of the County of Tipperary, Ireland.
At an early day he was deprived of a father's care by death, and he
came with his mother and brothers and sisters to Canada, and settled
in London in 1833. He learned the trade of blacksmith in his youth
and followed this calling for many years, and by prudent investment
of the money he earned began gradually to accumulate property. He
always attended closely to business, avoiding any interference with
others, had a horror of going in debt, and was careful of his promises,
but when made, adhered to them to the letter. His life has been quiet
and uneventful, and he is now enjoying the fruits of his well-spent
labor. Of late years his time has been given to his financial interests,
and as he has been strictly honest throughout life, he has never had
occasion to regard any man's smile or fear his frown.
Daniel P. Aylsworth.
Daniel P. Aylsworth, Town Clerk and an enterprising farmer,
whose post-office is Dorchester Station, was born on a farm in the Town-
ship of Earnestown, Ujiper Canada, Ontario, in 1811, and is the son of
Bowen Aylsworth, who was a pioneer of Ontario, and who came with
his father, Arthur Aylsworth, in 1778, and settled in Earnestown,
Both father and son lived on the same farm all their lives. Bowen
Aylsworth man-ied Hannah Perry, daughter of Robert Perry, who
came to Canada directly after the war of the American llevolution.
To Mr. and Mrs. Aylsworth were born fifteen children, thirteen of
whom lived to be over sixty years of age — Benjamin, Job, David,
John, Robert, Henry R., Elizabeth, Daniel P., Isaac B., Mary J.. Sarah
A., Peter and Mercy. Mr. Aylsworth was a prosperous farmer, and
was the owner of 500 acres of land, which he divided among his
children. He was a member of the Alethodist Church, and was a man
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 721
who took a great deal of interest in church matters, being steward,
class leader and trustee for many years. He lived to be eighty-six
years of age, as did also his wife. He was one of the best known
men in the locality, and was universally respected. He was a soldier
in the war of 1812. His son, Daniel P. Aylsworth, remained and
assisted his father on the farm, until he attained his growth and
received his education in the common schools. He married Miss
Lucinda Fralick, daughter of Martin and Hannah (Hoffman) Fralick.
To JMr. and Mrs. Aylsworth were born thirteen children, eleven of
whom lived to be grown — Ebenezer, Almeda H., Julia A., Mercy J.,
Amarilla M., William N., Eichard P., Henry W., Mary E. and Lola A.
After man-iage Mr. Aylsworth kept a general store at Newburg, Ont.,
for ten years, and in 1848 he came to Middlesex County, and settled
on the 1st Concession, Dorchester Township, south of the river, where
he lived until ISSO. He then moved to Dorchester Station, and there
he is now residing. In 1857, Mr. Aylsworth was appointed Township
Clerk, an office which he has held continuously ever since, a period of
thirty-three years, and to the general satisfaction of all. He is politically
as well known as any man in the township. He has been commis-
sioned to take affidavits since 1880, and has filled the office of magis-
trate since 1883. He has always taken a great interest in all laudable
enterprises, and has given his support to the same in a very substantial
manner. He was Secretary of the Township for three years, and also
filled the office of School Trustee. He, his wife and family are mem-
bers of the Methodist Church, in which he has been Trustee and class
leader, and to which he has contributed liberally. He has been a
local preacher for over forty years. In his political views Mr. Ayls-
worth is a Eeformer, and is liberal in his views on all subjects of
importance. He is a man who has been closely identified with the
interests of the township for many years, and has the universal respect
of all acquainted with him.
Egerton Robert Baines (Deceased).
Egerton E. Baines (deceased), was store-keeper for the Western
Division of the Grand Trunk Eailroad at London, Out., and was born
in Toronto, York County, Ont, in 1830, and in his youth received
excellent educational advantages, being a pupil in the Upper Canada
College until eighteen years of age. He subsequently went to Liver-
pool, England, where he commenced his mercantile experience, and
remained seven years. In 1859 he accepted a position with the Great
Western Eailroad of Canada as store-keeper, and after the consolidation
of the Great Western with the Grand Trunk Eailroad, acted in the
same capacity for the Western Division of this system. In September,
1881, he was called to London, where he continued to make his home
up to the time of his death. The length of time he was in the employ
722 HISTORY OF THE
of the System and the faithful manner in which he discharged the
duties of the position speak louder than words can do, the high place
he held in the estimation of the company. He was killed in the St.
George railroad disaster on the 27th of February, 1889, at the age of
58 years, his death being deeply lamented by his family and numerous
friends.
Maurice Baldwin.
Maurice Baldwin, dealer in coal and wood at London, is a native
of Queen's Count}', Ireland, born January 21, 1844, and is the son of
John and Jane (Cronyn) Baldwin, both natives of Ireland, and the
father a farmer by occupation. Of the seven children born to their
union, Maurice is the fifth. Early in life the latter went to England,
served his time in ship- building, and came to the United States in
1860. He worked for some time in the Brooklyn Navy Yards, and in
1862 came to Canada, where he worked at boiler making, and was
then employed at Huron College for a time. Since that time he has
been engaged in the wood and coal business at London. He was a
member of the London East Council, elected by acclamation, and he
has been identified with the following orders : — Orangemen — Master
the Koyal Black Knights of Ireland; A. F. & A. M. — Royal Arch
Mason ; Eoyal Arcanum ; Independent Order of Foresters. Mr. Bald-
win was married November 16, 1865 to Miss Mary Jane Eobin-
son, daughter of William Robinson of Dorchester Township. Mrs.
Baldwin was born in Quebec, and by her marriage became the mother
of these children :• — Jane, Susan, Bessie, Robert, Willie, Maud, Wynona,
Prudie, and one son, John, who is now deceased. Mr. Baldwin has
made all his property by his own efforts, is in comfortable circum-
stances and has contracts for sixteen years in coal and wood. He also
held contracts for watering streets, grading blocks and paving streets
with the Coiporation of the City of London.
J. D. Balfour, M. D.
J. D. Balfour, M. D., Superintendent of London Hospital and one
of the successful practitioners of the city, was born in Perth County,
Ont, in 1857, and is the son of James and Catherine (Worthington)
Balfour, the father a native of Scotland. Dr. Balfour was reared in his
native county, and his early life was spent in agricultural pursuits, and
in attending the common schools, where he received a good practical
education. He then taught school for some time, read medicine in
the meantime, and afterwards attended lectures in Western University,
London, Canada, and at Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1887. He received
the following degi-ees, viz. : — L. R. C. P., L. E. C. S., Edinburgh, F. P.
and S., Glasgow. In October, 1887, he took charge of the London
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 723
Hospital, and is qualified in ever way for the position he so success-
fully fills. He is one of the rising young physicians, and the outlook
before him is full of promise. In 1883 he chose for his companion in
life Miss Bella McGill, a native of Ontario, and the fruits of this union
are two children, Edward Burke and Eichard. Dr. Balfour is a mem-
ber of the A. F. & A. M.
Luther Barnard.
This gentleman is of English descent, and the son of Byron
Barnard, who was born in Vermont, and was a farmer by occupation.
He was married in his native State to Miss Eleanor Barrows, who
bore him these children ; — Luther, Norman, Albert, Carlos, Alonzo,
Ehza, Mary and Abigail. Mr. Barnard owned a farm near the town
of Bristol, County of Addison, but sold this, and in 1833 moved to
Canada, and settled on the 2nd Concession of Westminster Township
when there were but three stores in London, and with the assistance
of his son bought and cleared 100 acres of land. The country was a
wilderness at that time, and wild animals were plentiful. Mr. Barnard
built a log house, shingled it with bark, and, of course, endured all the
privations incident to pioneer life. He was an honest, hard-working
man, and lived on the farm all his days, which was for over sixty
years. Rufus Barnard, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was
a soldier in the war of the Revolution on the American side, and
Frank Barnard, an uncle, was an officer — a Lieutenant — in the war of
1812.
Luther Barnard, subject of this sketch, was born in Vermont, in 1822.
Although but twelve years of age when he came with his parents
to Canada, yet very distinctly does he bear in mind the journey
hither, which was performed by way of horses and covered waggons,
the iron horse not then available, which took some six weeks to
complete. He assisted his father in clearing the farm, was inured
to hard work, and owing to the unsettled conditions of the country
received hmited educational advantages. Quaintly humorsome, Mr.
Barnard relates a cattle- driving exploit to Michigan when about twenty
years of age : — The roads in those days from London to Sarnia were
not composed of steel rails, nor yet gravel, but along the mud roads
at intervals stretches of corduroy crossings, some three miles in length,
were the inevitable. In the trip one certain cow mired three times in
one day. On miring the third time, she was left to shift for herself.
Going on with the rest of the cattle, at the first settler's dwelling he
came to, he gave the cow away, and while telling the man where he
could find her, along came " bossy," having extricated herself When
driving her along five miles further he sold her for $15. At the close
of a day's journey in making the home trip, a night's lodging was
sought. Upon being ushered into the dwelling by the kind host, he
724 HISTOKY OF THE
fouud himself in a quarter, which, to meet the convenience of the
times, consisted of house and barn combined. He was favored to a
pallet of hay for a bed, and the fowls at roost, hard by, lent more than
their usual charm to make the night's rest one of peace and quiet. In
1844, or thereabout, being twenty-two years of age, Mr. Barnard paid a
visit to his boyhood's home, at the foot of the Green Mountains, Ver-
mont. He went by way of double waggon to Hamilton ; from there
to Toronto by boat, and stopped there three days on account of a
storm, claimed by the captain to be the most severe he had known in
five years. He sailed from Toronto to Schenectady, York State, and
from there to White Hall, Vermont, and went from there to the old
homestead, a distance of thirty-eight miles. Mr. Barnard remained
under the old parental roof until tliirty years of age, and then pur-
chased the farm where he now resides, which was then a dense forest.
He cleared the land and helped to build the house in which he now
lives. In 1852 he married Miss Caroline Jackson, daughter of
William and Mandana (Curtice) Jackson.
Mr. Jackson was an early settler from Vermont, and moved to
London Township in 1834. From there he moved to Westminster
Township. They were the parents of five children, Andrew, Cornelius,
Caroline, Martha and Louise. Mr. Jackson lived to be 72 years of
age, was a soldier in the war of 1812, was in the battle or Plattsburg,
and a bullet discharged from the enemy's gun ploughed its way through
the crown of his hat. Mr. Curtice, the maternal grandfather of Mrs.
Barnard, was a Eevolutionary soldier on the American side, and
Andrew Jackson, her brother, took part in the United States civil war,
and was a supporter of the Union. Mrs. Barnard, in her maiden
days, held the position of school teacher, and cites an instance when it
became her duty to severely reprimand quite a sized youth, his offence
being that of having thrown a small garter snake about the neck of one of
the school girls. This same lad afterwards became her brother in-law.
To Mr. and Mrs. Barnard were born ten children, five of whom have
lived to the present time, John, Albert, Emma, Eliza and Julia.
Owing to the abundance of wild game of those earlier days and a
natural inclination for rifle-shooting, Mr. Barnard became a practiced
and skilled marksman. In 1853 he encountered a large bear upon his
own farm. Nine times, with unening aim, sped from his rifle the
death-dealing leaden messenger before master Bruin gave o'er the con-
test. The bear must have weighed 400 pounds. At another time
four wolves stubbornly challenged his right to the possession of some
deer he had marked for his own. Mr. Barnard takes considerable
interest in educational matters and the success of schools. The Niles-
town school is one of the best in the county. He is a Eeformer in
politics, and is, together with his wife, a member of the Baptist Church.
They are blessed with the knowledge of knowing and seeing their
children, all of whom are now grown to manhood and womanhood,
following in their footsteps and holding the more important and
responsible positions both in church and society.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 725
B. F. Bartlett.
This gentleman, who is a resident of Mt. Brydges, and who was
one of the first settlers of Caradoc Township, is a native of Madisou
County, N. Y., was born December 21, 1821, and is the youngest of
eight children born to the union of Benjamin and Betsey (Pratt) Bart-
lett, both natives of Massachussetts. The parents left their native
State in 1827 and located in Caradoc Township, Middlesex County,
Ont, where the father purchased 100 acres of land, to which he subse-
quently added another hundred acres. He continued farming until
his death, which occurred in 1861 ; Mrs. Bartlett had died previous to
thi.s, in 1833 Owing to the scarcity of schools and of the unisettled
condition of the country, B. F. Bartlett did not receive the best educa-
tional advantages, but improved what opportunities he did receive.
With three of his neighbors' children he attended school kept at tlie
home of one of these neighbors during the winter months, and in the
summer he assisted on the farm. In November, 1847, he married
Miss Rachel Adamson, of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the daughter of
John and Eebecca Adamson. After this union they moved, first to
Toronto, and later to JMiddlesex County, where they have since resided.
Here were born to them the following children : — Albert and Victoria,
twins (Albert died when an infant, and Victoria married Dugald
]\lcLean), James, Henry, George (who died at the age of eight
years), De Loss (who died at the age of seven years), Annie (who
died at the age of three years), Frank, Amy (who died at the age of
two years), Elda and Edgar. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett are both members
of the Church of J2ngland, in the services of which he has always
taken an active part. In 1850-1 he was collector of taxes for Cara-
doc Township, and was census taker in 1852. Politically he has
always been a staunch Reformer. He is a well-read man, and a
" pioneer of the pioneers," having been an eye-witness of the marvellous
growth and vast improvements that have been made in the county
during the past sixty years. He has been a liberal contributor to all
enterprises which had for their object the welfare of the county, and
during the sunset of his life he has the satisfiiction of knowing that he
is well respected and esteemed. He was for many years a farmer, but
subsequently he engaged in the hotel business at Mount Brydges, after
which he was a contractor in the railroad business, and in this he
sustained heavy losses. He then assumed charge of the Victoria Hotel
at Mt. Brydges, which was destroyed by fire in 1862.
William Henry Bar tram.
William Henry Bartram, barrister of London, was born in Chelten-
ham, Gloucestershire, England, August 21, 1848, and is a son of Wil-
liam and Emily (Soule) Bartram. both of English parentage, and, on the
parental side, of Scotch descent. The father was an architect, but not
726 HISTORY OF THE
finding a good opening for his profession in England he concluded to
immigrate to Canada, which he accordingly did in 1850, locating first
in Toronto, where he remained a year or two, and had to turn his
abilities as an amateur artist to account by becoming a portrait and
landscape painter. He gained considerable notoriety as an artist by
painting the first and only panorama of Upper and Lower Canada for
the late Thomas Davidson, of Hamilton. This panorama was exhi-
bited in Canada and England, and was accidentally burned in Scot-
land. About a year after coming to Canada he sent for his family
and located at Hamilton, where he died in 1854 of cholera. He was
the father of five children, of whom W. H. Bartram is the eldest. The
latter was four years old when he came to Canada with his mother, and
after his father's death the family moved to Toronto, where he attended
school until 1840, when they moved to Chicago and resided one year
there, during which time his mother died. The subject of this sketch,
with his brothers and sister and their maternal grandmother, then
returned to Canada, locating at Sandwich, where W. H. completed his
education at the grammar school there. At the age of seventeen he
began the study of law with P. T. Worthington, of Windsor, during
which time he served as a volunteer in the Fenian raid of 1866. In
1867 he came to London where, under the preceptorship of Crown
Attorney Hutchinson, the late C. C. Abbott and Judge Elliot, he
completed his legal studies. He was admitted as an attorney in
Hilary Term and called to the Bar in the Easter Term (1871), soon
after forming a law partnership with Mr. Hutchinson, the firm title
being Hutchinson & Bartram, which was dissolved in 1874, when
Mr. Bartram became associated with Frank Love, the firm being
Bartram & Love. This partnership was dissolved in 1877, and Mr.
Bartram has since carried on his extensive practice alone. He is
a commissioner in Ontario for taking affidavits to be used in Mani-
toba, and is also a notary public. He is registrar of the law depart-
ment of the Western University ; has been reeve for London West for
three years, and is now the solicitor for that corporation. He has
been president of the St. George's Society of London, and in August of
1887 was elected vice-president of the North American St. George's
Union, to hold office until the next meeting of the convention in
Philadelphia. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J.
Barker, a native of London, by whom he is the father of four children,
Ruth M., William G. Renwick, Amy E., and Isabel M. Mr. and Mrs.
Bartram are members of the Church of England, and he is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, St. George's Society, Royal Arcanum, Inde-
pendent Foresters, Sons of England and Ancient Foresters.
Robert Baty (Deceased).
Robert Baty was one of the old pioneer farmers of Middlesex County,
and was of Scotch and English descent. Arthur Baty, his grandfather,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 727
was bom in Northumberland County, England, and about 1820 joined
his son, Thomas Baty, who had immigrated to New York State in lcS17,
and to Middlesex County, Ontario, in 1820. The latter settled on
the ninth Concession of London Township, and in 1830 moved to
Westminster Township, having bought the grist-mill at Pond Mills.
He was married to Margaret Telfer, a daughter of Eobert Telfer,
who came from Northumberland County, England, in 1820, and by
her became the father of two children, who lived to maturity — Robert
and Arthur — and throughout life was engaged in milling and in agri-
cultural pursuits. The parents became well-to-do citizens of the county.
They were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr.
Baty was an Elder for many years ; and he also served as a member
of the Township Council, and died at the age of sixty-eight years,
having lived a useful and busy life. Eobert Baty, whose name heads
this sketch, was born in New York State in 1818, and was about two
years of age when he was brought to Canada, where his boyhood day.s
were spent on a farm in the wilderness, and his early educational
advantages were fairly good. After attaining manhood he married a
daughter of Adam Telfer, by whom he became the father of three
children — Thomas, Adam and Arthur. After his marriage he assisted
his father in the mill for many years, and then located on a farm of
100 acres at Pond Mills. Subsequently he acquired 200 acres more, all
of which he left to his sons. Since this sketch was first wi'itten he has
died, that event occurring March 2, 1889. He was a member of every
building committee of his congregation, and for many years served on
the committee of management, of which body he was generally chair-
man. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church,
and he was a man who always lived a life of honorable and useful
citizenship, winning the respect and esteem of all by his many admir-
able traits of character.
J. H. A. Beattie.
J. H. A. Beattie, a rising young barrister of London, Ont., is a
native of the town in which he now resides, and was born on April
7, 1863. His parents, John and Virginie (Puttemans) Beattie, were
born in the north of Ireland and in Belgium respectively, the former
coming to Canada with his parents when fourteen years of age. He
was a prominent and successful merchant of London for many years,
and is now living retired from active business life, enjoying the fruits
of his many years of toil. J. H. A. Beattie, his son, was reared in the
town of London, and was chiefly educated by Dr. Tassie, of the town
of Gait, and pursued his legal studies under the directions of Hon. W.
R. Meredith. He was called to the bar in Hilary term, 1888, and
was also appointed Notary Public and Solicitor. He belongs to the
Independent Order of Foresters ; is a member of the firm of Meredith,
728 HISTORY OF THE
Fisher & Beattie, one of the leading firms of barristers in Western
Ontario, and, as such, is associated in his practice with WilHam E.
Meredith, Esq., Q. C, M. P. P., the leader of the Opposition in the
Legislature of Ontario.
Edward Beattie.
Edward Beattie is a ])rorainent farmer of North Dorchester Town-
ship, and is a son of William Beattie, who was a native of Liddesdale.
Eoxburgshire, Scotland, and was married to Janet Hogg, who bore him
fifteen children : — John, William, Catherine, Margaret, Jane, James,
Isabella, Andrew, Edward, Janet, Nancy, David, ]\Iary, Peter and
George. Mr. Beattie was a shepherd in his native land, but, after
coming to Canada in 1820, engaged in tilling the soil on a farm of 150
acres, which he had entered. He first resided in a little log-house, but
it has long since given place to a commodious and comfortable residence,
and his farm, which was then a wilderness, now yields abundant crops.
After coming to the New World, he first located in the United States,
in New York State, but soon after came to Canada, where he spent
the remainder of his days, dying in 1864 at the age of seventy-two
years, having been a member of the Presbyterian Church for many
years. Edward Beattie, his son, and the immediate subject of this
sketch, was born on the old homestead, at Pond Mills, was reared on a
farm, and received his education in a school conducted by Adam
Murray. After reaching manhood, he married Jane Stewart, a daughter
of Charles and Agnes (Patton) Stewart, and eight children were the
result of their union : — William E., Charles S., John P., James G.,
Agnes, Andrew A., Janet A. and David Pl. Previous to his marriage,
Mr. Beattie had taken up some land on the lake shore, where he lived
for three years, and in 1858 bought his present farm of 200 acres, to
which place he brought his wife, whom he married in 1856. They
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Reformer, hold-
ing liberal views on all subjects of importance. He has taken an active
interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of scliools, and
has held the office of School Trustee for a number of years. He
is essentially a self-made man, and deserves much commendation for
the way in which he has surmounted many obstacles ; for he started
in life with no capital but an abundant supply of energy and deter-
mination, and in time became one of the wealthy citizens of the
county. He is now tiie owner of 250 acres of fine farming land, and
has assisted his sons in obtaining 300 acres more. His farm is well
stocked, and he has a substantial brick residence and excellent barns.
Nelson Beaver.
Nelson Beaver, a farmer of Muncey Reserve, Caradoc Townshiji, is
a celebrated hunter and trader, and is Chief of the Chippewa Indians ;
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 729
his ancestors for many generations back having been noted Chieftains.
His father, Meskobenas, or Red Bird, after his grandfather's death, was
succeeded by his brother Tomaco ; after Tomaco's death, was succeeded
by John Eiley, an uncle of Nelson Beaver, and other chiefs. His
maternal grandfather was Nowwowsisswahnaby, who was one of the
greatest chiefs of his tribe and fought under Tecumseh, and was a par-
ticipant in the battle of Lnndy's Lane. The wife of Meskobenas was
Omissquahbun, and to them were born twelve children, six of whom
lived to be grown. Nelson Beaver was born in March, 1819, and fol-
lowed the wanderings of his tribe along the Thames River, engaged in
hunting and fishing. They resided in cabins made of red elm bark
with a fire in the centre. Their floors also consisted of the bark, and
their beds of the skins of wild animals, and as wood was to be had all
around them, they kept good fires and lived very comfortably during
the long, cold winter months. Mr. Beaver well remembers Chief Jim
Muskalunge, who fought in the War of 1812, Chief Yahbauce, Chief
Miskokomon, Old Kanotang, who was a great warrior and was head
Chief of the Bear Creeks, Jim Gary or Bakakadus, who was one
of the greatest warriors of his day, and Simon, who was also famed as a
warrior. The Indians believe in the Great Spirit, and that after death
they will go to the Happy Hunting Grounds ; but all are compelled
to cross a rapid river, across which a log is stretched, which the good
Indians readily cross, but the bad Indians find to be very slippery
and treacherous, and will finally fall into the water beneath, thus
losing all chance of reaching the much desired Happy Hunting Grounds.
Nelson Beaver's father died just prior to his birth, and his mother
was killed by a drunken son, who, eight years after, killed himself.
Marriages were solemnized in the following fashion : — The would-be-
groom's parents would take presents of deer skins and ponies to the
bride, and if these presents were accepted, the bargain was made ; and
after such a marriage the parties seldom left each other, but considered
their marriage binding forever, and uuchastity was a thing almost
unknown among them. Mr. Beaver thinks the Indians of the present
day are much more immoral than when he was a boy. ]\Ir. Beaver
himself was married Indian fashion, and lived this way until he was
forty years of age. In 1852 he went to California, taking the overland
route via Salt Lake, with Dr. Billington, James Patrick, B. Burley,
Luke Allison, John Dodd, M. Thompson, John White, D. Hogarth,
Mr. Hebert and several others, purchasing their outfit in Kansas City
(which then consisted of but one store), then pressed on westward and
spent two weeks at Salt Lake City, where they well treated by the
Mormons. They were over five months on the journey, and Mr.
Beaver went as hunter and guide ; but they often suffered with hunger,
and at one time were without food. Mr. Beaver killed a great many
deer, three bufi'alos and eight antelopes. He saw a great many wild
Indians, and came near being killed by them ; and after living in
California for about eight months, returned home via the Isthmus of
730 HISTORY OF THE
Panama. He has been a great hunter all his life, and estimates that
he has killed 2,500 deer durino; his lifetime, eighty being black-tailed
deer, which he killed in California. In November and December he
killed 130 deer in Dorchester Township, after his return from the
West. He has also killed many wolves and elk, and has an excellent
voice for calling the latter. In 1860 he married JNIary Eoberts, who
died after bearing two sons, William and Burwell, and four daughters.
He next married Helen M. Ganzeboot, who was three-fourths white
and one -fourth Tuscarora Indian. They have one son, George W.
Nelson Beaver is a member of the Methodist Church, and has acted
as interpreter to clergymen on the Manitoulin Island for many years.
He owns a good farm of 100 acres, on which is an excellent brick
residence, and also owns 250 acres on the Indian Reserve. He is
now sixty-nine years of age, has an excellent memory, and is noted
for his shrewdness and intelligence. He is as well-informed as many
white people, has always been a law-abiding citizen, and as he has
surmounted untold difficulties, his race may well emulate him and
point to his career with pride.
Frederick Marlett Bell-Smith.
In the progressive age in which we live the painters' art has steadily
kept pace with commercial advance, while the enlightened education
of the day makes us the more appreciative works of science and art.
Hence, it is fit and proper that painting, fostered as it has been since
the early ages, should in the history of the county be duly represented;
and he whose name heads this sketch needs no further introduction to
the citizens of London. He was born in London, England, September
26, 1846. His father, John Bell-Smith, was a portrait painter of wide
reputation, and came to Canada in 1866. His mother, Georgiana
Maria, was the daughter of Marlett Boddy, who was an officer in the
service of the Admiralty. Of the twelve children born to his parents,
Frederick M. Bell-Smith was the eldest. He was educated in England,
and early developed a talent in what has since been his chosen occu-
pation, and he received special instruction in the best art schools of
England. On his arrival in Canada in 1867, one year later than his
father, he settled in Montreal, and lived there until 1871, when he
removed to Hamilton, where he remained until 1875. He then
changed his residence to Toronto, but later returned to Hamilton,
where he remained until his removal to London in 1882. He is one
of the original members of the Eoyal Canadian Academy and of the
Ontario Society of Artists, and has est^xblished a wide reputation as one
of the largest exhibitors at the annual exhibition of the Koyal Canadian
Society and of the Ontario Society of Artists, in which he carried off
the highest honors As a director in the fine arts department, too much
cannot be said, for his energetic efforts have borne good fruit on the train-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 731
ing of pupils who now hold good positions as teachers, and to him is largely
due the reform in art studies that has taken place in our schools and
colleges. He has also been an exhibitor at the Eoyal Academy of
London, England. His summer vacations are spent in sketching from
nature, and in this capacity he has visited Cape Breton and other parts
of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, the coast of Maine, the White
Mountains of New Hampshire, the Eiver St. Lawrence, and the
eastern townships of Quebec ; and the past two years he has spent in
the Eocky Mountains and British Columbia, not only as an artist, but
as an elocutionist and cartoonist. He has gained an enviable reputa-
tion, and is endorsed in this talent, as well as in art, by the best repre-
sentatives of the pulpit, bar, and the educational platform. Mr. Bell-
Smith was married in 1871 to Miss Annie Myra, daughter of S. W.
Dyde, Esq., and niece of Lieut.-Colonel Dyde, A. D. C. They have
two children, both sons — Frederick and Claude. Mr. Bell-Smith is
identified with the Masonic Order, being a Knight Templar, and is also
a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
N. E. Beemer, M. D.
N. H. Beemer, M. D., assistant-superintendent of the Asylum for
the Insane, is one of the successful and promising members of the
medical profession in this part of Ontario, and his labors in the practice
of this science have given him weU-deserved prominence among his
professional brethren. He was born in County Norfolk, Ontario,
August 19, 1853 ; his parents, Henry and Esther (Shearer) Beemer,
being natives of the same county. The father was a farmer and mer-
chant, and carried on business successfully for many years ; but of late
years has lived retired from the active duties of life. His family con-
sisted of four sons and one daughter, of whom Dr. N. H. Beemer is the
youngest son. He resided in his native county until about sixteen
years of age, his time being chiefly given to attending school, and was
then placed in the Brantford Grammar School under the instruction of
David Ormiston, M. A., now a leading barrister at Whitby, and a
brother of Eev. Dr. Ormiston, who is so well-known throughout Canada
and the United States. Desiring to enter upon a professional life, Mr.
Beemer commenced the study of medicine, and applied himself ener-
getically and perseveringly to this work, and received his degree in
medicine at the Toronto University, in 187'±. He then began practic-
ing his profession in Wyoming, County of Lambton, where he remained
until 1878, when, owing to a laborious country practice, the hardships
and exposures of which threatened to undermine his health, he accepted
a position in the above-named institution as one of the assistant physi-
cians, and has since passed all the grades of promotion to his present
position. Soon after his appointment, he began reading the barrister's
course of the Law Society of Ontario, partly for the sake of the mental
732 HISTORY OF THE
discipline which the study would impart, and partly witli the purpose
of better fitting himself for the duties of a medico-legal jurist. Though
he pursued this course during his odd hours for nearly four years, he
was forced by the multiplicity of his official duties to discontinue the
study before attempting his final examination. Since his appointment,
he has lived continuously at the London Asylum, except for a period
of three months in 1887, when the Government appointed him acting
medical superintendent of the Hamilton Asylum, during the illness of
the superintendent of that institution. To his natural qualifications as
a physician he brings a mind stored with medical learning, and an
experience in the management of nervous and mental diseases which
has been, and will continue to be, of great value to those coming under
his care. He was a prime mover in advocating the abolishment of
mechanical restraint in the treatment of excitable and violent cases in
the asylum, and also in the humanitarian movement of extensive
employment for the patients, and Dr. Bucke, with whom he has been
so long and intimately associated, has repeatedly acknowledged, in his
annual reports, his indebtedness to Dr. Beemer for his co-operation and
support in carrying out these great advances in asylum management.
He is past-master of Wyoming lodge, A. F. & A. M., and is a Eoyal
Arch Mason. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and was mar-
ried in 1879 to Miss Mary, a daughter of Alexander Laing, a grain
merchant of Wyoming. She was born at Niagara Falls, New York
State, and she and the doctor are the parents of two children.
Edmund Beltz.
In any calling in life permanent success is largely due to deter-
mined and persistent effort, and without these important factors no one
can hope to become eminent in any calling. That Mr. Beltz possesses
these requisites, is acknowledged by all, for the trade he has built up
and the reputation he has acquired as a business man are abundant
proofs of the same. He is a descendant of one of the early settlers of
London, his father, Henry Beltz, who was born in the State of New
York, ha\'ing come to Fort Erie about 1.S27, and to Middlesex County
about 1835, where he followed the occupation of builder. Edmund
Beltz was born in the County of Elgin in 183.'?, and came with his
parents to Middlesex County, where, after attaining a suitable age, he
began working at the hatter's trade and also familiarized himself with
the fun-ier's business. He served a regular apprenticeship, and in
1858 engaged in the business on his own account, and at the present
time is one of the oldest merchants in the city. His stock of goods is
very full and complete, and represents the most reputable manufac-
turers, as well as hats and caps of his own make, his establishment
being the favorite resort of the most fastidious. He first embarked in
business ou a small scale, but increased his stock from time to time
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 733
as far as his means would permit, and in so doing attended strictly to
business, even to its most trivial details, and was always attentive
and scrupulously houest with his customers, and thereby has built up
a trade which, in point of magnitude, is unequalled by any house in
the same business in the city. In the early history of London he
became prominent as a member of the Fire Department, and served in
this capacity for about fifteen years. He is a member of Forest City
Lodge, No. 38, I. 0. 0. F., and a member of Adelphian Encampment,
Canton No. 1, of London. Ho is Grand Treasurer of the Grand
Encampment of the I. O. 0. F., and is also a member of St. George's
Lodge of the A. F. and A. M. In 1866 he was married to Miss Lydia
Hanson, a daughter of C. F. Hanson, manager of the Lake Erie, Essex
& Detroit Railroad, running from Windsor to Kingsville.
W. J. BIRKS.
W. J. Birks, organist at the Dundas Street Methodist Church,
London, Canada, and musical instructor, was born in Goderich, County
of Huron, Ont. His father. Rev. W. Birks, was born in Staffordshire,
England, and was there reared to manhood, and there prepared him-
self for his chosen calling. In 1854: he was sent as a missionary from
England to Canada, and is still living, actively engaged in his minis-
terial labors. He was married in his native land to Miss Julia Plant,
and by her became the father of three sons, W. J. Birks being the
eldest. The latter was reared in Canada, and resided in the various
places his father's work called him, and early developed a talent for
music. He studied with F. H. Torrington, of Toronto, and subse-
quently went to England, where he remained five years. While there
he was engaged as organist in one of the leading JMethodist churches
of London, and during three years of his stay there studied with the
late Frederick Scotson Clark, a celebrated English organist and com-
poser. Before his return to Canada, he made an engagement with the
Dundas Street Centre Methodist Church, and he has just completed an
engagement of five years, and has been engaged for another five years.
He has a natural aptitude as a conductor of music, and is devoted to the
work. His choir, which comprises seventy-five voices, is one of the
best drilled in Canada, and their rendering of sacred music adds much
to the devotional services of the church. Mr. Birks is always striving
to raise the standard of music in London, and in this he has the sup-
port of the people at large. His rooms in the Oddfellow's Hall are
liberally patronized by musical students.
Peter Birtwistle.
Among the business men of London, Ont., who have won dis-
tinction as successful merchants, and who have, by personal industry
734 HISTORY OF THE
and genuine business ability, succeeded in establishing a desirable trade,
may be mentioned Mr. Birtwistle, whose name heads this brief
biography. His career has placed him prominently before the public
as an able financier, and his reputation has been obtained by tireless
energy, unyielding perseverance, a keen foi'esight of events, a skillful
adaptation to the tastes and necessities of the public, and a judicious
use of means. He was born in England, and is the eldest son of Joseph
and Mary (Blackburn) Birtwistle, and received a liberal education in
his youth at Satley College, Birmingham. In 1865 he immigrated to
Canada, and for a period of two years was engaged in teaching school,
after which he returned to England, and the subsequent two years was
engaged in the manufacture of dress goods. In 1869 he again came
to Ontario, and opened a jewelry store in London, and, as stated above,
no one in the city has established a more enviable reputation for honor
and fair dealing than he. His stock is purchased for cash of the manu-
facturers, and is sold at prices but little, if any, in advance of what
other dealers pay, a benefit that his many patrons are not slow to avail
themselves of. By strict attention to business he has built up a trade
which, in magnitude and valuable returns, is not exceeded in his line
in the city. A few such men as he make a city, and are indis]5ensable
to its prosperity and development. When shrewdness, ability, enter-
prise, and industry are combined, wealth is certain to be accumulated,
and is not only enjoyed by the one thus gifted, but by the manj^ to
whom a means of livelihood is afforded, and to the city and country as
well. Although a careful business man, he is noted for the liberal
assistance extended to more than one young man, whose business
prospects are now promising, and who are indebted to his bounty and
timely aid. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is a Past
Master of Kilwinning lodge, No. 64.
JosiAH Blackburn.
Josiah Blackburn, managing editor of the London Free Press, was
born in London, England, in 1823, and received his education in the
City of London School. He came to Canada in 1850, and, having
acquired a taste for literary and political work, he, very naturally,
soon drifted into the newspaper business, and the year following his
an'ival in the Dominion we find him associated with the Paris Star,
with which paper he was connected until 1852, when he purchased the
interest of the London Free Press, of which he assumed charge at the
close of the year. He aided soon afterwards in the establishment of
the Ingersoll Chronicle, and for some time conducted both papers. He
began issuing the Baily Free Press in 1855, and at that time was in
accord with the Kefoim party of the day, and at the general election of
1858 was one of the candidates of that party, but was defeated by the late
Marcus Talbot. In 1859 a difference arose with his political friends,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 735
growing out of the attitude of the Globe with respect to an attack made
in its cohimns on the motives of the judges in the decisions they gave
in the episode known as the " Double Shuffle." The course taken by-
Mr. Blackburn was hotly denounced, and an attempt was made to
dragoon him, after the manner of tliose times. Shortly after he adduced
reasons why the Reformers should look to the late Hon. John Sandfield
Macdonald as their leader, and in 1862 that highly -honored gentleman
was called to office at Quebec, and Mr. Blackburn was asked by his
Government to conduct the Mercury in the interests of the Ministry,
to which he agreed, availing himself of the valuable services of Mr.
George Sheppard. After the fall of the Sandfield Macdonald Adminis-
tration in 1864, a coalition of the parties took place on the basis of the
Confederation of the whole of the British North American Provinces,
finding the Hon. George Brown in the same Cabinet with his ancient
opponents. Sir John S. Macdonald and Sir George Cartier supported that
movement, and Mr. Blackburn remained firmly attached to those men
and the cause which they represented, and thus declined, with others, to
follow Mr. Brown when he retired from the ranks of the Coalition
Government. In 1872, Mr. Blackburn was requested to aid in the
establishment of the Toronto Mail, and remained connected with that
paper for about fifteen months. In 1881 he was appointed one of the
chief census ofticers, and in 1884 was chosen as one of a committee to
proceed to Washington to investigate the methods of public printing
adopted there, reporting on the same. He has been recognized in many
ways as a useful member of the Canadian press, and has been an
extremely active journalist. Upon political questions Mr. Blackburn's
judgment is admitted to be very sound, and he never, by haste or
immature consideration, prejudices the interest of his party.
Stephen Blackburn.
Stephen Blackburn, Registrar of West Middlesex, is a native of
England, born near London, August 6, 1826, son of Eev. John Black-
burn, a pastor of the Congregational denomination in Loudon for thirty-
five years, who was a man of high attainments, and for many years
held the position of secretary of the Congregational Union of England
and "\^'ales. His mother was Sarah Smith, a daughter of Robert
Smith, a landed proprietor in Essex, England. Stephen Blackburn is
the fourth son in a family of eleven children ; was educated at Mill
Hill Grammar School, near Hendon, Middlesex, England. In 1849
he entered into business as printer and publisher in London, England,
as a partner of Mr. R. K. Burt, the firm subsisting for seven years
under the style of Blackburn & Burt. After the death of both parents
he emigrated to Canada. Here he engaged in business with his
brother Josiah, as pubUsher of the Free Press, of London, Canada,
which, having been a small weekly paper, was merged into a daily
736 HISTORY OF THE
edition Slay 5, 1855. Mr. S. Blackburn took an active part in the
business department of the firm, and in July, 1871, severed his con-
nection with the same, having accepted the appointment of Registrar of
West Middlesex (office at Glencoe) from the Government of the Hon.
John Sandfield jMacdonald, first Premier of Ontario, which he still retains,
having filled the position with honor and credit to himself, and satisfaction
to the pubhc. September 26, 1857, he married at London, England,
Miss Susanna Whitaker, second daughter of Henry Whitaker, solicitor
of Chancery Lane, London, who founded the celebrated legal publica-
tion known as Whitaker's Almanac. To Mr. and Mrs. S. Blackburn
were born four children, a son and three daughters. The eldest, Henry
S., is a partner in the firm of Blackburn & Cox, sohcitors, London,
Canada. Mr, Blackburn is a member of Lome Lodge, No. 28l', A. F.
and A. M., at Glencoe ; and has been a Freemason since 1853.
William Blinn.
William Blinn, who is closely associated with the farming interest
of Westminster Township, Middlesex County, Ont., is the son of War-
ren and Harriet Blinn, and the gi'andson of James Blinn, who was born
in Vermont, in 1770, and emigi'ated to Lower Canada about 1800. He
settled at Grauby, and his descendants live on the old faim, which
consists of 800 acres. Warren Blinn, father of subject, was also a
native of Vermont, and was but one year old when he was brought by
his parents to Lower Canada. He was of French descent on his
father's side, and of English on his mother's side. He immigrated to
Middlesex County when about twenty-nine years of age, and brought
with him his wife and daughter, Eliza, and one son, William, who is
the subject of this sketch, and who was then five years of age. Mr.
Blinn had married, in Lower Canada, Miss Harriet Dyer, daughter of
Edward and Elizabeth Dyer, whose sister, Lotta, married Capt. Butler,
of Massachusetts, and became the mother of the eminent Gen. Benj.
F. Butler, of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Blinn became the
parents of three children — WiUiam, Eliza and Hiram. Mr. Blinn first
settled where the Insane Asylum now stands, and was a contractor by
occupation, and also owned a mill. He was a member of the Baptist
Church, and died in 1876, at the age of .seventy-seven years. His
wife died in 1882, at the age of 84. Their son, William, was born in
Lower Canada in l82o, and received a fiiir education on Market
Square, where the Market now stands, and finished in Brick street
school He learned in early life the trade of a miller, and, in 1847,
was united in marriage to Miss Flint, daughter of Robert and Hannah
FHnt. To Mr. and IVlrs. lilinn have been born three children — Eliza
M., Robert W. and William G. Robert Flint was an Englishman,
who came with his family to this county in 1830, and two years later
moved to Byron, where he worked at the mason trade for some time.
COUNTY OF MIDDLKSEX. 737
Later he bought a farm. He was the father of seven children— Eobert
G., George, Mary (deceased), Mary, Pirney, Patience and H. B. Mr.
Flint died at the age of seventy-five years. He was a member of the
Church of England, and was a prosperous farmer. Mr. Blinn was
engaged in milling at diiferent places in the county for seventeen
years, and for six of these years followed this occupation in Byron.
In 1858 he bought his present farm, consisting of 225 acres of fine
land on the 1st Concession, where he has since lived. Mr. Blinn is
an upright, honorable gentleman, and has the respect of his fellowmen.
He takes an active interest in all laudable enterprises, and has been
School Trustee for twenty years. He is a Eeformer in politics, and
he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, of which he is
Steward. He is a self-made man in every respect, and has made all
his property by his own labor.
Robert Bodkin.
Eobert Bodkin, a popular and enterprising merchant at Delaware,
and son of William and Sarah (Bell) Bodkin, was born in County
Tyrone, Ireland, August 17, 1843. The parents were both natives of
Ireland, and came to Canada in 1847, locating in Delaware Township,
where the father followed farming, and where he still resides. In their
family were ten children, Piobert being the fifth. He remained with
his parents until of age, and at the age of eighteen began teaching,
which occupation he followed for three years. He then entered the
Victoria College of Medicine at Toronto, where he remained two and a-
half years, but was then obliged to abandon his studies on account of
ill health. After spending some time in tilling the soil to regain his
health, he again engaged in teaching, and followed this occupation for
seven years, when failing health again ' compelled him to return to
agi'icultural pursuits. In 1875 he established a mercantile business at
Delaware, where he has since continued. In 1872 he married Miss Mary
A. McFarlane, a native of Cauada, and a daughter of Donald McFarlane,
Esq. Three children — two sons and a daughter — -were the result of this
union. Mr. Bodkin is a member of the ilethodist Church, is a Liberal
in politics, has served as township clerk since 1873, is a class leader in
the church, and is president of the Bible Society for the township. In
1876 he received the appointment of postmaster, in which capacity he
acted uutil 1883, when he resigned the position. He has the position
of issuer of marriage licenses in Delaware, and is president of the
Sabbath School Association for the united Townships of Westminster
and Delaware.
John Bogue.
John Bogue, one of the old and much esteemed citizens of the
county, and a prominent farmer of Westminster Township, was born
738 HISTORY OF THE
in Scotland, November 27, 1800, and is a descendant of one of tlie old
and sterling Scotch families who have done so much to clear up the
country and make presentable the pleasant homes of to-day. He was
a gardener by trade, and in 1820 went to England, where six years
later he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Parrot. This union
resulted in the birth of eight children, who grew to maturity : — John,
Allen, James, Thomas, David, Eichard, Ann, and Emma. In 1837,
Mr. Bogue immigi-ated to Canada and settled on a farm of 120 acres on
the 1st Concession, Lot — . Mr. Bogue cleared his farm with his own
hands, and was a hard-working man. He. is held in high esteem by
all who know him ; is in very comfortable circumstances, and is now
enjoying the fruits of his labor. He is a member of the Baptist
Church, of which his wife, who died in 1886, was also a member. Mr.
Bogue is now in his 89th year, and his memory is still good. His son,
Allen Bogue, was born in England in 1832, and was about five years
of age when he was brought to this country by his parents. He
received a good practical education in the common schools, and in
early life learned the occupation of farming. He is well respected by
the people of the township, and has been in the Township Council.
He is president of the Poultry Association, and a member of the
Western Fair Board. He has always taken an active interest in school
and educational affairs and holds the office of trustee.
William Bowman.
Among the men of Middlesex Co. who have been instrumental in
furthering many entei-prises tending to benefit the county, may be
named Mr. Bowman, who, for over thirty years, has been identified
with the business interests of London and vicinity, and, his life is a
good illustration of the truth that jjcrmanent success in any calling in
life is always regulated by well-known laws dependent upon natural
causes. He is a native of Liverpool, England, and was born March
18, 1820, and is a son of William and Sarah (Piel) Bowman, who were
natives of Cumberland. The father was an iron-founder by occupa-
tion, and his union with Miss Piel was blessed in the birth of nine
children — William being the second son. In his youth he studied
mechanical engineering, at which he worked successfully for many
years, and, in 185.S, he came to Canada as I\Iechanical Superintendent
of the Great Western Piailway, and brought the first locomotive into
London, in October of that year. He remained comiected with the
Great Western Railway for three years, and then resigned his position
to accept the superintendcncy of the Port Stanley Kailway, holding
this position until the road was leased to tlie Great Western Railway
Company. He is secretary and treasurer of the Port Stanley Kailway
at the present time. He is one of the organizers of the Canada Chemical
Manufacturing Company, being President of the same ; and, in connec-
tion with his son Charle.s, he is one of the most extensive coal, wood.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 739
and coke dealers in London, and deals in all kinds of anthracite and
bituminous coal, the business having become one of the most impor-
tant of the city. He was married in England, in 1843, to Miss Emma
M. Smith, by whom he has five children : — John, a prominent whole-
sale hardware dealer of London ; James E., a Chemist, who has charge
of the Chemical Works, and is also Professor of Theoretical Chemistry
in Western University ; Charles, who is associated with his father in
business ; Emma S., and Elizabeth E. Mr. Bowman has served in the
City Council as Chairman of finance, and his influence has always
been on the side of morality and right. In his religious preferences
he is a member of the Methodist Church, and has always taken a deep
interest in the Sabbath School, the Y. M. C. A., and temperance work.
He has been a local preacher for about forty years, and has done effec-
tive and useful work, and is recognized as a faithful and staunch sup-
porter of the cause of Christianity.
John Bowman.
John Bowman, of the firm of Bowman, Kennedy & Co., wholesale
dealers in hardware, London, Ont., is a native of London, England, and
was born February 18, 1851. His parents were William and Sarah
(Piel) Bowman, both of English birth. The father was a mechanical
engineer, and in 1853 immigrated to Canada, first locating in Hamilton
where he accepted the position of Mechanical Superintendent of the
Great Western Eailway ; he took the first locomotive into London in
1853, and three years later settled in London, where his home has since
been. John Bowman was principally reared and educated in London,
where he commenced his first mercantile experience in the hardware
business ; he subsequently engaged in the coal and wood business,
and in 1887 the firm of Bowman, Kennedy & Co. was established.
Though comparatively one of the recent acquisitions to the wholesale
interests of London, no previous house in so short a time has received
more liberal patronage. In connection with their hardware business
they do the largest coal business in Western Ontario, shipping thous-
ands of tons to Toronto annually, and their trade in this line extends
through the Province, and is rapidly being extended westward. For
the length of time they have been established, the patronage received
is highly complimentary to their manner of doing business, and as
public-spirited business men, the members of this firm rank liigh.
Mr. Bowman was married in 1881 to Miss Elizabeth A. Taylor, a
native of London. They have three children. Mr. Bowman is a
consistent member of the Dundas Centre Methodist Church, of which
he is a Uberal supporter.
Harry J. Boyd.
Harry J. Boyd, dealer in stoves, and manufacturer of tinware,
galvanized iron cornices, roofing, etc., who is now in the prime of life,
740 HISTORY OF THE
occupies a favorable position among the business men and contractors
of London. He was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., May 25, 1846, and is
the son of John and Mary (Walsh) Boyd, both natives of Ireland.
About 1850 the father died, and the mother with her family then
removed to Port Dover, Canada. Here Harry J. Boyd was reared, and
after attaining a suitable age, served an apprenticeship at the tinsmith
business, becoming thoroughly conversant with this industry in all
its details. In 1866 he came to London, and was first in the employ
of Mun-ay Anderson, with whom he remained three mouths, and was
then engaged by Samuel ]\IcBride, one of the oldest houses in this line
in the city. In 1878 he engaged in business on his own account in
partnership with Alexander McBride, a brother of his former employer ;
but, owing to sickness in Mr. McBride's family, the partnership was
dissolved, and subsequently Mr. Boyd had a Mr. Phillips as partner
for a short time. Mr. Boyd is now conducting business on his own
account, and has a well- selected stock of stoves and tinware of his own
manufacture. He does a general contract business in furnaces, gal-
vanized iron cornices, tin roofing, etc. He was the first man in London
to manufacture galvanized iron cornices, and his correct methods of
doing business, and the thorough manner in which he does his work,
have secured for him a large patronage. Mr. Boyd was married in 1868
to Miss Annie Kendrick, daughter of John Kendrick. She was born
at the Cape of Good Hope while her father was stationed there as one
of the sappers and miners. They have a family of five children —
Herbert John, Frederick, Harry, Ernest H., and Bessie May. Mr.
Boyd has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. for sixteen years.
John Boyd.
In the development, gi-owth and improvement of the City of Lou-
don and INIiddlesex County, the Boyd family have taken a prominent
part, and are worthy a prominent place in this volume. John Boyd,
whose name heads this sketch, was born in County Kings, Ireland,
November 20, 1848. His parents, Eobert and Mary (Fell) Boyd,
being natives of County Kings, Ireland, and Liverpool, England,
respectively. They emigrated to Canada in 1861 ; two of Mr. Boyd's
brothers, Henry and Archibald, having come in 1832, and Mr. Boyd
began working as a merchant tailor, which occupation he continued to
follow until his death in April, 1888. He was a man who had long
been identified with the interests of London, and was a successful
merchant ; quiet and retiring in his disposition, but of great strength
of character. He was a member of the order of Orangemen, and in
his dealings with his fellow-men his word was as good as his bond.
John was the eldest of five children, and worked with his father at the
tailor's trade. In 1871 he became a partner in the business, in time
assuming the responsibilities, and succeeded his father in the business
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 741
after the latter's death. In 1876 he was chosen a member of the City
Council, and with the exception of an interval of two years, has held
the position until the present time, a record which speaks for itself as
to his popularity and business ability as a guardian of the city's inter-
ests. Miss Sarah Morris, of St. Marys, Canada, and a native of Scot-
land, became his wife in 1871, and their union has been blessed by a
family of four children : — Frederick W., Eda F., Robert M., and Aggie.
Mr. Boyd is a Master Mason, a member of the I. 0. 0. F,, and is noted
for his practical and methodical business habits.
P. F. BOYLE.
P. F. Boyle, Secretary of the Ontario Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany of Loudon, and one of the successful business men of the city, was
born in Kings County, Ireland, December 25, 1846, and is the son of
W. F. and EUen (Boyle) Boyle ; were both natives of the " Emerald
Isle," and parents of two children. The subject of this sketch was
deprived by death of the parental care of a father, and remained in his
native country until a little over seven years of age, when he came
with his mother to Ontario, and settled near Exeter. Here his early
hfe was spent on a farm, and he here followed agricultural pursuits
until about 1871, when he moved to Loudon. In 1872 he became
connected with the Ontario Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has
passed the various grades of promotion until 1883, when he was
elected secretary and manager (full mention of which is given in
another part of the volume), and has filled these positions to the satis-
faction of the company and to the satisfaction of those with whom he
has had business relations. Mr. Boyle was married in 1875 to Miss
Mary Howe, a native of Ireland, who was brought by her parents to
this country while an infant. They have an interesting family of four
children — May, Willie, Ella and Maggie.
Amos Bradford.
In every community and among all classes there are always some
men who become leaders in whatever they do, whether of a professional,
agricultural or commercial nature, and these same men are the ones
who, perhaps unconsciously, take an active and prominent interest in
promoting any investment which may be thought capable of tending
to the welfare of the city or vicinity where they reside. Such a man
is Mr. Bradford, who was born in Cambridgeshire, England, April 1,
1840. He is the son of Thomas and Hannah' (Wakefield) Bradford,
both natives of the same place. Amos Bradford was reared in his
native country until fourteen years of age, and then immigrated to
Canada, settling in London. Mr. Bradford engaged in different occupa-
742 HISTORY OF ruE
tions for eight years, and then turned his attention to the confectionery
business, in which he has since been engaged. His present business in
London dates from 1875, since which date he has built up a fine trade,
and, for extent and excellence of his product, Mr. Bradford is the peer
of any man in Ontario. For wedding cakes, cream candies, stick
candies, hoarhound drops and chocolate creams, Mr. Bradford has
his reputation firmly established over the Province. In 1866, Mr.
Bradford married Miss Elizabeth Woodman, of Devonshire, England.
They have a family of nine children — Annie (wife of Alfred Jury, of
Ingersoll), Walter, Carrie, Alice, Minnie, Bertha, Harry, Willie and
Ethel. They lost one son, Alfred. One of Mr. Bradford's prominent
characteristics is his staunch attention to business, even in its minutest
details, and for his probity and honor. He is a member of the Metho-
dist Church, in which he takes an active part, and of which he is a
liberal supporter.
William Brient.
Wilham Brient, is a descendant of one of the sturdy English fami-
lies who have been so instrumental in settling up and improving the
County of Middlesex, Ont., and is the son of William Brient, who was
born in Buckinghamshire, England, and who, when a young man of
seventeen years, entered the British army, and was in the war with
Bonaparte. He was in a great many battles, and was wounded. He
was sent to this country during the war of 1812, and was with the
British forces at the battle of Lundy's Lane. Afterwards he received
his discharge, and after remaining at Niagara Falls for about a year,
settled on the 2nd Concession, Lot 36, in 1819, and there received his
final summons. While at Niagara Falls he had married Miss Susan
Wright, who bore him four children — James, William, Emma and
Mary. Mr. Brient cleared his land, which consisted of 200 acres and
was covered with timber, and gave all his children a start in life. He
was a member of the Methodist Church, and was steward and class
leader in the same. He took a great interest in religious matters, was
an honorable, upright citizen, and was a man whose judgment was
highly respected. William Brient, sou of the above aud subject of
this sketch, was born on the old homestead in 1821, and in early life
learned the art of tilling the soil. He was united in marriage to Miss
Grace A. Lemon, daughter of John and Rachel Lemon. To Mr. and
Mrs. Brient were born six children — John W. (deceased), Jane (de-
ceased), Eachel A., Susan, Mary (deceased), Emma. After marriage
Mr. Brient settled on a part of the old homestead, and now owns 350
acres of that land. He is an industrious, hard-working man, and one
of the county's first-class citizens. He and wife are members of the
Baptist Church, as are all his children. Mr. Brient has assisted
greatly in developing tlie resources of the county, and has done a great
deal in church and educational matters. He is a man who is well
respected by all acquainted with him.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 743
Alexander A. Brodie.
Alexander A. Brodie, farmer and Justice of the Peace, is one of
representative citizens of North Dorchester, and is a son of George
Brodie, who was a native of the parish of St. Fergus, Aberdeenshire,
Scotland. His wife, Jane Milne, was a daughter of John Milne of the
Town of Elgin, Murrayshire, Scotland, and their union was blessed by
the birth of six children : — George, James, Alexander A., Jane, Wil-
liam, and Charles J., all alive at this date. In 1835, Mr. Brodie and
family emigrated to Upper Canada, and located North of Toronto in the
Township of Whitechurch in the County of York, Lot 2, 5th Conces-
sion. Mr. Brodie had a letter of recommendation from Mr. Lowe, a
prominent gentleman of Aberdeen, to W. L. Mackenzie, who recom-
mended the Niagara District as a good part of the country to settle in.
Mr. Mackenzie read the letter and returned it, which is now in the
possession of the subject of this sketch, a curious memento of half a
century ago. Mr. Brodie had little knowledge of the politics of Canada
at that time ; his idea on the subject of rebellion did not harmonize
with Mr. Mackenzie's ; at all events, consequently, association with
Mr. Mackenzie soon ceased. Mr. Brodie and his sons cleared up their
farm and added unto it until they were in comfortable circumstances.
When quite a young man, Mr. Brodie served in the Aberdeenshire
Militia, and often entertained an evening's company describing cele-
brated British ofticers and ladies who came to review the regiment.
He was urged by Captain Fenwick and other loyal gentlemen of the
county to offer his services to the Government during the Eebellion of
1837-8. Being of a retiring disposition, and interested in the clearing
of his farm, he declined — perhaps to the pecuniary loss of the family.
He, however, subsequently filled the office of Township Councillor for
a number of years ; received the appointment of Justice of the Peace,
but did not qualify ; identified himself with the Free Church at the
time of the disruption, and was an elder from the formation of the Free
Church in Markham until his death. He died in 1880 on the old
homestead, at the age of 90, having spent his long life in useful and
almost unremitting toil.
His son, Alexander A., was born in the town of Peterhead, Aber-
deenshire, Scotland, in 1827, and at the age of seven came to Canada
with the family ; can remember distinctly what Toronto was like in
the summer of 1835, and can give many reminiscences of the troub-
lous times of 1837-8. In the spring of 1838 saw the ruins of Mont-
gomery's Tavern, and on the opposite side of Yonge street the spot
where Colonel Moodie was shot ; also the ruins of Gibson's house and
Dr. Horn's. Many bullet holes were still visible through the doors
and windows of houses along Yonge street. Facilities for a liberal
education were meagre during Alexander's juvenile days, having only
had the privilege of three months' schooling after coming to Canada.
This defect he remedied later in life by much reading and contact
744 HISTORY OF THE
with business life; iu short, being a diligent student all his life.
After his marriage, which occurred January 22, 1857, to Miss Mary
McRae, he resided on a farm near the old homestead, in York County,
for six years, and on October 10, 1865, moved to his present place, one
of the choicest farms in the county. There lie has since made his
home and has identified himself with the interests of the county.
Since 1876 he has filled the office of magistrate, and in addition is
holding many minor offices ; has been a member of the Township
Council, and Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He has always given
assistance to educational enterprises, and also gives liberally to churches
and charitable institutions. He is a Eeformer in politics, his views on
all subjects being advanced and very liberal, and is considered by all
to be one of the most intelligent and well-informed men of the county.
He and wife are the parents of the following children : — John, Mary
Jane, Charlotte, Alexanderina, Florence, William A., Margaret A.,
George B. and James T. Mrs. Brodie's parents, William McRae and
Jane Eennie, were natives of Aberdeenshire. Her father was a car-
penter and cabinet-maker. Two sisters are still residing iu Scotland,
being married to prominent farmers. Mrs. Brodie came to Canada in
November, 1854, being then twenty- four years of age. Mr. and Mrs,
Brodie, true to their ancestral proclivity, have always been earnest
workers in the Presbyterian Church.
Samuel R. Brown.
Samuel R. Brown was born at Newcastle, England, on the 4th of
December, 1844, his parents being natives of Kilkenny, Ireland. The
father held very responisible pcsitions in the British Army, but, in
1847, retired with an annual life-allowance, and with his family left
with regret his native soil to seek a permanent home in America.
This was done in order to free himself and family from the tyrannical
laws which were oppressing the Irish people. The father had previously
spent some time in Canada during 1837-8, when Papineau and
McKenzie were contending for " Responsible Government." During
this time he had many opportunities of seeing different parts of Canada,
and being favorably impressed with the district surrounding London,
tun years later selected it as the future home of himself and family.
The education of his son, Samuel R. Brown, was in no way neglected,
as he is a thorough English and Latin scholar, and during his school-
days showed a particular aptitvide for mathematics and literature. At
the age of fifteen years he had mastered six books of Euclid and the
deductions of Potts' Geometry, and when sixteen years old began the
study of medicine, but shortly after took a dislike to this and decided
to enter the teaching profession. He taught eight years in public
schools, and in August, 1870, with a first-class A certificate of quali-
fication, was appointed Principal of the Catholic Separate Schools, of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 745
the City of London, in the diocese of his Lordship Eight Rev. Bishop
Walsh, and held this position until the end of 1888, when he resigned
to give his attention to the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association. As
an instructor he gave entire satisfaction, and the London Catholic
Schools to-day are a credit to the city.
Mr. Brown is an enthusiastic advocate of Catholic education, but
takes very little part in politics, except when a question of church or
-school is at issue. For several years he edited the mathematical de-
partment of Our Home Companion and Canadian Teacher with
remarkable ability, many of the most difficult problems of trigouometry,
algebra and philosophy being solved with a clearness that attracted the
attention of all subscribing teachers. In 1860, Mr. Brown married a
protestant lady, a daughter of Norman B. Fish, Esq., of an old Vermont
family. Mrs. Brown having read a number of fine Catholic works,
with which the family library was well supplied, became a convert to
that faith, and was received into the Catholic Church. by Rev. Father
Cooney, of Notre Dame, Indiana, and Rev. Father Tiernan, of the
Cathedral parish of London. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two sons and
two daughters. In August, 1879, Mr. Brown became a charter mem-
ber of Branch No. 4 of the C. M. B. A. He was elected president two
terms, and is now Senior Chancellor of said Branch. This Branch is
at present the second highest in membership in Canada. In February,
1880, the Grand Council of Canada was organized, and Mr. Brown was
chosen Grand Recorder, an office he has held with credit up to the
present time. There were but six Branches when the Grand Council
was organized, but now there are 110. It can be seen from the
reports the very satisfactory manner in which the Grand Recorder
of Canada conducts the C. M. B. A. business. He has proved him-
self an energetic and highly competent officer, has the support
and confidence of his brother officers, and well deserves the appella-
tion of " one of the chief props of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Asso-
ciation." Mr. Brown is the owner of considerable property, and has a
beautiful residence on Queen's avenue.
W. Y. Brunt ON.
W. Y. Brunton has been connected with the interests of London for
over thirty-seven years, and few, if any, have a more extended acquaint-
ance throughout the country than he. He was born in England in
1824, and there his parents, William and Sarah (Barty) Brunton, were
also born. The father was a gentleman by birth as well as by nature,
and therefore gave his children the best of educational advantages ; W.
Y. attended school until he attahied his majority. About 1845 or '46,
he immigi-ated to the United States, and there made his home for a few
years, first locating in Baltimore. Up to this time he had received no
business experience whatever, but he accepted a position on the stage,
47
746 HISTORY OF THE
and in this connection visited different parts of the country, and in time
came to London, where he, in company with a few others, fitted up a
theatre, which he conducted for a number a years, and then turned his
attention to his present business (auction and commission), and con-
ducts the oldest house in this hne in the city. His long residence in
London and the reputation he has acquired for honesty and fair dealing
has secured for him the confidence and unbounded esteem of a wide
circle of acquaintances and warm personal friends. He has ever been
identified with the interests of the County of Middlesex and the City
of London, and no worthy movements have been started in which he
has not taken a deep interest and assisted by money and iniluence, tliis
being particularly the case with regard to the Western Fair Association
in London, which he has seen conducted and established so success-
fully, that it is without a rival. For three years he served as a mem-
ber of the City Council. He was married to Miss Helen Mathews, a
native of England, and by her has a family of five children : — May,
wife of Charles B. Hunt ; Thomas H., a prominent business man of
Newmarket ; William, in business with his brother Thomas ; George,
and Harry, who is associated with his father in business.
Thomas Bryan.
Thomas Bryan, proprietor of the London Brush Factory, was born
in England in 1840, and there made his home until fifteen years of
age, when he immigrated with his parents — Thomas and Jane (Brown) •
Bryan, who were also natives of England — to Canada, and settled in
Port Hope, and from there came to Westminster Township, Middlesex
County. Here the father, in 1860, established a turning factory, and
until 1872 was engaged in manufacturing agricultural tools. At the
latter date he estaljlished his present business, in which he has been
very successful, and his trade has been built up by his own individual
eflbrts. He has had wide experience on the road in introducing his
goods, and his elforts in this line have met with flattering success. He
manufactures all kinds of brushes suitable for the hardware trade, such
as painters' brushes, foundry, tanners', printers', brewers', etc. ; also
supphes the grocery trade with brushes suitable for household pur-
poses, and manufactures mill and machine bru.shes. He is an extensive
importer of cai-pet sweepers, feather dusters, artists' brushes, etc. He
enjoys an enviable reputation throughout the Dominion, and fully
deserves the respect and esteem which he commands from the public
at large. His business is represented on the road by several travellers,
and his machinery and facilities for manufacturing his products are un-
surpassed in Canada, as he employs only the most skillful workmen.
In 1876 he was married to Miss Elizabeth L. DufF, who was born in
Oakville, near Toronto. They have a family of four cliildren — Mabel
E , Thomas A., Erne.st L., and James H. Mr. Bryan is a member of
the Presbyterian Church, and is one of St. Andrew's staunch supporters.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 747
William F. Bullen.
William F. Bullen, Manager of the Ontario Loan and Debenture
Company, was born in the Village of Delaware, in the County of Mid-
dlesex, on August 11, 1835. His parents were born in the Old
Country ; his father in England, and his mother in Ireland. They
came to this country in the year 1830, settling in Delaware. His
father was first engaged in looking after the large landed interests of his
uncle, the late Col. Simeon Bullen, who came to this country several
years previous to this with considerable means, marrying the widow
of the late Col. i\Iount (the first land surveyor in the township), a sister
of Mr. Albert Tiflany, the Tiffanys being the first settlers of the town-
ship. Mr. BuUen's father was a leading farmer in the Township of
Delaware for many years, and was also Division Court Clerk and
Justice of the Peace. Selling out his real estate in Delaware, he
removed to London, where he died, in 1881, leaving a widow surviv-
ing him and seven children, viz. : — William F., the Manager of the
Ontario Loan and Debenture Company; Mrs. George Harris and
Miss Bullen, both of whom reside in London ; Albert F., who is a
member of the firm of A. F. Bullen & Co., maltsters, Chicago ; Mrs.
Graham, widow of the late Col. Graham, who resides in Chicago;
George Bullen, of the Chicago Malting Firm of George Bullen & Co. ;
and Fred. Bullen, of the firm of Fred. Bullen & Co., maltsters, Chicago.
The eldest son, William F., was educated at Caradoc Academy, one
of the first boarding schools in Western Ontario, and, after attaining a
suitable age, engaged in mercantile pursuits at Delaware, spending
some time in Strathroy. He also went to the Village of Napier, where
he held the offices of Postmaster and Township Clerk. He was for
some years Adjutant of the 26th Middlesex Battalion of Volunteers,
with the rank of Major. In 1870 he came to London, and assisted
in organizing the Ontario Loan and Debenture Company, of which he
was appointed Inspector, and, after five months' service, was appointed
its Manager, which position he still retains. In 1856 he was married
to Miss Milne, of Hamilton, their union resulting in the birth of six
children, five of whom are living — the eldest, William F., Manager of
the Albion Iron Works Company, Victoria, B. C. ; Elizabeth N.,
Frank F., G. Charles and Harry F. The mother of these children died
in 1870. Mr. Bullen was afterwards maiTied to Miss Jennie Gross,
of Brighton. Mr. and Mrs. Bullen are members of the Church of
England.
Richard Maurice Bucke, M. D., C. M., F. R. S. C.
Permanent success in any calling is largely due to determined and
persistent eflbrt, a truth illustrated in the career of Dr. Bucke, who,
since his boyhood, has been a hard-working student. That he has been
748 HISTORY OF THE
eminently successful, his twenty-five years of constant practice in the
Counties of Lambton and IMiddlesex, and his position as Medical Super-
intendant of the London Insane Asylum, and his success as an author,
abundantly testify. He was born at Methwold, County of Norfolk,
England, March IS, 1837, and is a great-great-gi'eat-grand-son of Sir
Robert Walpole, first Earl of Oxford, and grand-nephew of Charles
Bucke, the author of works entitled, " Beauties of Nature," and " Ruins
of Ancient Cities," boolcs which are still being published. He is a
son of the Rev. Horatio Walpole Bucke, a minister of the Church of
England, who moved with his family to Upper Canada in 1838, and
settled three miles east of London. He died in 1855. His mother,
before mamage, was a Miss Clarissa Andrews, of Milden Hall, Suttblk,
England. Ur. R. M. Bucke's early Canadian home was not five rods
from the Asylum, which he now superintends. His education, as a
bo}', consisted of some Latin taught him by his father, and a great
deal of miscellaneous reading in his father's library. In 1853 he set
out upon a tour of travel, proceeding to California overland on foot,
and returning by the Isthmus of Panama, in 1858. He then attended
McGill College, Montreal, for four years, studying medicine and sur-
gery, and was graduated early in 18G2 as first-prize student; spent the
years 1862-3 in additional professional study in France and England,
and at the end of that time returned to Canada and made a second trip
of a year's duration to California, this time in the interest of the Gould
& Curry Silver Mining Company. He returned to Canada the follow-
ing year and settled at Sarnia, where he practiced his profession for ten
years, and in 1876 was appointed Medical Superintendent of the Insane
Asylum at Hamilton, Ontario. On the demise of Dr. Landor, in
January, 1877, he was promoted to his present position, which he has
since efficiently filled, and for which he seems to possess a peculiar and
unusual fitness. Dr. Bucke is the author of a work on " Man's Moral
Nature," published in 1879. In 18S3 he published a second work
— " Walt Whitman " — which has been widely read in America, and
republished in England. He has besides contributed many articles
to medical and scientific journals. He is one of the Original Fellows
of the Royal Society of Canada, and Professor of Mental and Nervous
Diseases in the Western University. In 1865 he was married to Miss
Jessie Maria Gurd, of Moore, County Lambton, Ontario, by whom he
has had eight children, seven of whom are living.
D. Burleigh Burch.
D. Burleigh Burch, magistrate and farmer, is a member of one of
the oldest pioneer fomilies of tlie county. His grandfather, Nathan
Burch, was born in the State of New York, in 1752, and married
Lucy, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (De Cost) Hinckley, of
Plymouth, Mass., his father being a descendant of one of the oldest
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 749
and most distinguished of the Puritan families. To Nathan and Lucy
Burch were born ten children, as follows : — Archie (who lived to be
103 years of age), Ehoda, Nathan, Anna, Abbie, Lucy, Lottie, Peggy,
Ethan and Calvin. When the American Eevolution was declared in
1770, Nathan Burch remained faithful to Great Britain, being what was
known as a Tory, or Loyalist. After the war he remained in the States
until 1798, when, with other United Empire Loyalists, he came to
Canada, and was granted a tract of land in the Township of Blenheim
by the Government, in recognition of his maintenance of British politi-
cal principles during the war. All his family came with him except
Ehoda, who had married a Mr. Spalding in New Yorlc, and Calvin, who
was then an infant. In about 1816 he came to Westminster Town-
ship and located on Lot 75, on the North Talbot Eoad. Here he
farmed the remainder of his days. He amassed considerable property,
and owned at one time over 600 acres of land. He died October i;-i,
1829, aged 77 years.
Calvin Burch, the fourth son and youngest child of Nathan, was
born in Delaware County, New York, iu 1798, and the same year his
parents went on horseback to Canada, leaving him with his sister, Mrs.
Spalding, in New York ; but when they returned for him in 1802, the
attachments he had formed there were so strong that it was only with
difficulty that he was induced to come to Canada. He always after-
ward said that his coming to Canada was bought for a Johnnie cake.
In 1818, when he was twenty years of age, he began teaching school
in Westminster Township, continuing two years, and later bought
land of the Government on Lot 75, west of the North Talbot Eoad.
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Jeremiah and (Fralick)
Schram, and by her had a family of thirteen children, of whom all
except ten died young. The ten were Lucy, Martha, Mary, Ann, D.
Burleigh, Charles, Margaret (who died young), Joshua (who died aged
fourteen years), Calvin, Lydia (who died aged seventeen years), Helen
(who died aged sixteen years), Sarah L. (who died young) and two
that died in inftmcy unnamed. He was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was a participant in the battle of Lundy's Lane, as were,
also, his brothers Archie, Nathan and Ethan. He was one of the
pioneers of his township, and cleared his farm of its heavy timber. He
was an early magistrate, tried many cases, and was a well-known and
prominent man. He took an active part in the Patriot Eebellion, and
was obliged to leave the county for a time. He was one of the first
assessors and collectors of his township, and held this office for many
years. He was a man of excellent judgment, and wrote many of the
old deeds. He commanded the respect of all who knew him, and it
may be said that his word was as good as his bond. He was a mem-
ber of the old District Coimcil, and afterwards was a member of the
County Council. He died in the year I860, at the age of 65 years.
D. Burleigh Burch, son of Calvin and grandson of Nathan, was
born in 1828 on the old homestead, on Lot 75 on the North Talbot
750 HISTORY OF THE
road. This is the same lot drawn by his mother as a U. E. Loyalist,
and upon this lot he has lived almost continuously for over sixty years.
He received a common school education, and passed his early life on
the farm. In 1851 he emigrated to California, and was engaged there
in driving the old-fashioned stage coaches for seven years from Sacra-
mento on all the roads leading to the mines ; but in 1858 he was sent
to British Columbia by the Cahfornia Stage Company to establish stage
and mail routes through the mining districts there. He returned to
California the same year after having established several of the most
important mail routes in British Columbia. In December, 1859, he
returned to Middlesex County and resumed farming. He bought the
old homestead upon which he has since resided. He was a member
of the County Council, and was deputy-reeve for two years. He
has served as a magistrate for many years. He is a Mason of high
standing, and has held the offices of district deputy grand master of
London District for six years, and was Provincial grand commander
of Ontario West. He has taken thirty-two degrees in Masonry, and
has a local reputation of which he may well be proud. He is a mem-
ber of the English Church, and in politics is a Reformer. He owns a
fine farm of 200 acres, besides valuable real estate in London. As
stated above, his grandmother was a Hinckley, one of the oldest of
the New England families, an outline history of which is contained in
the following letter : —
Boston, January 3, 1881.
Mr. D. B. Burch, Lambeth, U.C.:—
Dear Sir, — I am in receipt of your favor of the 27th ult., and am
greatly obliged to you for your kind attention. We sometimes view
with suspicion a profession of thanks when long delayed. I will attest
the sincerity of mine by a prompt acknowledgment and answer. First,
I will answer your inquiry in an inverted order. 1 know " Ben Dean,"
as he is famiharly called, not intimately, but sufficiently so to speak to
him when we casually meet. He has his residence in my part of the
city — South Boston ; is "a lawyer by profession ; was elected Represen-
tative in Cougi'ess from this district four years ago ; was a candidate
two years ago for re-election, but failed in receiving the requisite
plurality. I think his prospects jiolitically were injured by certain
indiscretions of himself or friends during that canvass. He is on the
wrong side of the fence, politically — that is to say, in my judgment —
being a Democrat. Second, as to myself : I was born in Barnstable,
on Cape Cod, April 20, 1824, and am, consequently, hard on fifty-seven
years of age. I am a widower, having had six children, four living.
My parents are now living in Barnstable. My father, Mr. Josiah
Hinckley, is in his eighty-seventh year; my mother, Mrs. Mary
Hinckley, bom at Easterbrooks, is eighty-four years old this present
month. My ancestors, since the immigration, have all lived and died
within three-quarters of a mile of the spot where the immigrant,
Samuel Hinckley, built his first house in 1639. So, you will perceive,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 751
we have not been a migi-atory race. Some five years ago I resigned
my position as teller in a bank of this city, after a service of nearly
twenty years. Since that time I have not been engaged in any busi-
ness particularly. More than anything else, I have devoted my time
and study to the investigation of Hinckley family matters — a very
satisfactory pursuit, but not promising as a pecuniary transaction ;
indeed, I shall feel myself abundantly rewarded for whatever effort I
shall put forth, or money disbursements I may incur, should I meet
with good success in my investigations. I should have said that,
previous to entering a bank, I worked some years at the merchant's
trade. An unfortunate accident (the loss of sight of one of my eyes)
compelled me to turn my attention to some other business. In the
hope that it may possess some interest to you, I will now outline your
Hinckley ancestry.
Samuel Hinckley, the immigrant, with his wife Sarah and four
children, came to New England in the spring of 1635 from Teuterden,
County of Kent, England. He settled first at Situate, near Boston,
but in 1639 removed to Barnstable with all his family and effects,
being one of the first settlers of that town. He died in Barnstable,
October 31, 1662, age not known. He had eleven children. His sou
Thomas, was born in England in 1618, and died in Barnstable, April
25, 1706, aged 88 years. He was for more than half a century in
public life, and for eleven years Governor of the old Plymouth Colony.
His tombstone is in the cemetery a short distance from my father's
house in Barnstable. By his two wives, Mary Richards and Mary
(Smith) Clover, he had seventeen children. His son Thomas, born in
Barnstable February 14, 1652-3, married November 13, 1676, Sarah,
daughter of John Pope, of Sandwich, (a town adjoining Barnstable).
He died in Barnstable, March 19, 1697. He had eleven children.
His son Thomas was born in Barnstable, March 19, 1680-1, and mar-
ried in Harwich, Cape Cod, Alercy . He died early. Administra-
tion on his estate was granted to his widow, October 11, 1710. He
had two children — Joshua and Thomas. His son Joshua was bom in
Harwich, March 29, 1707, and married March 31, 1726, Lydia Snow.
He was dismissed from the church in Harwich to the church in Oblong
in 1753. Oblong was a tract of land about three miles wide and
extended nearly the entire width of the Colony of Connecticut, from
north to south, ceded to New York for an equivalent on Long Island
Sound ; this tract is embraced within the present Counties of Dutchess
and Putnam in New York. His family consisted of : — Thomas, born
March 7, 1727; Joshua, August 15, 1728; Josiah, May 5, 1730;
Elkanah, July 1, 1732 ; Nathan, January 1, 1734 ; Lydia, April 1,
1736 ; Euth, February 2, 1738 ; Isaac, February 5, 1740 ; Benjamin,
June 8, 1744 ; and Reuben . It is this family I wish to obtain
a history of Mrs. Dorcas Ruggles, of HoUey, New York, a descendant,
writes me that Thomas, first-born of the above family, married Eliza-
beth De Cost, of Plymouth, and was a seaman out of Plymouth. After
752 HISTORY OK THE
the death of his father-in-law, he removed to Dutchess County, Town
of Patterson, and settled on a farm, and had seven children : — Thomas,
Benjamin, Joshua, Josiah (born June 29, 1760), Lucy (your grand-
mother), Elizabeth, and Lydia. Of Josiah's family I have the promise
of a full record. The terms of your letter encourage me to expect a
like account of the family and descendants of Lucy ( Hinckley) Burch,
and more than this, I am encouraged to hope for information as to the
families of other brothers and sisters of your grandmother. In what
town in Ohio did Joshua Hinckley settle ? Was the Benjamin Hinck-
ley, whom you visited some three years ago, Joshua's son ? What is
his address ? If you know of any way of obtaining trace of the other
children of Joshua Hinckley, besides Thomas, who married DeCost,
you will oblige me by communicating upon that subject. I think that
Euth Hinckley, daughter of Joshua, born February 2, 1738, married
Joseph Parrish, March 23, 1758, and Lydia Hinckley, born April 1,
1736, maiTied the same date Barzillia Kin (balance of name lost).
Hoping to have the pleasure of hearing from you in the early future,
I remain, very truly yours, Josiah Hinckley, jr.,
119 F street. South Boston, Mass.
Captain James Burgess.
Captain James Burgess, retired farmer, was born in the city of
Carlisle, County of Cumberland, England, August 14, 1821, and is a
son of Thomas and Margaret (Foster) Burgess, who were born in Eng-
land, and are of celebrated ancestry. Thomas Burgess was a tailor by
trade, a member of the English dragoons, and in 1832 came with his
family to Canada, taking passage at Worthington, and landed at Que-
bec after a five weeks' ocean voyage. He soon after went to Toronto,
where he worked at his trade for a number of years ; then purchased
a farm near the town, on which he settled and resided until his death
in 1859. His wife died one year earlier, both being over eighty years
of age. James Burgess was about seven years of age when his parents
came to Canada, and, although very young, received the principal part
of his education in England, supplemented by a short attendance in
the schools of Toronto. When the Eebellion of 1837 broke out he was
residing on the farm with his parents, but immediately enlisted and
marched to the front, serving throughout the entire war — two years.
In 1851 he civme to London and engaged in the foundry business in
partnership with John Elliott, but in 1853 weut to Australia, and, dur-
ing a four years' residence in that country, was engaged in mining and
teaming. In 1857 he returned home, but in 1859 sold his interest in
the foundry business and purcliased a farm in London Township,
where he made his home for twenty-three years. In 1887 he moved to
London, where he is enjoying the fruits of a long and well-spent career
during his dechning years. In 1860 he was elected Captain of the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 755
1st London Troop Cavalry Volunteers, serving in that capacity for
several years, and was commander of the escort of the Prince of Wales.
In all his dealings with men, Mr. Burgess has been prompt, fair and
just, and owing to his upright and honorable conduct, has made many
warm personal friends. As a Christian and member of the Methodist
Church, he has ever been ready to aid the poor and oppressed, and is
very tolerant of those who differ from him. He is a member in good
standing of the Masonic Order, and in 1849 was married in Toronto
to Miss Mary A. Townley, by whom he has two children — James T.
and Margaret A.
Patrick J. Burke.
Patrick J. Burke, Secretary of the London Water- works, was born
in Montreal, March 27, 1864, and is a son of John 0. Burke, who was
born in Ireland, and came to Canada in 1852, and worked as railroad
conductor on the Grand Trunk Railway. His wife was a Miss Bridget
Lareagan, also a native of Ireland, and by her he became the father of
four children. Patrick J. Burke was the eldest of the family, and
until he was twelve years of age he resided in Montreal. At that
period he came to London and worked at different occupations until
1878, when he became an employe in the office of the Water-works,
being office boy. Owing to his faithful and efficient service, he was
gradually promoted until, in 1885, he was appointed secretary, and, not-
withstanding his youth, he has discharged the duties of the position in
a manner that reflects credit on his ability.
George Buttery.
George Buttery, another pioneer of Adelaide Township, and the son
of John and Ann (Wilkinson) Buttery, was born in Nottinghamshire,
England, June 24, 1820. The parents were also natives of England, and
were born 1794 and about 1798, and died in Adelaide Township in
1853 and 1880, respectively. Of their eight children (six now living),
George Buttery is the eldest. In 1822 he emigrated with his parents
to Canada and settled in Lower Canada, sixty miles east of Montreal.
Here the family remained for some time, and then moved forty miles
above that city ; but in the fall of 1831 came to Ancaster, where they
remained until April, 1832. They then came to Adelaide Township,
where George Buttery has since resided. This Township was then
known as the New Survey. They were the first family to settle in
what is now known as Adelaide Township, and the mother of the
subject of this sketch was the first white woman to settle in that
Township. The first cabin was built on Lot 25, second Concession
south of the Egremont road. In 1836 the Buttery family moved to
where George Buttery now resides, and his father, John Buttery, was
754 HISTOKY OF THE
president of the first agricultural society in this part of the county, and
was one of the first commissioners elected from Adelaide Township.
George Buttery is a farmer by occupation, and one of the successful
yeomen of Middlesex County. He is the owner of 214 acres of good
land, and has been a resident of this Township for fifty-six years. He
has been quite a hunter in his day, having killed as many as 400 deer
with one gun. He was married in 1846 to Miss Charlotte Rapley, who
was born in County Sussex, England, in 1820. They have five
children — John W., William George, Joseph T., Ezella Ann and
Charlotte M. Mr. Buttery is a prominent Liberal in his political
opinions, and for many years was one of the leading spirits of the
Agricultural Association of West Middlesex. In 1853 he assessed the
Township, two years later was elected to the Township Council, and in
1856 he was elected Eeeve, serving altogether nine years in the Town-
ship Council. He is one of the representative men and farmers of
this portion of the county, and has the respect of all who know him.
Matthew Caldwell.
Matthew Caldwell is of Scotch-English descent, and a son of John
Caldwell, who was born in Nova Scotia and came to Ontario, settling
on the Second Concession, in IMiddlesex County, in March, 1818,
bringing his family, which consisted of a wife and seven children, with
him. The names of the latter are as follows : — John, Meron, Eliza-
beth, Ezekiel Ilobert, Hannah, Sarah A., and last was born Matthew.
The country was in a very wild state at the time of their settlement,
not a tree having been cut where the city of London now stands. Mr.
Caldwell entered 200 acres of land, which he managed to clear by dint
of hard labor, and became noted throughout his neighborhood as a
hard working man, and one whose word was as good as his bond. He
was a member of the Methodist Church, being also a local preacher in
the same, and lived to be 77 years of age. Matthew Caldwell, his
son, was born at Long Point, Canada, in 1814, but was reared on his
father's farm in Middlesex County, where he became skilled in the
art of woodcraft, but received very meagre educational advantages,
what education he obtained being secured in the primitive log school-
house of pioneer times. After reaching manhood he was married to
Margaret J., a daughter of Gabriel and Polly (Green) Manning, by
whom he became the father of two children, John Henry and Sarah
J. Mrs. Caldwell died six years after her marriage, and the widower
then wedded Miss Maria, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah Manning,
to which union was born the following family : — Margaret A., William,
George, Hannah, Joseph and Charles. Mr. Caldwell has resided on
the faim on which his father settled all his life. He and family
attend the Methodist Church, and he has always been an upright and
honorable citizen and a true friend and neighbor.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 755
John Callard.
A truth that must be everywhere regarded is, that keen perception,
sound judgment and a determined will, supported by persevering and
continuous efforts, will surely result in success in whatever occupation
one may be engaged, and then possession is sure to accomplish the
aims hoped for. The career of John Callard bears out the truth of this
statement. Mr. Callard is a native of Devonshire, England, where he
was born in 1841. His father, Thomas Callard, and his mother, whose
maiden name was Jane Petherbridge, were both natives of the same
place as their son, and the father was a contractor and builder by
occupation. John Callard was the eldest of seven children born to his
parents, and was educated in the sea-side village of Dawlish^ At the
age of fourteen he became connected with the mercantile aud shipping
firm of Newman, Hunt & Co., of Old London, and assigned to duty at
Gaultvis and Burgeo, Newfoundland, remaining at these ports for eight
years, when he was favored with a vacation for six months, and
returned home to visit his parents. At the end of his leave of absence
he returned to Newfoundland in the interests of the same firm, and for
five years was at Harbor Britton, Fortune Bay, Newfoundland, as their
chief accountant. In 1867 he came to Ontario, and in 1869 he engaged
in the drug business in Sparta, County of Elgin, where he remained
until 1881, when he came to London. Previous to this, in 1867 he
married Miss White, daughter of the Rev. W. K. White, Rural Dean,
of Fortune Bay, Newfoundland. Mr. and Mrs. Callard are the parents
of eight children — Augusta J., Frederick, Annie, Fannie, John, Charles,
Reginald and Harold. After coming to London, Mr. Callard, in con-
nection with Mr. Kennedy, established the wholesale drug business of
Kennedy & Callard, continuing at this one year. He then sold his
interest and purchased his present place of business, and it is known
as one of the oldest established drug stands of the city. As a citizen,
no less than a business man, Mr. Callard has gained distinction, and
enjoys the confidence of all his acquaintances. He is strictly attentive
to business, even to its most trivial details ; urbane and pleasant in all
his relations with the public, and scrupulously exact in the fulfillment
of all representations and promises to customers. He has built a satis-
factory and profitable trade. In January, 1888, he was selected as a
suitable person to represent his ward in the City Council, and in this
capacity he has made a faithful public servant, and also re-elected in
January, 1889. Mr. Callard is a Past Master in the Masonic Order,
Past G. 0. of the Masonic G. L. of Canada; is a member of the
Scottish Rite, I. 0. Foresters, Sons of England, and the A. 0. U. W.
LuD. K. Cameron.
Lud. K. Cameron, manager of the Advertiser Printing and Pub-
lishing Company, of London, Ontario, is a son of the late Mr. WiUiam
756 HISTORY OF THE
Cameron, and a brother of John Cameron, general manager of the
Toronto Glohe. He was City Editor of the Advertiser at the time his
late brother William was manager, but left for Winnipeg in the spring
of 1S82, where he established TIic Nor' -West Farmer, an agricultural
journal, which is still flourishing. On the death of his brother William,
he sold out his business in Manitoba and returned to Ontario to assume
charge of the Advertiser. Shortly after his return he was elected
president as well as manager. On the 22nd of May, 1879, he was
united in marriage to Miss Lillie Groves Harwood, by whom he is the
father of five interesting children. He has a pleasant and commodious
residence at 443 Colborne street, London, and his connection with the
Advertiser Printing and Publishing Company has been very instru-
mental in advancing the interests of the company.
A. D. Cameron { Deceased).
A. D. Cameron (deceased) was a native of Islay, Scotland, where
his early days were spent in the shipping and forwarding business.
After leaving his native land, he immigrated to Canada and settled in
Toronto, where he remained five or six years, and then changed his
place of residence to Duudas, where he made his home for about thir-
teen years, and was the first man to engage in the coal business in
that place. After residing for about a year in Toronto, he came to
London, and in 1878 engaged in the coal and wood business, dealing
also in lime, cements, fire-brick, sewer-pipe and plasters, which busi-
ness materially increased the reputation Loudon has acquired as a
business centre. His facility for handling coal was unsurpassed, and
he was in direct communication with some of the leading American
mines, and always kept his yard well stocked with the finest qualities
of coal and wood, commanding a large trade in the surrounding
country, as well as in the city of London. About four years ago he
met with a serious accident, being knocked down by a Grand Tnmk
Railroad shunting engine at flue of the city crossings, causing the loss
of an arm and sustaining severe internal injuries. This accident con-
fined him to the house for a number of months, and so impaired his
health, that the management of the bu.siness has devolved on his son,
George D., but he never regained his former health, and in 1888
cancer of the stomach supervened, and after severe suffering, his
death occuiTed on February 11, liS.S'.l. He was a consistent member
of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, having been on the Board of
Managment for about three years, and his death was deeply lamented
by his numerous friends. A wife, one son and two daughters survive
him. His son, George D., had been associated with liim in business
for ten years, the firm name being A. D. Cameron & Son, and the
work is still conducted under that name. George D. was born in Dun-
das, Ontario, in 1864, and was reared to a thorough knowledge of his
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 757
present business. He spent some time in Buffalo — the coal distribut-
ing point for the West — making himself still more familiar with the
details of this work, and the successful manner in which he has con-
ducted affairs is highly complimentary to his business ability.
Br. Cl T. Campbell.
Dr. Cl. T. Campbell is a native of the county in which he now re-
sides, and was born December 27, 1843. His father, Thomas Campbell,
was of Scotch ancestry, but came from Ireland to Canada about 1835,
and was married to Sarah Huggins, a member of a West India family
that came to Elgin County after the emancipation, and to London
during the Rebellion. The father was a carpenter and builder, and he
and wife became the parents of eight children, of whom the doctor is
the eldest. In early life he learned the trade of journalism, but after-
wards gave this up to study medicine ; his first efforts in this direction
being under the preceptorship of Dr. Lancaster. He continued to pur-
sue his studies in the Cleveland Western Medical College, the Homce-
pathic College at Philadelphia, Penn., and the Blockley Hospital at
Philadelphia, and then returned to London, Out., and has been actively
engaged in the practice of his profession up to the present time, with
the exception of about four years when he was at Stratford. He is a
member of the Consulting Staff of the City General Hospital, and of the
Board of Health of the city, and is the medical attendant of several
local charitable institutions, and has also served as a member of the
Board of Education, and as chairman of the same. He is Provincial
Medical Examiner for the Eoyal Arcanum, and is a member of the
Medical Council of Ontario. He has filled all the chairs in the
I. 0. 0. F., and has for many years represented Ontario in the Supreme
Legislature of that society.
A. A. Campbell.
A. A. Campbell, real estate dealer, was born in the Township of
Caradoc, County of Middlesex, April 27, 1862, being the only son of
Archibald Campbell, who was also born in Middlesex County, and was
a prominent agriculturist of Caradoc Township. He served as County
Warden for three consecutive years, and died on the 22nd of July,
1863. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Love, was born in
the County of Elgin, and died on the 26th of November, 1876, having
borne a family of four children, Margaret Helena (wife of Peter Car-
michael, of Lobo), Mary Ann (deceased), Euphemia (deceased), and
Archibald Alexander, whose name heads this sketch. The latter was
reared in Middlesex County, and received his education at the Strathroy
Collegiate Institute. He then entered the banking business, and for
758 HISTORY OF THE
several years was accountant in Campbell's Banking Office, Watford,
Ont. Leaving Watford he took up the study of short-hand under the
tutorship of Prof W. G. Chaffee, proprietor of Chaffee's Phonographic
Institute, of Oswego, N. Y., and graduated as a phonographic reporter
from that institute in January, 1884, and at which time he accepted
the position as stenographer to Messrs. Williams, Dimond & Co.,
General Agents of the Pacific j\Iail Steamship Company, at San
Francisco, Cal. Eesigning this position, he then acted at private
secretary to the Hon. W. A. Clark, the millionaire banker and mine
owner of Butte City, Montana, where he remained until engaging in
the real estate business in the City of London, tie does an extensive
business in both city and country real estate, and publishes The
Dominion Land Achertiser, a journal devoted to the interests of
sellers and buyers of farming lands, in connection with his real estate
business. His thorough knowledge of lands in Western Ontario,
coupled with the large amount of experience obtained by travelling in
Canada and the United States, entitles him to be j ustly regarded as an
expert on the values of farming lands. He also represents several
wealthy monetary institutions, and does a large business in making
loans upon all classes of real property and looking after the invest-
ments of non-residents.
George Campbell
George Campbell was born in Ottawa, Canada, April 18, 1846,
being one of seven surviving members of a family of eight children
born to James and ^Margaret (Irvin) Campbell, who were born in
Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland, respectively. They came to Canada
in 1844, locating in Ottawa, where the father was engaged in contract-
ing and building for fourteen years, his services being employed on
some of the finest buildings in that city. He next moved to County
Oxford, where he continued working at his trade. His children are as
follows : — George (who is the eldest of the family), Elizabeth, Alex-
ander, Ira, James, Margaret, Albert E., and John. AH the sons learned
their father's trade. George Campbell resided in Ottawa until nearly
twelve years of age, and then moved with his father to County Oxford,
near Woodstock, and, after attaining a suitable age, served a thorough
apprenticeship of seven years at the carpenter's trade. He went to
Clinton, Iowa, but two years later moved from there to Chicago, remain-
ing in the latter city from 1871 to 1875, then returned to County Oxford,
Canada, and after a short residence there came to London, where he has
Hved for thirteen years. He is a thorough master of his calling, and has
made contracting and stair building a specialty, being considered the
best stair builder in London. He does a large work in this line for
other contractors, and keeps thoroughly posted with his calling. He
is well informed on all subjects connected with his business, and is an
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 759
extensive reader of good newspapers. He was married in Clinton,
Iowa, in 1869, to Miss Hannah Parent, of the Lower Province of
Canada, and their union has resulted in the birth of five children —
Laura L., aged seventeen years ; Eobert I., aged fourteen years ; James
A., aged eleven years ; Lulu F., aged eight years, and George, aged
five years. Mr. Campbell is a member of the A. 0. U. W.
Angus Campbell
Angus Campbell, a pioneer of Ekfrid Township, was born on Lot
7, LoDgwood Eoad, November 23, 1828 ; sou of John and Jane
(Elliott; Campbell, and gi'andson of Angus Campbell, who was a
native Scotchman, born 1755, and who died in Ekfrid Township in
1843. The father was also a native of Scotland, born 1797, and died
in Ekfrid Township in 1865, where the mother also died in 1864.
She was a native of Ireland, bom 1800. The Campbell family immi-
grated to Canada in 1819, and were thirteen weeks and a few days
making the voyage. They settled in Lower Canada, where the family
remained for a year, and in June, 1820, they came to County Middle-
sex, and were the second family to make a settlement in Ekfrid Town-
ship. The subject of this biographical sketch was the second eldest
of eight children born to his parents, all of whom are now living. One
of the first schools he attended was in a log school-house built on his
father's farm in 1834, and a man by the name of Squire Livingston
was the first teacher. Mr. Campbell removed from Longwoods Eoad to
where he now resides, in 1882. He is the owner of 300 acres of laud,
and is an enterprising farmer. He was married February 22, 1855, to
Miss Elizabeth Ferguson, daughter of the late John Ferguson of Town-
ship of London. Mrs. Campbell was born July 9, 1832, and by her
marriage became the mother of seven children : — Arabella Jane, John
F., Thomas F., M. D., a graduate of Trinity College, Toronto ; George
B., Angus P., Samuel E., and Joseph H. In politics Mr. Campbell is
an ardent Conservative, and held the office of deputy-reeve for two
years, township collector for ten years, and assessor for two years. In
1859 he was appointed Justice of the Peace, and has held the position
continuously ever since. For the last eighteen years he has been
director of the London Mutual Fire Insurance Company. His father
owned the first horse and -waggon in the township. Mr. Campbell is
one of the leading men of the township, and has been a resident of
the county for sixty years. He and wife are members of the Presby-
terian Church.
Philip F. Canniff.
p. F. Canniff, farm manager of the London Asylum farm, was bom
in Hastings County, Canada, on the 7th of April, 1821, and is a son of
760 HISTORY OF THE
Jonas and Lettie (Flagler) Canniff, who were of Dutch descent, they
being residents of, and their ancestors for many generations back
being residents of, Dutchess County, New Yorlv. The Flagler family
came from Holland to America at a very early period, and were among
the early settlers of New York. Both the grandfathers came to
Canada about 1788, and selected a location in Adolphus Township
(now Lennox County), and four years later brought their families.
Grandfather (Jannift' was a farmer, and grandfather Flagler a black-
smith. Jonas Canniff was only six years old when brought to Canada,
and the most of his days were spent in tilling the soil. He died at the
home of his son. Dr. Canniff', of Toronto, in 1881, his wife dying in
September, 1861. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving about
one year, and in his political views was a Liberal-Conservative, but
was not particularly interested in either party. Four of his nine
children are living, James (in Manitoba), Phihp F., Amanda (wife of
the late H. L Thorpe, Sheriff' of Prince Edward County, but now a
resident of Toronto), and Dr. 'William, of Toronto. Philip F. Canniff
was reared in the County of Hastings, receiving a good English educa-
tion in Belleville. He began doing for himself at the age of twenty-
three years, and for several years was engaged in the lumber, mill and
grain business at Belleville. In 1870 he was appointed farm manager
of the Deaf and Dumb Institute farm, which position he retained until
1879, when he was transferred to London, where he has since been
managing the large farm of 300 acres at the Asylum. He is well
adapted to fill this trying position, for he is cool, courageous and firm,
and his labors have met with universal satisfaction. In 1851 he was
married to Lydia JI. Solmes, a native of Prince Edward County,
Canada, by whom he is the father of three sons — Byron M., a druggist
at Portage la Prairie, Manitoba ; David S., a resident of Belleville, and
Gemley H., who is travelling for a wholesale hardware house of Chi-
cago. Mr. and Mrs. Canniff' are members of the Methodist Church,
and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. During the rebellion
of 1837 and 1838 he was in Captain Dougall's company, and was on
duty at Belleville. In 1864 and 1865 he was also on duty for four
months at Amherstburg. The three families, Canniff', Flagler and
Solmes, were United Empire Loyalists.
Hon. John Carling, M. P.
Hon. John Carling, M. P., and Minister of Agiiculture of the
Dominion of Canada, is the youngest son of the late Thomas Carling,
a native of Yorkshire, England, who came to Canada in 1S18, and
settled in the County of Middlesex the following year, John was
born in the Townshi]) of London, January 23, 1828, and was educated
in the public schools. While quite young he became a member of the
brewing firm of Carling & Co., of London, of which he was an active
liillllliiilllllf^^^^^^^^^^^^^
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 763
member for a number of years; but, on the 13th February, 1879,
their mammoth brewery was destroyed by fire, the loss sustained being
about $100,000. The walls still remained intact, and with that
promptness and energy which are among his chief characteristics, Mr.
Carling immediately commenced rebuilding, and just two and one-third
months from the time of the fire, the largest brewery in Canada was
again in full operation. He has taken an active part in nearly all
public matters, and was for several years a director of the Great
Western Kailway Company, and of the London, Huron & Bruce, and
the London & Port Stanley Eailways. In 1878 he was elected Water
Commissioner for the City of London, and was subsequently appointed
Chairman of the Board. In 1857 he was selected for parliamentary
honors by the Conservatives of London, and was returned by a majority
of nearly 600 over the Liberal candidate, the Hon. Elijah Leonard, and
continued to hold the position down to the time of Confederation. Mr.
Carling is not a demonstrative member, but the same clear-headedness
and calm judgment that had served him so well in his important and
successful business career, has stood him in good stead as a parliamen-
tary representative.
In 1862 he made his first appearance as a Cabinet Minister, having
been appointed lieceiver-General, and at the general election, after the
consummation of Confederation, he was again elected to the House of
Commons. He was likewise returned as a member of the Legislative
Assembly of Ontario, and in this Assembly was appointed Minister of
Agriculture and Public Works under the Sandfield-Macdonald Admin-
istration, retaining this portfolio until 1871, when fortune went against
the Administration, and it was forced to resign. In 1878 the Conservative
party, or party of progress, as it is now generally termed, returned to
power in the Federal Government at Ottawa, and Mr. Carling was
again returned to Parliament and took his seat in the House of Com-
mons, but did not take a portfoho in the new Cabinet. In 1882 he
was made Postmaster-General, in which position he proved himself a
careful, capable and popular Minister, but in Sept., 1885, he resigned
this portfolio and accepted that of Agriculture, which office he now
holds.
He had always taken a deep interest in the progress and develop-
ment of agriculture in Canada, and in 1869, while Commissioner of
Agriculture and Public Works for Ontario, drew the attention of the
Ontario Assembly to the growing importance and necessity of agricul-
tural institutions. Owing to Mr. Carling's unremitting zeal on this
subject, the following year a bill was introduced and passed through
Parliament, providing for the instruction on science, in its relation to
agriculture, in the Provincial Normal School. And since his election
to his present office he has been the means of establishing Experi-
mental Farms in five different places : — A Central Farm near the
Capital, one in the Maritime Provinces, one in Manitoba, one in the
North-west Ten-itories and one in British Columbia. Although Mr
764 HISTORY OF THE
Carliug seldom makes a speech, when he does, it is always judicious
and to the point, and his position, which is thoroughly in accordance
with his tastes, is receiving his devoted attention. He is married to
Miss Hannah, eldest daughter of the late Henry Dalton, of London,
Ontario.
Robert A. Carrothers.
This gentlemen is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of
C!ounty iliddlesex, Ont. His parents, Eobert and Margaret (Britt)
Carrothers, were natives of Ireland. The father immigi-ated to the
United States at an early date, remained there for five years, then
moved to Middlesex County, Ont., about the time of the Canadian
Eebellion, and there followed agricultural pursuits. The mother came
with her parents to New York State, where they lived for some time.
One of her brothers, a prominent man and a State Senator, still resides
there. JMr, Carrothers died September 18, 1878, and the mother died
September 18, 1885. They were the parents of eleven children, six
sons and four daughters — John, George, Mary J. (who married James
Cox, and died in California), Latitia (wife of John Stewart), Margaret
(wife of Elijah Carrothers), Eebecca (wife of Peter McVean), Robert A.,
Noble, James H., and Arthur A.
Eobert A. Cal-rothers was born January 11, 1849, on Lot No. 8,
5th Concession of Westminster, and his early life was spent on the
farm. He served an apprenticeship to the tanner's and currier's trade
for over four years, and then followed this calling until February 11,
liS76, when he engaged in the hotel business, at which he has been
very successful. Mr. Carrothers was married June 27, 1872, to Miss
EHzabeth Quick, a native of Exeter, England, and the result of this
union was the birth of five children — William, Annie, James, Walter
and Alice Maud. Mr. Carrothers is a member of the Masonic Fra-
ternity, the K. P., and is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F.
William Caw, M. R
William Caw, M. D., at Parkhill, was born in Perth Center, N. Y.,
April 21, 1843, and is a son of the Ecv. David Caw, native of Perth-
shire, Scotland, who emigrated to America in 18o4. The father was a
minister in the Dumfries Street Presbyterian Church, Paris, and was
killed in 18t)4 by being thrown from a carriage. Our subject graduated
from the Paris High School, and at the age of 17 entered the Victoria
College of Medicine at Toronto, at which institution he graduated in
April, 18C4. The same year he located at Parkhill, where he has
become a prominent citizen, and enjoys a lucrative practice.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 765
John H. Chapman.
Among those who deservedly rank among the progressive and
rising business men of London is the above-mentioned gentleman, who
is at the head of one of the prominent dry goods houses of the city.
Mr. Chapman is a native Canadian, the son of Rev. W. Chapman, a
Methodist minister well known throughout Western Ontario. John
H. Chapman was the third child of his father's family. He was
principally reared in London, and his early life was passed in obtaining
an education. In 1871 he entered the mercantile establishment of
James Eaton & Co., where he remained until 1879, at which date he
purchased the stock, and has since conducted the business on his own
account. The house conducts a general dry goods trade, which com-
bines, in addition, millinery and mantles, dressmaking and tailoring
departments. The stock carried is large and well-assorted, and includes
the best of fabrics from the most reputable manufactories, in the tailor-
ing department as in all other parts of the house. The firm has been
extensively patronized, not only from this section, but from patrons at
a distance.
John Kingsley Clare.
John Kingsley Clare, City Collector, was born in County Norfolk,
England, June 6, 1832. His father, Isaac Clare, was born in Eng-
land, and was a farrier by occupation. His mother, Mahala Iv. (Par-
rott) Clare, was the daughter of Dr. Parrott, of Swaff'ham, Norfolk,
England. J. K. Clare was the elder of two children born to his
parents. He came to Quebec in 1836, but six years later returned to
England, where he remained for about two years. He then returned
to Canada and settled in Toronto. He was reared, principally, with a
mercantile experience, and engaged in this business with a partner
in Hamilton, Ont., under the firm title of J. K. Clare & Co., E.
Walker, of Toronto, being the Co. Mr. Clare came to London in 1858
and engaged in mercantile pursuits in that city for two years. He
then engaged with J. and S. Blackburn in the Free Press office, where
he remained until 1871 ; then became a partner, and still owns one-
quarter interest in the stock of this Company. In 1883 he was ap-
pointed Collector for the northern division of the city. He was married
in 1852 to Miss Mary J. Crofts, a native of Canada. They lost a
little daughter three years of age the 12th of March, 1857, at the Dejar-
dines Canal Eailroad accident. Mr. Clare is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Past Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 20, G. R. C, and was
Secretary and Treasurer of the Free Press Pnnting Co. from the
organization until six years ago ; he is also a Director in the London
Soap Co. Mr. Clare is a good business man, and is well respected.
766 HISTORY OF THE
Duncan Clark.
Duncan Clark, who has charge of Woodland Cemetery, was born
in the County of York, near Toronto, June 16, 1849. His father, who
also bore the name of Duncan, was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, and
came to Canada in 1844, having married in his native land Miss Ann
McLean. Our subject was reared in County Gray on a farm, and
after reaching manhood, continued to follow commercial pursuits until
1882, when he began taking charge of Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, remain-
ing thus employed until appointed to his present position. He was
married in 1875 to Miss Christina Urquhart, a daughter of Major D.
Urquhart of County Bruce, and by her is the father of three children —
Donald F., John Alexander, and Duncan G.
Richard Coab.
Richard Coad, a citizen of Ekfrid Township, one of the vanguard of
agriculture, settled on his present farm in Middlesex County, in 1856.
He was born in the Parish of St. Germans, Cornwall, England, June
3, 1817 ; son of Richard and Ann (Clemans) Coad, both natives of
England. The father was born in 1777, and died in the country of
his birth in 1856. He was an enterprising and well-to-do man. The
mother was born in 1776, and died in England in 1848. Their son,
Eichard, was the only child born to this union. He was reared on a
farm and educated in England, where he remained until 1850, when
he crossed the ocean to Canada ; induced to take this course from
fear of the effects of Sir Eobert Peel's Free Trade measure, which
became law just previous to this time, and whicl: course (he thinks
now after thirty years' experience) has been fully justified. He re-
mained but one year when he returned to England, and went from
there to Australia, where he spent more than two years. In 1855 he
again returned to Canada, and here he has since resided, or since 1856,
on a well-improved farm of 350 acres (150 of this is in Middlesex, and
200 in Elgin ; the homestead is in Middlesex), one of the very best
farms in the county. He was married in 1855 to Miss Eliza Pyne,
who was born in England in 1830 (November 17th), and to them have
been born four children — Richard, born 1856 ; William, born 1858 ;
George, born 1861; and John, born 1865. Mr. Coad is a pronounced
Conservative in Iiis political views, has been a member of the Ekfrid
Township Council, and is a prominent man of this part of the county.
He is a member of the Church of England.
Thomas Coffey.
Thomas Coffey, Proprietor and Pubhsher of the Catholic Record,
London, Ont., was born in Castleconnell, County Limerick, Ireland, in
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 767
1843. When quite young, in company with his father, mother, and
the other members of the family, he immigrated to the Dominion of
Canada, and alter a residence of one year in Montreal, Canada, the
family moved to London, where the subject of this sketch has since
resided. Here he learned the printer's trade, and held a responsible
position in the AdveHiser office. On the 4th of October, 1878, the
Catholic Record, a weekly religious paper, first made its appearance ;
but after an existence of six months the promoters of the enterprise
were forced to abandon it. Mr. Coffey purchased the property, and in
a few years succeeded in firmly establishing the paper. It is now net-
ting Mr. Coffey a handsome income, and is recognized as the leading
Catholic newspaper of the Dominion.
Henry Colerick, Sr.
H. Colerick, Sr., of the firm of H. & C. Colerick, painters and dealers
in paper hangings, window shades, paints, oils and glass, was born in
Quebec on the loth of June, 1834, his father, Samuel Colerick, having
been born in Birmingham, England. He was a soldier in Her Majesty's
32nd Infantry, this being the first regiment ever stationed in London. The
maiden name of his wife was Margaret Murphy, of Cork, Ireland. In
1838 he came with his regiment to London, Canada, and from here went
to Toronto, where he received his discharge ; then returned to London,
where he made his home until his death, his residence being on the
north-west corner of Eichraond and Dundas streets. Mr. Colerick,
whose name heads this sketch, was one of two living children, and was
reared in London, where he received a good education, and learned the
painter's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship at the latter. In 1864
he embarked in his present business, and owing to his many sterling
qualities, has been quite successful in his enterprise. His marriage
with Miss Jane Stephens was consummated in 1856. She was born
in Quebec, and her union with Mr. Colerick resulted in the birth of ten
children: — Omer, Richard, Charles, John, Henry, James, Minnie,
Samuel, May, and Edward.
Charles Frederick Colwell.
The pluck and energy so necessary to success in any pursuit seems
to be a distinguishing characteristic of the young men of the present
day who have climbed to prominence in official and business hfe.
Prominent among those who have won in life's battles, and who are
considered among the progressive and leading citizens, may be men-
tioned Mr. C. F. Colwell. He was born in the Township of Darlington,
Ontario, on September 26, 1846, and is the son of G. T. and Olivia
(Pitt) Colwell, both of whom were born in England. The father was a
768 HISTORY OF THE
merchant tailor by occupation, and for over forty years was also a local
preacher. He was the father of twelve children, and Charles F. was
the youngest child. He lived in his native township until four years
of age, and was then taken to Cobourg by his parents, where he grew
to manhood and learned the printer's profession.
He removed to Toronto in 1865, and for several months served as
private and sergeant in Captain Patterson's Artillery, during the
Fenian troubles of 1866. Mr. Colwell printed the first proceedings of
the first Ontario Parliament after Confederation, removing immediately
afterwards to London, where, for a time, he worked in both the Adver-
tiser and Free Press offices. In 1868 he was compelled to abandon
the printing business, owing to impaired health ; and after this travelled
nearly three years for T. McUormick's confectionery factory. Mr. Colwell
then undertook the management of the extensive piano and organ business
of Andrus Bros. After remaining with them about three years, he
bought them out, and has succeeded well in establishing an independent
and lucrative trade, being known far and wide as the proprietor of
" Colwell's Popular Music House." Owing to his strict attention to
business, combined with honesty and fair dealing, he has steadily
increased his trade from year to 3'ear, until its magnitude and valuable
returns cannot be excelled in Western Canada. Full mention of his
business ^^'ill be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Colwell has
been a member of the Board of Education for five years, in which he
took a very active interest, only retiring this year, owing to increased
business cares. He is also a Director of the City Mutual Insurance
Company; and, by government appointment, is issuer of marriage licenses.
In 1870, Mr. Colwell was married to Miss Maggie Carson, of Cobourg,
who was born in Scotland. They have had seven children, two of
whom are living — Charles Victor (aged nearly twelve years) and Euby
Olivia (aged nine years). Mr. Colwell is a member of several leading
societies — among them the Oddfellows, Freemasons, Royal Arcanum,
and the Workmen.
William C. Coo.
William C. Coo, high court stenographer and principal of the West-
ern Ontario Shorthand Academy, of London, Ont., was born in Toronto,
March 31, 18lil, and is a son of Wm. H. and Eliza (Townsend) Coo,
both of whom were born in England, and immigi'ated to Ontario in
185;i The father learned a trade in his youth, and afterwards turned
liis attention to mercantile pursuits. W. C. is his second son and child
in a family of six, and up to the iige of twelve years attended school in
Toronto, He then entered the office of Walter McKenzie, clerk of the
County Court of the County of York, as office boy, and remained in his
employ eleven years. He gradually rose from office boy to the posi-
tion of deputy-clerk of the court and special examiner, taking down
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 769
the evidence in shorthand and transcribing it on the typewriter. Hav-
ing had over thirteen years' experience in this work, he is now con-
sidered one of the best stenographers in Ontario. For some time
previous to coming to London, he acted as managing clerk for Murphy
& Murdock, barristers, of Toronto. In May, 1S84, he came to London,
and holds the position of high court stenographer for the County of
Middlesex. Li addition to this work, he conducts a shorthand and
typewriting academy, which has been very successful, the early attend-
ance having increased from 40 to 200 in three years. His great
success in this business being largely due to the fact that he makes a
point of placing every competent gi'aduate in a position. Being per-
sonally acquainted with almost every legal gentleman in Ontario,
enables him to do so. He also teaches shorthand and typewriting at
Hellm\ith Ladies' College and the Forest City Business College. There
was but one typewriter and no shorthand special examiner in the City
of London when he came. He is doing well financially, and is a
young man of push and enterprise. He was a bugler in the law stud-
ents' company of the Queen's Own Rifles for three years, and trumpeter
in the Governor General's Body Guard for seven years, and was
Trumpet Major when he resigned. He was married to Eva E. Harper
of Cobourg, a daughter of Thomas W. Harper in 1882, and has a
family of three children — Amelia R., Ruby, and Eva Maud. Mr. Coo
is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
John Coote.
John Coote was born in County Tyrone, of the " Emerald Isle," in
1833, being one of three surviving members of a family of nine child-
ren born to the marriage of James Coote and Margery Bartley, who
were born, reared and married in Ireland. About 1838 they came to
Canada, locating in Middlesex County, on the North Branch River,
where he purchased 400 acres of timber land, which he succeeded in
clearing, and where he lived for a number of years. He afterwards
located near the County Asylum grounds, where he spent the remain-
der of his days, dying in 1863. He was always very liberal with his
family, and purchased 500 acres of land opposite the Water-works,
which he divided among his children. He was captain of a company
of cavalry in the militia. His son, John, was about five years of age
when he was brought to Canada, and up to fifteen years of age was
engaged in following the plow and attending the common schools. He
then began fighting the battle of life for himself, and after the lapse
of a number of years engaged in the livery business and staging,
eventually becoming the owner of four large stables, located at the
following places: — Port Stanley, Woodstock, Brantford and London.
He has an exceedingly fertile and well-improved farm on which is a
beautiful residence, and throughout life has been one of the honorable
770 HISTORY OF THE
men and enterprising citizens of the county, ever ready to
advance the interests of the public. For the past twenty-five years he
has been practically retired from active business life.
John M. Corneil.
The history of this family dates back sixty years to the early settle-
ment of the County of Middlesex. The family is of Irish extraction
and descendants of the Huguenots. The first to leave Ireland and at-
tempt making a home in the new wilderness was Christopher Corneil,
who was born in the County of Limerick in 1803. At the age of 20
he immigrated to Canada, settled in Lower Canada, and there remained
for five years. In 182S he pushed further westward into the wilder-
ness of Middlesex County, where he took up 100 acres of government
land in Ekfrid Township, which was afterwards increased to 400 acres,
which is now the property of John M. Corneil. After remaining on
this farm for some time and clearing off the dense timber and under-
growth with which it was covered, he went to Toronto, and was here
married to Miss Jane Meadows in 1829. She was a native of the
County of Cavan, Ireland, born in the year 1807, and came to Canada
when quite young. She was a niece of the old pioneer pastor of this
region, Eev. John Hueston. After their marriage they returned to
their frontier home to brave the danger and suffering incident to pioneer
life, and to build a home. They were eminently successful, and in
1875 they retired from active business ; located in Strathroy to enjoy in
comfort and peace the fruits of their early labors.
Ten years after the settlement of Christopher Corneil in Canada, his
brother, George Corneil, came from Ireland and settled in Ekfrid
Township, July 27, 1833. He also engaged in farming, and, like his
brother, his eflbrts were successful. In 1877, after 42 years of active
life in Ekfrid Township, he retired from business and settled in the
village of Glencoe. March 17, 1835, he married Miss Martha Bate-
man. He died August 29, 1882, and his wife died Dec. 1, 1887.
Christopher Corneil died at Strathroy, Oct. 24, 1883. He was a man
of high attainments, of a quiet, unassuming disposition, yet he took an
active interest in the general advancement of the county, especially so
in educational matters. He sought no public position, and was
universally respected and esteemed. He was a very active member of
the Methodist Church, his memory being very fittingly commemorated
by the placing of a memorial window in the new church in the village
of Melbourne.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1837, Mr. Corneil was com-
missioned Lieutenant of the Militia, and served through this struggle
in defense of his country'. An amusing reminiscence of the trouble
and inconvenience of pioneer life may here be mentioned : — Some of
the young cattle of Mr. and Mrs. Corneil had wandered away, and one
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 771
day after the dishes of the mid-day meal had been cleared away, Mrs.
Corneil entered the woods in search of the missing stock. After wan-
dering through the forest and searcliing in vain for the missing cattle,
she thought it time to return to her home, and in endeavoring to do
so, lost her bearing, and, after wandering through swamps and thickets,
night came on. The forest at this time was full of wolves, bears and
other wild animals, and, as a matter of self-preservation, she spent the
night in the branches of a tree, where her uneasy slumbers were often
interrupted by the howling of wolves, and by the continual falling of
the storm which had gathered. In the morning the sun dispelled the
clouds, and she found her way home in safety, and with the exception
of torn garments, none the worse for her adventure. Of a family of
thirteen, John M. Corneil was the only son who reached manhood.
He was born in Ekfrid Township, November 1, 1841, and received
the advantages of a good education. June 1, 1870, he married Miss
Alecia Bell, daughter of Rev. James Bell, of London, Out. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of five children, of whom four are
still living — Christopher George, Elizabeth Jane, James Bell and
Frederick Evan. Mr. and Mrs. Corneil are both respected members of
the Methodist Church. In 1874 Mr. Corneil was appointed Justice
of the Peace, of Middlesex, has served as a Councillor of Ekfrid Town-
ship and Glencoe village, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity
at Melbourne, Dufferin Lodge, No. 364. In February, 1888, he and
family removed from the City of London to Glencoe, where they now
reside.
Albert T. Corp.
Whether considered as an industrial art or as a branch of commer-
cial pursuit, the business represented by Mr. Corp, of painter, glazier
and house decorator, is of sufficient importance to call for a favorable
notice in connection with the brief outline of his career. Albert T.
Corp, who for thirty-five years has been a resident of London, and who
has attained an honorable position in his adopted calling, was born near
Taunton, Somersetshire, England, December 31, 1844. His parents,
John and Euth (House) Corp, were both of English birth, the former of
Fifeshire, and the latter of Thurloxton, near Bridgewater. There were
eight children in the family, seven sons and one daughter. Albert T.,
the only son, was reared in England until he was eleven years of age,
and then came with the family to Canada, settling in London in June,
1855. He received a fair business education, and served a four years'
apprenticeship at the painting trade, and in 1870 commenced busi-
ness for himself, taking contracts for painting, glazing and interior
house decorations, and his patronage has been secured by a system of
operations conducted upon the strictest principles of integi'ity, great
care being taken to secure the best brand of goods in the market,
always regarding quahty rather than cost. Mr. Corp is in all respects
772 HISTORY OF THE
a self-made man. Eelying on his strong arm and indomitable will, he
set out in the world, and has by frugality and untiring industry,
attained a position which is meriting the crown of well-earned
success. He was married in December, 1884, to Miss Margaret Nichol,
a native of London Township. To them have been born three children
— Kuth, Agnes P., and John Franklin. Mr. C. is a member of the
A. 0. of Foresters, and a Knight of Pythias.
John T. Coughlin.
John T. Coughlin is a descendant of a family which originally
came from Ireland, his parents, Timothy and Julia (McCarthy) Cough-
lin, having been born, reared and married in the " Emerald Isle." In
1834, Mr. Coughlin immigrated to Ontario, and settled on a farm in
Westminster Township, Middlesex County, but afterwards went to
Buffalo, where he died in 1838, leaving his wife and two small children —
Johanna and John — to iight their own way in the world. The latter
was born in 1835, and, after his father's death, was taken to raise by his
uncle, John Coughlin, and has always resided on the farm where he now
lives. He received a good common school education, and was married
to Miss Sarah A. Cunningham, a daughter of James and Bridget
(McAuliffe) Cunningham, by whom he has three children — Julia, Clara
and Maggie Maud. Mr. Coughlin is a man who, by his many sterling
qualities, has won the respect and confidence of all who know him, and
in 1868 was elected to the Township Council for three years, being
elected to the office of Eeeve in 1882, for four years. For the past
twelve years he lias been extensively engaged in the exportation of live
stock to the English markets, and has an excellent farm of 170 acres,
well improved and cultivated. On coming to Canada, Timothy Coughlin
was accompanied by three brothers — John, Daniel and Cornelius. John
settled in North Yarmouth, where he reared a large family of children,
and died in 1881 ; Daniel first settled in North Yarmouth, but about
1854 moved to the County of Huron, and Cornelius settled in West-
minster Township, where he also reared a large family of children, and
died about 1869. The family are members of the Catholic Church.
William Cousin.
William Cousin is of Scotch descent, and is one of the reliable
citizens and farmers of the township. He was born in Fifeshire, Scot-
land, in 1826, hisfather, John Cousin, being an overseer in that country.
The latter was married to Ann Stephenson, who bore him four
children — -Lillie, Wilham, James, and one deceased, and he died in his
native land. William Cousin received a good common education, and
from early boyhood has been engaged in tilling the soil, becoming one
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 773
of the most expert plowmen of his cla)^ In 1851 he immigrated to
Canada, and located on a farm in Middlesex County, which received
much of his attention for many years, and now consists of 200 acres,
all the result of his unremitting efforts and good management. He
reached this country with about SlOO, of which he used very sparingly ;
in looking for a suitable location, walked from one end of the county
to the other rather than spend his money for a conveyance. He has
always been strictly temperate, and as a result has never been ill and
has never taken a drop of medicine in his life, being remarkably well
preserved. Owing to his upright, honorable and successful career, he
has always been a valuable member of society, and for many years
has been a devout member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, having
been a member of the Church Committee for the past twenty years,
also serving as a teacher in the Sunday school. He is a Liberal in
politics, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the
county. In 1870 he was married to Miss Mary Russell, by whom he
became the father of four children — James A., Emily J., Maggie C,
and Lillie B. The maiden name of his first wife was Mary Nichol, a
daughter of Francis Nichol. (See sketch of Adam Nichol.) Five
children are the result of this union — Jeanette, John S., Ann, Eliza-
beth L., and Mary N.
J. M. Cousins.
J. M. Cousins is a manufacturer of wind-mills, pumps and hydraulic
works of all descriptions, London. To fail to include within this work
a sketch of the above mentioned gentleman who, for forty-five years,
has been closely identified with its interests, would be to omit a
history of one of London's best citizens. J. M. Cousins was born in
Truro, Nova Scotia, April 20, 1820, and his father, James Cousins, was
a native of Wales, and came to Nova Scotia when a child. The
maiden name of the mother was Isabella Mitchell, of Scotch birth.
Their family consisted of six children, the eldest son and second child
being J. M., who was reared on a farm, and who came to London,
Canada, in 1843. Here he commenced wood-working, and in 1845
established a business in pump making, having added to this indus-
try the manufacture of fan-mills and implements of different kinds.
He is doing a successful business; but in 1878 suffered heavily from
loss by fire. In 1846 he married Miss Agnes Little, a native of
Ireland, and to them have been born four children — James, Sarah,
Charles and Thomas, the latter being associated with his father in
business. Mr. Cousins has held the position of Justice of the Peace
for thirty years, served as a member of the City Council for thirteen
years, and was elected Mayor ia 1871. He served also as Chairman
of the Water Commissioners. Mr. Cousins is a man of sterling integ-
rity, and in every path of life his career has been above criticism or
774 HISTORY OF THE
reproach. He has merited and receives the respect and honor of all
who know him. A detailed statement of Mr. Cousins's business will
be found in another part of this work.
JAMES Cowan.
James Cowan, one of the most successful business men of Loudon,
Ont, is a native of County Kirkcudbright, Scotland; born Jan. 14,
1832, and the son of John and Margaret (Carson) Cowan. The father
was a merchant in his native country, and died at the age of forty-
eight years. The mother died at the age of fortj'^-three. Of their
eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, James Cowan was the
seventh son in order of birth, and was but seven years of age when his
parents died. Before he was fifteen years of age he commenced to
learn the business of ironmongery, and served five years as an appren-
tice and two years as foreman with A. Dobie, ironmonger and jeweler,
of Castle Douglas, Scotland. In May, 1853, he went to Durham,
England, remained there three months, and in August of the same
year he proceeded to Dewsbury, Yorksliire, and remained there fifteen
months. In May, 1854, he started for Liverpool to manage a hardware
business for Mrs. Lightfoot, whose husband had died, leaving the busi-
ness embarrassed. Mr. Cowan returned home in August, 1854, married
Miss Elspeth Wells, September 1st, and the 22nd of the same month
sailed from Liverpool, landing at New York, October 22 of the same
year. The ship, " West Point," had cholera on board, and twenty
passengers and four seamen died of this disease. Mr. Cowan obtained
employment with Messrs. Windle & Co., on Madison Lane, for about
two months, and afterwards for a short time was in a Brooklyn carpet
store. In May, 1855, he departed for Canada, and for three months
was with John Bain, hardware merchant, of Hamilton, Canada West.
Ou the 8th of August 1855, Mr. Cowan obtained a situation with
Adam Hope & Co., of London, and remained thus employed until
October, 1864, leaving then of his own accord. He then formed a
partnership in October, 1864, with James Wright, under the firm title
of Cowan & Wright, and the business was conducted imder this name
until September 29, 1875, when the partnership was dissolved. From
that date the firm name has been James Cowan & Co.
By his marriage Mr. Cowan became the father of one child, a son,
named David James Cowan. Mrs. Cowan died in June, 1858, and
Mr. Cowan was married a second time, in 1859, to Miss Annie,
daughter of Mr. Waddell, veterinary surgeon in the Royal Artillery,
stationed at Niagara. Ten children were the result of this union, eight
of whom survive. John, the fourth son, took up arms in defence of
his country in 1885. Associated with Mr. Cowan in his business is
his eldest son and his nephew, A. K. Jlelbourne. Mr. Cowan owes
his success in life to his own efforts and a thorough knowledge of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 775
s, and not to the assistance of others. He has always taken
a deep interest in everything calculated to advance the interests
of the city, and in 1887 and 1888 was elected Mayor, and during his
two years in that position has proven himself to be second to none of
his predecessors. He is a member of the St. Andrew's and Caledonian
Societies, and is ex-president of the former. He is also a member of
the lieform Association of London, and a member of the Masonic
Order. In his religious preferences he adheres to the Presbyterian
denomination. Mr. Cowan is a man of much personal and mental
activity, and no worthy movement of moral or financial advancement
has failed to receive his support. Although pressed to fill the position
of Mayor for the third term, he resolved to retire from all municipal
offices and devote his whole time to the firm's large and increasing
business.
David Craig.
Prominent among the enterprising men of Delaware Township,
and among those deserving special notice for their public spirit and
energy, is the gentleman of whom this notice is given. He was born
in the Township of Bertie, WeUand County, Canada, August 19, 1829,
and is the son of David and Ann (Morehead) Craig, both natives of
County Down, Ireland, where they lived for many years, but finally
immigrated to Canada, and settled in Welland County at a very early
date. David is the sixth child of a family of nine children born to
his parents. He remained and assisted his parents until 28 years of
age, when he began business for himself He moved or emigrated
with them from Bertie Township, Welland County, to Delaware Town-
ship, in 1847, and located on his present farm of 120 acres, on 1st and
2nd Concessions. November 29, 1860, he was united in marriage to
Miss Charlotta Kennedy, a native of the County of Carlton, Canada.
This union resulted in the birth of four children — three sons and a
daughter. Mr. Craig is a member of the Presbyterian Church, is Con-
servative in politics, and his post-office is Eaper.
Robert Creamer.
Eobert Creamer, a well-to-do farmer of Dorchester Township, is of
Irish descent and a son of Patrick Creamer, who was born in Ireland,
and was married to Eebecca McCorroll, by whom he became the father
of five children — Eobert, Jane, Thomas, James, and Catherine. The
parent immigrated to America in 1831 and settled in Petersburg,
Canada, where Mr. Creamer was engaged in boot and shoe making, but
also owned a farm about eight miles west of the town, which he was
engaged in tilhng for many years, but is now residing in Petersburg,
being 83 years of age. His son, Eobert, was born in Petersburg in
776 HISTORY OF THE
1832, and learned the boot and shoemaker's trade of his father ; but
after attaining a suitable age came to Belmont and followed his trade
for about fourteen years, acquiring an enviable reputation and con-
ducting an extensive and profitable business, which required the ser-
vices of about seven men. About 1867 he began keeping hotel in
Belmont, conducting for about eleven years the Creamer House, which
was one of the popular hotels of the town. During this period he
purchased the farm of 100 acres where he now resides, and is now
considered one of the successful farmers of the county, as he has ever
been considered one of its upright aud honorable citizens. In 1855
he was married to Miss Ann Prowse, a daughter of John and Mary
(Chalk) Prowse, who were born in Devonshire, England, and their
union was blessed in the birth of two sons — James JNL, and John P.
Mr. and Mrs. Creamer are members of the Church of England, and
he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is Conservative in his
political views. His son, James M., is a veterinary surgeon in Eegina,
the capital of the North-west Territory ; and John is a farmer near
that town. Both are married and have families.
Right Reverend Benjamin Cronyn (Deceased).
The Right Reverend Benjamin Cronyn, first Bishop of the Diocese
of Huron, was the son of Thomas Cronyn, Esq., of Kilkenny, Ireland,
and was born in the year 1802 ; graduated at Trinity College, Dublin ;
B. A. in 1822 ; aud in 1824 was divinity prizeman. He was ordained
Deacon by the Lord of Raphoe in August, 1825, and Priest by his
Grace the Archbishop of Tuam, of Trinity Sunday, 1827. In the
Autumn of 1832 the Rev. Mr. Cronyn reached the then very small
village of " The Forks," now London, Ont., aud was appointed Rector
in the same year. There are few left who can remember what a mere
hamlet it was at that time, and the ditficulties and trials that had to be
borne by the early settlers. Many were the amusiug and pleasing
anecdotes which the good Bishop delighted in relating of this early
experience. The following is a good illustration : — During his first
winter in Canada, in company with Col. Curran, one of the first
settlers in Adelaide Township, in the middle of winter he walked
from London to that township, they can-ying between them a quarter
of beef for the relief of some settlers then bordering on starvation. In
those days the roads were merely blazed lines, consequently they
became lost and had to remain out all night, closely followed by howl-
ing wolves attracted by the smell of the beef. Amid such scenes aud
experiences this pioneer of the gospel spent his early years in Ontario.
Through his energy and perseverence and with his influence he secured
to the church the endowments of St. Paul's Rectory, London, St.
John's, London Township, and Adelaide. After years of hard work
and toil in the cause of Christ, he lived to see the forest give way to
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 777
the ax of the early settlers, large and productive farms where but a
short time before had been the trackless forest, and the little village of
London expand and develop into a large and flourishing city.
In 1855 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon Bishop Cronyn,
at Trinity College, Dublin, and one year later the Diocese of Huron
was set apart from the Diocese of Toronto, and Rev. Benjamin Cronyn,
D. D., was elected the first Bishop. This was the first Episcopal elec-
tion in Canada, and on it all subsequent elections to a great extent
have been modelled. The choice lay between Dr. Cronyn and the
Venerable Archdeacon Bethune, afterwards Bishop of Toronto. The
election took place in St. Paul's Church, London, the church and laity
voting separately. The result was the choice of Dr. Cronyn, as first
Bishop of Huron. He was consecrated at Lambeth, by His Grace the
Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by other Bishops. Of his admin-
istrative ability and strong advocacy of the cause of his diocese at the
settlement and adjustment of the various endowments to be participated
in with the older diocese of Toronto, we now realize the benefit. Dur-
ing the fourteen years of his episcopacy, the growth and extension of
the church was remarkable, and the seed sown by him in faith will
continue to yield fruit for many generations. In 1863, aided by Dean
Hellmuth, who acted as the Bishop's commissary in England, for the
collection of funds, he was enabled to establish and endow Huron
College, which has already furnished more than sixty heralds of the
gospel, who are laboring in every part of the Dominion of Canada.
London is but a type of the church progress which is to be marked
everywhere in the Diocese of Huron. The mother church of St. Paul
is now surrounded by a numerous family of six children, all flourishing,
and in their turn aiding to no small extent in carrying on the mission
work of the diocese. In forming this short sketch, it is impossible not
to refer to the warmth of the afl'ection in which the memory of Bishop
Cronyn is held by all who knew him, particularly his clergy. To them,
especially the younger, he was in the highest and noblest sense a Eight
Reverend Father in God. Kind and sympathising, all felt him to be
a friend ; possessed of long experience, all would look to him for sound
counsel ; hospitable and generous even to a fault, his rectory was a home
where all were welcome. On September 2, 1871, the reverend and
beloved Bishop was called to his final rest. The Memorial Church was
erected by the family to his memory — a tender father, a loving friend
and a good man. [The foregoing was taken from the Missionary
News, and was prepared by the present Dean of Huron.]
Verschoyle Cronyn.
Verschoyle Cronyn, Chancellor of the Diocese of Huron, and a son
of the above, is the oldest person now living in London who was born
within the original limits of the city. His birth occurred February 6,
778 HISTORY OF TUB
1833, and he was reared here ; he was educated in the Grammar
School of London under the late Rev. Benjamin Bayly. He studied
law in the office of Colonel James Shanly, of London, and with Crooks
& Cameron, of Toronto ; is a Graduate-in-Law of Toronto University ;
was called to the bar in 1<S60, since when he has practiced his pro-
fession in London. He was one of the incorporators, and is solicitor,
of the Huron and Erie Loan and Savings Company. He was one of
the organizers of the London Street Eailway Company, and is its
President.
William Cross.
William Cross, a prominent grocer and business man of Strathroy,
is a native of Devonshire, England, born December 12, 1847, son of
William and EUza (Jackson) Cross, both natives of Devonshire, Eng-
land. After marriage the parents immigrated to the United States,
settled in Chicago, and here the father died at the age of thirty-eight
years. Tlie mother was born about 1823, and now resides in Strath-
roy. After the death of the father the family came to the County of
Middlesex, Canada, and here the boyhood of William Cross was spent
on a farm in Adelaide Township. He is the eldest living of the
children born to his parents, and at the age of fifteen he began
learning the carpenter's trade, which occupation he continued for some
time. When twenty-five years of age he came to Strathroy, and
engaged in the grocery business in partnership with H. A. Ivor & Co.,
remaining with this firm for eight years. He then sold his interest,
and for one year was engaged in the jewelry business in partnership
with J. C. Diggins ; but after one year sold out his interest, and two
years later again engaged in the grocery business in partnership with
Henry F. Edwards. After a business union of three years, he bought
out his partner, and has since continued alone. He is doing a good
and safe trade, and at all times has been able to pay 100 cents on the
dollar. He was married in 1883 to Miss Agnes Howell, a native of
Devonshire. He is a Conservative in politics.
J. B. Crozier.
J. B. Crozier was born in the North of Ireland, and came to
America at the age of thirteen years, locating first at Toronto, where
he learned the business of hot air ventilation, which he followed at
Toronto and various other cities. He was very successful at this, and
in 1854 came to Mt. Brydges, where he afterwards engaged in the
timber and stave business in Ontario, Canada and Michigan. He
purchased the American Hotel at Mt. Brydges, where he supplied the
public with the necessaries of life for eight years. During his connec-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 779
tion with the hotel he owned and managed a farm of fifty acres near
the village. He has since sold out his interest in both farm and hotel, and
has practically retired from business. About four years ago he engaged
in the business of buying and shipping apples, thus occupying his spare
time, and has succeeded well, shipping last year over 5,000 barrels.
In the year 1866 he married Miss Helen Christian, of Delaware Town-
ship, and the daughter of Anthony and Margaret Christian, both of
whom are natives of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Crozier are the
parents of two children, both boys, George and Charles. Mr. Crozier
in his political views affiliates with the Reform party. He has never
held any of the Township offices, choosing to give his entire time to
business. He has lived in Mt. Brydges ever since that village existed,
and his recollection is, that the first church was built in 1854 and the
schools were also established about the same time. The Township had
just been organized when he moved here, and he may with due propriety
be called one of the first settlers of the Township. He is recognized
as a man of good judgment, a citizen worthy the respect and esteem
of all who know him, and he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He
is a son of James and Mary (McKiuley) Crozier, the former dying on
a war vessel when J. B. was but an infimt.
John Frederick Cryer.
John Frederick Cryer, bamster-at-law and solicitor of the Supreme
Court, was born in the City of London, in the County of Middlesex,
on the 29th day of February, 1860. His parents, John W. Cryer and
Frances A. Cryer [nee Law), are natives of Leeds, Yorkshire, England,
and removed to Canada in 1853 ; first locating in Hamilton, and finally
settling in London. His father followed his trade of a coppersmith and
plumber and steam-fitter for many years, being a man of first-class
mechanical abilities. His son, John Frederick Cryer, is one of four
sons, and began the study of the laws under the Hon. David Glass,
Q. C, a brother of the sheriff of the County of Middlesex, and in 1887
was called to the Bar of Ontario, and the degree of barrister-at-law
■conferred upon him ; at the same time he was admitted and sworn in
solicitor of the Supreme Court, and appointed a commissioner for
taking affidavits in the same year. His Honor, the Lieutenant-
Governor of the Province was pleased to appoint Mr. Cryer, under
the great seal, a notary public for Ontario. Mr. Cryer was reared to
manhood in the City of London, where he received part of his educa-
tion ; the other portion was received in Europe and at Toronto ; Mr.
Cryer being a member of the University of Toronto. Mr. Cryer spent
two years in England under the care and direction of an English solici-
tor. He was married to Frances, the youngest daughter of Eichard
H. Sarvis, Esq., inspector of the Dominion Loan Company, in June,
1888. Mr. Cryer is a staunch advocate of the cause of temperance,
49
780 HISTORY OF THE
and a ]\Iethodist. He is a strong Tory, and takes great interest in
political life. He has received nominations for alderman and school
trustee of the City of London, but has never accepted either honor.
He is a member of the law firm of Fitzgerald & Cryer, practicing law"
at London.
John W. Cryer.
John W. Cryer, contractor, was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England,
October 7, 1826 ; son of Francis and Catherine (Waterson) Cryer ; the
father a native of Leeds, Yorkshire, England, and the mother of the
Isle of Man. Francis Cryer was a sergeant in the 11th Hussars, and
was in the battle of Waterloo. He was also at the battle of Alexandria,
Egypt, and was one of the thirteen of that company who returned. He
had seven horses shot under him, but escaped with only a shot in the
hand. He lived to be seventy years of age, and died from an accident.
His son, John W. Cryer, was the youngest son of a family of seven
children, and his eldest brother, Francis, was a minister iu the Church
of England. John W. was reared a plumber and coppersmith, and
served seven years' apprenticesliip. In 1849 he immigrated to New
York, landed May 1st of that year, and Mr. Cryer traveled and
worked in different places until in 1855, when he came to London, and
there he has since made his home. At present his subcontract with
his partner, Mr. Turner, is to put in water service at the Insane
Asylum. Mr. Cryer served as a member of the City Council in 1864
and 1865. In 1851, Mr. Cryer married Miss Frances A. Law, a
native of Leeds, England, and to them have been born five children —
Albert A., John Frederick, Thomas B., Frances (wife of W. W. Mc-
Kay), and . Mr. Cryer is a member of the Masonic fraternity
and is connected with St. George's Lodge, No. 42.
Thomas Cuddy.
Prominent among the leading men of Adelaide Township and
among the old settlers of Middlesex County, stands the name of Thomas
Cuddy, who was born in Tyrone, Ireland, March 17, 1816, and is the
son of John and Elizabetli (Watters) Cuddy, both natives of County
Tyrone, Ireland. The father was born iu 1744, and died in his native
country, where his wife also passed her last days. Thomas Cuddy was
educated in the schools of his native country, and came to Canada in
1837, settling on his present farm in the Township of Adelaide, Lot 6,
Third Concession, north of the Egremont Eoad, where he has since re-
sided— a period of more than half a century. He is the owner of 350
acres of good land, well improved and well cultivated. In 1840 he
maiTied Miss Esther Truman, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born
November 12, 1826, and the daughter of John and Sarah (Smith)
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 781
Truman. The fruits of this union were seven children — Sarah, John,
Elizabeth, Thomas Alfred, Loftus William James, Mary Victoria, and
Esther Laura Adella. Mr. Cuddy is Conservative in his political
opinions, and was a member of the Township Council for sixteen years.
He has also held the office of Eeeve for two years, and has always
taken an active part in the public affairs of the County. He and Mrs.
Cuddy are worthy members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Cuddy-
is an honoraljle, ujiright citizen, whose word is as good as his bond.
Edward S. Cummer.
Edward S. Cummer, supreme secretary of the Independent Order
of Foresters at London, Ont., was born in the County of York, Canada,
September 5, 1S40, and is the ninth in a family of ten children boru to
Daniel and Sarah (Endicott) Cummer. The father was a native of
Pennsylvania, and at an early age was taken to Ontario, where he was
reared on a farm and followed this calling for many years, after which
he turned his attention to the milling business. The mother was of
English birth. Their son, E. S. Cummer, remained in his native
county until nine years of age, and then removed with his parents to
the Niagara Peninsula, and there remained on a farm until sixteen
years of age. He then attended school steadily and diligently imtil he
was prepared to teach, after which he followed this calling for seven
years and then engaged in mercantile pursuits, following the business
in different places until 1880, when he was elected high secretary of
the Independent Order of Foresters. In 1881 he was elected also
supreme secretary and filled both offices until 1883, when the duties
of the office increased to such a degree as to require separation and a
high secretary was appointed. Since that time Mr. Cummer has filled
the office of supreme secretary in a highly complimentary manner.
Mr. Cummer is also a leader in temperance matters, and has been a
member of the Good Templar organization for thirty-four years, and he
has never tasted a drop of alcohoUc spirits, and is ignorant of the taste
of it. He has been a member of the Grand Lodge for twenty years,
has never missed a regular session, and since his election as represen-
tative to the Eight Worthy Lodge eight years ago, he has been a
regular attendant. In 1862, Mr. Cummer was married to Miss Ann,
a native of Ontario, and the daughter of Rev. Thomas Rump, a Metho-
dist clergyman.
Lawrence Ee^ry Dampier.
Lawrence Henry Dampier, one of the representative men of Strath^
roy and manager of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, is a native of
the City of London, Ontario, born January 6, 1854, and the only child
782 HISTORY OF THE
living born to the marriage of John L. and Sarah (Edmonds) Dampier,
natives of England and Canada respectively. The former was born at
Bruton, Somerset County, in 1820, and immigrated to Canada in 1838,
settling in Montreal, where he resided until 1850, when he removed to
London, and has been a resident of that city ever since. He was
connected with the Bank of Upper Canada for twenty-three years.
His father. Captain AYilliam "Wesley Dampier, was also a native of
England. Lawrence Henry Dampier was educated at the Hellmuth
Boys' College at London. In 1870 he began business for himself, and
on May 1, 1877, began the banking busiues in the Canadian Bank of
Commerce at London. In 1881, Mr. Dampier went to Toronto, and
one year later went from there to Stratford, where he remained five
years as bank accountant. In 1887 he came to Strathroy, where he
has since been manager of the above-mentioned bank. In 1881 he
married Louisa, eldest daughter of the late Hannabel Burvvell, of
London, Ontario. They have one daughter — Helen Louise Bowyer.
Mr. and Mrs. Dampier are members of the Church of England.
John Darrach.
John DaiTach, editor of the Parkhill Review, was born at Fingal,
County of Elgin, Ont., in 1846, and is a son of Neil and Mary
(Mitchell) Darrach, early settlers of that county. Early in life he
received a pubhc school education, partly in the Township of South-
wold, the Village of Union, the Township of Caradoc, and the Village
of Mount Brydges, after which he worked with his father at the
waggon-maker's trade at Mount Brydges, Middlesex County. When
twenty-one years of age he began to teach in the Public Schools of that
place, where he remained four years. In 1872 he accepted the posi-
tion of Principal of the Public Schools of Parkhill, which he resigned
five years later in order to become the assistant teacher of the High
School. In 1878 he went to Ottawa as assistant teacher in Central
•School East, of that city, but the following year returned to Parkhill,
and, until the fall of 1885, taught in the High School. He then estab-
lished the Revieiv, to which he has since devoted his entire attention.
In 187-4 he married Miss Sarah J. Hawkey, daughter of John R
Hawkey, of Parkhill. Mr. Darrach is a member of the Presby-
terian Church, and Mrs. Dan-ach is a member of the Methodist Church.
They have a family of one son and three daughters. In politics Mr.
Darrach is a Reformer.
Thomas G. Davey.
Among the numerous young men of Western Canada who have
^successfully fought the battle of life and are now ranked amoi>g the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 783
leading citizens may be mentioned Mr. Davey, who was born in
Devonshire, England, in February, 1850, his parents, George and Sarah
(Glass) Davey, having been born in the same place. The father was a
merchant tailor during the early portion of his life. Thomas G. is the
eldest of three children, and resided in England until 1 2 years of age ;
then the family immigrated to Canada, and settled in Stratford, where
they remained two years, afterwards removing to London. At an early
day Thomas became familiar with the news and periodical business,
and was engaged in supplying trains in the States, and afterwards
followed the same calling in Western Canada, working on the Grand
Trunk system. In 1876 he became associated with C. H. Shaver in the
Eailroad News and Advertising Co., which business is of colossal mag-
nitude, the lines embraced being the Detroit & Milwaukee, the Chicago
& Grand Trunk, the Detroit & Grand Haven, and the Port Huron &
North Western. They also publish the Grand Trunk Daily Bulletin.
In addition to his other duties, Mr. Davey holds the position of High
Treasurer of the High Court of the Independent Order of Foresters of
Canada, and is Supreme Treasurer of the same Order. Mr. Davey has
been the architect of his own fortunes, and by pluck and tireless
energy, which was his only stock-in-trade, he has become one of the
highly honored and successful business men of Middlesex County, and
justly commands the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. He has
been twice man-ied, first to Miss Catherine Lyons, of Detroit, who died
in 1885, leaving one daughter, Mary Ann. He selected for his second
wife Miss Eva Chapman, a native of Devonshire, England, by whom
he has one daughter, Florence Lillian.
Almon C. Davis.
Almon C. Davis, a successful agriculturist of Westminster Town-
ship, is a descendant of an old Vermont family of pioneers, and of
Welsh descent. He is the son of Andrew Davis, and grandson of
Benjamin Davis, who lived on a farm about twenty-eight miles north
of Montpelier, Vermont. He was in the war of the Kevolution, and
lived to be an old man. He died in Vermont. He was the father of
six children ; his son, Andrew Davis, was born on his father's farm in
Vermont, and was a farmer by occupation. He married ]Miss ]Martha
Phillips, daughter of Joseph and Martha Phillips. Mr. Philhps was a
soldier in the war of the Revolution, and lived to be ninety-six years
old ; his wife lived to the age of ninety years. Mr. and Mrs. Davis
became the parents of eight children — Almon C, Luther, Eussel,
Avery, Alpha, Laura, Mary J., and Doras (who died in California).
Mr. Davis settled on a farm twenty miles south of BurHngton, and
there passed his last days. He was a successful farmer, and lived to
be seventy years of age ; he was an honest, upright citizen, and taught
his children the old adage that " honesty is the best policy." He and
his wife were both members of the Methodist Church.
784 HISTORY OF THE
Almon C. Davis was born on his father's farm in the State of
Vermont in 1818 (May 1). He received a good English education,
and began teaching school in Vermont, in his own neighborhood, at
the age of twenty years. He followed this occnpation for two years in
his native State, and then moved to Canada, settling in Westminster,
September 18, 1841. He taught school during the winter of 1841 and
1842 on the North Talbot road, two and a-half miles south of Lambeth,
and among his pupils were Samuel Hunt, James Sutton, JMiciah Sutton,
Henry Fortner, Garret Fortner, and others now living, and are now
old men. Among the girls who attended his school were : — Hannah
Lewis, who became the wife of John A. Durham ; Betsey Fortner, who
married Walter Scott, and others of the now old settlers. Mr. Davis
taught school there for some time, and then taught at Belmont for
three sessions. Mr. Davis then settled on Lot 16. He had married,
in 1843 (February 28th), Miss Anna Lewis, daughter of L. E. Lewis
and Sarah (McGarvey) Lewis. To Mr. and ilrs. Davis were born six
children — Levi, George VV., Sarah J., ]\Iartha, George and Elizabeth.
Mrs. Davis died in 1857, and Mr. Davis was married June 20, 1859,
to Miss Sarah Adams, daughter of James and Fannie (Ba.Kter) Adams.
By this union Mr. Davis became the father of one son — James A.
Davis. James Adams, father of Mrs. Davis, came from the north of
Ireland in 1822, and settled in Prince Edward County. In 1839 he
moved to Westminster Township, where he died in 1885, at the age of
eighty-five years. From 1855 to 1857, Mr. Davis lived in London,
and was book-keeper for Derham Nordan, proprietor of a saw-mill and
large planing works, one of the fir.st planing-mills of London. Since
1857, Mr. Davis has lived on his farm, and has been an auctioneer for
twenty years. He has taken a great interest in the cause of education,
and was school trustee for many years. Both himself and wife are
members of the Methodist Church, of which he is steward ; is a strong
temperance man, and is one of the county's representative citizens.
He has succeeded well in his agricultural pursuit.'?, is the owner of 150
acres of land, and is now prepared to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Mr. Davis is a man usually selected as chairman for public meetings,
and has been chairman at the Methodist meetings for fifty-four terms
in one church. He liberally contributed to the building of the
Methodist Church, has been magistrate for twenty-five years, is a
Reformer in politics, and is one of the well-known and prominent
citizens of the county.
Eli L. Davis.
Eli L. Davis, who is closely associated with the farming interests
of Westminster Township, is also a descendant of one of the oldest
pioneer famihes of the county. He is the son of Benjamin Davis,
who was born in the State of Vermont, in 1802, and was the son of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 785
Elijah Davis, who moved to Lower Canada, where Beujainin grew to
manhood and married Miss Hannah McThomas. He afterwards
settled on the North Talbot Eoad, where Mrs. Davis died. To their
union were born four children — Margaret, Daniel, Amos and Huldah.
After his wife's death, Mr. Davis married Miss Ehza Wilson, from St.
Catharines, Canada, and the fruits of this union were these children : —
Henry, Adaline, James F., Eli L., Jane, Emma I\I., Eliza S., Mary L. and
Benjamin W. Mr. Davis afterwards moved to Lot 54, where his son, Eli
L., now resides. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South, and was one of the founders of the church in his neighborhood.
He and a man by the name of Jeremiah Wilson nearly built the
church which is now standing. He was a class leader and steward in
the church, was school trustee for some time, and was a prominent
man. He was the first man in Middlesex County who was ever
married by a minister out of the Church of England. He was married
to his first wife by Elder Ryan, a Methodist Episcopal preacher, who
was lodged in jail and was promptly bailed out by Mr. Davis. He
was then tried, and the result was that the privilege to marry was
granted other denominatious. It created considerable excitement and
some bad feeling. Mr. Davis was a hard-working man, and was the
owner of 800 acres of land, which he divided among his children. He
was a man of gr-eat force of character, and was well known all through
this section of the county. He travelled the Longwoods road when
there was not a house between Woodsville and Delaware village,
twenty-four miles. Mr. Davis did his full share in the opening up and
in the improvement of the county. He died in 1882 at the age of 80
years, and was gi'eatly respected by one and all.
His son, Eli L. Davis, was born on the old homestead in 1837,
and received during his youthful days a common school education.
The first school teaching performed in the neighborhood was by
Daniel Carson, who wielded the birch in an old log house belonging to
Mr. Davis. Eh L. Davis married Miss Celestia Marlatt, daughter of
Daniel ^Marlatt, and the fruit of this imion was one child — Orlando.
Mrs. Davis died in 1862, and Mr. Davis afterwards married Miss
Melissa Sutton, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Patterson) Sutton,
who bore him one son — Eoy S. William Sutton was born in New
Jersey in 1797, and was but three years of age when his father, John
Sutton, brought him to Canada. He was twenty-one years of age
"when he came to Westminster Township. John Sutton settled on
North Talbot road, where Jacob Sutton now lives. In 1880, William
Sutton married Elizabeth Patterson, daughter of Jacob and Charity
(Hers) Patterson. i\Irs. Sutton was of Dutch extraction, and lived to
be 92 years of age. Jacob Patterson settled on the in 1818.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sutton were born nine children — Charity, Mathias,
Jacob, John, Harriet, Luretta, Samuel, Melissa, William (deceased).
Mr. Sutton settled on Lot 56, West Talbot road, and remained there
all his life. He died in 1877, and was 80 years of age. He and wife
Yob HISTORY OF THK
were members of the M. E. Church. He was a prosperous farmer and
a well-to-do man. Mrs. Sutton is still alive and is 85 years of age ; is
the gi-andmother and the great-grandmother of thirty children. Mr. and
Mrs. Eli L. Davis are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in
politics the former is a Reformer. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, is a good neighbor and a first-class citizen.
Daniel Davis.
Daniel Davis is one of the old and prominent pioneers of Middle-
sex County, Canada, having come here when there was but one log
house in London, and purchased 100 acres of land where the town
now stands. He followed farming for a number of years, and about
18-51 opened the second brick-yard in London, this enterprise having
continued under the same name ever since. He is still living, and has
attained the age of seventy-one years. For the past four years his
son, Hiram, has had charge of the brick-yard. The latter was born in
London Township, and here has always made his home, being reared
to the brick business under the instruction of his father. He spent some
time in Kansas City, Mo.; Wisconsin, and Denver, Col., and during
this time worked at his trade. He owns the land upon which his
yard is situated, and is doing a good business, financially, having
furnished the brick for the building of the Asylum, for Carling's
Brewery and the Western Station. He is a member of the Orange-
Ri CHARD J. C. Dawson.
E. J. C. Dawson, Postmaster of London, Canada, was born in
Bathurst, New Brunswick, October 3, 1835, and is a son of Benjamin
and Jane (Wright) Dawson, both of whom were born in County Cork,
Ireland. Benjamin was reared in his native land, and in early life learned
the business of a linen and wollen draper, at which he continued until
twenty-one years of age, serving his apprenticeship with his brother.
He was born on the 10th September, 17'J8, and is now serving in the
stamp department of the post-office in London. In 1824 he immi-
grated to New Brunswick, and located in Bathurst, where he was
married and raised a family of three cliildren — Richard J. C, Melville
de Blois, wlio is Lieutenant-Colonel of Militia and District Paymaster,
and Wilberforce. The father was ajtpointed Magistrate soon after
locating in Bathurst, and also held an office for solemnizing marriages,
and one as tide surveyor. He came to London in 1851, and for several
years was engaged in the grocery business ; then engaged in the com-
mission business, which he conducted until 1879, when he was
appointed stamp vendor, and is still holding that position. Although
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 787
living considerably over his allotted three-score years and ten, he is
still active, both bodily and mentally, and is filling his position very
satisfactorily. He has been an active member of the Methodist Church
for seventy-five years. His wife died on the 31st March, 1866, being
also a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Church. Their
son, R. J. C. Dawson, was reared and educated in Bathurst, and came
with his parents to London in 1851, and July 13, 1852, when in his
seventeenth year, entered the post-office as junior clerk, when there
were but four employes in the office. In 1860 he was appointed
assistant post-master, which position he held until March 21, 1881,
when he was appointed acting Post-master, and June 1 of that year
became post-master. He is a prominent citizen of London, and during
his thh'ty-seven years as post-office official, has won the confidence
and respect of the public. He is a member of the following secret
organizations : — Encampment of I. 0. 0. F., Masons and A. 0. U. W.
October 3, 1860, his marriage to Miss Jane E. Deacon, a daughter
of William Deacon, was celebrated. The following are their children
who are living : — James H. B., Mary A. and Annie J. C. Those
deceased are : — Jane W., Albert W., and Eeginald J. C. The family
are members of the Methodist Church.
Lieut.- Colonel M. D. Dawson.
Lieut.-Col. M. D. Dawson, Paymaster of Militia and Superintendent
of Military Stores for this district, was born in New Brunswick, and
received his education at a grammar school. In 1851 the family
moved to London, Ont., at that time a very small place, and shortly
afterwards young Dawson entered upon the profession of printer. In
1855 he went to St. Louis, Mo., engaged in journalistic work and re-
mained there for six or seven years, but the civil war interrupted trade,
and Mr. Dawson, finding that he labored under many disadvantages
from being an alien, returned to London, Out, in 1861, where he has
since resided. He then started book and job printing, and was suc-
cessful. A few years later he became proprietor of the Prototype, the
oldest daily paper in the County of Middlesex, the paper becoming
through his efibrts a powerful political organ. It was the first journal
in Canada that advocated the National Policy, which finally swept the
country, and neither money nor influence could swerve it from its
course. In 1878, Mr. Dawson lost his entire plant by fire, and carry-
ing but little insurance, his loss was a heavy one. The substantial aid
and assistance rendered him by the entire business community, irrespec-
tive of creed or politics, however, soon placed him upon liis feet again.
He was married March 17, 1859, to Miss Eliza Jane Hannah, a native
of St. Johns, New Brunswick, who died in 1867, leaving two children,
Charles M. and Leila S.
Mr. Dawson was married the second time, in 1869, to Miss Rebecca
788 HISTORY OF THE
Jane Heam, of Montreal, and four children are the fruits of this union
—Louis H., Franklin DeB., Mabel G. and Melville DeB. Mr. Daw-
son has served as a member of the City Council, and in benevolent
and fraternal societies has always taken a lively interest. He is a
Past Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and for over
twenty years has been its Secretary. He is also Past 1st Principal of
St. George's Chapter, R. A. M., and is a member of Richard Cceur
de Lion Commandery. He has also held oflice in the Grand Lodge
of Canada. He was one of the originators of the Masonic Mutual
Bevevolent Society, and a Director from its first inception. For ten
years he has been its Vice-President, and he is at this time the oldest
policy-holder. He became a member of an Oddfellows' Lodge in
1861, and has held the position of Grand Scribe of the Grand Encamp-
ment of Ontario since 1869. He is widely known, and has assisted at
the organization of nearly every Encampment in this Province. His
connection with the Ancient Order of United Workmen dates from
1878. At the meeting of the Supreme Lodge held in Nashville,
in 1879, he received the degree of Past Grand Master Workman. He
has also a military history, dating from the Trent affair and Fenian
raid, being stationed on the frontier during that campaign. In 1864
he was gazetted 1st Lieutenant of No. 2 Rifle Company, and October
5, 1866, Captain; October 5, 1871, Captain and Adjutant; August
22, 1873, Major; and October 5, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel. He is
Paymaster and Superintendent of the militia stores in this district.
Joseph S. Deacon.
J. S. Deacon, dealer in groceries, and a representative business man
of the City of London, Canada, was born in the Township of Loudon,
on the 15th Concession, Lot 23, October 23, 1839. His parents,
Joseph and Margaret (Shoebottom) Deacon, were both natives of
Ireland. When a young man the father immigrated to Canada (about
1820), and met his future wife in the vessel in which they crossed.
He was one of the first settlers of Loudon Township, locating on the
15th Concession, and was obliged to blaze trees for the road. He got
a free land grant for 100 acres and purchased 100 acres from his
brother. He commenced life on the pioneer plan in a little log-cabin,
and in this he died in 1873. The mother died in about 1876. They
were the parents of twelve children, only five now living, Joseph S.,
Ellen, jMary, Betsie and Isabella. The father had followed farming aU
his life and had been quite successful. He was in the militia during
the Rebellion of 1837.
His sou, J. S., was reared on the farm, and remained with his
parents until thirty-one years of age. February 4, 1864, he selected
his companion for life in the person of Miss Jane, daughter of Thomas
Hodgins, and to them were born an interesting family of six children
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 789
— Maggie, Lizzie, Nellie, Thomas, Rebecca and Isabella. In 1870,
Mr. Deacon came to London and engaged iu keeping hotel on Calling
street, known as Queen's Hotel, where he remained for two years.
After this he ran the Fraser House for two years, and was in the hotel
business four years to a day. In 1874 he engaged in the mercantile
business, which he has carried on ever since, with the exception of two
years when he was in the shoe business. He has led a quiet, retired
life, and has never sought for office. Mr. Deacon is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, is also a member of the Orangemen National In-
surance and Royal Arcanum. He and Mrs. Deacon are members of
the Church of England, to which the whole family have belonged from
all the generations back.
Professor John F. Dean.
Prof John F. Dean, Magnetic Practitioner, London, was born in
Sandusky County, Ohio, in 1844, and is the son of John F. Dean and
the grandson of Thomas Dean, who was of English birth. The latter
was the inventor of the English patent-lever watch. When John F.
Dean was four years of age, his parents removed to Canada and settled
■first at Simcoe, Norfolk County, and subsequently at Vienna, Elgin
County, where he was educated at the Grammar school at that place,
and for a short period was engaged in mercantile pursuits. During
the late war in the United States he accepted a position as clerk in the
quartermaster's department in the Federal Army at Washington, D. C.
In youth and while living in Vienna, he had formed a taste for the
healing art, through the acquaintance of Dr. Hanvey, late of St. Thomas,
with whom he studied for a time, and he afterwards became a pupil of
Dr. Crawford of Tiffin, Ohio, and also of Dr. Haney of Toledo, Ohio,
and for a time was engaged in the active practice of medicine. Prev-
ious to his going to the United States, he had discovered the wonderful
magnetic influence he was capable of imparting, and his attention was
directed to the science of magnetic healing, and he commenced reading
all the best evidences in regard to it, and availed himself of all the
light he could obtain by investigation, travel and experiment, and
after practicing it to some extent he became so deeply impressed
regarding the merits and benefits of this treatment from personal obser-
vation of those who were suffering from causes that failed to respond
to ordinary medical treatment, particularly in individuals where the
pulse beats feebly, where energy was gone, appetite weak, and sleep
uncertain, the body being in a condition of actual low life, and where
nature seemed to have given way, strength and vitality were restored
by the system of magnetic healing, and to those who have given it
personal and unprejudiced investigation, the reasonableness of this
treatment iu assisting nature is apparent. So confident was Prof.
Dean of its wonderful benefits, that he discarded all other treatments,
and confines himself to this system alone. And while unable to
790 HISTORY OF THE
account for the influence he has over disease, and for the remarkable
cures he has performed on individuals that physicians have pronounced
past aid, there are here in London living witnesses whose veracity
is unimpeachable, who will testify to the good results of his treatment
and the cures eHected wholly without medicine, relying solely upon
magnetism. The feeling his successful treatment has engendered in
the minds of many general medical practitioners has led to a series of
persecutions and prosecutions, the latter being before Police ]\Iagis-
trate Parke, and after hearing evidence and reserving his decision
until all the law pertaining to the question was fully examined, he
rendered a decision in favor of the Professor, deciding that there had
been no violation of the law in his method of treatment. He came
to London in 1888, and has secured a satisfactory and rapidly increas-
ing practice.
Prof. Dean has in his possession a wonderful stone. It is circular,
and is about an inch and a-half across and a quarter of an inch in
thickness. Its color is brown, with white circular markings, and it
is susceptible of a high polish. On this stone, with almost perfect
figure, with mouth open and tail lashing, is a representation of an
African lion, so exact that even the long cat-hairs on the nose are
plainly perceptible. On the opposite side the figure is not so perfect,
though, by holding the stone up to the light, the figure of the lion can
be seen extending entirely through the stone. The stone has been in
the Dean fixmily for many years. Thomas Dean, grandfather of Prof.
Dean, was a diamond and jewelry merchant, of London, England,
and became possessed of the stone in 1807 in a romantic way. He
had been dealing extensively with the diamond merchants of Brazil,
and while thus engaged made several trips to that country. While
there he intei-posed and saved the life of a Peruvian slave, who had been
condemned to death for secreting diamonds, and in doing this became
the owner of the slave, who afterwards served him faithfully, and
guided him in his wanderings through that country. The slave became
so attached to Mr. Dean that when he returned to England for the last
time, the grateful fellow took from his neck this stone, which he had
constantly worn as an amulet, and gave it to Mr. Dean as a parting gift.
The Peruvian gave a brief history of the stone, and ascribed to it
wonderful properties. It had been taken from a Peruvian temple by
stealth, and had been searched for far and wide by the natives, by
whom it was regarded as sacred. Should they discover the stone in
Mr. Dean's possession, they would not hesitate to take his life in order
to regain it. At that time the stone was a little larger than at present,
and at one end of the oval was a hole by means of which it was hung
to the neck ; Mr. Dean afterwards reduced it to its present size. It
was for a time on exhibition in the British Museum. Prof. Dean has
refused $500 cash for it.*
• The editor of this volume has examined the stooe with preat care, and pronounces it a
wonderful curio. There can be no doubt of its authenticity, its Kreat age, and Its history
among the Peruvians alone, render it very valuable and surround it with a glamour ol
romantic Interest.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESKX. 791
John Dearness.
John Dearness, Inspector of Schools of East Middlesex County, was
bom in Hamilton, Ontario, in May, 1852. His parents were John and
Jane (Linklater) Dearness, both of whom were of Scotch birth. In
1849 the father immigrated to Canada, and here John, the eldest of his
four children, was born and reared. Until about 10 years of age the
latter resided on a farm near St. Marys, and then came to Middlesex
County, where his remaining boyhood days were passed. He availed
himself of the educational opportunities then open to him, and prose-
cuted his studies with satisfactory success until he was prepared for
teaching, which occupation he began following in 1870, first in a rural
school in Biddulph, and afterwards as Headmaster of the school in
Lucan until he received the Principalship of the Strathroy Public
School. Being further promoted to a position in the Strathroy High
School, he taught there a short time, until the fall of 1874, when he
was appointed to his present position, the duties of which he is filling
with judgment and ability. Not only has he established himself
firmly in the estimation of all as a thorough instructor, but he has
always entered mind and body into his work, and as a result has suc-
ceeded far beyond his expectations. He was one of the editors of the
Eoyal Canadian Headers, and was for three years a member of the Cen-
tral Committee of the Province for the examination of teachers ; he is
an honorary member of the Montreal Historical Society, and lecturer
on botany and zoology in the Medical Department of the Western
University. He was married in 1881 to Miss Emma Wilkinson, a
daughter of the late Leonard Wilkinson, formerly of Strathroy. Mr.
and Mrs. Dearness have a family of three children.
Charles Decker.
Charles Decker, an enterprising and well-to-do farmer, of West-
minster Township, was born A D. 1803, in Schoharie County, N. Y.
He was married, in 1827, to Ann 0. Strander, who was born near
Albany, of the same State. They came to Canada in 1832, and, after
having resided in London Township four years, settled on his present
property, viz.. Lot 6, Westminster. They were foremost workers in
the church, the temperance cause, and education. Mr. Decker was
very energetic in municipal improvements. He was the first who
agitated the abolition of tolls on the county roads, and, with the assist-
ance of others, finally succeeded in getting them abohshed. The boon
was enjoyed only one day after the Act came in force, when, to the
surprise of all, the then new Council repealed it. Their abolition was,
however, afterwards effected. Mr. and Mrs. Decker were the parents
of five children — Catharine, Tunis, Elizabeth, Gideon and Egbert.
Tunis and Egbert died in childhood ; Catharine married F. D. Norton,
of Westminster Township ; Elizabeth married E. S. Jarvis, Westmin-
792 HISTOliY OF THE
ster Township, and Gideon married Abigail Robinson, of London
Township. Mrs. Decker died in 1870, and, in 1873, Mr. Decker mar-
ried Mrs. Catharine Wakefield Butts, of New York State. After her
death he married Mrs. Eachel Stuart Northop, daughter of William
and P. Grant Stuart. Though not one of the first settlers in the
county, he was among the first in his neighborhood, and suffered the
privations common to the opening up of a new country.
Benjamin V. Demaray.
Benjamin V. Demaray, one of the highly respected citizens of
Adelaide Township, was born in the Province of Quebec, April 7,
1810. His father, Richard Demaray, was born February 15, 1778,
and was accidently shot, Alay 11, 1830. His mother, Rebecca (Var-
num) Demaray, was born in 1783, and died in Ontario, in 1819. His
paternal gi'andfather was born in Vermont, in 1754, and died in
Ontario, in 1836. Benjamin V. was the seventh of twelve children,
five of whom are now living. In 1816 the family removed from
Lower Canada to Ontario and settled thirty miles east of Toronto.
Mr. Demaray was reared on the farm and attended the schools in the
Township of Whitby. His teacher, William F. Morse, was a soldier
in the war of 1812, but left the United States, emigrated to Canada
and here taught school for twenty- six years in the same neighborhood.
Mr. Demaray began farming for himself in 1834, in the Township of
Whitby, and in 1850 he came to County Middlesex, where he settled
in Dorchester Township. Here he engaged in clearing laud and farming
until 1861, when he moved to Adelaide Townslaip and settled where he
now lives. He is the owner of 100 acres of good land on the First
Concession, south of the Egremont Road. November 23, 1833, he
married Miss Rebecca Varuum, who was born April 15, 1816, and
died March 2, 1855. By this union were born eight children — Still-
man, Wellington, Lorena, Wesley, Abram, Zemari, Jannett and Per-
cival, only three of whom are now living. Mr. Demaray was married
again in the fall of 1855 to Miss Martha Dicy, boru in Westminster
Township, Middlesex County, January 18, 1832, daughter of Richard
and Mary (Shaver) Dicy. Five children were the result of this union,
viz. : — Richard, Mary, Jane, Huldah Ann, Benjamin and Wilbur. Mr.
Demaray is a Reformer in politics, and while a resident of Dorchester
Town.ship was for eight years a member of the Township Council. He
was also Reeve from 1857 to 185S), is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church aud is a highly respected citizen.
John M. Denton.
In every community and among all classes there are always some
men who become leaders in whatever occupation they undertake.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 793
whether ot a professional, agricultural or commercial nature, and these
men are the cues who, perhaps unconsciously, take a prominent and
active interest in promoting any movement which may be thought
capable of tending to the welfare of the county or vicinity in which
they reside. Such a one is IMr. Denton. He is a native of Northampton,
England, and he was born September 19, 1829. His father, Joseph
Denton, and his mother, whose maiden name was Miss Ann Coleman,
were both of English birth. The father was a farmer by occupation,
and John M. Denton spent his boyhood days on a farm, and at the age
of fourteen was apprenticed to a woollen draper and tailor, with whom
he remained for seven years, and had but one employer previous to
embarking in business on his own account. In 1855, Mr. Denton
was married to Miss Ann Walker, of Somersetshire, England, and the
same year of his marriage he sold out his business and immigrated ta
Canada, settled in London, and, with nothing but his willing hands
and hopeful heart, laid the foundation for his present successful busi-
ness. As circumstances favored he added to his resources for con-
ducting a business, increasing his facilities, until now it is recognized as
one of the most complete stocks in this line in Western Ontario, and
the reputation he enjoys is second to no similar establishment in this
section. None but experienced hands are kept, and no garments are
allowed to leave the store which are not carefully inspected and en-
tirely satisfactory to the customer. As a consequence, this house has
received a high popularity, not only in this immediate section, but from
patrons at a distance. Air. Denton was deprived of educational ad-
vantages in early life, but by close application and extensive reading,
aided by intercourse with the bu.siness world, he has attained a well-
merited position among the intelligent class. Especially has he talcen
a great interest in entomology, being a member of the society. He
is also a Director of the Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario, in
which industry he is interested. He was one of the most active
workers in organizing the Young Men's Christian Association, and it
has received his support since. In all religious movements he is an
active worker, and his influence is always on the side of right. Mr.
Denton is a man of unblemished honor, broad but practical charity,
generous in his feelings, dignified in his manhood, and a man, who,
in every walk of life, has been above criticism or reproach.
George Dobie.
Prominent among the leading men of Glencoe, and among those
deserving especial notice for their public spirit and energy, is the
gentleman of whom this notice is given. He is a native of Middlesex
County, born in Ekfrid Township, July 25, 1846, and his parents,
David and Flora (McRea) Dobie, are well known among the prominent
people of Ekfrid Township, his father having served as reeve and
794 HISTORY OF THE
councillor of that township. George remained with his parents until
he had attained his seventeenth year, when he came to Glencoe and
began clerking in the business house of D. McRae, where he remained
for five years. In 1868 he engaged in business for himself at Glencoe,
establishing a mercantile and general commission business, which he
conducted for fifteen years. The same year he was united in mamage
to Miss Georgina Gordon, an estimable lady, born near the City of
Montreal, and they have born to their union a son and daughter.
In 1885, Mr. Dobie began the erection of the Traders' Bank Block, one
of the iinest brick business blocks in the city. He was instrumental
in securing for Glencoe the branch of the Traders' Bank, and at its
establishment, in 1885, he was appointed manager, which position he
still creditably holds. In politics Mr. Dobie is a conservative, and is
at present a member of the Municipal Council of Glencoe. He and
family worship at the Presbyterian Church of the last-named village.
John C. Dodd & Son.
One of the prominent industries of any important city is its build-
ing interest, and the manufacture of builders' supplies. Among those
prominently identified in the calling is the name that heads this sketch,
and a history of the City of London would be incomplete without at
least a brief notice of John C. Dodd, who for half a century has been
identified with its interests, and who at the present time is the oldest
contractor in ])oint of residence in the city. John C. Dodd was born in
Northumberland, England, Sept. 10, 1812. His father, Gilbert, and
his mother, whose maiden name M'as Mary Charlton, were natives of
the same ]iarish as subject. John C. Dodd was reared in his native
place until over fourteen years of age, when the family removed to the
extreme north of the Highlands of Scotland, where he spent his time
as a shepherd and hunter. While employed as a shepherd, he availed
himself of the opportunities of working at the carpenter's trade at inter-
vals, and thus familiarized himself in the calling in which he has since
devoted his life. In 18o9 he immigrated to Canada, purchased a lot in
Westminster and there remained until 1843, when he came to London.
Since that time he has been connected with building enterprises.
In 1878 he built his present planing mills, one of the most com-
l^lete and well-appointed mills in Ontario, and with facilities and the
most improved machinery for turning out all kinds of building sup-
plies in their line. May 10, lSo9, Mr. Dodd married Miss Jane
Durand, a native of Scotland, and if their lives are sjiared until May
of the present year (1889), they will celebrate the fiftieth anniversary
of their marriage, and this, without a death ever having occurred in
the immediate family, a record that cannot be duplicated in the
Dominion. They have a family of nine children (seven sons and two
■daughters) — John, Mary Ellen, George, William, Donald, Edward,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 795
Walter, Richard and Jane. John, the eldest son and manager of the
"business, was born in County of Middlesex, February 19, 1840, and
was reared and educated here. He commenced working at his pre-
sent business under the supervision of his father, and in 1864 became
a partner. He was married in October, 1872, to Miss
a native of London, Ontario, and four children have been
born to this union — Jane, William, Mabel and Ethel. John Dodd is
a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. A marked charac-
teristic of the firm of J. C. Dodd & Son has been their straightforward
manner in conducting their business, and the interest they have taken
in the city and in worthy movements, which have never failed to
receive their support.
John Doyle.
John Doyle, one of the prominent residents of East Williams, was
born in the Township of Southwold on January lo, 1838. His father,
Lawrence Doyle, came to Middlesex County at an early day, and
settled in what was the London District. He was married in Middlesex
County to Elizabeth Philau, daughter of Captain Wm. W. Philan, of
the English army, who became the mother of four sons and four
daughters, our subject being the fourth child of the family. At the
age of twenty he embarked upon the sea of life for himself by going
to California. After three years' absence he returned to Canada. In
1870 he was married to Miss M. A. Donnelly, daughter of William
Donnelly, of Plympton Township. In 1873, Mr. Doyle settled on his
present farm, which is situated on the Centre road. East Williams
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle have a family of three daughters and
one son living, all of whom, with their parents, are members of the
Eoman Catholic Church. In 1881, Mr. Doyle was elected a member
of the Council for East Williams Township, which position he held for
four years, resigning at the end of that period.
William H. Davis.
There is no name in London more familiar to the older residents of
this city than the name that heads this sketch. His father, Henry
Davis, at the time of his death in 1883, was perhaps the oldest active
business man in point of residence in the city. He was a native of
Saratoga Co., N. Y,, and was born in 1804. He learned the trade of
jeweler in his youth, and for years made his home at Niagara. In
1827 he came to London, and in 1831 commenced business on his own
account, and for fifty-two years conducted a successful business. He
married Miss Ann Jane McSpadden, a Canadian by birth, and to them
were born seven children, five of whom are still living — W. H., Joseph
796 HISTORY OF THE
W. (in Toronto), George C, Clara (now Mrs. Robert D. Miller), and
Mary J. Those deceased are, Henry and Elijah. William H., the
eldest son and child, was born in London, September 24, 1837, and
was reared and educated in London. He early learned the jeweler's trade
under the instruction of his father, and became familiar with all the
details of this occupation. He subsequently became associated with
bis father as partner, and at his death succeeded to the business, which
be has since conducted under the original firm's name, it being the
oldest established business in Loudon. As heretofore stated, the busi-
ness was established in 1831, and the house is recoguized as one of the
most reliable in the Province. The stock carried embraces a full line
of the finest jewelry, which is sold out at as low a margin as can be
afforded, and all goods are warranted as represented. Their store is
one of the best appointed in this line in the city, and no merchant in
London has a higher standing for probity and honor than Mr. Davis.
To his business he gives his personal supervision, and has succeeded in
not only holding the trade of the old firm, but has gradually increased
the magnitude of the business. Mr. Davis was married in 1863 to
Miss Eliza Green, a native of London, Canada. He is a member of the
Masonic order.
Robert Dreaney.
Eobert Dreaney, Deputy-Reeve of London Township, Middlesex
County, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in April, 1821, being
the eldest of eight children born to Henry and Margaret (McConnell)
Dreaney, who were born, married, and reared their family in County
Armagh, Ireland. The father was a farmer and game-keeper in bis
native land, and came to Canada several years after his son, Robert,
dying in Huron County. Robert Dreaney was reared on a farm in
the " Emerald Isle," and received a liberal education. When in his
twentieth year he was seized with the spirit of immigration, and accord-
ingly took passage in the sailing vessel " Sarah Stewart," at Belfast,
and, after a voyage of eight weeks, reached Quebec. He soon after
went to Cobourg, where he spent one year in learning the blacksmith's
trade, and then took up his abode in Toronto, where he resided four
years. In 1846 he came to London, and the following year moved to
what is now known as Dreaney's Corners, where he was engaged in
blacksmithing for about seventeen years, and also kept the post-office
at that point. In 1882 he purchased the farm of 110 acres, where he
now resides, and throughout his long and useful business and official
career he has won many warm friends. He was elected Councilman
of Dorchester Township in 1857, holding the office eighteen years, and
in 1883 was elected Reeve of London Township, and has also held the
office of Assessor and W^arden, and has been Magistrate for over
twenty years. In 1844 he was united in marriage to Mary J. John-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 797
SOD, a native of ToroDto, by whom he has eight children — Henry,
Eobert, John, Alfred, Anna E., Mary, Margaret and Elizabeth. Mr.
and Mrs. Dreaney are members of the Church of England.
Capt. Henry Dreaney.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch needs no introduc-
tion to the people of Middlesex County, for within her borders no man
is better known than he. His father, Eobert Dreaney, has been a resi-
dent of Ontario for over 47 years, and was born in County Armagh,
Ireland, in 1821. He learned the blacksmith's trade in early life, and
in 1840 immigrated to Canada and settled first at Cobourg and then
at Toronto, where he resided about five years, and then took up his
abode in North Dorchester, where he conducted an hotel and black-
smith shop, and a small village grew up around his hotel, which still
bears the name of Dreaney's Corners. In 1857, he was elected
to the Township Council, and afterwards served as Township Reeve,
being elected Warden of Middlesex County in 1867. Since 1857 he
has served as Justice of the Peace of Middlesex County, and has been
Postmaster of Dreaney's Corners (Crumlin) for many years. He has
also been County Master of the Order of Orangemen for the past seven
or eight years. In 1881 he purchased a farm in London Township,
and was elected to the office of Deputy Eeeve. He was married in
1844 to Miss Mary Jane, a" daughter of Benjamin Johnson, by whom
he became the father of nine children.
Henry Dreaney is the eldest of their children, and was born in
the City of London, Nov. 10, 1844, and here was reared to manhood.
He learned the blacksmith's trade in early life, which calling he fol-
fowed for 18 years, and then opened a store and filled the position of
Postmaster of Dreaney's Corners. From that point he came to London,
and has since been actively engaged in the livery business, which nets
him a handsome annual income. In 1867 he was married to Miss
Catherine Graham, a native of London, and by her is the father of two
children — Laura and Thomas H. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, and is Past Master of St. John's Lodge, No. 20. In 1887
(Jubilee year) he was elected a member of the City Council, represent-
ing the Fifth Ward, and was re-elected in 1888, the duties of which
he has discharged faithfully and to the entire satisfaction of all. He is
Captain of Company No. 4, 26th Battalion of Volunteers.
W. D. ECKERT.
W. D. Eckert, Principal of the Eectory Street School, was born in
Prince Edward County, Ontario, August 10, 1833. His father was
798 HISTORY OF THE
of Danish descent, was a farmer and a United Empire Loyalist, who
came to Canada in pioneer times. He was a great friend of the
eminent Dr. Ryerson, the celebrated Methodist divine, and was one of
the early ^Methodists, in which denomination he took great interest.
The mother, whose maiden name was Miss Lois Hare, was also a
native of Prince Edward County. Tiiey were the parents of ten child-
ren, W. D. Eckert being the seventh in order of birth, and the fourth
son. He was reared in his native county, and in 1853 came to Dor-
chester. He received a liberal education at his birth-place, and later
attended the Normal School at Toronto. Wlien fifteen years of age, he
commenced teaching in his native county, and subsequently he attended
the Normal School one term, and, with this exception, has taught con-
tinuously since. From 1876 until the time of the amalgamation with
London proper he was Principal of the schools of London East, and since
that time he has served as head master of Piectory Street School. He
has been twice married, first to Miss Mary J. Moore, in 1855. She was
born in Whitby, Ontario County, and died January 1st, 1882, leaving
four children — Mahlon W., in St. Louis ; Richard C, who is travelling
for the wholesale house of A. M. Smith ; William B., a student ; and
Eva G. Mr. Eckert selected for his second wife Miss Mattie Howden,
to whom he was married December 25, 1884. She was born in Wal-
pole, Haldimand County. Mr. Eckert is an able instructor, and one
who keeps thoroughly apace with the times. He is a good disciplinar-
ian and has been very successful in his calling. He is a member of
the Masonic fraternity.
Henry Edwards.
Henry Edwards, cancer curer, and resident of Lot 10, Concession 2,
was born in Lobo Township, January 1, 1827, and is the oldest man
living who is a native of that Township. He is the son of John and
Prudence (Finch) Edwards ; his father was a native of England and
his mother a Canadian. John Edwards was born in 1803 (June 20th),
in Hannington, Somersetshire. He was a miller and a veterinary
surgeon. His father, Richard Edwards, was the first of the family to
come to New York, and subsequently to Canada, where he lived in
Norfolk County. John Edwards located in Lobo, on Lot 12, Concession
3, and was a farmer and veterinary surgeon ; he was instructor (as
veterinary surgeon) to the late Charles Rudd, of London. He was the
first Reeve of Lobo, and held the position nineteen years, and was the
first collector of the Town.ship ; he is still living. His wife was born
in Victoria, County Norfolk, December 14, 1802, and her parents were
pioneers of Nova Scotia. Her father, Fitus Finch, was born of English
parentage. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, fought
under the British flag, was in New York, and his brother and a friend
were tinder the Stars and Stripes. His property in New York State
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 799
was confiscated, and he was taken prisoner. He was the father of
seven children.
Henry Edwards was one of the six children born to his parents.
He served ten years as lieutenant and nine years as captain in the
militia. He was married December 29, 1847, to Eachel Harrison, of
London Township, daughter of Thomas and Ann Harrison. Mrs.
Edwards's mother was the first white woman who stepped on the town
line between Lobo and London. Mrs. Edwards was born February 3,
1827, and by her marriage became the mother of four children — Albert
(who married Elizabeth Shedden), Annie (wife of John D. Hodgins),
Fred, and James. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Metho-
dist Church, and he has been one of the Official Board and trustee of
church and parsonage property for the last twenty years. He has
been assessor of Lobo for nine years, was engaged in the insurance
business for twenty years, and was auditor for twenty-seven years.
Socially, Mr. Edwards is a Mason, is an Orangeman, is a member of the
Knights of Maccabees, and in his politics is independent. He has
over 200 acres of good land, has a fine brick residence, and is one of
the true pioneers of the Township. In 1873 he began the study of can-
cers, and has cured hundreds, and is doing much good for humanity. He
holds the only patent on earth for cancer cure. Henry Edwards also
taught school four years early in life ; he has been a justice of the
peace for the last sixteen years, and has been a commissioner in the
High Court of Justice for twenty-two years. Mr. Edwards has been
a very active man, seeing stirring times during his life, especially the
rebellion of 1837 and 1838, and the Fenian raid. His son, Albert,
was at the front all through this event.
The following are a few sketches and reminiscences of the early
life of Henry Edwards and his surroundings. In the year A. D. 1831,
he first visited the now City of London, and it was a small hamlet
built amongst the cedar and pine stumps at the forks of the north and
east branches of the Thames, said hamlet at that time was called the
Forks. Many will remember its old pioneers, such as Moore, Good-
hue, O'Brien, Lawrason, Askins, Harris, etc., etc. As for roads at that
time, there was none. The trees being blazed to guide the settlers in
traveling, with here and there a rude structure of logs spanning some
of the streams, others had to be forded. And as for the vehicles used,
they were as primitive as Adam's, simply a tree with crotch was cut
and thinned a little above the crotch, and the pole cut long enough to
form a tongue, and a cross piece in rear of crotch finished this sleigh,
waggon and all. The drags was made in the shape of an A with
wooden teeth, no iron was used in the construction of any implement,
as there was no blacksmiths. All the other implements of husbandry
and household furniture was equally as crude in their general get-up.
No horses nor waggons in this part of the county until several years
later. The first neighbors Mr. Edwards remembers, were the wild
animals — bears, wolves, deer, etc., etc. The howl of the wolf after
800 HISTOKY OF THK
sunset was most hideous and bloodcurdlinc; of his early life. The wild
Indian, more ferocious and savage than his carnivorous quadruped, next
made his appearance in his wild costume of head gear of feathers, shirt
and breechclout, was all the dry goods they carried or possessed, except
the Indian blanket and moccasins in winter. The early pioneers at
first gi'ound their corn and wheat in the hollow of a stump scooped out
for that pui-pose, with a flat stone used by hand, and made into bread
and mush iu this state, except sifting with a crude sieve made from
splints or bark of trees. A little later on, the early settlers carried the
wheat on tbeir backs to Hall & Woodhull's mills (and crude mills they
were), to get it ground into flour. Some of them went as far as St.
Thomas on foot to get a peck of salt, paying $1 for it, and $4 a pound
for tea. In 1828, his father, in one day, traveled from Lobo to Vit^
toria. County of Norfolk, to work through harvest, accepting as pay
sugar kettles, shipped via Port Stanley, and these were the first brought
to the township, used in the old method of making sugar — a merry
time for the lads and lasses. The forest and streams teemed with
game and fish, but the early settlers had no guns, they usually killed
deer on the crusted snow in winter. Many a hard battle they fought
the deer and bear, single-handed, with their dog. Those early days
have passed, and the crude implements are replaced by all the modern
improvements of the present age of railways, telegraphs, etc.
Samuel Eichenberger.
Among the old residents and prominent citizens of Delaware Town-
ship stands the name of Samuel Eichenberger, who was born in the
Canton Argau, Switzerland, August 3, 1834, and whose parents,
Samuel and Elizabeth (Metz) Eichenberger, were both worthy people
of Switzerland. The father followed the occupation of teamster and
farmer, and died in his native country at the age of fifty-two years.
His duties then devolved upon his son, Samuel, jr., who remained in
his native country until 1855 and then immigrated to Canada, first
settling at Hamilton. Soon after he moved to Komoka, Middlesex
Co., where he remained until 1861, when he came to Delaware Town-
ship, and here has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1870 he
purchased and moved on his present place, which is situated one mile
east of the village of Delaware, and consists of forty-two acres of well-
improved land, with a fine residence, outbuidings, etc. In connection
with his farming interest, he also carries on an extensive pottery busi-
ness on his place. In the year 1855, August 31st, he was united in
marriage to Miss Mary A. Somerhalder, also a native of Switzerland.
Eleven children have been born to this union, three sons and three
daughters now living. Mr. Eichenberger and wife are members of the
Presbyterian Church ; he is Conservative in politics, and is a member
of the A. 0. U. W.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 801
Charles H. Elliott.
Charles H. Elliott, wholesale and retail dealer in groceries and
provisions, is the son of James Elliott, who was born in Scotland, and
in early life immigrated to New Brunswick, where he served an appren-
ticeship to the carpenter trade at Frederickton. In 1835 he came to
Ontario ; but, previous to making his home in the County of Middle-
sex, he lived for two years in Brantford. After coming to this county
he settled in the Township of Westminster, where he remained until
1844, when he moved to London, and was there connected with the
building interests of the city for many years. He married Miss Helen
Breckenridge, a native of Scotland. He died in 1864, leaving, besides
his wife, who is still living, six children. These are named as fol-
lows : — John B., (deceased) ; Ann, wife of George C. Dobie ; Charles
H.; Emily, wife of A. Greenless ; Hamet, wife of J. I. Anderson ; and
Henry M.
Charles H. Elliott was born in Westminster Township, March 28,
1844, and has been reared and educated in the city of London. He
commenced his business career in the store he now occupies, in 1860,
and has been thoroughly educated to his business. In January, 1866, he
engaged in business in connection with his brother, John, and remained
thus connected until 1881. Since then he has continued alone, and
the patronage he enjoys is a good illustration of what can be accom-
plished by fair and honorable dealing. His trade has increased from
time to time until it has assumed its present proportions. Mr. Elliott
was married in 1868 to Miss Phebe Farrar, a native of London, and
three children are the fruits of this union.. They are named as fol-
lows : — James, Millicent and Fred.
John Elliott.
A truth that must everywhere be regarded is, that keen perception,
sound judgment and a determined will, supported by persevering and
continuous effort, will eventually result in success in whatever under-
taking one may be engaged. The career of Mr. Elliott, so far as his
connection with the manufacturing interests of London are concerned,
bears out the truth of this statement, for he is at present at the head
of one of the most worthy manufacturing interests in the city. Mr.
EUiott was born at Shaw Head, parish of Bewcastle, Cumberland,
England, in 1820, and came to Canada with his parents seven years
later. They settled near Toronto, and he attended the common schools
until fifteen years of age, when he was sent to York, now Toronto, as
an apprentice in the mercantile house of George Stegman, where he
learned the dry goods and grocery business. During the Rebellion of
1837-'38 he joined the cavalry, and was in active service during that
time. From 1840 to 1850 he was engaged in the dry goods and
802 HISTORY OF THE
clothing business, spending part of the time with his father and four
years in Gait. In 1850 he came to Loudon and engaged in the
foundry business with George Jackson. In 1851 the partnership was
dissolved on account of their property being destroyed by fire, and one
year later Mr. Elliott purchased an interest in the Phojuix Foundry,
where he continued in business for nineteen years. He was in partner-
ship with Capt. Burgess for eight years, five of which the latter was ia
Australia. They cast lots to see which should go to Australia, and the
lot fell upon Capt. Burgess. They agi'eed to continue the business in
both countries, which compact was faithfully carried out, Mr. Elliott
having charge of the foundry and Capt. Burgess of the gold fields.
Three years later the Captain returned, and the partnership was
mutually dissolved. From that time until 1879, Mr. Elliott carried on
the business by himself, and the same year took his elder son into
partnership. In 1881 he built an extensive foundry and agricultural
works, which was burned down May 29, 1885, the loss being upwards
of $150,000. Mr. Elliott is a man of wide views and much observation.
He has become quite familiar with Canada, having travelled through
the older Provinces and Manitoba. In liis religious preferences he is
Presbyterian. In 1853 he was married to Miss Priscilla, third daughter
of John Corson, of Westminster, near Lambeth. Members of the Cor-
son family were some of the earliest settlers of Canada, and they held a
prominent place in the social and industrial life of the community. To
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were born nine children, six of whom are living.
Joseph H. Elliott.
' Joseph H. Elliott is a dealer in hides and wool and general pro-
duce. For over twenty-six years he has been a resident of London,
Ontario, and is a mau who should be held in the highest esteem by
those with whom he has business relations, for he lias ever been the
friend of the producer, and the prices he has paid have been often
detrimental to his own pecuniary interest. Mr. Elliott is a native and
freeman of the City of Coventry, England, and was born Sept. 27, IS.'iO.
His father, John Elliott, and his mother, whose maiden name was Miss
Sarah Harris, were both natives of the same place. Joseph H, Elliott
was the elder of two children, and was but five years of age when his
father died. His gi'andfather, on the mother's side, lived to be eighty-
five years of age, and his paternal gi-eat-grandmother lived to be 120
years of age. Mr. Elliott was engaged in the watch-case manufacturing,
and remained tlius employed until he came to Canada. He married
Miss Sarah Howitt in 1857 ; she was born in Leicestershire, England.
They owned the estate known as Shawberry Hall, which Mr. Elliott
sold previous to his immigrating to Canada in 18l)2. After settling in
London and making choice of a profession, Mr. Elliott selected the hide
and wool business, in which he has since been engaged, and until the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 803
past year he was for a long time interested in the tannery business
■with Mr. Arscott. The business career of ^Ir. EUiott has been marked
as one of fair deahng, and his poHcy towards those with whom he has
long dealt has frequently been detrimental to his own interest, and
while he has met with heavy losses in consequence of the decline in
prices, his energy, vigor and confidence in the future are in marked
contrast to those who would have succumbed and given up in despair
from far less serious reverses. In 1871, death entered his home, and
she who for so many years had been the partner of his joys and
sorrows was taken away. She left three children, all daughters-
Annie (now Mrs. Dymond, banker, of Paris, Ontario), Alice Kate
(widow of Arthur Eeid) and Sarah Jane. Mr. Elliott took for his
second wife, Ann Eliza Coyne, a native of London, niece of Dr. Proud-
foot, of London, and niece of Judge Proudfoot, of Toronto. By this
union were born three sons — Harris Proudfoot, Charles Coyne and
George Roy. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and a
representative citizen of the county.
John F. Elliot.
John F. Elliot, farmer, is a descendant of one of the sturdy Scotch
families who have done so much to settle up Westminster Township
and to build up the school and churches of the same ; is the son
of John Elliot, and the grandson of John Elliot, sr., who was a Scotch-
man, and who by his marriage became the father of three children —
John, Elizabeth and Ellen. In 1818, Mr. Elliot immigrated to New
Brunswick and settled on a farm, where he remained for eighteen
years. In June, 1836, he moved with his family and settled on the
Second Concession, Lot No. 17, and here he passed the remainder of
his days. Mr. Elliot was a strong Presbyterian, and gave the land on
the Third Concession for the First Presbyterian Church. He died at
the age of eighty-four years, and was a hard-working man and a
prosperous farmer. John Elliot, jr., father of subject, was born in
Eoxboroshire, Liddesdale, Scotland, and was but three weeks old when
he was brought to this country by his parents in 1818. He received
a common school education, was reared to farm life, and was united in
marriage to Miss Agnes Beattie, who bore him five children — Margaret,
John, James, Ann and William.
In 1852, Mrs. Elliot died, and Mr. Elliot took for his second wife
Miss Elizabeth Nichol, and to them were born these children : — Mary,
Agnes (deceased), Thomas, Mattie, George, Andrew, Charles and
Eobert. j\Ir. Elliot settled on the old homestead and here he hag
since remained. He is a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Elliot has taken an active interest in building up the schools and
in the cause of education, and has held the office of school trustee.
He is a Reformer in politics, and is a substantial farmer, who has the
804 HISTORY OF THE
respect and esteem of all who know him. His son, John F. Elliot, was
born on the old homestead in Middlesex County, Ont., in 1844, and
was reared to farm life. He received a good English education, and
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Fleming, daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth (EUiot) Fleming. Mr. Fleming was from Scotland, and
came to Canada, settling in Westminster Township in 1836. By his
marriage to Miss ElUot were born two children, who grew to maturity
— Elizabeth and Eobert. Mr. Fleming settled on the farm, now owned
by our subject, in 1845, and lived to be seventy-three years of age.
His widow is yet living. He was an elder in the Scotch Presbyterian
Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Elliot were born three children — Roberta
W., Florence F. and Alice B. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elliot are members
of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a Reformer in his political views
as on all important subjects. He is a good farmer, is yet in the prime
of life, and is one of the county's best citizens. Mr. Elliot is now
residing on the Third Concession, on the land formerly occupied by Mr.
Fleming, father of Mrs. Elliot.
George C. Elliott.
George C. Elliott, fai-mer, of Ekfrid Township, was born where he
now resides, November 27, 1842, and is the son of Francis and Mary
(Campbells Elliott. The father was born in County Monaghan, Ire-
land, in 1811, and died in Ekfrid Township, in 1878. His father
was George Elliott, and mother Jane (McKay) Elliott. He was one
of six brothers who came to Canada in 1824 and settled in Caradoc
Township, where he remained for a short time, after which he moved
to Ekfrid Township. He here settled on Lot 11 (south half). Range 1,
north of the Longwoods Road, where the father passed his last days.
He assisted in suppressing the Rebellion of 1837-38, and was present
at the battle of Point Pele. His wife was born in Dumbartonshire,
Scotland, in 1806, and died in Ekfrid Township, in 1875. Her father
was Robert Campbell, of Rosneath, Dumbartonshire, and mother, Jean
(McFarlane) Campbell. George C. Elliott is the only child now living
of his father's family. He was reared to man's estate on the farm ;
received a good common school education, holding a certificate for
teaching, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life in connec-
tion with stock dealing. He is the owner of 250 acres of land, all well
improved and well cultivated. He is a Reformer in politics; was
elected Councillor in 1868; Deputy-Reeve in 1869; and Township
Reeve in 1875-76, since which he has not been a candidate for any
municipal office. In 1878 he was a candidate for Parliament, but was
defeated, though he made an excellent run under the circumstances,
especially in the rural parts, against the Government candidate, with
only two weeks' canvass. He is very popular in his county, and is a
representative man. He was married in 1866 to Miss Jane Gunn, of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 8U0
Elgin County, and daxighter of Benjamin Gunn, Sutherlandshire,
Scotland, and Eliza (Currie) Gunn, of Argyleshire, Scotland, who was
born in 1841, and six children were the fruits of this union — Francis
Benjamin, George Gunn, John Campbell, Malcolm, Angus and Chis-
tina. Mrs. Elliott is a worthy member of the Baptist Church, and Mr.
Elliott an adherent thereto, and are leading people of Ekfrid. Mrs.
Elliott's father immigrated from Sutherland, Scotland, to Fort Garry the
first decade of this century, and thirteen years later settled in Dunwich
Township, Elgin County, and lived there until his death, which
occurred about 1846. Mrs. Elliott's mother immigrated from Argyle-
shire, Scotland, in 1819, where she was born A. D. 1806, and is stQl
alive, and resides in Wallacetown.
William Ellwood.
William Ellwood, merchant tailor, and an old and well-known
resident of Lucan, was born at Cumberland, England, October 14, 1836,
and is a son of William and Sarah (Lawrence) Ellwood, both natives of
the same place. The father was a tailor by occupation and trade, and
it was of him that our subject learned the business. In 1851 the
family came to Canada and settled near Lucan, where the father died
in 1886, aged 72. Of a family of six children, William is the oldest.
In 1866 he established himself as a tailor in Lucan, being the first in
the village. The same year he was married at Grahamsville to Miss
Annie McGuire, who was born near Toronto. In 1883, Mr. EUwood
was elected Eeeve of the village, which position he still holds. He is
an energetic and useful citizen, and for eight years has been a member
of the Town Council and School Board. He first joined the Masonic
fraternity by becoming a member of Corinthian Lodge, No. 51, at
Grahamsville, but after locating at Lucan joined Irving Lodge, No.
154. He is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Himself, wife and two
children, are worthy and active members of the Church of England.
George Elms.
George Elms is a contractor and builder. For over twenty years
he has been closely identified with the building interests of London
and vicinity, and no man engaged in this calling has won for liimseK
a more enviable reputation than he. He was born in County Kent,
England, in 1820, and was reared to the carpenter's trade under the
supervision of his father, who followed this calling, and became a
thorough master of the business. Impressed with the belief that better
opportunities were offered in the New World, he immigrated to Canada
and settled in the City of London, Middlesex County, where he has
been successfully working at his trade for over twenty years. Many
806 HISTORY OF THE
of the handsomest and most substantial buildings of the city were
erected under his supervision, and all his work has been strictly first-
class. He was married in England in 1845, to Miss Eliza Peters, by
whom he has a family of six children — Henry George, Charles, Thomas,
Harry, John and Eliza. Mr. Elms is a member of the St. George's
Society, and his career has been devoid of any startling ex]ierience.
He has " pursued the even tenor of his way," endeavored to follow the
Golden Rule, and as a result can count his friends by the score. His
parents, Henry and ilaria (Polton") Elms, were born in County Kent
and County Essex, England, respectivelj', and became the parents of
nine children, five of whom grew to maturity.
RICHAED ELSON.
Richard Elson, butcher, and a man well respected and esteemed
by aU who know him, is a native of Canada, and his father, John
Elson, who was one of the early settlers of Ontario, a native of Devon-
shire, England, and also a butcher by occupation, was reared and
educated in his native country. He married Miss Mary Bird, of the
same place, and in 1833 they immigrated to Canada, settling at Port
Hope, where they lived until 1844. They then came to London, and,
after the completion of the market house, he rented stall No. 6, the same
now rented by the subject of this sketch, and here conducted his busi-
ness until his death, which occurred June 6, 1880, leaving, beside Iris
widow, who still survives, six children — John, Mary A. (now the
widow of William Saunby), Ehzabeth (wife of J. D. Saunby), Richard,
Wilham H. and James S. Richard Elson, the second son and fourth
child, was born at Port Hope, August, 1841, and came with his parents
to this city in 1844. He was reared to the butchering business, and
has since followed the same ; the stall now rented by him, and pre-
viously rented by his father, has been in their possession since the
market house was first built. He is one of the leading meat dealers
in tliis section, and is famous for the quality of meat which he always
has on hand. He is a thorough judge of cattle, and buys the best to
be obtained, and has the reputation of furnishing prize meat for the
holiday trade that has no rival. He is deserving of commendation
and patronage for his enterprise in caternig to the wants of those who
desire and cau afford such luxuries. Mr. Elson was married October
13, 1864, to Miss Mary Keenleyside, a native of Cumberland, England.
They have two children — Mary Ann and Edith. Mr. Elson is a
member of the Masonic Order, and affiliated with St. Job's, No. 20.
Feter Elson.
Peter Elson, Reeve of London Township, was born on the farm
where ho now resides, January 18, 1839, and is a son of Joseph and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 807
Samantha (Hart) Elson, natives respectively of Canada and Vermont.
The paternal grandfather was born in Germany, and came to Canada
at an early day, settling near Toronto, where he became one of the
pioneer settlers, and there spent the remainder of his days. Joseph
Elson was a farmer by occupation, and in the 20's, previous to his
marriage, came to the County of Middlesex, locating on the farm
where his son Peter now resides. He purchased 200 acres of land,
heavily timbered with beech and maple trees, and he immediately
built himself a little log cabin, and began clearing ott' his land. After
a few years he made better improvements, and eventually his farm be-
came one of the best in the county. His death occurred in 1877, his
wife's death having occurred four years previously. Only three of their
seven children are living — Eliza J., wife of Joseph Jacobs, Peter and
Samantha, wife of James Grant. Peter, the only son living, was born
and reared on the farm where he now resides, and is the owner of 280
acres of a fertile and well-improved laud, furnished with a good and
commodious dwelling and spacious outbuildings. In 1872 he was
united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Rebecca Wood, by whom
he is the father of four children — Florence L., Albert J., Paul B. and
Dora I. Mr. Elson was elected Deputy-Eeeve of London Township in
1882, and two years later was elected to the office of Pieeve, the duties
of which office he is fiUing at the present time. He has also held
other township offices, having served as school trustee for a number of
years. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters,
and is considered a good financier and careful business man. He is an
example of the self-made man, and in his intercourse with his fellow-
men has secured the universal confidence and respect of all. He and
his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and he is Conservative
in his political views.
Walter M. English.
Walter M. English, M. D., of London, Ont., is the grandson of
Noble English, who was born in Armagh County, Ireland ; was of
English parentage, and was a farmer by occupation. He came to
County Middlesex, Ontario, about 1818, and here married Miss Eliza-
beth Forsythe, who bore him thirteen children. He died in 1872
leaving six children— Rev. Noble Franklin, Rev. John, Caleb E., bar-
rister ; Hannah, wife of Charles Cook ; Lyman, barrister ; and Wesley.
Rev. Noble Franklin was born in 1820, was reared in Middlesex
County, and after teaching school for some time, entered Victoria Col-
lege, where he took a regular course. He was ordained to preach by
the j\Iethodist Church, and remained engaged in his ministerial duties
up to the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1874. He
preached for some time at Toronto, Ottawa, Brockville, Goderich, and
St. Johns, London Township. He married Miss Lyon, a native of
808 HISTORY OF THE
Albany, New York State, and to them were born two children — Emma
and Edward X. After her death, Mr. English married Mrs. F. Chap-
man, whose maiden name was Wrong, who died leaving four children
— Anna Elizabeth, Jessica A., Walter M., and Frances Henrietta.
Mr. Enghsh took for his third wife, Miss Charlotte Shaver, of York
County, Canada, and one child, Ida Louisa, was born to this union.
Mr. English's fourth marriage was to Mrs. Martha Gentle, whose
maiden name was Dennis. She died in 1885. Walter M., subject of
this sketch, is the only surviving son born to the second marriage of
Kev. Noble F. English. His birth occurred in Goderich, Huron County,
November 13, 1861, and since 1872 he has resided in London, Ont.,
where he received a thorough education. He then read medicine
under a preceptor, and attended the medical department of the West-
ern University for two years. He afterwards attended the Toronto
School of Medicine, and graduated at the Victoria University in 1S86.
He then went to London, England, and availed himself of the practice
offered in the hospitals of that city. He remained one year and then
returned to London, Ont, where he has since been engaged in a very
successful practice. He is a member of the A. 0. F., the K. of P..
and the S. 0. E. orders.
Colonel John English.
Colonel John English is a native of County Fermanagh, Iieland,
born July 19, 1838, and is a son of James and Eliza (Armstrong) Eng-
lish, both natives of the " Emerald Isle." The former was bom
January 4, 1808, and died July 21, 1873, at Strathroy. The latter
was born July 30, 1809, and is now residing in Strathroy. Their son,
Col. John English, is the eldest of four living children. He was
educated in his native country at a private school in Clones, and in
1848 his parents immigrated to Canada, settled in London, but subse-
quently removed to Strathroy. Col. English came to Canada in Septem-
ber, 1859, but only remained a short time, when he returned to Ireland,
and after remaining there until 1863, again came to Canada, and
located at Strathroy, where he has since continued to reside. For
twenty years he was engaged in the grain business, and contracted for
what was then the (Jreat Western Railway. In politics he is an
ardent Conservative, and for fifteen years chairman of the Conservative
Association of West Middlesex. In 1871 he was appointed clerk of
the Sixth Division Court, which position he still holds. Previous to
this, in 1866, he commanded Company No. 7, from Strathroy, of the
26th Battalion, which served under Colonel (now General) Lord
Wolseley, and for the last seven years commanded the 26th Battalion.
In 1S78" he was united in marriage to Miss Isabella U. Donnell, of
New Orleans ; born in 1856, and died July 20, 1887, leaving one sou
and two daughters, viz. : — Arthur William, born 1879 ; Edith Isabel,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 809
bom in 1884; and Victoria U., bom in 1887. Mrs. English was a
daughter of William S. Donnell, who is a native of County Tyrone,
Ireland, bom January, 1819, and who in early life immigrated to South
America, and later to New Orleans, La , where he was for about thirty
years one of the leading cotton merchants. When the English family
first came to Canada, there were but three male members of the family.
These were, James and his sons David (who died in 1852), and James H.
After a lapse of forty years the male members are again only three —
Col. John, his brother James H., and his son Arthur William. Col.
English is one of the leading men of this county, and one of Strath-
roy's best citizens.
Frederic W. Errington.
Frederic W. Errington is descended from an old Norman line of
ancestry, who came to England with William the Conqueror, being
among the Chiefs of Beaufront for many generations. Beaufront was
the seat of David Carnaby, Esq., in 1568, but it soon passed to the
ancient family of Errington. Their ancestor, William d'Errington,
was High Sheriff of the County of Northumberland in the reign of
Edward III. Another of the family, Sir Thomas d'Errington, was one
of the Conservators of the Borders in the reign of Henry VI. Sir
Gilbert d'Errington was one of the party with Edward IV., against the
house of Lancaster. Nicholas d'Errington died in the second j^ear of
Queen Ehzabeth's reign. John Emngton, the last Chief of Beaufront,
who died in 1828, was the grandfather of Frederic W., and lived at
Highwarden, near Hexham, County of Northumberland, England, his
son. Rev. Ealph Errington, being the youngest of his family. The
latter entered the English army as aide-de-camp of General Abercrombie,
serving in Egypt against the French : and after his return took orders
in the Church of England and held the perpetual curacy of Widering-
ton, being also curate of Ulgham, in Northumberland County, and, in
his latest years, vicar of Mitford. Margaret D. Watson became his
wife and the mother of fourteen children, whose names are as follows :
— Diana, Lucy (who died in childhood), Cuthbert, Mary, Dorothy.
Margaret, Ealph, Frances, Louisa, Ellen, John, Thomas, Elizabeth and
Frederic W. The Eev. R. Errington died in 1851, at the age of
seventy-six years, followed by his wife a few months later.
Frederic W. Errington, the youngest of their children, was born in
1824, in Northumberland County, England, receiving a good education
in the schools of Widerington and Ulgham, and at the early age of
fifteen years left home to join his brother Thomas, who had come
to Canada three years previously and had purchased a farm of
100 acres in Middlesex County, Ontario, on which he was hving with
his wife, whose maiden name was Miss Lucetta Neville, a daughter
of Andrew Neville, who was an old settler of the county, and was a
participator in the war of 1812, being in the battle of Lundy's Lane.
810 HISTOKY OF THE
Thos. Errington became the father of seven children, and in 1853 was
lost on board the steamship City of Glasgow, on his return from Eng-
land. Frederic W. Errington made his home with his brother Thomas
for three years, and then purchased a farm of 108 acres on the Sixth
Concession, on which he lived and kept " bachelor's hall " for some
time, being assisted occasionally by his sister, Mrs. Minchin Jackson'.
In 1854 he wedded Miss Matilda D. Wright, a daughter of John D.
and Ann (Locke) Wright, and became the father of twelve children,
ten of whom lived to maturity — Frederic C, Matilda A., Ehzabeth,
Margaret R., Frances E , William A., Dora L., Percy A., Ellen D., and
Ealph W. At the time of his mamage Mr, Errington sold the farm
on which he had been living and purchased his present place, which
now consists of 150 acres. He and his wife are members of the Church
of England, and he has been warden in the same for many years, and
is holding at the present time the position of Ensign in the County
Militia. He has been a hard worker, suffering many of the privations
of the pioneer life, and is now a well-preserved and hale man of 64
years. On first coming to Canada he landed at Montreal, sailed in the
merchantman " Frederick Young," and was the only passenger from
South Shields, England. From Montreal he went to Kingston via
Ottawa and the Eideau Canal, thence to Niagara Falls by horse tram-
way, on the railroad from that point to Butfalo. After a long delay at
this city, he went to Port Burwell by schooner going from that city, to
St. Thomas by waggon, and then to McGregor's Tavern, which was
practically the end of his journey.
James Essex.
James Essex, proprietor of the brass and iron works of London,
Canada, was born in Cambridge, England, February 9, 1851, and was
reared with a mercantile experience. In 1872 he immigrated to
Canada and settled in London, where he engaged in brass work and
plumbing, and since 1882 has been engaged in his present business.
His career has not been without the usual anxieties attendant upon
the establishment of such an euterprize, but his energy, determination,
and many admirable traits of character have insured him success, and
his early efforts and experiences have proved of material benefit. Year
by year his trade has increased until it has assumed its present admir-
able proportions. He has always been scrupulously exact in the ful-
filment of all his obligations, and, as a reward, has built up within a
comparatively short time a thriving and already lucrative business.
He was married in 1878 to Miss Mary J. Mills, a native of London,
Ontario, and by her has a family of three children — May M., Ethel
W. and Huron J. Mr. E.ssex is a member and Treasurer of the Eoyal
Arcanum, and is one of the honored men of Middlesex Couuty. His
father and mother, Philip and Kebecca (Morris) Essex, were both born
in England.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 811
Br. William Evely.
Dr. William Evely, veterinary surgeon at Strathroy, and son of Dr.
William and Grace (Braily) Evely, was born in County Devon, Eng-
land, Feb. 26, 1843. The parents were both natives of England. The
father was born about 181U ; was a leading and successful veterinary
surgeon, and was extensively known. The family came to Canada in
1857 and settled near St. Thomas, where the mother of the subject of
this sketch now resides on the old homestead, and is over 70 years of
age. The father died in 1877. Of a family of six children, four now
living, Dr. William Evely, jr , is the eldest child. He received the
rudiments of an education in England, and after coming to Canada
continued at school for some time. He early took up the study of
veterinary surgeon, and March 30, 1869, he graduated at the Toronto
Veterinary School. The same year be came to Strathroy, and here he
has continued the practice of his profession with much success, being
one of the most successful of his line in the County of Middlesex.
Dr. Evely was united in marriage in December, 1870, to Miss Sarah
McPherson, of Lobo. They have two children — Ida M. and Howard
N. Mr. Evely is Conservative in his political views, is a member of
the Masonic fraternity, Beaver Lodge, No. 83, is an honorable, upright
citizen, and he and wife are members of the Canadian Methodist
Episcopal Church.
A. G. Fen WICK, M. D.
A. G. Fenwick, M. D., of London, has for the past thirteen years
been prominently associated with the professional interests of the
County of Middlesex, and is deserving of more than a passing mention
in any history of the same. He was bom in Loudon, England, in 1818,
his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Greig; Fenwick, being natives of
Northumberland County, England, and Scotland, respectively. The
father was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and for a long time was an
extensive vessel owner; but, owing to impaired health, afterwards
abandoned this business, and about 1824 immigrated to Canada and
settled in Quebec. Here Dr. A. G. Fenwick was reared to manhood,
and after choosing the medical profession as his calling through life,
entered the McGill College, of Montreal, and was graduated from the
class of 1840. The same year he was appointed House Surgeon to the
Marine and Emigrant Hospital, Quebec, which he held five years. He
then went to England, and after an attendance at the Eoyal College of
Surgeons, was graduated from that institution in 1846. On his return
to Canada he was appointed one of the Medical Assistants at the
Quarantine Station, Grosse Isle, in 1847. He was for many years one
of the Governors of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Lower
Canada, and in 1875 was induced by Bishop Hellmuth to come to
812 HISTORY OF THK
London and take the medical charge of both the Ladies' and Boys' Col-
leges. In 1882 he was one of those who took an active interest in the
establishment of the Medical Department of Western University, and
occupies the chairs of Professor of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxic-
ology, and also fills the position of Representative to Medical Council,
Toronto. He was married in 1848 to JMiss Caroliiie Holmes, of Liver-
pool, England, by whom he has five children — Arnold, Wilham I.,
Caroline, Louisa and Frances. The Doctor is a member of the I. 0. of
Foresters and the A. F. & A. M. He has always acquitted himself
creditably throughout his professional career, and possesses those quali-
ties of head and heart which make him universally esteemed and
respected.
John Ferguson.
John Ferguson, of the firm of Ferguson Bros., lumber dealers, of
London, Canada, was born in Ottawa, Canada, of Scotch parents, Aug.
4, 18-48. His father, Alexander Ferguson, was boru in Inverness, and
was there married to Elizabeth McLachlin, moving afterwards to
Canada. When their son John was quite young, they moved to the
County of Grey, and here he was reared with a mercantile experience
until he was eighteen years of age, when he came to Loudon and
accepted a position in the lumber business, and remained thus em-
ployed until 1878. In the meantime he had passed different gi-adesof
promotion until he became manager of the business, and at that date
he and his brother Alexander, who had also been employed in the
lumber business, embarked in their present enterprise, commencing on
a small scale, and from the first have done well finaacially, and com-
manded a good trade. From time to time they increased their busi-
ness as far as their means would permit, until now, in addition to their
yard on York street, they have a branch establishment on Hamilton
Eoad, for greater convenience to patrons in that section. Their stock
is the largest and most complete of any similar stock in London, and
the quality and variety of their produce, together with their honorable
business methods, have combined to secure for them a trade highly
complimentary to their business ability, as well as to their social
standing. They attend to the most trivial details of their business,
and are gentlemanly and obliging in their relations with the public.
Socially, they are members of the I^Iasonic fraternity. They deal in
all kinds of lumber (dressed and undressed), lath, shingles, cedar posts,
etc., and give employment to tliirteen hands. In 1878, John Fergu-
son was married to Elizabeth May Hobbs, a native of Devonshire, Eng.
John W. Fetherston.
John W. Fetherston, organist Queen's Avenue Methodist Churcli,
and music teacher, of London, was born in Longford, Ireland, in 1858,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 813
and is the son of John WilHam and Margaret (Ellis) Fetherston,
natives of Ireland and Wales respectively. The father left the land
of his birth, immigrated to Canada, and settled in ]\Iontreal in 1864.
He was engaged in the coffee and spice trade. Of the nine children
born to his marriage, John W. was the eldest. He was reared in
Montreal from six years of age, and early in life manifested an interest
in music, to which he has since devoted his attention. He has been
an organist in church since fifteen years of age, and secured his
musical education in Montreal. He came to London in 1885, and has
since been organist in Queen's Avenue Methodist Church, and devotes
a great deal of attention to church and choir matters. He was married
June 23, 1887, to Miss Hattie Forsythe, of Dundas, county of Went-
worth, born December 31, 1866, and the daughter of John Forsythe.
Mr. Fetherston gives instruction in harmony and counterpoint, voice
culture and tone production, and is one of the most successful music
teachers in the City of London.
Alexander Findlay.
Alexander Findlay, engineer of the City Water- works, was born in
Inverness-shire, Scotland, December 14, 1850, being a son of Alexander
Findlay, who was also born in Scotland, and was a shoemaker by trade.
Ellen (Anderson) Findlay, the mother, was also born in the same place,
and she and Mr. Findlay became the parents of six children. In 1855
the family immigrated to Canada, and located first in Hamilton. After
our subject attained a suitable age, he began serving an apprenticeship
at the machinist's trade and engine building, and made this his calling
for the past twenty years. He worked for a long time with Kelley &
Co., and was foreman in the shops in which the machinery of the
present Water- works was made, and he not only helped to build them,
but put them in place. At the time he was called to his present posi-
tion, he was with Patterson Bros., of Woodstock, where he was filling
an important position of superintendent, and no man in this section
holds more complimentary letters and credentials for efficiency and
thoroughness than Mr. Findlay. Since November, 1888, he has held
the position of engineer of the London Water-works, the duties of
which he is filling in a very satisfactory manner. His fraternal spirit
is .shown by being a member of the I. 0. 0. F., the A. 0. U. W., the
A. F. and A. M., and is Past Chief of Clan Sutherland, Woodstock,
0. S. C. He has attained considerable reputation as an athlete, and is
considered by all who know him to be an agreeable gentleman and an
honorable citizen. In 1 872 he was married to Miss Mary E. Randall,
of Hastings, by whom he has the following children : — Alexander,,
Bertha, Hugh, Bessie and David.
814 HISTORY OF THE
William Weir Fitzgerald.
This gentleman is a barrister at London, Ontario. The history of
Middlesex County, especially that part which refers to London Town-
ship, would be incomplete without the name of Fitzgerald, for their
connection with the early settlement dates back to a period which only
a few can remember, when the country was a comparative wilderness
and its inhabitants few and far between. In 1818, Edward Fitzgerald
came from Tipperary, Ireland, accompanied by his family, which con-
sisted of his wife and seven cliildren, and settled in London Township.
The maiden name of his wife was Margaret Talbot, daughter of Thomas
Talbot, of Clonen Castle, and the names of the children were : — George,
William, John, Frederick, Esther (who married Edward Sale), Ann
(who became the wife of Samuel Howard), and Mary (wife of W. E.
Talbot, J. P.), still living in London Township. Three of the sons were
grown to maturity on their arrival here. They all settled in London
Township, and commenced making a home. The father had been a
manufacturer in his native country, but after coming to Canada he
devoted his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. The locality
where they settled was given the name of Fitzgerald Settlement, by
which it is known at the present time. Fredeiick Fitzgerald (the
father of the subject of this sketch), the youngest son, was born in
Ireland in LSOo, and was about sixteen years of age when his parents
immigrated to Canada. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and made
this his calhng in life. He was twice married, first to Miss Ann
Culbert, who died, leaving five children — John, Margaret, Sarah, Mary
and Rebecca. Mr. Fitzgerald took for his second wife Margaret Weir,
who bore him ten children — five sons, William Weir, Frederick,
Edward, George and James still residing in tlie Fitzgerald Settlement,
and five daughters, all man-ied and residing near the old homestead.
The father of this large family held the office of Justice of the Peace
until his death, which occurred in May, 1882 ; his widow is still
living. William Weir Fitzgerald was born in London Township,
November 23, 1845, and his career fully illustrates the truth that one
of the most remarkable and distinguished characteristics of our western
civilization is the immber and prominence of comparatively young men
in professional, oflicial and business life. Among those who have
made a success of life's battles, and who is deservedly ranked among
the progressive and leading citizens of their community, is the subject
of tins sketch. His early life was s])ent on his father's farm, and,
although the occupation was distasteful to him, he labored faithfully
in the uncongenial and exacting duties required of him, and spent his
evenings in poring over his books. He desired from his youth to enter
some learned profession, and finally settled on the law, and commenced
prejiaring himself for this calling. He first commenced reading with
J. H. Hock as preceptor, and afterwards with Spencer, Bull & Mac-
donald, of Toronto. He was admitted to the Bar in 1871, and since
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 815
that period he has advanced steadily in liis profession, and is now
doing a large and lucrative practice. In the conduct of his practice he
has been faithful and laborious almost to a fault, no pains having been
spared in the preparation of his cases, and a thorough investigation
made of the points in dispute, the law bearing upon the decisions of
the court and tlie testimony adduced, relying solely on liis industry and
clever understanding of law, rather than on flashy, meaningless argu-
ments. Air. Fitzgerald was married in 1873 to Miss Sarah Comfort, a
native of the City of London, Ontario. He has held many public
offices and positions of trust and responsibility, and has come to the
front in every sphere he has entered as a contestant for public favors,
and is now spoken of for still higher honors, in connection with the
representation of the county in Parliament.
Frederick Ardell Fitzgerald.
Frederick Ardell Fitzgerald, President and Manager of the Imperial
Oil Company, the largest enterprise of the kind in Canada, was born
in London Township, Middlesex County, Canada, October 16, 1840,
and is a son of John and Eebecca Fitzgerald, who immigrated from Ire-
land to Canada in 1820, and settled in London Township. Of a large
family born to their union, one son and five daughters survive them.
Frederick A. Fitzgerald was reared in Middlesex County, and received
a good English education. He began life in the grocery business in the
City of London, and by unremitting industry, watchfulness and ability,
he soon built up a large trade, which is now conducted upon his own
property on Dundas street, known as the Fitzgerald Block. For the
past seventeen years Mr. Fitzgerald's attention has been largely
directed to petroleum oil operations. He is largely interested in oil re-
fining, and is President and jNIanaging-Director of the Imperial Oil
Company, a large corporation composed of leading oil men, and is also
a member of the firm of F. A. Fitzgerald & Co. He is largely inter-
ested in the production of crude oil, and owns extensive and valuable
producing property in Lambton Co. He was one of the builders of the
London Water-works in 1878. He is also President of the London
Furniture Manufacturing Company, which is one of the substantial in-
dustries of the city, giving employment to a large number of men. He
is also associated with the manufacturing and commercial institutions,
and in every walk of life his career has been above criticism or re-
proach. He is a man of unbending honor and uncorruptible honesty,
and well merits the position he holds as a business man and citizen.
He was married to Miss Mary Edith, eldest daughter of Major Charles
Jones, of this County, who came here from London, England. This
family circle consists of four children. Mr. Fitzgerald is a member ol
the Masonic Order, and is an attendant at the Methodist Church.
The Imperial Oil Company, organized in 1880, of which Mr. Fitz-
816 . HISTORY OF THE
gerald is President, is the largest enterprise of the kind in Canada.
They have a paid up capital of S500,000, and the Company's works at
Petrolea cover an area of over forty-six acres, while the one at London
extends over ten acres. They have the most improved plant, and
stand unique, from the fact that they have their own wells, their own
steam cooperage that make their own barrels, and are the owners of
the only plant and machinery in the Dominion that manufacture their
own patent tin cans. They manufacture lubricating oils, paraffine wax
and candles in London, and their manufactures have a reputation
extending from Halifax to British Columbia. There is perhaps no
man in Western Ontario who, both directly and indirectly, is of greater
benefit to the substantial growth of the city than Mr. Fitzgerald ; for
the number of men who are employed in the various c<apacities of his
numerous enterprises aloue coutribute very materially to the substan-
tial business interests of the city. The Company employ a large num-
ber of hands, who find constant and steady work. Their pay roll
exceeds the sum of fifteen hundred dollars (SI, 500) per week, and
many of their men have been with them from the date of the organiza-
tion of the Company.
PiRNEY Flint.
Pirney Flint, farmer, was born in England in 1825, and is the son of
Robert Flint, who was also a native of that country. Robert Flint was
a fisherman by occupation, and owned a fishing smack. He followed
this business for many years, and married Miss Harriet Pirney, daugh-
ter of Patrick Pirney, a Scotchman. He was a soldier, and had served
in America, and had charge of a fort in England in the French wars.
To Mr. and Mrs. Flint were born four children — Pirney, Mary, Robert
(deceased), and George (deceased). In 183-1, Mr. Flint immigrated to
America and landed in New York. He left his family in that city
while he went to Pottsville to earn some money, having been robbed
before leaving England. Not returning as soon as expected, Mrs.
Flint became anxious, made inquiries, and heard that he had died of
cholera. She then returned to England. In the meantime, three
days after Mrs. Flint had started back to England, Mr. Flint returned
to New York and found his family gone. He then went to Canada,
settled in Byron, and later sent to England for his family, they com-
ing on in 1836. Mr. Flint, not being successful in business, left Byron
and purchased sixty-three acres of land where his son Pirney now
lives, 1st Concession, Lot 42. Mr. Flint was a member of the Church
of England, and was an honest, hard-working citizen. He died in-
1870 at the age of 75 years. His son, Pirney Flint, was twelve years
of age when he came with his jiarents to this country. He received a
common school education, and leartied the mason's trade, which he fol-
lowed until 1855. He went to Indiana in 1845, and from there to
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 817
California in 1850, coming home in 1855. He was married, about
two years after he came home, to Ann Elson, the daughter of John
and Mary Elson (of German descent), of London Township. To Mr.
and Mrs. Flint were born these children : — Charlotte Hannah, Annie,
Fannie, Mary, Eliza, Edna, Peter and Robert. After marriage, Mr.
Flint settled down on the old homestead, and there he has since resided ,
with the exception of a short time when he was in Valparaiso, Ind.,
and was there engaged in mining until 1855. He then returned to
his present farm. Mr. Flint takes an active interest in all laudable
enterprises, and has been school trustee for a number of years. He is
a Eeformer in politics, and a man of liberal views on all subjects of
importance. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an honor-
able, upright citizen.
James E. Flock.
James H. Flock, barrister, has been prominently connected with the
professional interests of London for over thirty-three years. He was
born in Toronto on the 6th of April, 1834, and is a son of William Flock,
who was born in Kingston, and settled in Little York (now Toronto)
during its early history, whose wife's maiden name was Mary Mc-
Avitt, a native of Ireland. James H. Flock received a liberal educa-
tion in his youth, and at an early day determined to make the practice
of law his calling through life, and began his preparation for this work
by applying himself closely to his legal studies. He settled in London
in 1854, and was called to the Bar in 1856, and is recognized as one
of the prominent members of his profession, and is the fourth eldest
practitioner, in point of residence, in the city. He is a man who fully
realizes the truth, so often urged by the sages of the law, that of all
men the reading and thought of a lawyer should be the most extended.
In his practice he has been faithful and laborious almost to a fault,
and has spared no pains in preparing his cases, and has relied solely
on his clear understanding of law, rather than on meaningless argu-
ment. He has always taken an active part in enterprises tending to
benefit the city, and although of decided opinions, he has won the con-
fidence and esteem of all. In 1859 he was married to Sarah J., only
daughter of Murray Anderson, one of the early settlers of London.
Mr. Flock has associated with him in business his son, E. W. M. Flock.
Samuel Flory.
Among the many skillful and successful contractors and builders of
London may be mentioned Mr. Samuel Flory, who was born in Wick-
hamskeith, Suffolk, England, March 15th, 1833, his father being
Dennis Flory, a bricklayer of that place, who married Lydia Eipper,
818 HISTORY OF THE
by whom he became the father of nine children. S. Flory is their
youngest child, and in early life learned the bricklayer's trade under
direction of his father. He worked in different towns in England until
1854, when he immigrated to America, and first went to Chicago, but
July 13 of that year came to London, Ont., and began working on the
Tecumseh House for Messrs. Green and Taylor. After working
as journeyman for three or four years, he commenced contracting, one
of his first contracts being the Huron Hotel. Then, in connection with
Mr. James John.ston, built the brickwork of St. James's Church, after
which he had the contract for the brickwork of the Bank of Montreal,
St Andrew's Church, a large portion of the Car Works, Grand Trunk
Passenger Station, Oddfellows' Hall, Mechanics' Institute, St. James's
Church, London South, large additions to the Asylum, Police Station,
Talbot St. Baptist Church, large addition to the Convent of the Sacred
Heart, and the Church of St. John the Evangelist, besides many other
buildings. He was the first contractor in London, and perhaps all
Canada or the United States, who paid full pay for short Saturday to
bricklayers. In 1856 he was married to Miss Eliza Elliott, who was
born in Besthorpe, Nottinghamshire, England, and by her became the
father of the following children: — Lydia Jane, of Tasmania ; Marian and
Hannah, who conduct a Kindergarten School, and are very successful ;
George, also in Tasmania ; Kuth and Harriett ; four sons are deceased.
Mr. Flory has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. for over twenty-five
years, and is an an energetic and enterprising man, and a successful
builder.
John Forrestal
John Forrestal is a native of Newfoundland, being born at St.
John's, August 22, lS4o, his parents being Gregory and Martha
(Wheelan) Forrestal, who were both born in the same place. John
learned the cooper's trade in his youth, and after remaining with his
parents until 1868, immigrated to Canada and settled in London, where
he entered the employ of Mr. Hockin, with whom he is now associ-
ated in bu.siness. In 1870 he engaged in the business on his own
account, and carried on a successful trade until the establishment of
the present entei-prise, and like his associate, Mr. Hockin, is a through
master of his trade, being thoroughly conversant with all its most
minute details. He is known to be thoroughly honest in his business
transactions, and the firm have built up a trade highly complimentary
to their standing as shrewd and successful financiers. The establish-
ment is one of the most valuable and important iu the city, and materi-
ally assists in upholding the reputation London has acquired as a
great business centre, besides being one of the most important industries
of the kind in the Dominion, both in point of magnitude and iu the
quaUty of their products. Their factories, offices and warehouses are
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 819
located on Simcoe street, and cover three acres of gi-ound, giving
employment to at least sixty hands, a number which is often increased
in especially busy times. The factory is fitted up with all the labor-
saving machinery necessary for the production of their wares, and
turns out about 2,000 tight barrels and 3,000 ordinary barrels per
week. Messrs. Forrestal and Hockin are practical coopers, and the
confidence which they enjoy from the public at large is a natural
result of their honorable business career. In 1870, Mr. Forrestal mar-
ried Miss Bridget Pumphrey, also a native of Newfoundland, and by
her has the following children : — Gregory, Frank, William, Martha,
John P., Richard, Walter, Mary and Agnes.
Charles James Fox.
Charles James Fox, Clerk of the Fourth Division Court for Mid-
dlesex County, was born in the County of Dorsetshire, England, Nov.
1, 1833, and is the son of John Fox, a surgeon at Weymouth. He
grew to manhood in his native land, assisting his father in his practice
at Weymouth, and in 1856 came to Canada, located in Delaware
Township, where he engaged in farming. In 1870 he was appointed
Clerk of the Court, succeeding Mr. William Bullen, and in February,
1876, he was appointed Treasurer of the Township of Delaware, and
still holds that position. He now resides just east of the Village of
Delaware, where he has a pleasant home. In 1858 he married Miss
M. 0. Girdlestone, who was born near Toronto, and to them have been
born eleven children, nine now living. Mr. Fox and family worship
at the English Episcopal Church, in which for many years he acted as
Warden, and always took an active interest in the same, and in 1884
he took an active part in looking after the building of the new church,
which is a handsome brick building. He was also School Trustee
for several years. Mrs. Fox died in the summer of 1888. She was
a good woman, and was universally respected by all who knew her.
William Francis
William Francis, Treasurer of Caradoc Township, came to Middle-
sex County with his parents in 1839. He was born near Toronto in
1833, and is the son of Henry and Maria (Black) Francis, both natives
of the " Emerald Isle." The father made several trips to this country
when a young man, and after returning to his native heath was united
in marriage to Miss Black, who returned with him to this country,
locating in York, where for some time Mr. Francis was engaged in
farming. He then moved to Albion Township, purchased land and
remained there several years, and in 1839 moved to Caradoc Town-
ship, where he purchased 100 acres of land. On February 14, 1842,
820 HISTORY OF THE
he met his death by a falling tree. He was the father of seven child-
ren, William Francis being the sixth. All these children are living
and are residents of this township. William Francis received
meagre educational advantages, but, by his own exertions and by obser-
vation, he is considered a well-informed man. On the first of January,
1861, he was imited in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bateman, of Cara-
doc Township, and the daughter of Charles and Mary Bateman, both
natives of Ireland. Her parents were early settlers of this township,
and both died several years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis have been
born six children — Robert H. (who died in infancy), Charles B., Mary
M., Annie, Hester B., and Willie (who died in infancy). Mr. Francis
and wife are members of the Church of England, and are much
esteemed citizens. They have a fine residence at Mt. Brydges, and
are in a condition to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Mr. Francis is a
Eefomier in politics, has held several township offices, and has held
the office of treasurer of Caradoc Township for eight years.
Hon. James H. Fraser.
Hon. James H. Fraser, of the firm of Fraser & Fraser, barristers, of
London, Canada, was born in the Township of Westminster, County of
Middlesex, in the month of February, 1842. His parents, Donald and
Jane (Martin) Fraser, were born in Inverness, Scotland, and County
Down, Ireland, respectively. They were married in the "Emerald
Isle," and in 1833 immigrated to Canada, settling in Middlesex County,
where he purchased a farm of 200 acres, in a very wild state, but soon
had it under good cultivation. The father was a Colonel in the Militia,
and took an important part in the Rebellion of 18.'>7, and also held a
commission as Captain of the Scotch Volunteers. He was a Conserva-
tive in Ids political views, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He died in 1861. His widow still survives him, and is 76 years of
age. She is a si.ster of the celebrated John Martin, who took part in
the Irish trouble of 18.'38, and was a member of the English Parlia-
ment at the time of his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Fraser eleven children
were born, nine of whom are living. James H. Fraser was reared in
Westminster Township, and at the age of fifteen years began the study
of law in the office of Judge Elliot, and at the end of five years was
called to the Bar. He immediately formed a partnership with
Judge Elliot, which was continued until the latter was elevated to
the Bench in June, 1869. and, after practicing alone for some time,
formed a partnership with his brother, M. D. Fraser, who was admitted
to the Bar in 1872, and the firm has since been known as Fraser &
Fraser. In 1875, Mr. Fra.ser was elected to the House of Commons,
which position he held until 1878, when he declined renomination.
He was appointed Queen's Counsel, Oct. 26, 1885, and is filling the
duties of that office very acceptably. He was married in June, 1871,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 821
to Sophia, eldest daughter of Judge Elliot, by whom he is the father
of three children — Florence, William E., and Kathleen. Mr. Eraser
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and his brother are
solicitors for the Bank of British North America, the Masonic Temple
Company and several mercantile firms.
John Fulcher.
John Fulcher, of London, Ontario, is the proprietor of the Tally-ho
Stables, and is teacher of riding at Hellmuth College. Few men have
ever engaged in a new enterprise in London and met with a more
favorable reception than Mr. Fulcher, who was born in London, Eng-
land, in 1850. His father, Isaac Fulcher, was also born in London,
England, and was a breeder and trainer of fine horses, in which busi-
ness he acquired a wide reputation. His son inherited from his father
a fondness for horses, and at an early day took an interest in their
management, and from the early age of ten years has devoted his time
and attention to handling and training both racing and hunting horses.
In 1884 he was induced to come to London, Canada, as an instructor
in horsemanship of Hellmuth College, a position he is still filling. He
also has a riding school in the city, which fully occupies all the time
he can spare from his other duties, and not only has he awakened an
interest in graceful riding, but he also inaugurated the London Hunt
Club, which has proven a decided success under his management, and
is fast gaining popularity. As an instructor in riding he is without a
rival in the Dominion, and his stable is one of the best appointed to
be found in Ontario, and is largely patronized. His stock has been
carefully selected for the purpose intended, and he is noted for his
courteous and obliging disposition, and his desire to anticipate the wants
of the public.
Robert Galbraith.
Eobert Galbraith, another well-to-do farmer of Adelaide Township,
is a native of the "Emerald Isle," born November 17, 1843, son of
Eobert and Alice (Denison) Galbraith. His father was born in Ire-
land in 1814, and died in Adelaide Township in 1874. He first came
to Canada in 1836, where he remained for three years, after which he
returned to Ireland. In 1847 he again returned to Canada, settled in
Adelaide Township on Lot 6, Concession 4, south of the Egremont road,
where he passed the remainder of his life. The mother was also a
native of Ireland, and died in Adelaide Township in 1864, at the age
of 48 years. Eobert Galbraith, jr., is the third of five children bora to
his father's first marriage. He was reared on a farm, educated in the
country schools, and tilling the soil has been his life-long employment.
822 HISTORY OF THE
In 1868 he settled where he now lives, and where he has a well-im-
proved farm of 200 acres. In 1872 he was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Haire, who was also born in Ireland. They have eight
children — David, Alice Sarah, jMargaret, Robert Thomas, James,
Eachel, Edward and William Joseph. He has lived on the same farm
ever since coming to Canada ; can remember when the sickle was used
in reaping the grain, and has seen the country grow and develop to its
present prosperous condition. He is a member of the ]\Iethodist
Church of Canada, and is Liberal in politics.
Joshua Garratt.
Joshua Garratt, a skillful builder, of London, Ontario, was born
December 1, 1849, in Leicester, England, his father, Eobert, being a
native of the same place, and also a builder by trade. The latter
was married to Lucy Hurst, who died in 1854, and by her became the
father of the following family of children : — John, Joshua, Thomas and
Lucy. Joshua was reared in his native land, and there resided until
August, 1S70, when he immigrated to Canada, tliiuking to better his
condition. After working as a journeyman until 1873, he started in
business for himself in company with Flory, Wattam & Goldsmith,
in building the Oddfellows' Hall, the Grand Trunk Station on Bathurst
street, and the greater portion of the Car-works ; Goldsmith & Garratt
built the Masonic Temple and High School, McCormick's residence,
Benj. Cronyn's residence, C. F. Goodhue's residence, i\Iasuret's, the
Bishop of Huron's, the Simcoe Street School building, and many others.
In 1886 he was elected to the City Council from the Fourth Ward,
previously known as the old Sixth Ward. On the 1st of June, 1872,
he was mari'ied to Miss Lucy Eead, who was born in County Suftblk,
England, and by her has six children — Gertrude, Grace, Frederick,
Ernest, Lucy and Charles. ]\Ir. Garratt belongs to the Ancient Order
of Foresters, and is a Royal Arch Mason, St. John's Chapter, No. 3,
Richard Coeur de Lion Commandery. In 1888 he was elected to the
position of Alderman of the Fourth Ward, filling the duties of the
office very efficiently, and in every calling of life has been a con-
scientious worker and an honorable man.
William M. Gartshore.
William M. Gartshore was born in Dundas, Ont., April 3, 1853,
his i)arents, John and Margaret (Moir) Gartshore, being natives of
Scotland. The father was an iron manufacturer, and was one of the
first to engage in that industry west of Kingston. William M. Gart-
shore was reared in Dundas, and his primary education was supple-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 823
merited at Gait College. He learned iron manufacturing in his
father's establishment, and in 1873 came to London, and for three
years was manager of the London Car Wheel Company, and then be-
came connected with the ilcClary Manufacturing Company, being
made Secretary of the same in 1878, and Vice-President and Manager
in 1889, and is now filling this position. He has held a commission in
the 7th Fusiliers since 1874 (and is at present Major of that regiment),
and for three years previous to this was connected with the " Queen's
Own," of Toronto. JNIr. Gartshore was married in 1876 to Miss Cassie
McClary, a daughter of John McClary, and by her is the father of one
child, Edna. He is one of the rising young business men of London,
and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him.
Joseph Gatecliff.
Illustrating the possibihties of this country for young men without
means or influence but character and determination, ability and indus-
try to succeed, a most striking example is afforded in the life and
career of the subject of this sketch. Joseph Gatecliff was born in
Yorkshire, England, March 31, 1852, and is the son of George and
Mary (Smith) Gatecliff, both natives of Yorkshire, England. Of their
seven children, Joseph Gatecliff is the youngest sou but one. When
eleven years of age he commenced working at the butchering business,
and this calling he has since Ibllowed. He became impressed with the
belief that America aftbrded better inducements for a young man to
succeed in life, and as a consequence he came to Canada in 1873. In
1872, before leaving his native country, Mr. Gatecliff was married to
Miss Ellen Bickerdike, a native of Yorkshire, England. They have
five children — George, Joseph H., Charles B., Lovina and Alfred.
After coming to Canada, Mr. Gatecliff at once found employment at a
small salary, and worked with a will to make his family comfortable.
He continued working for others until 1882, when he engaged in the
business for himself, and since that time the career of no business man
in London has been more marked. His trade has been of a steady
and increasing growth, and he has added from time to time as his
.surroundings demanded. He has now all the improved conveniences
for conducting the business, and it may be here stated that a more
complete and better equipped market cannot be found. Mr. Gatecliff
is an excellent judge of meat, and buys to the best advantage, always
having on hand the most desirable stock for the customers. He re-
ceives and merits the respect and confidence of all who know him.
What he has accumulated has been by industry, economy and good
management, and he now has a comfortable comjietency to conduct
his successful and prosperous business. He is a member of the I. O.
0. F., Independent Order of Foresters, Canadian Order of Foresters
and Royal Arcanum.
824 HISTORY OF THE
H. E. Gates.
Among the many enterprises to which London is indebted for its
good name as a business centre, may be mentioned the Canada Life
Assurance Company, which ranks among the representative enter-
prises of the Dominion. The operations of this institution extend
through all parts of Canada, and its business transactions more than
double that of any three Companies put together. The Canada Life
Assurance Company was established in 1847, with headquarters at
Hamilton, and from its inception until the present time, the career of
the Company, under careful conservative management, has proven a
successful one, as may be inferred from the fact that the capital and
funds of the Company at this date is over $10,000,000, and their
annual income is over $1,700,000. This Company issue on all
approved systems, having a thoroughly sound financial basis, and on
Assurance by ten annual payments for a policy payable at death, at
rates which no rival can beat. This is essentially a national institu-
tion of which the people may well be proud, and all who have the
interest of home institutions at heart should, without hesitation, accept
the liberal terms in insurance offered by the Company. The execu-
tive officers are : — A. G. Eamsey, President ; F. W. Gates, Vice-Presi-
dent ; Pt. Hills, Secretary ; and Alex. Ramsey, Superintendent ; while
the list of Directors embrace some of the most prominent business
men and capitalists of the Dominion, sufficient in itself to form a
guarantee of success to any enterprise. The London Branch of this
establishment is under the supervision of H. E. Gates, under whose
able administration the business of the Company is well looked after.
John Geary.
John Geary, oil manufacturer, farmer, and stock raiser of London
Township, Middlesex County, was born on the farm on which he now
resides on the 'ind of IVLarch, 1838, and is a son of John and Eliza
(Haskett) Geary, both of whom were born in County Tipperary, Ire-
land. The father came to Canada with his parents when he was about
twelve years of age (in 1812), and settled with them on a farm in
Middlesex County, Ontario, where he spent the remainder of his days ;
his death occurring on the 24th of May, 1873. He was a contractor
by occupation, and he and his uncle, William G. Geary, who came to
Canada at the same time he did, built the most of the public works
for the Government throughout Canada. Both served in the Rebellion
of 1837, John Geary attaining the rank of Major. He became the
father of eight children, seven of whom are living — George, a resident
of Missouri ; William, at Sacramento, Cal. ; John ; Mary J., wife of
Justus lugersoU ; Theophilus J. (deceased); Bessie, wife of Rev. R. T.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 825
Dixon of Tilsonburg; Eobert, a resident of London Township; and
Eichard, a druggist at Sarnia. The paternal grandfather first became
a resident of Middlesex County when the country was almost a wilder-
ness, inhabited by all kinds of wild game. He took a free land grant
of 100 acres, built him a little log cabin and began clearing his land.
Here he lived for many years, but made some valuable improvements
before his death, which occurred December 2, 1852. John Geary,
whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the old homestead,
receiving his primary education in the Grammar Schools of London
and Goderich, supplemented by a law course under D. M. Thompson
of London, which course he finished in Toronto. In 1862 he began
the practice of his profession, which he continued until 1868, then
gave it up entirely to engage in the manufacture of oil at London.
A partnership was formed with J. R. ]\Iinliinnick and George Mon-
crietf, the firm taldng the name of Minhiunick, Geary & Co., manufac-
turers of petroleum oil, which continued until 1873, when they sold
out, Mr. Geary and J\Ir. Minhinnick re-engaged in the business shortljr
after, and have done a prosperous business up to the present time.
Mr. Geary has also given his attention to farming and stock raising,
and has one of the finest herds of cattle in Canada, they being of the
Polled-Aberdeen Angus breed. His horses are imported English Shire,
and his sheep, Lincoln and Shropshire — all registered. He was engaged
in buying and selling stock until a short time ago, when he turned his
attention to the dairy business, and now has 160 fine cows, which he
milks twice a day, a portion of which goes to the city, and the rest to
his cheese-factory, which was erected in 1882, and turns out about
eighty tons of cheese annually. Mr. Geary is the owner of 286 acres
of land in one tract, where he lives, and 100 acres in another, making
him one of the extensive and wealthy landholders of the county.
His residence, which was erected in 1883, is one of the handsomest in
the township, is beautifully situated and surrounded by trees. He has
never taken part in politics, with the exception of assisting his friends
to office; but is a staunch Conservative. In 1864, his marriage with
Miss Mary M. Smart was celebrated. She was born in Scotland, is a
member of the Episcopal Church, and the mother of two daughteis —
Isabel P. E., and Alice.
Robert Geary.
Robert Geary, stock dealer and importer of fine horses, was bora
in the Township of London, Middlesex County, October 13, 1847, and
is the son of John and Eliza (Haskett) Geary (a short history of whom
is given in the sketch of John Geary). Robert Geary acquired a good
education in the common schools and schools of London, which enabled
him to understand the principles of commercial life, and insured his
success in after years. He remained on the home farm with his parents
826 HISTORY OF THE
until his marriage, then located and still lives on the farm which his
father cleared, it being originally heavily timbered. When he was
about fourteen years of age, his brothers all left home, and he was left
to manage the home farm as best he could. After seven years'
hard labor, he was maiTied and came to his present home ; but soon
after, his house, which was a frame, caught fire and was burned to the
ground, one of his hired men being burned to death in that conflagra-
tion, and another barely escaping with his life, even with Mr. Geary's
assistance. About one year later, Mr. Geary erected his present
residence, a handsome two-story brick, which is very pleasantly
located in a grove of forest trees. For several years past he has
given his attention almost entirely to raising fine stock, and has some
exceptionally fine Clydesdale and English Shire horses, and Lincoln-
shire sheep. He goes west about twice a year (into Utah, Montana,
and other territories of the United States), to sell his stock, which
necessitates his ab.sence from home the most of the time, and his busi-
ness transactions in those regions have been very satisfactory. His
farm is very valuable for its grazing facilities, its location, and for its
spacious and substantial residence and outbuildings. Mr. Geary is a
gentleman well adapted for the business in which he is engaged, owing
to his intelligence, energy and love for animals. On account of his
many sterling business and social qualities, he has won many friends,
who have shown their appreciation of his many excellencies by electing
him to a number of offices of trust. He was elected to the office of
assessor in 1879, which po.sition he held two years, and during 1877
and 1878 was a member of the Township Council. He is Past Grand
in the Ma.sonic fraternity, and is, also, a member of the Independent
Order of Oddfellows. On October 7, 1880, he was married to Miss
Eleanor Collins, by whom he has three little daughters — Eleanor L.,
Anna I., and Mary B.
William Geddes.
William Geddes, of the firm of Geddes Bros., dealers in dry goods,
clothing, carpets, millinery, etc., Strathroy, was born in London, Ont.,
in 1851. His father, James Geddes, died in ISSO, and those who
knew London before that date, well remember him as an active, pro-
gressive, business man. William received his early education in
London, and finished at the Strathroy Grammar Sciiool. His first
experience in business was in the book trade, but only for one year.
Since that time, dry goods has been his occupation, principally in
Strathroy and Brantford. In 1881, iti partnership with his brother,
J. Ross Geddes, the present firm of Geddes Bros, was organized, and
the business as it now stands is tlie result of their enterprise, energy
and push. Not many towns can boast of as handsome a place of
business as that of the Messrs. Geddes Bros., a large double store.
^^^
*«
A MIDWINTER SCEME.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 829
45x1 00 feet, with two flats above the grouud floor. The trade is done
on cash basis, the house being known as " The People's Popular Cash
Store." Semi-annual trips are made to Great Britain by one or other
of the firm, all the imported goods being personally selected in the
home market. The Messrs. Geddes deservedly enjoy the confidence
of the people.
William Gerry.
William Gerry, contractor and builder and proprietor of a planing
mill in London South, first became a resident of Middlesex County,
Canada, in 1868. He was born in Devonshire, England, November
27, 1841, and is a son of OHver and Fannie (Baskerville) Gerry, who
were natives of the same shire. William Gerry is the third of their
"five children, and was reared in his native county on a farm until
thirteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade,
which occupation he has since followed. In 1868 he immigrated to
Canada and settled in London, where he continued working at his
trade and aftewards opened a shop of his own. In 1875 he put in
power machinery for doing all kinds of planing and for manufacturing
doors, blinds and sashes, and, in addition to his mill work, takes con-
tracts for building, and his business, which at first was of a modest
description, has grown gradually to its present proportions. He com-
menced his career without means, and what property he has acquired
is the result of his own industry. He was married in July, 1871, to
Miss Fannie Baker, a native of Devonshire, England, and by her is the
lather of seven children — Thomas, Mary F., Edward E. A., Jessie
Maud, Millie M., "Virginia Pearl and Willie B. IMr. Gerry is a mem-
ber of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Foresters.
John M. Gibbs.
John M. Gibbs, the present mayor of Parkhill, and one of the
leading merchants of the town, was born at Dundee, Scotland, in 1837.
He came to Canada in 1857, locating at St. Marys; established the St.
Marys Advertiser, a weekly newspaper, which he edited for some
time. He then sold the paper and became a member of the mercan-
tile firm of A. Beattie & Co. In 1862 they opened a branch store at
Parkhill, Mr. Gibbs assuming charge of the business. In 1864 the
partnership was dissolved, and since that time Mr. Gibbs has been in
business at Parkhill. He is interested in the educational advance-
ment of the county, and, since the organization of the village, has been
a member of the School Board. In 1888 he was elected mayor of the
town, the duties of which ottice he is now discharging. In 1862 he
married Miss Margaret Macintosh, of St. Marys. Mrs. Gibbs was a
worthy member of the Presbyterian Church, and died in 1873, leaving
three children. He is a Reformer in politics.
52
830 HISTORY OF THE
Richard Gibson.
Eichard Gibson, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, of Delaware
Township, was born in Belvoir, Leicestershire, England, Feb. 10, 1840,
and is the sou of Eichard and Mary Gibson. Of a family of fourteen
children, he is the eldest son, and at the age of twenty-one he came to
Canada, and in 1862 went to Long Island, where he accepted a position
as manager of a farm of 1,500 acres, belonging to Mr. Delameter, of
New York. In 18G5, Mr. Gibson went to New York Mills, and
assumed the management of the New York JMills Stock Farm, where
he remained six years. In 1871 he came to Canada and located in
London Township, near the City of London. In 1883 he removed to
Delaware Township, and located ou his present fine farm of 300 acres,
one of the best in the county, where he is devoting his time and
attention to the breeding and raising of shurt-horned cattle, and has
achieved a wide reputation as a leading man in this business, he
having received the largest average in Chicago of the short-horned
breeders of America. He has imported many. In 1862 he married
Miss Elizabeth Eobson, a native of London, and a daughter of George
Eobson. Five children — four daughters and a son — are the result of
this union. Mr. Gibson was appointed to a position on the board of
the Ontario Agricultural Commissioners, April 12, 1880. He is a
member of the Church of England, and is Conservative in politics. He
devotes much attention to the raising of thoroughbred collie and fox
teiTier dogs.
Thomas Gillean.
Thomas Gillean, jeweler, of London, Ont , is one of the rising young
business men of the place, and was born in the city in which he is
now residing, January l:!, 1855, being the son of James Gillean, who
was born in the North of Scotland, .Inly 3, 1823. The latter was
reared and educated at the home of his birth, and after leaving school,
served a seven years' apprenticeship at the book-binding and stationery
busine.ss. In 1842 he immigrated to London, Canada, and entered the
employ of Thomas Craig, the pioneer book-binder and stationer of
London, remaining thus employed for five years, then embarked in
business for himself His establishment was the second of the kind in
London, and he conducted the business for about eighteen years, and
furnished in the meantime all the milit<ary sui)plies. After disposing
of his stock he became connected with the staff of the Advertiser, and
served in this connection for fourteen years, after which he engaged
in the insurance business. He served three years in the City Council,
being unanimously elected the third term. In 1848 he was married
to Miss Ann Darch, a native of Devonshire, England, by whom he had
five children — William D. (manager of the Canada Paper Company,
COUNTY OF raODLESEX. 831
Toronto), James R., John, Thomas and Alexander. Thomas, the fourth
son and child, was reared and educated in London, and at an early day
began learning the jeweler's trade, at which he worked for thirteen
years, perfecting himself " in all its details. In 1884 he embarked in
business for himself in a small way, but has added to his stock from
time to time, until he is now considered one of the prosperous young
jewelers of the city. He gives strict attention to his business in all its
details, and promises to become one of the prosperous business men of
the city. He was married October 5, 1880, to Miss Emily Ward, of
London.
John Gillson.
John Gillson, liveryman and horse dealer, of London, was born
Nov. 18, 18.53, in the County of Durham, and although not an old
settler of the County, is deserving of special mention. His parents,
Thomas and Mary (Clark) Gillson, were born in Norfolk, England, and
immigrated to Canada about 1844. They followed the occupation of
farming through life, and were the parents of nine children, eight of
whom are living. John Gillson is their fifth child, and his early life
was spent on a farm in Victoria County. He was educated in the Oak-
wood High School and at the Oshawa Collegiate Institute. After
leaving school, he entered the ministry, and for over six years was a
faithful expounder of the Methodist doctrine on the Campbellford
Circuit, and was afterwards pastor in the following towns: — Perrytown,
Port Perry, Darlington and Osborne. Owing to impaired health, he
was compelled to abandon his chosen calling, and soon after engaged in
farming, coming to London in 1883. He has since been identified with
the interests of the town and county, and in addition to his farming
interests, has given much attention to shipping horses to the States, his
operations in this line having been on a large scale, and attended with
satisfactory results. It is worthy of mention that he has done much
to improve the breed of horses in the county, and his entries at the
State fairs of Illinois have been uniformly successful. In 1887, in an
exhibit of twelve horses at Toledo, Ohio, he took eleven premiums, and
in 1888 took all the premiums that he contended for. His shipments
of stock are among the best bred in Canada, and embrace both male
and female for stock purposes. In addition to this business and his
farming operations, he succeeded to the livery business of George T.
Hiscox, which business was established in 1837, and is the oldest of
the kind in the Dominion. His horses and buggies are in excellent
condition, and his agreeability and accommodating spirit have won for
him a liberal patronage. His farm, consisting of 63 acres, is in London
Township, and is well fitted for raising stock. He was married in 1878
to Miss Elizabeth J. Harris, of Durham County, by whom he has one
son, Thomas John Harold Hams.
832 HISTORY OF THE
William Glass.
William Glass, Sheriff of the County of Middlesex, was bom on
the 20th of May, 1827. He is a descendant on the paternal side of an
old and prominent family, of County Armagh, Ireland. The old home-
stead is still in possession of the family, being owned by a cousin,
Samuel Glass. In 1819, the father of William, Samuel Glass, who
was then but nineteen years of age, left home to seek his fortune in
Canada, his point of destination being the Township of Westminster,
in Middlesex County, where his sister, wife of the late Lieut.-Col. Orr,
had settled two years previously. While crossing the Atlantic, he
made the acquaintance of Mr. Owrey, a well-to-do retired merchant,
of Donaghadee, Ireland, and induced him to settle in Westminster
Township. In 1826, Mr. Glass was married to Eliza, a daughter of
Mr. Owrey, and purchased the beautiful farm on the North street, in
the Township of Westminster, known as Mt. Pleasant, and settled
thereon. On this farm, his sons William and Da\'id were born. In
1830 he sold his farm and moved to London Township, and the follow-
ing year came to the then Village of London, then known as the Forks,
where he was for many years engaged in carrying on the flour and
grain business. Here he died in 1877, having a short time previously
celebrated his golden wedding, his five sons — William, David, Samuel,
James and Archibald — being present with their families. j\Irs. Glass,
the mother of the Sheriff, died in January, 1888. At the age of eigh-
teen years, William, in company with his brother David, engaged in
the flour and grain business, but dissolved partnership two years later,
David going to California, and William continuing the business alone,
only on a much more extended scale, having buyers in Chicago,
Detroit, and various points in Canada. He also ojiened a wholesale
and retail gi'ocery, and was an extensive dealer in real estate, these
enterprises proving eminently satisfactory from a financial standpoint.
In 1854 he was elected a member of the City Council, which position
he occupied for two years, and then refused to he re-elected. About
the same time he received a commission in the militia of Canada. In
1858 he was appointed Sheritt'of the County of Middlesex; although
he was then considered almost too young to fill such an important
office, he has proven himself to be capable in every resjiect, and for
the past thirty years has given the best of satisfaction in the discharge
of his onerous duties. During this time his brother Samuel has ably
assisted him as Deputy. Mr. Glass now owns and occupies as a sum-
mer residence the farm in London Township on which his father lived
nearly sixty years ago. The scenery is said to be unsurpassed in
Western Canada. The grounds have been laid out and ornamented
with great taste, making a charming spot, where his many friends are
hosjiitably and pleasantly entertained. Mr, Glass has a well estab-
lished reputation for generosity and kindness, and has always been
ready to further any and all undertakings calculated to advance the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 833
interests of his native county. He is one of the founders and Trustees
of the Protestant Orphan's Home ; Trustee and Treasurer of the Young
Men's Christian Association ; one of the Trustees of the Methodist
Church of Canada, of which he is a member ; a Director of the Lon-
don Life Insurance Company ; and one of the founders and President
of the Agricultural Savings and Loan Company. He is an extensive
landholder, an honest and upright gentleman in all his business
transactions, temperate, of a robust constitution and of great activity,
bidding fair to spend many more years of usefulness in the county
where he is so well known and highly respected. He was married in
1855 to Phebe, a daughter of John Guernsey, Esq., of Queenstown.
Ont., by whom he has three sons living— Charles T., B. A., a barrister
and a graduate of the Toronto University ; Samuel F. and John H. are
members of the firm of Glass Bros. & Co., proprietors of the extensive
pottery works near the city of London.
Charles F. Goodhue.
The name of George Jarvis Goodhue has for many years been
closely connected with the history of Middlesex County, Ontario, and
the history would be incomplete without a suitable sketch of his life.
He was born in Bellows Falls, Vt., and at an early day developed
strong commercial instincts, and was led to adopt that occupation as a
calling through life. About the year 1822 he made Canada his home
by settling in St. Thomas, and becoming the clerk of his elder brother,
Dr. Josiah Goodhue, who carried on a general mercantile business in
connection with liela Shaw, As he was eager to establish himself on
an independent footing, he remained here but a short time, and then
established a small store in Westminster Township, on the present site
of Brookville, and shortly after, in 1829, removed to London, which
was then but a small collection of houses, and consisted of thirty-three
families or 133 souls, and established himself in business in that place.
He built the first frame house in that place, the others being of logs
and mud, and his store was situated near the corner of Eidout and
Carling streets. He afterwards removed his store to the corner of
Eidout and Dundas streets, where he held forth until 1832, then closed
up his affairs and entered into partnership with Lawrence Lawrason as
a general merchant, and also held the position of post-master of the
town. He also formed business relations with Ijela Shaw, of St.
Thomas, and with E. Ladd, of Delaware, but these partnerships were
soon dissolved, as he found it necessary to concentrate all his energies
and capital in his business at London. The firm of Goodhue & Lawra-
son prospered exceedingly, the former devoting much of his time to the
various markets, and was noted as a trader of keen judgment and
active habits. He was constantly speculating, and on all occasions
purchased and sold to the advantage of the firm, which continued to
834 HISTORY OF THE
exist for eight years, dissolving in 1840 by mutual consent. Mr.
Goodhue then engaged in land speculation on an extensive scale, and
in this business laid the foundation for the handsome fortune he after-
wards possessed. He was twice married, the first time to Miss Maria
Fullerton, of Massachusetts, who died about a year after their marriage,
and the second time in 1830, to Miss Louisa, daughter of t'apt. Mat-
thews, of the Royal Artillery, a prominent politician and a representa-
tive in Parliament. To them were born the following-named children :
— George Jarvis, Charles F., Frances Cecilia, Harriet Amelia, now Mrs.
F. W. Thomas ; Louisa, wife of Walter Watson ; Maria Eliza, wife of
Lieut.-Col. lovey, R, E. ; and Mary G., now Mrs. B. Cronyn. Mr.
Goodhue died on the 11th January, 1870.
Kenneth Goodman.
Kenneth Goodman, barrister and solicitor at Parkhill, and a repre-
sentative and prominent citizen, was born at Grimsby, Lincoln County,
Ontario, Canada, March 30, 1839. His father, Henry K. Goodman,
was a native of Sussex, England, where for many years he was a
practicing physician and surgeon. He married Miss Arabella Hollo-
way, and in 1832 immigi-ated to Canada. At the age of sixteen our
subject began to study law, and when of age was a solicitor at New
Hamburg, Waterloo County. In 1866 he organized the New Hamburg
Infantry Company, which he commanded until 1.S67, when he was
made Colonel of the Waterloo Battalion. He retired from service in
1870, retaining that rank. In 1873 he removed to Parkhill, and two
years later was called to the Bar. Mr. Goodman has always taken an
active interest in public attairs, and has been elected Reeve of the
town three times by acclamation. He has also served as President of
the Liberal-Conservative Association of Parkhill and of the North
Riding of Middlesex County. On May 5, 1887, he was appointed
revising barrister for the North Riding of Middlesex County, upon the
retirement of Judge William Elliot. Mr. Goodman married Annie,
daughter of the late Jacob Hainer, Esq., an old and influential citizen
of the old Niagara District. Four children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Goodman, of whom two daughters and one son are living.
The son, Ambrose K., is a partner in the law firm of Colter & Good-
man, at Cayuga.
Thomas Gordon.
Thomas Gordon, Esq., Indian Agent for the Oneidas, Chippewas
and Munceys of the Thames, and a representative citizen of Middlesex
County, was born at Dornoch, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, April 28,
1826, and is the second of three living children born to the union of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 835
Donald and Elizabeth (Burnes) Gordon, natives of Scotland and Ireland
respectively. The father was born in 1782, and died in his native
land in 1832. He was a Sergeant-Major in the 9ord Regiment of
Sutherland Highlanders, and was a soldier twenty years. He also took
part in the American war. His wife was born in 1798, and died in
London, Ont., in 1881.
Thomas Gordon was educated in the Parochial schools of Scotland,
and in 1843 he immigrated to Canada, settled in Nova Scotia and there
lived for nine years, engaged in running a water saw-mill, but the last
three years taught school in connection with the saw-mill business.
He came to London in 1852, and, for four years, enagaged as clerk in
a general store, after which for two years he filled the same position in
a wholesale store. October 22, 1855, he married Miss Elizabeth Grant,
of London, Ont, who was born September 5, 1836. Her parents came
to Canada from Scotland in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon became the
parents of nine children, viz. : — Charles G., Elizabeth, Mary, Dollie,
Ethel, Thomas, Charles, Jessie and Ernest. The first-born died when
three years old. Li 1858, Mr. Gordon engaged in business for himself
at Longwoods, Ont., where he continued merchandising for nineteen years.
In 1860 he served as P. M. in the County of Middlesex. In 1862 he
was appointed Justice of the Peace at Longwoods, which oiSce he held
until 1875, when he was appointed a Commissioner B. E. In 1876 he
was appointed Indian Agent, which position he has since held, and a
year later he was appointed one of tlie License Commissioners of West
Middlesex. In 1878 he came to Strathroy, and here he now resides.
In 1883 he was appointed County Trustee for the Strathroy Collegiate
Institute, and for two years has been a member of the Board of
Health. For many years he has been taking an active interest in the
public affairs of the county. Mr. Gordon is a thorough temperance
advocate, and is one of the favorably known men of Middlesex. He
and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has
been a church officer for thirty years.
Charles S. Goulbing.
Charles S. Goulding, farmer, fine stock raiser, and director of the
Birr cheese factory. Concession 11, Lot 16, was born where he now
resides, March 5, 1829, and is a son of Charles and Ann (Shoebottom)
Goulding, natives of Queen's County, Ireland. They were married in
their native land, and, previous to their immigration to Canada, had one
child, that died on the voyage and was buried at sea. They reached
Canada in 1818, and, after locating in Middlesex County, the father
worked for some time at the blacksmith's trade, which he had learned
in his native land. After locating on Concession 6, he entered 100
acres of land, on which he resided for some time, and then, after a
short residence on the River Thames, finally bought 300 acres of land,
836 HISTORY OF THE
■where his son Charles S. now hves, of two United Empire Loyalists.
He made nearly all the improvements on his farm himself, and became
one of the wealthy citizens of the county. He served in the war of
the rebellion, was a Conservative politically, and was a member of the
Church of England. Nine of his eleven children are now living —
Mary (wife of B. Sifton, was the first child born in London Township,
her birth occurring the same year as that of the Queen), Esther (widow
of John Sale), James, John, Charles S., Ann (widow of Charles
Minchin), Jane, Thomas and Joseph. Charles S. Goulding owns 100
acres of valuable land, and all his life has resided on the farm where
he now lives. He gives considerable attention to stock raising, and
makes a specialty of breeding fine horses. He is a stockholder in, and
one of the directors of, the Birr cheese factory, and is one of the lead-
ing and enterprising business men of the county. In 1859 he was
married to Mary Talbot, a daughter of Edward Talbot, one of the early
settlers of the Township, and by her became the father of eight
children, four of whom are living — Mary, Charles, Edward and Willie.
Mrs. Goulding died in 1878, lamented by all who knew her. Mr.
Goulding is a member of the Church of England.
R. M. GRAHAM.
R. M. Graham, Principal of the Simcoe St. School, of London,
Canada, was born in Toronto, Feb. 22nd, 1857, his parents being
Thomas and Eliza (Davidson) Graham, both of whom were born in the
" Emerald Isle," the latter being from the County Armagh. 11. M.
Graham is the second of their five children, and when he was about
two years of age his parents moved to Dunkeld, near Walkerton, in
County of Bruce, where they resided until he was about six years of
age. The family then moved to Bervie village, in the County of
Bruce, and from the latter place, after six years, to Kincardine, County
of Bruce, where he attended the High School under the Mastership of
J. E. Burgess, and in 1875 passed an examination for a third certifi-
cate, and in the following year commenced teaching, which occupation
he followed three years in S. S. No. G, Huron Township, County of
Bruce. During tliis period he was a close student, and prepared him-
self for a higher standard as an instructor, and in 1879 attended the
Brantford Collegiate Institute imtil his admittance into the Normal
School, Toronto, where he passed the July examination of 1879, secur-
ing a second-class certificate. He then came to London, and attended
the London Collegiate for the first part of ISSO, when he was appointed
Assistant Mathematical and Commercial Master in Harriston High
School, and at the same time took private lessons in mathematics from
Prof. O'Connor, who is now Professor of JIathematics in Trinity Col-
lege, Toronto. In the fall of 1880 he took charge of a school in Lon-
don Township, near St. Johns village, and in May, 1882, was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 837
appointed Principal of London West Public Schools. He remained
there till 1883, when he took charge of Horton St. School, City of
London, in September. While Principal of Horton St. School, he pri-
vately prepared himself, and obtained a first-class professional pro-
vincial certificate. After the completion of Simcoe St. School, he was
appointed Principal of the same, which, at the present time, is one of
the most important charges in the city, there being a total of twelve
teachers employed in the building.
In July, 1888, he was married to Miss May Lackie, a native of
Montreal (whom he met as a pupil while in London West). Mr.
Graham is a Past Master of King Solomon Lodge of A. F. & A. M.,
and is a member of the Eoyal Arcanum.
Stephen Grant.
Stephen Grant, assessment commissioner of London, Ont., was
born in Kings County, Ireland, January 27, 1847, and is a sou of
William and Mary (Piper) Grant, who were also natives of the Emer-
ald Isle, and the parents of seven children. Stephen Grant is the fifth
child and fourth son, and grew to manhood in his native land. At the
age of twenty-two years he left Ireland and immigrated to Canada,
locating at London, Out., where for one year he was a member of the
city police force. Subsequently, for twelve years he held the position
of steward of the City Hospital, and the following five years served as
assessor. He has held his present position as assessment commissioner
for the last two years, and his fitness is fully appreciated by his fellow-
citizens. In every official position he has occupied, he has proven his
energy, honesty and sterling qualities. He was engaged for a short
time in the insurance business, in partnership with J. A. Nelles. In
1869 he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Christian, of Kil-
larney, Ireland, and to this union have been born eleven children, of
whom ten are still living — Florence M., Julia C, Stephen F., Edmund
D., Ethel J., Kathleen G., Bessie M., Lucy A., Hastings J., and John
R. A. Mr. Grant is one of the prosperous, successful and highly
citizens of the City of London.
James Grant.
James Grant, J.P., President of the London Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, Clerk and Treasurer of the Township of London, and Assist-
ant Manager of the Eoyal Standard Loan Company, was born in the
City (then village) of London, Canada, February 21, 18-41. His father,
James Grant, who was born in Strathspey, Inverness, Scotland, and
came to Canada about the year 1830, was a carpenter by trade, and,
at the time of the rebellion, with his brother Charles and others, ran a
8o8 fflSTORY OF THE
grist mill nearly where Carling's brewery now stands. He died in
the year 1856. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Forbes,
was also born in Scotland, and by her marriage to Mr. Grant became
the mother of eleven children, five of whom are still living. She is
still alive, and hale and hearty at the age of eighty-two. The subject
of this sketch remained in the city imtil he was thirteen or fourteen
years old, when he, with his parents, removed to tlie Township of
London and engaged in agricultural pursuits and teaching school,
which latter occupation he followed for nearly thirteen years in one
house. In 187o he was appointed Township Clerk, and in 1887
Treasurer of the Township of London, both of which offices he now
holds. For nine of the years since 1873 he was one of the County
Auditors of the County of Middlesex, and is now one of the auditors
of the East Middlesex Agricultural Association and of the City Mutual
Fire Insurance 'Company. In 1881 he was Census Commissioner for
the East Riding of the County, and in 1885 was Eeturning Officer in
the election held in the whole County under the Canada Temperance
Act of 1878. In 1882, at the solicitation of his numerous friends, he
stood the Conservative convention for the selection of a candidate
to contest the representation of the East Riding of the County in the
Local Legislature, but was defeated by Thomas Routledge, Esq. He
was married in 1872 to Miss Samantha Elson, who has borne him
eight children — Margaret M., James E., ilary S., Caroline E., Annie I.,
Isabella C, Lilian H. and John D. Mr. Grant is a member of the
Masonic Order, and is a man whose pleasant and agreeable manners
make him a favorite with all who know him.
William Grant.
"NMUiam Grant, who is one of the old settlers and influential citi-
zens of Delaware County, was born in the County of Sussex, England,
November 1, 1809, and is the son of William and Ann (Follett) Grant,
of England. At the age of twelve years William Grant was bound
out as an appreTitice to a boot and shoemaker, with whom he remained
six years, after which he worked as a journeyman. March 30, 1832,
he sailed for New York, and on reaching that city he established him-
self in the shoe business, which he continued until 1835, when he
removed to Canada and established himself in business, which he con-
tinued for twenty years. Mr. Grant is probably the oldest living
settler of Delaware, having resided here continuously for fifty-three
years. He is fond of reading, and probably no citizen is better posted
on the leading topics of the day than he. He went out as a volunteer
in the Rebellion of 1837-8. He is a member of the Church of Eng-
land, and is Conservative in his politics. He comes of a long-lived,
sturdy race of ancestry, and in all probability has a long lease of hfe
before him yet. At the time of liis settlement here, London was a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 839
small village with but one brick building, the Bank of Upper Canada.
London was at that time known as "' The Forks," and Toronto as " Little
York." Mr. Grant relates many anecdotes of pioneer life, and once, in
1843, he had a very narrow escape from wolves.
Thomas D. Gray.
T. D. Gray, agent of the Shedden Co. (limited), cartage agents for
the Grand Trunk Railroad. Few, except those directly interested, are
aware of the importance of the above company, or its close identifica-
tion with the business interests of the city, or the number of men to
whom it gives employment. Its history antedates the completion of
the railroad to London, and it came into prominent public recognition
in connection with the establishment of the depots. Thomas D. Gray,
who has long been connected with the company, was born in Scotland
on the 8th of August, 1838, and spent his early hfe on a farm, after-
wards learning the miller's trade. In 1860 he came to Canada, and
two years later accepted a position with the Shedden Co. in Toronto,
but in 1876 was transferred to London, and has discharged the duties
of his position ably and well. Much of the popularity of the company,
as well as their success, has been owing to his good business qualifica-
tions and his courteous and accommodating treatment of those with
whom he has business intercourse. He was married to Miss Sarah
Flaherty, a native of Toronto, April 27, 1865, by whom he has a family
of three sons — Thomas, William and Henry. He is a member of the
I. 0. 0. F., the Masonic fraternity, the A. 0. U. W., and is also Chief
of the Scottish Clans. While in Toronto, he held the position of treas-
urer of the I. 0. 0. F., and was the recipient of a handsome silver ser-
vice in recognition of his faithfulness and interest in the order, and
when leaving was presented with a valuable clock and vases, and a
very comphmentary address. While in Toronto, Mr. Gray was inter-
ested in military matters, and was a member of Company No. 10,
Queen's Own Battalion, and during the Fenian Eaid was transferred
to the Grand Trunk Regiment.
Newenham p. Graydon.
N. p. Graydon, barrister, was born in the City of London, Canada,
in the month of January, 1860. His father, Simpson H. Graydon, is
a native of County Dublin, Ireland, and was there reared and educated,
being a graduate of the Dublin University, Trinity College. In 1840
he came with a party of sporting men to Canada on a hunting expedi-
tion, and went from here to Australia during the gold excitement,
where they remained three years. Mr. Graydon then came back and
located in London, where he became a disciple of Blackstone, being
840 HISTORY OF THE
admitted to the Bar at quite an early day, and practiced his profe
until his death in 1883. He was for many years one of the Aldermen
of London, and for two years was Mayor of the city. He was also
School Trustee for a number of years, and was one of the prominent men
of Middlesex County. He was a member of the Church of England, and
to his marriage, ten children were born, nine of whom are living. His
son, N. P. Graydou, was educated in the schools of London, and, when
quite young, began the study of law under the directions of the late
Warren Eock, a leading criminal lawyer, and in 1881 was called to
the Bar. He immediately formed a partnership with his father, which
continued until the latter's death. Since that time he has practiced
alone, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. He was elected
Alderman of the 5th Ward in 1888, and is a member of the Knights
of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity. The members of his father's
family now living are as follows : — Acquilla 0. (a civil engineer), Mary
(wife of H. T. Ford), Mina, Stlina (who resides in California), Newen-
ham P., Pierce, Graydon W. and Simpson.
The Green Family.
One of the oldest and most respectable famihes of the City of Lou-
don is that of Edward Wilkins Green, late of " Pine Grove " Farm,
London Township. Mr. Green, on the paternal side of the house,
was of Quaker descent, his father, John Green, being one of an old and
respectable family of Greens, who filled honorable positions among
the Society of Friends in Hillsboro', County Down, Ireland. On the
maternal side, the Wilkinses were an equally estimable family, but his
mother, dying when young, he was reared by a Quaker \mcle and aunt,
who were childless, and whom he ever remembered with the greatest
pride and atlection. Inspired by a wish to see something more of the
world, he came to this country when a young man, and about the year
1818 found himself in the County of Middlesex. For a short time he
accompanied the surveyors who were making the first survey of the
Township of London, and was thus able to secure land in a most desir-
able and central location Here he lived a bachelor's life until a house
had been built and sufficient land cleared to give an appearance of
home, to which he then brought his bride. Being possessed of great
natural taste, cultured by early training, his aim was always to improve
and beautify the home ; and before many years, the first log structure,
which only is possible in an entirely new country, gave place to a
spacious frame dwelling, in which all the later members of the family
were born, and which still stands in good preservation, a monument to
early industrial and laudable ambition. Fine orchards and gai-dens
were planted in due time, and a grove of ornamental trees, in which
the pine predominated, was made to encircle a spacious lawn, which
dotted with beds of flowers, made the place so unusually attractive in
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 841
that section of country at that period, as to cause many a passer-by to
pause to admire the beauty of the grounds. By a judicious system of
grafting, the finest varieties of fruit were obtained, which commanded
the highest market price, and secured many a prize at the County
Fairs. The quality of the farm, too, was well sustained, no effort
being spared to make the crops the finest, and always with an eye to
beauty as well as utility, its boundaries were defined by a row of orna-
mental trees. In short, by good taste, by care and industry, and by
com-ageously triumphing over many an adverse circumstance and the
difficulties that attend agriculture in an entirely new country, Mr.
Green proved himself to be one of the best farmers of his time.
Although always taking an interest in the development of his
township and county, and passing through some troublous times in
the early history of the country, Mr. Green never took a prominent
part in politics, his early training, which imbued him with the prin-
ciples of the Society of Friends, making him a lover of peace and the
quietude of home. Conversation with a gentleman who, as a school
teacher, spent some time under his roof, elicited this testimony : that
he always cherished the greatest admiration and respect for j\Ir. Green's
character, his sturdy adherence to the duties of family prayer, never
allowing even the severe pressure of harvest labor to interfere with the
morning and evening custom, which had no little influence on the after
bearing of his own life. Mr. Green's father some time afterwards
followed him to this country, and took up land not far from his son ;
but was not long spared to enjoy his new home, and has long since
passed to his reward.
Mr. Green married into a family that has since become well known
in this western peninsula. He married Miss Mary Coyne, eldest
daughter of Henry Coyne, Esq., of Dunwich, Out., originally from
Belfast, Ireland, and a man who, by the gentleness and sweetness of
his disposition, won the respect and esteem of all who knew him.
Mrs. Green proved a worthy daughter of a noble sire. On removal to
her new home she connected herself with the Methodist people. Mr.
Green soon followed her example, and their house had ever an open
door for the itinerant preacher. Days would sometimes lengthen into
weeks and the weeks into months, or even the full allotted period of
itinerancy would pass beneath their welcome roof, but Mr. and Mrs.
Green always found they left a blessing in their path. This was the
age, too, when the country school teacher " boarded round." What
wonder if to this comfortable home they, too, came the soonest and
stayed the longest. In that early period of the country, educational
advantages were few. Mr. and Mrs. Green, therefore, endeavored to
supplement the district school by home intercourse with any who
could bring to them the good gifts they coveted for their children, and
by thus throwing open their doors to the better educated class, there
were secured to the earher members of the family many advantages
which would have been otherwise impossible. Mr. Green also fur-
842 HISTORY OF THE
nished his family well with literature, having almost a mania for buy-
ing books, which were often passed on to some one else as soon as read.
Mr. Green continued to reside at Pine Grove until his death, which
took place on the morning of the 2nd of January, 1868, and his body
was laid to rest in the old burying- ground of the neighborhood near
the farm.
Jlrs. Green was a woman of the most deeply-marked piety, whose
beautiful Christian character developed and grew as the years rolled by.
Her fine mind was well stored and blessed with rather unusual con-
versational powers, and she was one whom it was always a pleasure
and profit to meet. Until the day of her death she was a faithful
student of the press, always reading the daily paper, turning first to
the foreign news, and was a staunch admirer of Mr. Gladstone, and
watched eagerly the trend of discussion on Home Rule for her ever-
loved country. A few years before her death she was lured from the
old homestead, and took up her residence in London South. On the
evening of the 8th of February, 1SS6, she took tea in the dining room
in her usual health ; but on the morning of the 9 th, before the sun had
gilded the horizon, she had learned to breathe an immortal air. With
eight of her grandsons acting as pall-bearers, she was laid to rest in
Mouut Pleasant Cemetery. Mr. Green's body was afterwards raised
and inteiTed there also, and there they lie side by side awaiting the
Resurrection Morn. " Truly, they rest from their labors and their works
do follow them." Mr. and ]\Irs. Green had a large family of children,
and nearly all have survived their parents. The daughters, most of
whom have large families, are following in the footsteps of their
mother, by filling honorable and useful positions in the Church, and
endeavoring to bring up their children in obedience to the principles
that governed their father's household.
Tliomas Green, eldest son of the above, builder and contractor,
has long been one of the well-known citizens of London. Some of the
leading edifices of the city were built by him. Notably St. Peter's
Cathedral, Masonic Temple, and others. By business ability, coupled
with a strict integrity and uprightness, Mr. Green has won for himself
an honorable name. He has never aspired to municipal honors, but
in countless ways has borne his part in furthering the interests of the
city, and has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. The
firm of Thomas P. Green & Co., builders and contractors, was estab-
lished over thirty years ago, and was first located on Ridout street.
They now occupy premises 440 feet front by 150 feet deep. Additions
have been made to the original buildings from time to time until 1881,
when fire destroyed everything, and Mr. Green sustained heavy loss.
He began building again ; and now, when running in full capacity,
employs forty to fifty men. In connection with the above, he is en-
gaged in building and contracting largely in London and vicinity. His
wife was formerly Miss Emma Sarah Cooper, a native of the Isle of
Wight, who has borne him four sous and three daughters.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 843
Henry Coyne Green, second son of Edward Wilkins Green, was
long a resident of this city engaged in the lumber trade, a man of
upright and honorable character, who took considerable interest iu
civic life, and, with his brothers, was a warm supporter of the Metho-
dist Church. As one of the Trustees of the Young Men's Christian
Association, he used every effort to further the interests of that institu-
tion. He recently removed with his family to the Western States.
John Green, wholesale dry goods merchant, third son of Edward
Wilkins Green, has spent most of his life iu this city, entering when a
young man the store of his uncle, James Coyne, Esq., first as clerk,
then partner, and finally succeeding to the business. In 1871 he went
into the wholesale trade, on the corner of Carliug and Ridout streets.
In this business Mr. Green has achieved a well-merited reputation as
an honorable merchant, and has secured, what is the result of a hfe-
time of upright and useful citizenship — a good name. As a business
man and a citizen, he has contributed a full share towards sustaining
the reputation which London now enjoys as a business centre, and is
always to be found on the side of morality and right. He has a large
family of children, most of whom are still under age.
James W. Green.
James W. Green, editor of the Gazette at Parkhill, was born in
Waterloo County, Canada, in 184'.t, and is a son of Wlieeler and Lucy
(Shupe) Green, early settlers of that county. Wheeler Green was
born in Milton, Canada, and was a loyal soldier in the Rebellion of
1837. His mother was born in Waterloo County, and is a descendant
of one of its pioneer families. In 1864 our subject began life by
learning the printer's trade in the ofUce of the Gait Reporter. From
1869 to 1880 he worked at his trade in and about Chicago, 111., but
previous to that time owned and edited the Lake County Tidings, at
Waukegan, 111. In 1880 he returned to Canada, and assumed the
editorship of the Enterprise, at Gorrie, in Huron County. In 1885
he sold the paper, and, coming to Parkhill, was for some time the
manager of the Gazette, of which )iaper he became the sole proprietor
in 1887. In November of that year he lost his office, together with
his type and presses, by a destructive fire ; but he immediately re-
established the paper, losing the publication of but three issues. The
same fire swept away all his household effects, himself and wife barely
escaping with their lives. Mr. Green is now a prosperous citizen, and
his paper has a wide circulation and an excellent reputation in North
Middlesex.
John E. Griffiths.
John H. Griffiths, artist, of London, Ont., is the sou of William and
Charlotta (Howard) Griffiths. He is from an old EngUsh family of
844 HISTORY OF THE
Newcastle. Staffordshire, England, the records showing that this has
been a prominent family for 600 years. William Griffiths was born in
Newcastle, England, and was a potter by trade. He was connected
with the celebrated Mintons, was manager for them for thirty-three
years, and was intimately associated with their success. He had
charge of the bank account and enjoyed their confidence fully. A
remarkable circumstance happened to him in this connection. The
bank account of the Mintons was kept in two banks, and Mr. Griffiths,
by custom, visited one, and his clerk the other. Ou one Saturday
when he went to the bank, usually visited by the clerk, who was sick,
to draw a large sum of money to pay the hands, the Mintons employ-
ing about 3,000 hands, he narrowly escaped being murdered and
robbed, for a few days afterward two notorious thieves were arrested
for robbing a church and were sentenced to be transported for life.
They confessed their crime, and also that they had lain in wait to rob
and murder Mr. Griffiths, but were turned from their purpose by the
circumstance of his having to go to the other bank usually visited by
his clerk. Mr. Griffiths was a member of the Methodist Church and
was a trustee in the same. He died at the age of seventy-three, and
was a man who led an active and honorable life. He took an active
interest in politics and was always a Eeformer. By his mamage to
Miss Howard were born these children — James, William, Thomas
and John (twins), Hamlet, Arthur, Elizabeth, Lydia, Martha Ann,
Sarah, Charlotta and Emma. These children were all reared in New-
castle, and all lived to be men and women. Thomas and Hamlet are
still residents of Newcastle, and are men of property, Hamlet being a
manufacturer of china.
John H. Griffiths, subject of sketch, was born in Newcastle, Eng-
land, in 1826, and received a good English education. He learned in
early life the profession of an artist, and was a pupil of Rippingille, of
the Royal Academy of England. He also served an apprenticeship at
painting uj)ou china. In 1845, Mr. Griffiths joined liis brother, James
Griffiths, in the management of a jirivate lunatic asylum, called San-
field House, Litchfield, England. This establishment was one of the
most successful in England, and the business was conducted by the
brothers for nine years. In 1854, Mr. Griffiths came to Canada, settled
in London, and there engaged in speculating and loaning money. Mr.
Griffiths was a heavy loser in 1856-7. Later he engaged in business
with McClarys, extensive liardware merchants, and painted and jap-
anned their ware for six years. He then conducted a wholesale photo-
graphic establishment, and dealt in artist supplies for twenty years in
London. He then retired to his farm in 1X75, which consists of 100
acres of fine land, pleasantly .situated on tlie 1st Concession of West-
minster. Mr. Griffiths has always taken an active interest in all mat-
ters pertaining to the real advancement of the country, and was one of
the nine men wiio founded the Western Fair, being one of the directors,
and also filling the offices of jiresident and treasurer. He also suggested
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 845
the establishment of the School of Art in London, and was one of the
founders and directors, and is also secretar3'-treasurer and professor of
painting of the same. Mr. Griffiths was the first to introduce into
Canada photographing upon porcelain, for which he received a silver
medal.
Mr. Griffiths is an artist of high rank, and has taken many prizes.
He was awarded two medals for china painting sent to the Colonial
Exhibition in England in 1886. He also painted an afternoon set,
which was graciously received by the Queen of England, as a jubilee
gift. He received two gold medals in this country for specimens, and
for the best collection of paintings. Mr. Griffiths has travelled in
Ireland and Scotland, and has visited many of the art galleries in
Europe. He is a man of general talents, and has a knowledge of
almost all kinds of art work. He has been an exhibitor of paintings
ever since coming to Canada, and is not only well known in Canada,
but in the States as well. He has a fine collection of paintings and
decorated china, the product of his own skillful hand, and are of the
highest artistic merit, and of rare value. His collection is one of the
most valuable in Canada. His residence is filled with articles of in-
trinsic worth from an artistic point of view. In 1867, Mr. Griffiths
married Miss Ann Wonacott, daughter of John Wonacott. To this
union were born seven children — John, Eliza, Martha, Eosa, Sarah,
Ada and Louise. AU the children are at home with the exception of
Eliza, who is with an uncle. In poHtics, Mr. Griffiths is a Reformer.
Samuel Grigg.
Samuel Grigg, proprietor of the Grigg House, of London, Ontario,
was born in Rawdon, County of Montcalm, thirty-five miles from
Montreal, February 16, 1847. His father, Isaac Grigg, was a native
of Somersetshire, England, and immigrated to Canada in 1842, where he
was married to Miss Jane Kite. When Samuel Grigg was about five
years old, the family moved to Clinton, County of Huron, where the
father engaged in blacksmithing, purchasing the plant and business of
the late Wm. Rattenbury, in which calling he was an expert. Here
Samuel received the greatest part of his rearing, and in 1859 com-
menced his hotel experience in the employ of the late Thomas Lloyd,
coming with him to London in 1860. Three years later he went to
Seaforth, but soon after returned to London, and in 1867 engaged in
business on his own responsibility, and at the present time is the oldest
hotel man in the city. For about fifteen years he conducted a large
livery stable. In 1879 his present hotel was completed, and was
opened on the 20th of September of that year, on the occasion of the
reception of the Marquis of Lome and the Princess Louise. Previous
to opening his hotel, Mr. Grigg visited England, Scotland, Ireland and
France. In the management of his hotel he is the peer of any man in
846 fflSTORY OF THE
the Dominion, and in this he is ably assisted by his brother, T. K.
Grigg. He is the owner of valuable farming lands, as well as timber
lands, in the North-west, which is increasing in value daily, and as it
was selected with great care after personal inspection, is considered a
very fortunate speculation. Mr. Grigg's life thus far illustrates the
possibilities of the country for men of ability, energy and enterprise,
and, although scarcely in the prime of life, he occupies an enviable
})Osition among the business men of London, and is in every respect a
thoroughly self-made man. He is a Itoyal Arch Mason, and is also a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. He has been married twice; first, to Miss Mary McQuarrie,
of Brussels, who died May 7, 1880, leaving four children — Charles E.,
Samuel F., Clara M. and Grace B. His second wife was a Miss
Kussell, of Brantford. To this union was born one child — Lulu C.
George IL Gunn (Deceased).
George M. Gunn (deceased) was born in the Parish of Dornoch,
Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in the year 1820, and passed his boyhood
days on the east coast of that country. The father was a builder of
that place, and carried on an extensive business until 18:^2, when he
and family left their native land and immigrated to Upper Canada,
settling in the neighborhood of Embro, in the County of Oxford.
Three years later, George M. Gunn entered mercantile life in the em-
ploy of William Mathieson, of Woodstock, remaining with him for
some time, and in 1842 came to London and entered into partnership
with his brother William, who was a general merchant at the west
end of Dundas street. The brothers conducted a successful business
for a number of years, and became widely known and highly respected
for their upright conduct and fair dealing. A short time afterward
Wilham died, and the business was subsequently conducted by
Messrs. Gunn & Gordon, the latter gentleman having been admitted
to a partnership shortly after the death of WiUiam Gunn. After
remaining thus connected for many years the partnership was dis-
solved, and Mr. Gunn engaged in the insurance business, subsequently
admitting his son as a partner, and did a successful business. He was
kindly in his manner, of a charitable disposition, and his many admir-
able traits of character endeared him to all with whom he had either
social or business relations, while his many acts of charity to the poor
and oppressed became proverbial. He took time to consider and study
an applicant's wishes, and if he found him worthy, he could be counted
a true friend. He was one of the few men who assisted in the forma-
tion of the St Andrew's Presbyterian Church congregation. He was
a shareholder and Director in several Loan Societies. His personal
contributions to deserving charities were large but unostentatious. He
■was in every sense of the word one of nature's noblemen. His death.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 847
■which occurred on the 20th of March, 1883, was deeply lamented by
all who knew him. He left, besides his widow, three children — -Wil-
liam A., Harriet M. (Mrs. Smart), and George C. William A. Gunn
was born in London, July 26, 1849, and was reared and educated
here. He was associated with his father in business, and after the
latter's death succeeded him, but recently sold his property and be-
came connected with the McClary Manufacturing Company. He was
married in October, 1882, to Miss Theresa McClary, a daughter of
John McClary.
George M. Gustin.
George M. Gustin, proprietor of the " Star " livery stable at Strath-
roy, is a native of London Township, Middlesex County, Canada, born
December 25, 1853, and is the son of Charles and Margaret (Morden)
Gustin, both natives of Canada. The mother was born in 1828, and
died in 1888. Of the eight children born to her marriage, George M.,
was the third sou. At the age of four years he removed with his
parents to Township ; was reared to farm Ufe, and obtained a
common school education. At twenty-one years of age he began the
cheese-making business, which he continued for two seasons, and then
followed farming, which occupation he carried on until 1886, when he
removed to Forest. Here he remained for a short time, and then came
to Strathroy in November of the same year, where he engaged in the
livery business, purchasing the stock of Jasper Still, and now has one
of the best livery barns in Strathroy, located on James street, opposite
Market Square. January, 1879, Mr. Gustin celebrated his nuptials
with Miss Eliza A. WoodhuU, who was born in Adelaide Township,
Middlesex County, Canada, in 1860. Two children, Minnie E. M.,
born December 28, 1880, and Berthold B., born August 22, 1883,
were the result of this union. i\Ir. Gustin is a member of the Order
of Foresters.
Surgeon Matthew J. Hanavan, I.S.C.
One of the most recent acquisitions to the medical profession of the
city is the subject of this short sketch. He is a native Canadian, and
was born June 5, 1842. His father, James Hanavan, was a native of
Ireland, County Monaghan, and came to Canada about the year 1825.
The maiden name of his mother was Ann Tulley, who was born in
Cootehill, County Cavan, Ireland. The father was a farmer by occu-
pation. Matthew J., the youngest of eleven children, spent his early
life on his father's farm and in attending school. Later, desiring to
enter upon a professional life, he commenced a course of study, apply-
ing himself energetically and with perseverence until finally prepared
848 HISTORY OF THE
to attend the Toronto University, at which institution he graduated
with honors in the spring of 1866. He commenced active practice,
first as a contract surgeon in the American army, during the latter
part of the civil war, after which he attended the New York hospitals
for a season. He then settled in Stratford, and twenty-one years'
practice has contributed largely to establish him substantially as a
prominent member of the medical profession, and it is a conceded fact
that he has proven himself one of the skillful medical practitioners of
Western Ontario. Gifted by nature with a love for the study of this
science, he has not rested contented with the learning received in pi-e-
paratory study, but has continually availed himself of the best oppor-
tunities offered for reaching a higher plane of learning in this direc-
tion. As a skillful and careful surgeon his reputation has continually
increased from the first, not only from the force of his natural genius,
but also from his kindness of manner and devoted attention to his
patients, as well as owing to his humanity of heart ; and in the dis-
charge of his professional duties he has ever been a friend as well as a
physician. While in Stratford, he served for seventeen years as
surgeon of the 28th Battalion. In September, 1888, he received the
appointment of surgeon to the Infantry School Coi-ps at London, and
in November of the same year removed to Loudon with his family to
fill the position. On leaving Stratford he was tendered a banquet by
the ofiicers of the 28th Battalion and their friends, presented with a
valuable watch and address by the citizens, and with an address and
beautiful plush easy chair by the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association,
being Medical Supervisor for the above Association in Canada. The
doctor, when in Stratford, took a prominent part in everything for the
welfare of the city, being School Trustee and Alderman, and filhng
many other positions of trust. He was married in 1875 to Miss Mary
Agnes Kidd, of Dublin. They have six children, four sons and two
daughters. The doctor is a true, warm-hearted friend, and never loses
one through any fault of his.
John Henry Han ley.
John Henry Hanley, a prominent furniture dealer of Strathroy,
was born in Killaloe, Ireland, on the river Shannon, October 16, 1833,
son of Koger and Susannah (Sparling) Hanley, both natives of Ireland.
The father was born in 1801, and the mother in 1808. The latter is
now living, and is a resident of St. Marys, but the former died at St.
Marys in 1884. The family came to Canada in 1842, and settled
near St. Marys, where John H. Hanley, the eldest of seven children,
received a good conmion school education. He was reared to farm
life, and followed this occupation until 1866, when he removed to the
Town of St. Marys, and there followed the produce business, continu-
ing there until 1871. He then removed to Strathroy, and here carried
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 849
on the produce business until 1883, when he sold out, and in March,
1885, engaged in the furniture business. He owns over 4,000 acres of
land in Manitoba, and has been successful in all his business ventures.
February 23, 1860, he married Miss Eliza J. Gilpin, a native of Ire-
land, born May 7, 1837, and to this union has been born an interest-
ing family of five children — Ellen S., born December 23, 1860, and
died April 4, 1887 ; Adaline M., born August 30, 1862 ; Minnie J.,
born December 14, 1864 ; John H., born April 23, 1868 ; and William
M., born February 22, 1870. Mr. Hanley is a Reformer in his politi-
cal views, for five years was a member of the Strathroy Town Council,
and for five years was a member of the School Board. He is one
of the leading men of Strathroy, and he and Mrs. Hanley are worthy
members of the Methodist Church of Canada.
Steward Harris.
Steward Harris, produce dealer and shipper, whose name heads this
sketch, needs no introduction to the citizens of London and the County
of Middlesex, for his connection with its affairs dates back to 1844,
and his name is never thrust before the people for the purpose of
notoriety, but is borne by one whose true substantial worth of char-
acter is the equal of any resident of the place. Steward Harris was
born in County Cavan, North of Ireland, in 1835 ; son of John and
Ehza Harris, both natives of the " Emerald Isle." To them were
born nine children, Steward Harris being the third eldest now living.
After immigrating to Canada the family first settled at Toronto, where
they lived for two yeai's and then moved to London. They selected
and bought a farm of 200 acres in McGilUvray Township. Steward
Harris spent about eight years in Toronto at different times, and after
returning to London he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was also
in the employ of the Great Western Eailroad. He was on the force
when the survey was made through the fair grounds. He has always
been an active and industrious man, and one of varied experience.
For almost one year he was on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and
then returned to the farm in McGillivray Township, and after a short
residence he went to work on the Port Stanley Railroad, and subse-
quently engaged in farming in the County of Elgin, near Port Stanley,
and Uved there until he purchased a farm in London Township, where
he moved and where he remained for twelve years. In 1883 he retired
from the farm and moved to London, where he has since been engaged
to a gi-eater or less extent in shipping fruit, vegetables or anything on
which he could realize a profit. Mr. Harris was married in 1857 to
Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Fulton, of Port Stanley. By this
marriage there are four children now living — Mary M. (wife of Thomas
Howard), Robert E., Elizabeth L. (now Mrs. Scandrett), and Alma.
One son, John F., and a daughter, Emily L., are deceased. Mrs. Harris
850 HISTORY OF THE
died February 8, 1875. Mr. Harris selected for his second wife Miss
Mary J. Amos, of !McGillivray Township. Mr. Harris is what may
he tenned a self-made man. He commenced in life without means,
and what he has accumulated has been the result of his own industry
and economy. He scorns a mean action, and endeavors to live an
honest and upright life. He is a man of decided opinions, and bold
and fearless in exj^ressing them ; and when his mind is once made up it
is difficult to change it. He has pronounced political preferences, and
Her Majesty has no more loyal subject in the Mother Country or
Colonies. In his rehgious preferences he is a Presbyterian.
George M. Harrison.
George M. Harrison, member of the banking firm of Harrison &
Eathburn, Glencoe, was born in London Township, Middlesex County,
January 13, 1844, son of William and Elizabeth (Smibert) Harrison.
The father was a native of Hull, England, and came with his parents
to Canada when about six years of age, or in the year 1818. Here his
parents passed the remainder of their days. William grew to man-
hood in that county, and in 1829 was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth Smibert, a native of Scotland, born near the City of Edin-
burgh, 1811. In 1818 she came to Canada with lier parents, and set-
tled in London Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were bom
eleven childi'en, four sons and seven daughters, George M. being the
youngest son of the family. He remained with his parents until his
nineteenth year, and then entered the public schools, passed a satisfac-
tory examination before the County Board of Examiners in 1863, and
the following year began teaching in the public school of the village of
Thorndale, which position he held for four years. In 1867 he came to
Glencoe and established a mercantile and grain business, but soon
afterwards entered into a partnership with Mr. I. Eathburn. Together
they conducted the business until 1877, when they clcsed out their
mercantile business and immediately established the banking house,
which they now conduct. In 1877, Mr. Harrison married Miss Eachel
Currie, a native of Glencoe, and a daughter of Nathaiuel and Elizabeth
(Weeks) Currie, who were natives of Canada. Her father served as a
member of the Municipal Council of Glencoe, also County Council,
and was a ^lember of Parliament. To Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were
born four children, two sons and two daughters. In 1<S75, Mr. Har-
rison was elected clerk of the village of Glencoe, and has held the
position since. In 1884 he was elected to the position of secretary
and treasurer of the Board of Public Education, which position he is
now holding, and is pa.st-master of Lome Lodge, No. 282, A. F. & A. j\I.
In political matters he lias always been a supporter of the Liberal party
and principles. He and JNIrs. Harrison are worthy members of the
Church of England.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 851
Henry Haskett.
Henry Haskett, house and sign painter, decorator, and dealer in
wall paper, paints and oils, in London, has been connected with the
history of Middlesex County since 1846. He was born in County
Galway, Ireland, October 10, 1833, and is a son of Thomas Haskett,
who was a native of Tipperary, Ireland, and who immigrated to County
Galway when young, and there grew to manhood, afterwards marrying
in that county JNIiss Eliza Heir. He learned the painter's trade in his
youth, and made that his calling through life. In 1846 he immigrated
with his family to Canada, locating in London, where he worked at
his trade, until his death. His widow is still living at the advanced
age of 84 years, and notwithstanding her great age, possesses a clear
and active mind, and bids fair to see many more years of useful-
ness. She became the mother of eight children, only the following of
whom are living; — Maria, Henry and Kate. He (Henry Haskett)
was reared to his present business, as was his father and grandfather
before him. He learned his trade under his father's instruction, and
became thoroughly conversant with all its details. After his father's
death, in company with his brother James, who is now deceased,
established a business that has a standing second to no similar estab-
lishment in this section of the country, and the business has grown
from a small beginning to its present proportions. Through nearly
thirty years' experience in business life he has been very successful,
and his patrons testify to his ability and popularity. He is a man of
independent thought, and makes up his mind after mature deliberation,
and throughout his long residence in London has won the confidence
and esteem of all who know him, not only as a business man, but in
society circles also.
Jacob Hawkins.
Among the most important industries of Middlesex County, Canada,
may be mentioned the St. Johns Flouring Mill, of which Mr. Hawkins
is proprietor. He was born in Devonshire, England, in January, 1844,
and is the son of George and Charlotte Hawkins, who were also born in
England. The father learned the trades of miller, farmer, baker and
maltster, but gave the most of his attention to milhng. In 1855 he
immigrated to Canada, taking passage at Liverpool and landing at New
York City ; thence to Kingston, where they resided two years, and then
came to the County of Elgin, where the father was engaged in farming
and flour and saw milling. At the end of ten years he came to Lon-
don, where he kept a flour and feed store for about three years, and
then went back to J-ngland, taking his wife and two daughters with
him. Jacob Hawkins was eleven years of age when he came to
Canada, but the greater part of his earlier education was obtained in
852 HISTOllT OF THE
England. He learned the miller's trade from his father, and in 1867
he came to St. Johns and rented the mill for two years, which he now
owns. At the end of that time he purchased the mill, also a farm of
ninety-five acres, both of which he has successfully managed up to the
present time. The mill is equipped with both steam and water power,
and its capacity is oOO bushels per twenty-four hours. The mill
manufactures ilour on the stone process, and also the full roller process,
with the best improved machinery. The engine is forty horse -power,
the head of water is twelve feet deep, and the mill dam is an expensive
one, costing nearly §3,000. In 1867 he was married to Miss Grace
Penhale, a native of Elgin County, by whom he has four children —
Minnie W., Edwin E., Freddie A. and Ida G. Mr. Hawkins and wife
are members of the Methodist Church, he being Secretary and Treasurer
of the same, and also Steward of the Quarterly Board of St. Johns*
Circuit. He has held a number of offices of trust, and he is a man
who holds a high position in the estimation of the people. Mrs.
Hawkins died in January, 1880.
William Hayman.
William Hayman is a successful contractor and builder, of London,
Ont., and was born in Devonshire, England, on the 13th of September,
1841, his parents being, William and Susan (Bank-s) Hayman, of the
same shire. He learned the mason's trade in Devonshire, England,
and then enlisted in the o.Srd Regiment of the English Army, and
came to Canada in 1866, during the Fenian Raid, where he purchased
his discharge and went to work at his trade, which has since received
.the most of his attention. Among the buildings contracted for by him
are : — Stevens & Burns Factory, Bennett Furniture Factory, Wortman
& Ward's, McClary Manufacturing Company, Darvill's Foundry, and
Union Black; and with his partner, built additions to Thompson's
waggon factory, and Andrew McCormick's store and other buildings.
He was the first man to use the steam hoist in London, and has made
what he has by industry and economy. He belongs to the St. George's
Lodge of A. F. & A. M., and also a member of St. George's Chapter,
No. 5, and is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. He was a member of
the London East Council for three years. In 1858 ho was married to
Miss Jane Baker, who was born in Devonshire, England, and by her
is the father of five children— Mary J. (wife of William M. AUister),
Annie (wife of James Armstrong), Henry, Minnie, and Bessie .
Andrew S. Heake.
Andrew S. Heake, Justice of the Peace and a representative
citizen of the Township, is a native of Newfoundland, born August
COUNTY OF mDDLESEX, 853
14tli, 1843, and is of Trish-Euglisli extraction. His parents, Andrew
and Amelia (Sanniles) Heake, were born in Ireland and England
respectively. The father is now a resident of Ireland, but the mother
died in Adelaide Township in 1884. Of the six children born to this
union, Andrew S. was the second. He came to Canada in 1851, and
lived in London until 1855, when he came to Adelaide Township and
settled on Lot 23, Third Concession north of the Egremont road, where
he now has an excellent farm of 100 acres. He is Independent in his
political views, and was appointed J. P. in 1881, which position he
still holds. July, 1865, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Jane Seed, who
was born in Adelaide Township, Jan. 13, 1848, on the 2ud Concession,
north of the Egremont Koad, and her parents were pioneer settlers of
Adelaide Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Heake were born four children
— William Andrew, born April 30, 1866 ; Emily Amelia, born March
5, 1868 ; Eliza Jane, born Nov. 3, 1870, and Maiy Clara Malinda, born
Nov. 14, 1874. Mr. Heake is a member of the Euclid Lodge, No.
366, A. F. & A. M., at Strathroy, and in religious views the entire family
are Methodists.
James Healey.
James Healey, farmer and banker, is a native of Middlesex
County ; born in Adelaide Township, on the Second Concession north
of the Egremont Eoad, February 14, 1838; son of James and Rosanna
(Callahan) Healey, natives of Ireland. The father was born in 1792,
and the mother in 1812. They immigrated to Canada in 1832, located
in Adelaide Township, where they were among the first settlers. The
father died in this township in 1861, and the mother in 1888. Of
the six children born to their marriage, James Healey is the second. He
attained his growth on the farm, and at that occupation he has con-
tinued— in connection with stock raising — all his life. He was chosen
as one of five, by the Dominion Government, to represent the sheep
industry of Canada at the Philadelphia Centennial of 1876, and was
successful in securing three medals and three diplomas. In 1877 he
removed to his present place of residence, near Strathroy, and, in 1878,
he, in partnership with Edward Rowland and John Shields, engaged
in the banking business in Strathroy, under the firm name of E. Row-
land & Co., and this title still continues. In 1864 he wedded Miss
Johanna Walsh, a native of Ontario, born 1842, and to them were bom
seven children — John E., Ella, Teresa, Albert F., Alice C, Joseph P.
and Lizzie May. Mr. Healey is a Reformer in politics, and a member
of the Strathroy City Council for the past two years, and represents
the town in the County Council at the present time. He has been a
resident of Middlesex for more than half a century, and has always
been considered one of the active, enterprising men of tliis part of the
county. He and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
854 HISTORY OF THE
John Heaman.
John Heaman is a dealer in fresh and salted meats in London,
Canada, and the success wliich has attended his efforts is a good illus-
ti-ation of the possibilities of the country for a young man, whose only
capital is his pluck and energy. John Heaman is now in the prime
of life, and occupies a prominent position among the business men of
London. He was born in Dalton, Devonshire, England, February 26,
1848, and is a son of John and Maria (Pickard) Heaman, both tif
whom were born in Devonshire, Englaud, the former a carriage builder
by occupation. The subject of this biography is the eldest of their five
children, and was reared in liis native county, and at the age of eighteen
years began working at the butcher's trade, and in 1871 came to
London, where he has since made his home and has been engaged in
his present business. At the last municipal election he was chosen to
represent the First Ward in the City Council, and thus far has proven
himself a faithful public servant, and has ever had the welfare of iiis
adopted city at heart. He is now enjoying the reward of an honest
and useful citizen — the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. In
1871 he married Miss ]\Iary J. Cole, of Devonshire, Englaud, by
whom he has become the father of three children — John, Amy M. and
Charlie. Mr. Heaman is a member of the Sons of England and of the
Ancient Order of Foresters, and in religion is a member of the Metho-
dist Church.
George Heaman.
George Heaman, carriage and waggon-builder, of London. The
life of this gentleman is a good illustration of the height that can be
attained on the ladder of success by a young man of determination and
energy, and he now occupies a prominent position among the business
men of London. He was born in Dalton, Devonshire, England, May
5, 1849, and is a son of John Heaman, who was a native also of
Devonshire, and a waggon-maker by trade. He was married to Maria
Pickard, and by her became the father of five children, George being
the second of their fiituily. The latter was reared in the town of his
birth, and served a thorough apprenticeship at the waggon and carriage
trade, becoming very proficient in all its details. He immigrated to
Canada in 1871 and settled in London, but soon after went to Mem-
phis, Tennessee, where he remained three years. He then returned to
London and e.stabhshed his .present business, and since 1873 has been
closely identified with the interests of his adopted city. In municipal
affairs he has been a jironijit and active worker, and for four years
served as councillor of London East, and was deputy-reeve for one
year of Middlesex County. After that suburb became a part of the
City of London, Mr. Heaman was chosen alderman of the 5th Ward,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 855
and has since held that position, there being no more faithful guardian
of its interests. From his first settlement here he has taken a deep
interest in everything tending to the interests of London, and while
firm in his convictions and of decided opinions, his course has been so
liberal and so conservative that popularity has been almost unani-
mously awarded him. He was married in 1874 to Miss Isabella Simp-
son, a native of Scotland, by whom he has the following family : — -George,
Agnes M., Bella, and John A. The latter is the eldest of the above
family. He was educated in the Eectory street school under the charge
of Mr. Eckert, and passed an examination for admission to the Collegiate
Institute that excelled the record of any student in the Province of
Ontario, obtaining 549 per cent, out of 735.
T. J. HEARD.
T. J. Heard, stonemason and marble worker was born in Devon-
shire, England, December 10, 1853, and is the eldest of three sons and
seven daughters born to the marriage of George Heard and Grace -Johns.
He learned the stonemason's trade under the supervision of his father,
and in 1873 came to Canada and commenced working at his trade,
which has received his attention up to the present time. In 1876, in
connection with a partner, he launched in business for himself, and has
done a large portion of the flagstone work of the city. In connection
with his partner, John Matthewson, he took the contract for the
Masonic Temple, and also does a large work for the county in bridge
building. He handles the Euclin and Berne stone of Cleveland, and
also works in marble and granite. He put up the monument of Alex.
Johnson in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, and has lately put in a gang of
saws in his establishment for sawing stone. In connection with this
he keeps a wood yard, and sells all kinds of hard wood. He came to
London without means, and the prosperity he now enjoys is the result
of his own industry. He has built many of the finest buildings in
the city, and his work is strictly first-class. In October, 1881, he was
married to May Isabel Matthewson, who was born in Woodstock, and
by her has two children — Bertie M. and George F. Mr. Heard is a
member of the A. F. & A. M. and the I. 0. 0. F., also the St. George's
Society.
William H. Heard.
William H. Heard represents an establishment on which our homes
are dependent for many comforts and conveniences, as well as for their
sanitary arrangement, and is among the competent and reliable
plumbers, steam and gas-fitters of the City of London. He was born
in St. Thomas, Elgin County, Nov. 30, 1859, and until seventeen
856 HISTORY OF THE
years of age resided on a farm, then came to London and embarked on
his business career in the employ of Essex, Mun-ay & Joliffe. After
some time he entered into business on his own account, in company
with James Greenway, and remained thus associated for about a year
and a-half: then purchased his partner's interest, and has since con-
ducted the business alone under the present firm name of W. H. Heard
& Co. His business at first was very modest, but has gradually
grown in size until it has assumed its present admirable proportions.
They manufacture as well as deal in the various approved systems of
heating apparatus, and also manufacture galvanized range boilers and
stands, lead piping, electric house bells, pumps of all kinds, beer
engines, artistic gas fi.xtures, in fact many articles too numerous to
mention which are needed for the comfort and adornment of homes.
They have fitted up some of the leading buildings and handsomest
private residences of London, and their work has given the best of satis-
faction. Mr. Heard has a natural aptitude for the business, and it only
requires an inspection of his establishment to become convinced of the
methodical and systematic manner in which the business is conducted,
his stock of marble and hardwood mantels, with their necessary ac-
companiments, being especially worthy of notice. The patronage the
house enjoys is a fitting tribute to the standing of Mr. Heard as a
business man and a citizen. In Nov. 1884, he was mari'ied to Miss
May P. Bristol, of Rochester, N. Y. He is Past Master in King
Solomon's Lodge, No. 378, of the A. F. & A. M., and is a member of
St. John's Chapter, No. 3. His parents, John and Susanna G.
(Taylor) Heard, were both of English birth, and the father was a
builder and contractor by occupatiou, as well as a farmer.
M. He AWN.
M. Heaton, Manager of the Molsons Bank of London, Canada, was
born in (Gloucester, England, in December, 1844, being a son of Rev.
George Heaton, who was also born in England. The latter is a minis-
ter of the Church of England, and is residing in the County of Kent,
England. He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Wood, who is now
deceased, and by her became the father of eleven children, ten of
whom are living. Mr. Heaton, whose name heads this sketch, is their
seventh-born, and until four years of age resided in his native town.
He was then taken by his parents to London, England, where he grew
to manhood and received his education, graduating at what is now
known as St. John's College. In 1861 he came to Canada in com-
pany with his father, the latter locating at a place called Three Rivers,
where he filled a vacant pulpit for a number of years.
M. Heaton went to Chicago, 111., soon after his arrival in Canada,
and also spent some time in the West, being absent several months.
He then returned to Canada, locating at Montreal, where he entered
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 857
the Bank of Montreal as junior clerk at £50 per year. In 1870
he was promoted to accountant, and in 1876 became Inspector of
the Molsons Bank at London, but continued to live at Montreal until
1887, when he moved to London, and has since become manager of
the same. During Mr. Heaton's banking career he has never remained
more than a year in one bank, being transferred to branch banks in
different parts of the Dominion. He is a gentleman well worthy the
confidence reposed in him, and is fitted to fill any position in connec-
tion with the banking business. In 1870 he was married to Emeline
Hunter, by whom he has two children — Edith and Maud. They are
members of the Church of England, and he is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
R. Henderson.
E. Henderson, License Inspector, of London, Ont., has been a resi-
dent of London for over thirty years, and has attained a well-merited
position as a man and citizen. His birth occurred in Montreal,
Canada, January 28, 1832, he being a son of Eobert Henderson, who
was a native of Scotland. He came to Canada about 1818, and was
married to Miss Ann Ross, who died when the subject of this sketch
was a small child. The latter, after attaining a suitable age, com-
menced working at the cooper's trade, and in 1859 came to London,
and for many years was in the employ of the late Charles Hunt, as
foreman in his cooper shop. In 1876 he was appointed by the Gov-
ernment of Ontario to his present position, and has made an efficient
and faithful officer, and has won the confidence and good-will of his
fellow-men. In 1857 he mamed Miss Margaret Lees, a native of
Scotland, and by her has a family of six children— Margaret (wife of
Alex. Knox, who is in the employ of the Grand Trunk Eailroad, and
is agent at Centralia), William, Fred, Jane, Robert and Christina.
James M. Henderson.
James M. Henderson, J. P., one of the leading farmers of Adelaide
Township, is a native of County Oxford, Canada, born October 22,
1837, aud is the third son of James and Dorothy (Kinney) Hender-
son. The father was born in Ireland, and left his native country to
come to Canada in 1834, settling in County Oxford, where he died at
the unusual age of 103 years. The mother was born in 1808, and
came to Canada in 1815, and now resides in Adelaide Township with
her son James. Mr. Henderson was reared on the farm, and is at
present engaged in agricultural pursuits, though for a number of years
he carried on the carpenter business. In 1872 he purchased his present
farm, Lot 16, Third Concession, North Egremont road, which consists
858 HISTORY OF THK
of 100 acres of well-improved land. He is one of the directors of the
West Middlesex Agricultural Association. In 1862, Mr. Henderson
chose for his companion iu life Miss Bridget Burns, second daughter of
James and Marv (Dillen) Burns, who was born in Ireland in 1835,
and who bore him four children — Teresa, Sarah, James and Francis.
Mr. Henderson is Conservative in politics, or is, rather, Independent, as
he supports the one whom he considers the best man. In 1886 he
was appointed Auditor of Adelaide Township, and still holds that
position. He is a representative farmer and a member of the Catholic
Church, and is a strong Home Euler.
Thomas C. Hewitt.
Thomas C. Hewitt, president of the Globe Lightning Rod Co., was
born in Oxford County, Ontario, January 4, 1847, son of Thomas and
Mary (Cumbaugh) Hewitt, and the youngest of eight children born to
them. He was reared principally at Grimsby, and commenced iu early
life selling goods on the road. In 1878 he came to London and engaged
in the manufacture of lightning rods, all-copper cable rods. He has,
this season, from thirty-five to fifty agents on the road ; does a large
business; has superior quality of rod, and liis trade extends in all
directions from London. He has served as a member of the City
Council, and has served as chairman of the Board of Water Commis-
sioners. He is a wide-awake, stiiTing business man, and has always
made a success of whatever he has undertaken. He was married in
1870 to Miss Martha Sanford Miller, who was born in Battle Creek,
Mich. This union resulted in the birth of four children, all now living
— Jennie M., William Edgar, Thorpe T., and Mary Allen. Mr. Hewitt
is a member of the Egyptian Rite, member of the Masonic fraternity,
and also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.
ALEXANDER HILTON.
Prominent among the leading contractors and builders of Middlesex
County, and among those deserving recognition for their long residence
in this County stands the name of Alexander Hilton, who was born
in County Sussex, England, Feb. 2, 1816 ; son of Charles and Mary
Ann (Webb) Hilton, also natives of County Sussex, England. The
father was born in 1795, and the mother in 1794. They came to
Canada in 1832, settled first in tlie village of Delaware, but after a
short residence there moved to Westminster in 1836. The family
then moved to Adelaide Town.ship, and were among the first settlers
of that region. The father died in 1851, and the mother in
18S7. Of the nine children born to their union, Alexander Hilton was
the eldest. He began life for himself by farming, and followed this
U^^'i.uu; T. HI
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 859
occupation for two years, when he began clerking in a general store at
Delaware. In 1835 he began the carpenter's trade under a man by
the name of John Northwood, who was accidentally Icilled in a saw
mill at Chatham in 1840. In the spring of 18:37, Mr. Hilton went to
Detroit, where he remained for about two years, and then went to Ann
Arbor, Michigan, where he remained for about the same length
of time. He then returned to Delaware, Ont., where he lived for
several years, and then removed to a farm in Adelaide Township. In
18.57 he came to Strathroy, where he has since resided, and has canied
on the carpenter's and builder's business for the most of the time
since. He is the oldest builder in the place, and helped to erect the
first church in the village of Adelaide, the first church in the village of
Delaware, the first Presbyterian church at St. Thomas, and the first
church in Strathroy. He is a Eeformer iu politics, and in 1860 was
appointed assessor of Strathroy, and, with the exception of about four
years, has held the position ever since. He was married in 1841 to
Miss Martha Humphries of Ann Arbor, Mich. Mrs. Hilton died in
1885, leaving six children — Charlotte, Maria, Jane, Eachel, Hattie
and James. Mr. Hilton is a member of the Swedenborgian Church,
and has been a resident of Canada for fifty-six years. He is highly
respected.
George T. Eiscox.
Among those who deservedly rank with the progressive and leading
citizens of London, Ont., stands the name of the above-mentioned
gentleman. His father, Thomas Hiscox, was born at Shepton Mallet,
in Somersetshire, England, in 1811, on the farm known as Worthy
Place, and remained there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until
twenty-two years of age. He then came to the United States, landing
at New York, in company with a brother, now the Rev. Richard His-
cox, of Southport, Columbia County, N. Y. From there he removed
to St. Thomas, and soon after took an active part in the Rebellion,
early tendering two valuable horses to the Government, into whose
service he soon entered as dispatch-bearer, in company with the late
Wm. Meek. Upon the restoration of peace, he came to London and
took a contract for carrying the mail, later starting a livery stable. He
subsequently established an hotel and stable at Paris, in coiuiectiou
with his business in London ; and about this time he carried on an
extensive passenger transportation and freighting business to Suspen-
sion Bridge, over one hundred horses being used in the trade. In
addition to his other interests, Mr. Hiscox became an extensive and
successful dealer in horses, his operations in this direction reaching
over a large territory, and while thus occupied, he found time to pur-
chase real estate here and there until he was the owner of considerable
landed property, being the largest real estate owner in the city at the
860 HISTORY OF THE
time of his death ; and a marked characteristic was, he never sold any
city property. He was a man of sound judgment, in the exercise of
which he rarely erred, of acknowledged abiUty as a business man, and
devoted to his business, which he established upon a substantial basis ;
and it is worthy of remark, that his livery interests, afterwards con-
ducted by his son, were the oldest in the Dominion. Upon the com-
pletion of the railroad, he discontinued his Paris stable, and devoted
himself to farming and his real estate business, in connection with his
London stable, until 1869. January 5, 1842, Mr. Hiscox was married
to Miss Anna Knott, a native of Nottingham, England. Thomas His-
cox died October 3, 1885, leaving, besides his widow, who still survives,
two children — George T. and Elizabeth Ann, now Mrs. T. D. Hodgens.
George T. Hiscox, who has fully sustained his father's \\'ell-known
excellent business capacity, was born in London, May 6, 1849, and was
here reared and educated, growing up to a thorough knowledge of the
livery business, to which he succeeded in 1868. In his conduct of
this industry, the same characteristics which had so marked his father's
successful career were developed and manifested to an unusual degree
in the son, and, until 1887, he was numbered among the most promi-
nent and prosperous men of that caUing in the city, at the same time
caring for the large real estate interest inherited from his father. He
has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and, in 1875 was
elected Alderman, serving for seven years. During this time he
served as chairman of the principal committees, among which was
the Hospital, Park and Special Committee, and, in 1878, ran the Hos-
pital for S5,000 less than ever expended in any previous year. In
1884 he was made Chairman of the Attraction Committee of the
Western Fair Association, and, in 1885, re-elected to the same posi-
tion. He proposed and carried to successful termination the first
trotting exhibition by electric light, to the delight of thousands of
spectators, and large pecuniary profit to the Association. In 1887 he
was elected one of the Commissioners of Water- works by the largest
vote ever recorded. He was returned to the same position in 1888,
and was made Chairman of the Board, discharging the duties pertain-
ing to this position in an acceptable manner, the past year being the
most successful year, financially, in the history of the works.
Mr. Hiscox is a man of recognized public spirit, earnest in all
matters tending to the advancement of the community, and one ever
ready to lend his influence towards the development of the resources of
his city ; of broad and liberal views, he his positive in his convictions,
outspoken and fearless in expressing his opinions, but careful and
considerate of the feelings of others. In 1884 he was appointed a
Ju.stice of the Peace, and he has steadfastly refused to accept a fee for
duties pertaining to this position, believing it an honorary one, and
should be performed without money or without price. Mr. Hiscox is
the father of " Livery Eeform." A number of years ago, livery keepers
were licensed under municipal councils, which afforded them no pro-
COUNTY Of MIDDLESEX. 861
tection whatever against the unscrupulous hirer, a hvery hire being a
civil debt, Eecognizing the disadvantages of so imperfect a system,
Mr. Hiscox at once took steps towards the inauguration of a law
which, while just and equitable in principle, would afford substantial
protection to the livery-keeper. In the meantime he consulted the
late M. C. Cameron, Q. C, of Toronto, and received from that eminent
jurist an opinion, the purport of which was in substantial agreement
with the opinion entertained by Mr. Hiscox, namely, that municipal
corporations had no power to exact any fee other than the cost of the
license. A test case was made of it in the law courts, and Mr. Cam-
eron's opinion was upheld ; and a law has since been passed embody-
ing the principle and substance of the opinion of counsel ; and livery-
keepers being now licensed under the Police Commissioners, full pro-
tection is given, while every facility is afforded to collect what the
horses honestly earn. He is an excellent financier, and his connection
with the commercial affairs of London has proven of inestimable value
to those with whom he has had to do. In 1877 he was married to
Miss Sarah Eattenbury, whose father, W. Rattenbury, was the first
settler and founder of Clinton, and known as the father of Clinton.
Their three children are Ella M., Frederick J. and Sarah Josephine.
Mr. Hiscox is a member of the Masonic Order, I. 0. 0. F., Sons of
England, Foresters, St. George's Society and Knights of Pythias. Mr.
Hiscox has now retired from active life, devoting his time to his private
interest, and living quietly in the enjoyment of his family at his
attractive home, known as " Worthy Place."
William Hockin.
William Hockin was born in Cornwall, England, Jan. 6, 1819, his
parents being Thomas and Jane (Pett) Hockin, natives also of Corn-
wall. The father was a cooper by trade, and reared his son to that
business. After the latter had finished his apprenticeship he went to
Campbellford, where he was engaged in business for himself until 1853 ;
then immigi'ated to Canada, and settled at Guelph, where he conducted
the cooper's business until 1867, since which time he has made his
home in London. Soon after his arrival here he opened a shop, and
followed his chosen calling until 1886, when he became identified with
the London & Petrolea Barrel Works, in which enterprise he has met
with remarkable success. The patronage they receive throughout the
Dominion, and the satisfactory results of their efforts, warmly testify
to the ability with which the establishment is conducted by Mr.
Hockin. He is a liberal contributor and member of the Methodist
Church, of which he is also an official. While residing in his native
land he was man-ied to Miss Rebecca Saltern, who has borne him the fol-
lowing children: — Nehemiah, a merchant of Port Hope ; Margaret, wife
of T. E. Parker ; William, John and Jennie, wife of William Weir.
862 HISTORY OF THE
William, the son, is associated with his father in the Works, being fore-
man, and was born in Campbellford, England, Feb. 3, 1848, and has
worked all his life at the cooper's trade, and is an excellent judge of
timber suitable for their product. He was married to Miss Addie Ward,,
of Loudon, by whom he has one child, Gordon William.
Charles C. Hodgins.
The Hodgins family have been so closely connected with the growth
and prosperity of Biddulph Township, that it would be almost im-
possible to write a history of this part of Middlesex County without
mentioning their names. The first of the family to settle in Biddulph
Township was James, who with his wife ]Mary, immigi-ated from their
native land, Ireland, and in September, 1832,, located at this place.
Their son John was at that time about 18 years of age, having been
born in County Tipperary, Ireland. December 6, 1814. He was of great
assistance to his father in the building of a home, and with him suffered
all the hardships and privations incidental to pioneer life. After a
short time John Hodgins entered laud on his own account, which has
now been in his possession over fifty years. Upon the outbreak of the
EebelUon in 1837, he enlisted as a volunteer in Her Majesty's service,
advancing in office until he became a captain. On March 17, 186U,
his loyalty was rewarded, and he was appointed jMajor in the 6th
Battalion of Huron Militia by Her Majesty's servant, the Governor-
General. He has always been a staunch Conservative in politics ;
and, taking an active part in the advancement of Middlesex County^
served the people of Biddulph Township ten years as Reeve and
Deputy- Reeve. He also held the office of Justice of the Peace some
time. On July 16, 1841, he mamed Miss Amelia Roberts, who was
bom in Ireland, November 12, 18i!2, and in 1829 accompanied her
parents to Canada. She died August 17, 1881, having borne a family
of five sons and four daughters. Of this family, Charles C. is the
youngest son and eighth child. He was born in this Township, Septem-
ber 16, 1857, and during his youth was given the benefit of a good
education. After teaching in the public schools for eight years,
commencing that occupation at the age of twenty, he located upon the
farm where he now resides. He, like his ancestors, takes an active
interest in county and township prosperity, and in 1885 was elected
Deputy-Reeve of this Township. In 1887 he was elected Reeve,
which office he now fills. In politics he is Conservative. In Octo-
ber, 1884, he married Miss Matilda Hodgins, who is now the mother
of two children. The family worship at the Church of England.
Joseph Hook.
Among the skillful contractors and builders of London, Canada,
may be mentioned Mr. Hook, who was born in Bristol, England, June
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 863
8, 1839, being the youngest of four children born to the marriage of
Joseph Hook and Mary Burge, natives respectively of Somersetshire
and Bristol, England, the father being a shipwright by trade. Joseph,
our subject, was reared in his native city and there resided until
thirty-two years of age, learning in the meantime the carpenter's and
joiner's work. On the 7th of June, 1871, he landed in New York
City, and from that city went to Philadelphia. He immediately went
to work at his trade, and from Philadelphia went to Wayne, Penn.,
thence to Chicago, shortly after the great tire, and there remained until
the fall of 1873, when he came to Loudon and worked for William
Jeffrey for four years. In 1879 he again began doing for himself, and
has since been working on his own responsibility. In 1885-6-7 he
served as City Alderman from the Third Ward, and was Chairman of
the Board of Works in 1886, and also served two years as Superin-
tendent of the Fair Grounds. In 188-i he made a visit to his old
home in England. He is a Knight Templar in the Masonic Order,
and he has passed all the chairs of the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and
has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge. In 1856 he married Miss
Martha Cripps, who was born in Bristol. They are the parents of two
living children — Ellen and Thomas. The former is now the wife of
James Waistel, and the latter for fourteen years held a position of
Teller in the Dominion Savings and Investment Company, but now
is in business in Toronto. Joseph, another son, died at the age of
twenty-four years.
Thomas Howard.
Thomas Howard, waggon manufacturer, of London, Canada, and
one of the prominent business men and citizens of the place, was born
in Sapford, Devonshire, England, February 29, 1832, and is the son of
Philip and Mary (Rudall) Howard, both of whom were natives of the
same place as their son. The father was a blacksmith by occupation,
and died May 10, 1888, at the age of 88 years. The mother died in
1873. To their marriage were born seven children ; the subject of this
sketch being the only son now living. He learned the iDlacksmith
business under his father's instruction, and in 1856 he came to the
conclusion that he would leave the land of his birth and immigrate to>
Canada, which he did, and worked at St. Thomas and Norwich. Here
he worked as a journeyman until 1859, when he moved to No. 781
Adelaide street, London, and here established a business, which he has
since continued. He does general blacksmithing and carriage and
waggon work. He was married in 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Crocker,
who was born in Devonshire, England, and four children were the
result of this union — Francis Phillip, Charles, Thomas Barto, and
William. jNIr. Howard has served as a member of the School Board
for eleven years, and is one of the much esteemed citizens of Loudon.
He is a member of the I. O. 0. F., and St. George's Society. He is a
worthy member of the Church of England.
HISTORY OF THE
Joseph Howlett.
Hewlett, postmaster at Raper post-office, was born in Dela-
ware Township, Middlesex County, Canada, Jan. 6, 1848, son of John
and Pho?be (Schrimshaw) Howlett, and grandson of Robert and Mary
(Banwin) Howlett, both worthy people of England. John was born
in Buckinghamshire, England, September 6, 1817, and was the second
of a family of ten children born to his parents. He worked hard from
early childhood, and later, received a position with a physician by the
name of Dr. Hay ward. In 1845 he immigrated to Canada and landed
at Quebec, June 28, of the same year. Some time later he proceeded
to Fredericksburg, and, after remaining there a short time, proceeded
to Middlesex Co., where, becoming impressed with the fine appearance
of the country, he settled on his present farm, in Delaware Township,
in 1846, purchasing land at $3 per acre. At this time the country
was sparsely settled, and Mr. Howlett experienced the hardships and
privations incident to pioneer life. In 1846 he married iliss Schrim-
shaw, who bore him ten children, nine now living. She was a native
of Lincolnshire, Eng., and came with her parents to Canada in Sep-
tember, 1845. Mr. Howlett is Liberal in his politics, and he and wife
worship at the Methodist Church of Canada. They reside on their
pleasant place ten miles south-west of London, and are surrounded by
tlie comforts of Hfe. Their property is the fruits of their own personal
industry and economy. Their son Joseph remained with his parents
until twenty-one years of age, when he began farming for himself.
In 1871 he purchased a farm of fifty acres, on the 3rd Concesssion,
Lot 13, Delaware Township, where he still resides. He has since in-
creased liis farm to 175 acres, and makes a specialty of stock and
grain. In 1874 he married Miss ]\Iary J. Vanstone, a native of
Fullerton Township, County of Perth, Canada, and by this union
became the father of six children, four now living. Mr. Howlett is a
member of the Methodist Church of Canada, and is steward and
trustee of same. He has served as Collector of taxes for the Township
■of Delaware for 1887 and 1888. In 1878 he was appointed Post-
master at Raper, and still holds that position. He is Liberal in his
political views.
Robert Hueston.
Robert Hueston is the proprietor of the Bon Ton Livery Barn, at
London, Ont. One of the remarkable and distinguished characteristics
of our Western civilization is the number and prominence of com-
paratively young men in professional, official and business life. j\len
-who in older sections and under other conditions would be but enter-
ing upon the threshold of active life, are here fouud in the full meridian
of success and usefulness. The pluck so necessary for success in any
pursuit seems peculiarly a distinctive mark of the young men of this
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 8bO
county, and hence we find them well to the front in every avocation
of life. Among those who have thus run in life's battles is the subject
of this sketch, Eobert Hueston. He was born in the Township of
Nissouri and the County of Middlesex, Canada, in 1853. His father,
William Hueston, was a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and came
to Canada in about 1845. The maiden name of the mother was Miss
Mary Ann Logaa, a native of County of Middlesex, Canada, and
daughter of Eobert and Elizabeth Logan, who were early settlers of
this section of the county. Her mother is still living, and is ninety-
three years of age. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hueston, Eobert being the third child. He was reared on his father's
farm until eighteen years of age, and then learned the trade of black-
smith, becoming a thoroughly skilled workman. In 1877 he was
united in marriage to Miss Louisa Maria Eyan, who was born in Lon-
don, Out., and who is a daughter of James and Louisa M. Eyan. Mr.
and Mrs. Hueston are the parents of three sons — Frederick C, Melville
G., and Eobert W. Mr. Hueston is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, also of the I. 0. 0. F., K. of P. and I. 0. of Foresters.
Rev. Wintworth D. Hughson.
Eev. Wintworth D. Hughson, a prominent and well-known citizen,
residing on 3d Concession, Delaware Township, was born in the parish
of Springfield, Kings County, New Brunswick, November 30, 1818.
His parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Davis) Hughson, were also natives
of New Brunswick. The family comes of Irish extraction, and the
progenitors immigrated to New York, and from there to New Bruns-
wick at the close of the Eevolutionary War. Joseph Hughson was a
farmer by occupation, and it is from him that the subject of this sketch
inherited his sturdy determination of character, which has since mani-
fested itself He came to the Gore District, Hamilton, whither his
parents had immigrated, in 1830. In 1837 he enlisted in the Oxford
Battalion of volunteers. In 1839 he began his studies for the ministry,
and in 1843 was ordained a minister in the M. E. Church, by the late
Bishop John Eeynolds. October 12, 1843, he married Miss Eliza
Dobbyn, a native of Canada, born in what is now the County of Elgin,
and of Irish parentage. Of the six children born to this union, five are
now living — William A., a successful practicing physician, residing at
Sacramento, Cal. ; Francis (deceased), who was an attorney ; J. Benson,
at home ; Oscar H., in California ; Wintworth A.; and James A., who
is now in Vermillion, Dakota. In 1862, Mr. Hughson located on a
farm which he had previously purchased in Delaware Township while
traveling as an itinerant pastor in charge of the Circuit, making the
journey from parish to parish on horseback. He has served as pas-
tor of the church in Delaware Township known as Harris's Church for
some time, and is active in his ministerial duties. The family is widely
known, and is highly respected. Mr. Hughson is Conservative in
politics.
866 HISTORY OF THE
William Washington Hull.
William Washington Hull, foreman for E. Nicholson, and son of
William H. and JMarinda (Siples) Hull, was born in the Township of
Norwich, County of Oxford, Ontario, January 4, 1837. The father
was bom in New Jersey in 1812, and died May 24, 1884. The mother
was born in Canada, and died in Westminster when her son William
W. was about six years of age. He is the fourth of five children born
to his parents, three of whom are now living. He received a common
school education, and worked with his father at the carpenter trade
until twenty years of age, when he commenced business for himself
as a cabinet-maker. This he continued on his own account for eight
years, and then for the succeeding eight years he was foreman in a
cabinet shop. Since 1876 he has been in the employ of Robert
Nicholson. He came to Strathroy in 1846, has been a resident of that
village for forty-two years, and is a highly respected citizen. His
marriage to Miss Emeline Wells was solemnized in 1858, and they
have one daughter, Mrs. Ida Lawson. Mr. Hull has ten acres of valu-
able land in Strathroy and is in comfortable circumstances. He is
Liberal in his political opinions, has held the office of City Councillor,
and he and Mrs. Hull are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Charles Hunt (Deceased).
In giving a history of the men of Middlesex County who have
been prominently identified with her interests, it is essential that
honorable mention should be made of Charles Hunt, who was for
many years a well-known business man of London. He was born in
Dorsetshire, England, in 1820, and in his youth immigrated to Canada
and settled in the County of Elgin, at St. Thomas, but after a short
period moved to Windsor, where he became familiar with the details
of mercantile life. During the construction of the Great Western
Eailroad he became connected with the same, having the contract for
building the bridges and doing a portion of the grading. Impressed
with the importance of London as a manufacturing and distributing
centre, he, in 18.34, erected the City Mills, and afterwards changed his
residence to London, and became prominently identified with its
interests. In connection with his mills he was also engaged in selling
coal and wood, the latter business being the oldest established industry
of the kind in the city. He was a man who at all times took a
deep interest in every enterprise that was calculated to advance
the prosperity of the city, and was one of the best known men
in Western Ontario; and by his energy and enterprise did much to
stimulate a development of its resources. He served for some years
as President of the Ontario Loan and Debenture Society, and was also
Local Director of the Bank of British North America. He was one of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 867
the Presidents of the Gas Company for several years, being also a Direc-
tor in the Detroit & Milwaukee and Great Western Eailways. To
attempt to enumerate the enterprises with which he was actively con-
nected, or to speak at length of his many admirable traits of character,
would be impossible in the space allotted to this sketch. In every
walk in life his career was above criticism and his honor unimpeach-
able. He died in 1871, lamented by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances. His wife, whose maiden name was Emma Brewer,
was born in England.
Charles B., the eldest son, was born in Windsor, November 26,
1849, and after his father's death succeeded to the business, having
received good training under his father, with whom he had been
employed. After his brother John arrived at maturity they became
partners, and the firm has since been known as Hunt Bros., with the
exception of three years (1881-3), when the latter was absent in the
North-west. It is worthy of note that the business so successfully
established by the father has not deteriorated in the least under the
management of his sons ; but, on the contrary, has been steadily grow-
ing, and is now considered one of the prosperous enterprises of the city.
In 1888 their mill was consumed by fire, but it was speedily rebuilt
and supplied with the latest improved machinery, having now a
capacity of 200 barrels per day, the quality of their product being
unsurpassed, and commands a ready sale both at home and abroad.
The Thompson & Houston electric light plant, which was established
in 1886, was purchased the following year by the Hunt Bros., who now
operate it.
Charles Hutchinson.
Charles Hutchinson, County Crown Attorney and Clerk of the
Peace for the County of Middlesex, was born June 22, 1826, his
parents being Dr. Francis Hutchinson and Frances Losh his wife, of
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, where their son, the subject of this
notice, was born. Charles Hutchinson attended the Eoyal Gram-
mar School in Newcastle, entering about the time Judge Elliot
left, and although they were not school-fellows, yet they have
many associations in common in connection with the old school
house, long ago torn down. He came to London, Canada, in 1846, in-
tending, like most young Englishmen, to farm ; but six months'
experience was enoiigh to convince him that farming would not suit
him, and he therefore attached himself to the late H. C. E. Becher, a
barrister well known in Middlesex County, and after studying Black-
stone for five years, was admitted to the Bar (1852), and was immedi-
ately taken into partnership by Mr. Becher, his legal preceptor. This
association continued for three years, when it was dissolved by mutual
consent. Mr. Hutchinson was a Lieutenant in the first cavalry troop
organized in his neighborhood, Mr. Elvers, then of the Bank of Upper
868 HISTORY OF THE
Canada, being Captain. Mr. Hutchinson served only a short time, as
the work took too much of his time and attention, and it was a period
of profound peace. In 185S he was appointed County Crown
Attorney on the creation of the office, and succeeded Col. Askin as
Clerk of the Peace in the fall of 1869. He has been a member of the
Masonic fraternity nearly thirty-five years, and is now a member of
the Kilwinning Lodge, of London. He is a member of the Episcopal
Church, as were his progenitors, and has been twice married, first in
Detroit in 1858 to Frances M. Street, a sister of the Hon. W. P. E.
Street, Judge of the High Court of Justice. She died in 1861, and he
took for his second wife Miss Annie Johnson, daughter of Henry A.
Johnson, of the Post Office Department of London, by whom he has
six Hving children ; two children are dead. Mr. Hutchin.son is of quiet,
unassuming manners, and his true ability and worth have placed him
among the representative men of Middlesex County.
St. John Hyttenrauch.
The short sketch which here appears is that of one of the success-
ful and prominent musical directors of Ontario. He was born in the
City of Copenhagen, Denmark, Aug. 14, 1833, and is a son of Jacob
Hyttenrauch and Dorothea (Hoern) Hyttenrauch, who were both born
in the same place. They were the parents of four children, St. John
being the eldest son and second child. He was reared in his birth-
place, and at an early day manifested a talent for music, and spent his
early years in preparatory study under the careful guidance of his
father, who was a talented musical director, and at a later period
received instruction on the clarionet and piano, of the celebrated
Schieman, in the Eoyal Chapel, and was also a pupil of Nicholi Ber-
rendt. Cantor Lund was his instructor in harmony. He spent seven
years in the army, two years of this time as a volunteer, having en-
tered two years previous to the time required, and after receiving his
discharge, immigrated to Canada, in 1858, and settled in London, where
a sister had preceded him, and here he has since made his home. By
untiring eflort he has succeeded admirably in raising the standard of
music in London, and has given his whole time to musical instruction.
He organized the first military bands, the 7th Fusiliers being one, and
raised it to such a degree of perfection that its reputation excelled that
of any band in the Dominion, and it also acquired an enviable reputa-
tion in the United States. He resigned his position as Band Master
in 1874, and returned to Denmark to visit the home of his youth, and,
after his return to Canada, he resumed his musical instruction, and for
six years was the Music Master of the Hellmuth Boys' College, and held
the same position in the I'ublic Schools of London for ten years. At
the present time he is connected with the Collegiate Institute as music
master, and has been connected with the different musical societies of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. «by
London in the capacity of Conductor, particularly the London Musical
Union and the Philharmonic. In 1881 he was appointed Director of
Music in Alma College, St. Thomas. It is a noticeable fact that into
his efforts he has thrown his whole mind and soul, and, as a result, he
has succeeded wonderfully in elevating the standard of music in Lon-
don and the surrounding country, and has been an indefatigable and
tireless worker. In 1888 he was elected President of the Canadian
Society of Musicians. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and also
belongs to the Canadian and Independent Order of Foresters. In 1862
he was married to Miss Wilhelmiue Albertus, of Denmark, and a
daughter of Christian and Christine (Jloerck) Albertus, both of whom
were natives of Denmark, the former being a prominent merchant.
Mrs. Hyttenrauch was born in 1832, and in 1862 came to Canada.
She is the mother of a son and daughter — Laurards and Huldah.
William Ireland.
William Ireland, Esq., and deputy-reeve of Adelaide Township,
was born in Scotland, near Springbank, August 2, 1838, and is the son
of William and Jane (Bishop) Ireland, grandson of Bayne Ireland, and
great-grandson of William Ireland, who was born in Scotland in 1741,
and lived and died in his native country. Bayne Ireland was born in
Scotland in 1777, and died there about 90 years of age, William Ire-
land, father of subject of this sketch, was also a native of Scotland,
born in 1803, and died in Adelaide Township, Middlesex County,
Canada, in 1863. His wife was born in 1812, and died at the old
homestead in this county in 1885.
Then- son, William Irelaud, is one of a family of ten children,
seven now living. The Ireland family immigrated to Canada in 1843,
and settled in Middlesex County, Adelaide Township, on the 1st Con-
cession south of Egremont Eoad. In making the voyage across the
Atlantic, it took six weeks on the vessel California. They were among
the first settlers of Adelaide Township, and erected their little home in
the woods when the wolves were numerous and troublesome. Wil-
liam and his father in 1850 killed a bear about 100 rods from where
the present residence stands, killing him with clubs and a dog. Mr.
Ireland was a student at the old log school house of pioneer times, and
was obliged to go two miles in order to get an education. He has fol-
lowed agi'icultural pursuits all his life, and he now lives on the old
Ireland homestead, which he owns, and which consists of 100 acres of
well-improved land. Here he has resided for forty-five years. He
was married October 26, 1803, to Miss Deborah Ann Donaldson, who
was born in Ontario, County of Peterborough, May 5, 1840, and who
is the daughter of George and Mary Ann (Carroll) Donaldson, natives
of Troy, N. Y., and Ontario respectively. The former was born in
1812, and was a soldier in the Eebellion of 1837. The latter was
870 HISTORY OF THE
■bom iu 1818. To Mr. and Mrs. Ireland were born these children : —
William Allen, bom August 9, 1864; George Mars, bom November
25, 1866; Mary Ann, bom March 12, 1869; and Margaret Jane, born
April 19, 1871 ; John Donaldson Ireland, bom May 5, 1876, and died
January 12, 1882. In politics Mr. Ireland is a Eeformer, and for
twelve years has held the position of school trustee. He was assessor
of the township in 1873. In 1882 he was elected to the Township
Council, and was defeated in 188o by a majority of seven votes, but
was elected to the same position one year later, heading the polls over
twenty votes. He was elected to the same position in lcS85 and 1886,
and in 1887 was defeated by a majority of seven votes for the position
of deputy-reeve. In 1888 he was elected to that position, which he
now holds. He has been a life-long member of the Presbyterian
Church, and takes an active interest in the aflairs of the same. He
was elected an elder of the Presbyterian Church in 1866, and appointed
Justice of the Peace in 187-4. His father was a member of the Pres-
byterian Church, and the first church of that deuomination in Adelaide
Township was built on the Ireland homestead in 1847, and Rev. Wil-
liam Houden was the first pastor. Mrs. Ireland is a member of the
same church.
Richard Irvine.
Richard Irvine, who for forty-four years has been a resident of
London, was bom in Belfast, Ireland, in September, 1825, and was the
youngest in a family of eleven children. In 1841 he enlisted in the
Eoyal Artillery of the British service, and in 1842 came with his com-
mand to Quebec, where he remained for over two years. He then
came to London. He served in the artillery service seven years then,
in 1848 purchased his discharge, and afterwards became connected
with the Volunteer Artillery. In 1854 he accepted a position in the
Custom Department, and is the eldest man in point of service in Lon-
don, and perhaps in the Province of Ontario. He married Miss Helen
McLean, and they have a family of four children living, three sons and
a daughter— Alexander, Richard J., William H. and Blanche. Mr.
Irvine is a Royal Arch Mason and a Past First Principal. Alexander
Irvine, son of the above, was bom in London, September 9, 1854, and
was reared and educated in that city. He married Miss Annie Lee
in 1888, a native of Lcjndou, England. They have one daughter. He
is a member of the INIasonic Order, being not only a member of the
Blue Lodge, but the Chapter, Commaudery, Scottish Rites and Mystic
Shrine.
MiNCHiN Jackson.
Minchin Jackson, a farmer of Middlesex County, Canada, is of
Irish descent and a son of Minchin Jackson, who was a gentleman by
COUNTY^ OF IIIUDLESEX. 871
birth and a landed proprietor of Tipperary County, Ireland, his estate
being called Mount Pleasant. The family resided in England at a
remote period, but had resided at Mount Pleasant for many genera-
tions, where they were among the highly honored and prominent old
country families of the county. The arms of the Jackson family may
be blazoned as follows: — Shield, on a field argent, a chevron gules,
invected, between three eagles' heads sable, erased. Crest two lions'
paws, erased and erected, supporting the heads, and erased neck of an
Imperial or double eagle — the eagle of the German Empire. The
occurrence of this device, which is quite unusual in the heraldry of Great
Britain and Ireland, appears to suggest military service performed
in Germany by a member of the Jackson family. The motto is : —
" Haec Cffisaris ilia Jovis " — " To C?esar this belongs, and that to
Jove." Minchin Jackson, sr., lived to be seventy-two years of age,
and became the father of four children, who, like himself, were mem-
bers of the Church of England. Their names are as follows : — George,
William, Catherine and Minchin. The latter was born on the old
homestead, in Ireland, in 1812, and received an excellent English
education, but being of an enterprising and energetic disposition he, at
the age of twenty-two years, determined to seek his fortune in the
New World, and about a year and a-half after landing in Canada pur-
chashed 200 acres of land of Col. Talbot, to whom he had a letter of
mtroduction from his brother, IMajor Jackson, of the First Royals, and
as he had brought considerable money with him from his old home, he
was enabled to hire his land cleared. In 1849 he was married to Miss
Frances Errington, a daughter of Rev. Ralph and Margaret D. (Watson)
En-ington, and their union was blessed in the birth of four daughters —
Frances D., Louisa J., Letitia and Mary E.
Frances D. attended school in Newcastle, England, and was mar-
ried there to Dr. George H. Hume, by whom she has five children —
William E., Norman H., Frances E., Margaret D. and PhyUis M.
Louisa J. also attended school at Newcastle, was married to Charles
Henry Lloyd, and is residing in Ireland at Lisheen Castle. She is the
mother of seven children — Frances L., Henry M., Jane E., Cuthbert
R., George H., Harriet E. and Robert T. Charles H. Lloyd, Esq., J. P.,
County Tipperary, Ireland, was one of the landed proprietors of Ireland
summoned by the Royal Land Commissioners to attend before the
House of Lords on the land question of Ireland. He did attend.
Letitia was educated at home by her mother, and was married to
Thomas H. Shore, of Westminster Township, by whom she has six
children — Frances E. L., William H., ilary E., Charles J., Francis M.
and Arthur F. The last daughter, Mary E. Jackson, married Francis
Shore, also of Westminster Township, and their family consists of four
children — Thomas F., Henry M., John A. M. and Alfred E. Mr. and
jMrs. Jackson are the grandparents of twenty-two children, and are
earnest and consistent members of the Church of England, in which he
has been warden for many years, he being one of the founders of that
872 HISTORY OF^ THE
Church in the township. He has been a Delegate to the Provincial
Synod, and also to the Diocese and the yearly Synod, and has filled the
office of Captain of the Militia for many years. He has filled the office
of Magistrate since about 1840, and has ever taken a deep interest in
educational matters, and, in fact, has given substantial aid to all enter-
prises tending to benefit the County. He was largely instrumental in
establishing the Railroad Station at Glanworth, spending freely his
money and time, his eftbrts in this matter being greatly appreciated by
his fellow-townsmen. He is now seventy-six years of age, but retains
his mental and physical faculties to a wonderful degree, and gives
promise of spending many more years of usefulness among his friends.
Mr. Jackson's eldest brother, George Jackson, J. P., was first married
to Miss Anne Nesbit Anderson, a lady of great wealth and accompUsh-
ments, of London, England, by whom he had seven children, all of
whom have passed away. His second wife was Miss Letitia Herbert,
of Mucross, County Kerry, Ireland, a sister of Admiral Sir Thomas
Herbert, Col. Herbert and Kev. Arthur Herbert, Rector of Trelee. His
brother, William Jackson, Esq., J. P., was married to Miss Willington,
daughter of James Willington, of Castle Willington, County Tipperary,
Ireland.
Robert W. Jackson.
Robert W. Jackson, farmer, of Concession 9, Lot 21, of London
Township, was born on the farm where he now lives, October 23,
184G, and is a son of William and Margaret (Webster) Jackson, both
of whom were born in the " Emerald Isle." The paternal grandfather,
Robert Jackson, immigrated with his family to Canada in 1818, and
after a short residence in Westminster moved to London Township, and
located on Concession 7, Lot 19, where he received a free grant to 100
acres of Government land, which was very heavily covered with
timber. He was one of the first settlers of the Township, and he and
his sons cleared their farm and soon had it under good cultivation.
Here the grandparents died. William Jackson was only eight years
of age when brought to Canada, and, as the country was in a very
primitive state at that time, his early days were attended with many
hardships and privations. By his own energy and judicious manage-
ment he became the owner of a good farm, on which he died in 1876,
preceded by his wife's death several years. Seven of their nine
children are living. Their son Robert W. has resided on a farm all
his life, the greater portion of his education being secured in the schools
of London. He has held a number of offices of trust, being Deputy-
Reeve of London Township four years and school trustee twelve years.
In 1SS7 he was a candidate for M. P., his opponent being J. H.
Marshall, who was elected by a small majority. He is Steward,
Secretary and Treasurer in the Methodist Church, and is a member of
the ^lasonic Lodge, No. 20, St. Johns, of London. He resides on and
owns the old home farm, and has a beautiful, comfortable and com-
modious residence.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 873
Joseph Jeffery.
■JefTery, president of the Loan and Debenture Company,
was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, and is a son of Joseph and
Mary A. (Godbold) Jefiery, who immigi'ated to Canada in 1845, and
after some time located at Port Stanley, which was then a promising
young village. The father was not as successful in his business venture
there as he had expected to be, and he soon after moved to London,
where he engaged in the furniture manufacturing business. A few
years later he went to Victoria, British Columbia, thence to California,
where he died. Joseph Jeffery, whose name heads this sketch, was
very carefully educated in the private schools of his native town, and
in his sixteenth year came to Canada, where he followed the fortunes
of his father for a number of years. In 1865 he opened an exchange
office, dealing principally in American money, bonds, etc., but retired
after a successful business of a few years. During the late Civil War
in the United States he was given the position of U. S. Consular
Agent, which position he held during Abraham Lincoln's administra-
tion. In 1870 he was offered the position of manager of the Molsons
Bank, which position he accepted and filled for seventeen years, when
his manifold duties compelled him to retire. He is still, however,
local director of the bank. In October, 1870, he with some other
leading citizens, established the Ontario Loan and Debenture Company,
of which he was made president in 1878. He has held the office ever
since, and has ably discharged his onerous duties. He was one of the
organizers of the London Life Insurance Co. in 1874, and also holds
the position of president in this organization. He has been very suc-
cessful in his business ventures, and owing to his sound judgment on
all public matters, has won the confidence and respect of all who know
him. Mr. Jeffery is a member of the Baptist Church.
Albert 0. Jeffery, LL.B., D.C.L
Albert 0. Jeffery, LL.B., D.C.L., barrister, of London, Canada, and
native of London Township, was born on the 5th of July, 1857, being
a son of Joseph and Augusta (Haley) Jeffery, natives respectively of
Ipswich, England, and St. Andrews, New Brunswick. A sketch of
Joseph Jefiery, his father, appears above. Albert 0. Jeffery has
lived in London since the year 1858, receiving his education in the
Public Schools, supplemented by an attendance for some years at
Hellmuth College. When in his seventeenth year he began the study
of law ; was admitted as an Attorney-at-Law and Solicitor in August,
1878, and called to the Bar in November, 1878, and has since prac-
ticed his profession with marked success in the city of London. He
was appointed Notary Public the same year he was admitted to the
Bar; in 1881 formed a partnership with Judge Macmahon, and, in
874 HISTORY OF THE
1885, formed a partnership with Harris, Magee & Co., which connec-
tion lasted only a short time. He won the degree of LL.B. in the
Toronto University in 1883, and obtained the degree of B. C. L. from
the University of Trinity College in 1887, and D. C. L. in 1888. He
was elected by acclamation to the office of School Trustee in 1886, and
was ie-electe"d by a large majority in 1888, and was unanimously
elected Chairman of the Board of Education for 1889. He has
taken several degrees in the Masonic fraternity, and occupied the
chair in several of their bodies ; he also is a member of I. 0. 0. F.
He was married in 1883 to Miss Edna, daughter of the late H. A.
Baxter. He is a Director of the London Mechanics' Institute ; was
Secretary of the Middlesex Law Association from its organization in
187lt to 1885, and is now one of its Trustee Board, and its Treasurer ;
and is Solicitor for the Empire Loan Company, and also for the Ontario
Loan and Debenture Company.
Jeffery Brothers.
WilUam and James Jeffery, of the firm of Jeffery Bros., builders
and contractors, of London, Out., are the sons of Joseph and Elizabeth
(Clampittj Jeflery, both of whom were born in Devonslure, England.
Their family consisted of nine children, four of whom are living at the
present time. The family came to London, Canada, in 1850, and here
the father died in 1867, still survived by his widow. William Jeflery
was bom in London, June 7, 1859, and James's birth occurred on the
23rd of June, 1862. They served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's
trade, and in 1886 commenced taking contracts on their own account,
and are now doing a fairly profitable business. They are energetic and
entei-prising, and will without fail push their way to the front. They
are members of the Foresters. William was married in 1885 to Miss
Amelia H. Adams, a native of London ; but James is still single.
Samuel Jenkins.
Samuel Jenkins, Superintendent of the Ball Electric Light Com-
pany of London, is a native of England, born 185-4 ; son of James and
and Grace (Slemen) Jenkins, who were also natives of England. They
immigrated to Canada in 1856 and settled at Port Hope, where the
family lived for nine years. They then removed to Lindsay. Samuel
Jenkins was but two years of age when his parents immigrated to
Canada. He was reared to manhood on the farm, and when he had
attained a sufficient age he began serving an apprenticeship to the
engineer's trade, and this business he has since followed. In 1883 he
came to London, and in August, 1887, he took charge of the electric
light plant, and a more competent and painstaking machinist cannot be
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 875
found. Since his connection with the same, the result has been all
that the most exacting could require. He is a man of judgment and a
man who thoroughly comprehends his duties and their requirements.
He was married in 1880 to Miss Annie Dawson, who was a native of
Toronto. This union resulted in the birth of four children — Bertie,
Henry, Nellie and Beatrice.
John Johnstone.
John Johnstone, Reeve of the Township of Delaware, and a well-
known and prominent citizen of this Township, comes of one of the
oldest pioneer families of the county. His father, Henry Johnstone,
was a native of Scotland, who came to Canada at an early period and
located in Delaware Township, where he resided until he received his
final summons in 1878, at the age of seventy-six years. He served
many years as the Eeeve of the Township of Delaware and Justice of
the Peace, and was in every respect a prominent citizen. He was
married in his native land to Miss Mary Patterson, who came with
him to Canada, where she died about 1843. Later he married Miss
Elizabeth Gowanlock, a native of Scotland, who died in Delaware,
January, 1888. To his first marriage were born seven children, of
whom John Johnstone was the youngest. Seven children were also
born to his second marriage, three of whom are now living. John
Johnstone was born in Delaware Township, May 15, 1837, and
grew to manhood on the old homestead. In 1877 he located on
his present fine farm of 100 acres in the First Concession. He is a
great grain and stock farmer, and is a breeder of fine carriage horses.
In 1887 he was appointed Eeeve of Delaware Township, and served
ten years as Councillor of the Township. In 1876 he married Miss
Mary EHzabeth Young, a native of Caradoc Township and a grand-
daughter of the late Judge Young, the first Judge in London. To Mr.
and Mrs. Johnstone were born two sons and a daugliter. The family
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Johnstone is Con-
servative in politics.
Eenry M. Johnstone.
Prominent among the leading farmers of Delaware Township is the
the gentleman of whom this brief notice is given. He is a son of
Henry M. and Elizabeth (Gowanlock) Johnstone, both natives of
Scotland, and prominent people of Delaware Township. (For further
particulars see sketch of John Johnstone.) Henry M. Johnstone, the
subject of this sketch, was born in Delaware Township, February 2o,
1848, and remained with his parents until 1875, when he went to
California and located at San Francisco, where he remained two years.
876 HISTORY or the
In 1877 he assumed control of the home farm, where he has resided
since. The farm consists of 105 acres of well-improved land on the
First Concession, Lot 16, Delaware Township, and is an excellent stock
and grain farm. On April 23, 1879, he married Miss Elizabeth Jane
Patterson, a native of London Township, and this union resulted in
the birth of three children, one son and two daughters. Mr. Johnstone
is Conservative in his political views, and a member of the Presbyterian
Church. He is a good citizen, and is respected by all who know him.
Alexander C. Johnston.
Alexander C. Johnston, a prominent farmer of Westminster Town-
ship, is the son of George Johnston, who was a shoemaker by trade.
To the marriage of the latter were born two children — Hugh and
Alexander C. Hugh died at the age of eight years. Mrs. Johnston
died in Scotland ; and, in 1853, Mr. Johnston immigrated to Canada,
and after living several years elsewhere, in 1857 or 1858 he
moved to St. IVIarys. He here followed his trade until his death in
1878, at the age of sixty years. He was a member of the Scotch
Presbyterian Church, and an honorable, upright citizen. Alexander C.
Johnston was born* November 5, 1843, and was but two and a-half
years old when his mother died. He came with his father to this
country when about ten years of age, and in early years learned the
shoemaker's trade. He received a fair education, and was united in mar-
riage to Miss Catharine H. S. Sexton, daughter of E. and Rhoda N. J.
(Shennick) Sexton, granddaughter of Henry Shennick and great-grand-
daughter of James Shennick, who was a native of Holland, and who,
when a young man of thirty, settled in Delaware County, N. Y., and
there followed farming. He married Miss Bank, and six children were
the result — Frederick, Henry, John, Solomon, Cornelia and Mary.
In 1818, Mr. Shennick moved to Canada with his family, and settled
on the 1st Concession, north side. Lot 26, and received his deed from
the Government. He was a competent farmer, and was a member of
the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1821. His son, Henry Shen-
nick, grandfather of Mrs. Johnston, was born in Delaware County, N.
Y., and came to Westminster Township, Middlesex County, Ontario,
in 1818, in company with his father. He was born in 1788, and
was thirty years of age when he came to Canada. He settled on
200 acres of land, on Lot 28 — deed from the Crown. He married Miss
Huldah Duncombe in 1819, daughter of Thomas Duncombe, and
sister of Dr. D. C. Duncombe, one of the old physicians of the county,
and a well-known man. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Shennick were born
two children — Charles D. (who was born in 1820), and Rhoda N. J.
(who was born in 1825, and is the mother of Mrs. Johnston).
Henry Shennick was a magistrate for many years, and died in
1858. He was a Loyalist in his political views, was a man of pro-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 877
perty, and was one of the old settlers. He built the first frame house
in the county, and lived to be 70 years of age. He was scrupulously
honest, and his word was as good as his bond. His daughter, Ehoda N.
J., married E. Sexton, from New York State, and an artist by occupa-
tion. Charles D. Shenuick was a physician of note, and is now
deceased. Mr. Thomas Duncombe, father of Mrs. Henry Shennick,
was one of the leaders of the Kebellion of 1837. He was obliged to
iflee to New York State. He visited England as a reporter of the
Radicals. Dr. Duncombe died in California. Shortly after his mar-
riage, in 1869, Alexander C. Johnston settled on the old homestead,
and here he has since resided. To his marriage were horn two child-
ren— Ada and Eflie. Ada is a teacher in the Public Schools of Lon-
don, and Effie is attending school in that city. Mr. Johnston has been
quite successful in his farming interests, and is one of the repre-
sentative citizens of the county. He is an Oddfellow, is a member of
the Eoyal Arcanum, is a Reformer in politics, and is liberal in all his
views. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are members of the Presbyterian
Church, of which he is a class leader. He take an active interest in
educational work, and has been trustee of the schools.
George Pennington Jones, M. D.
The short sketch that here appears, is that of one of the reliable
and deservedly successful physicians of this portion of Ontario, whose
experience has proven him to be well qualified for the profession he
has chosen. He was born in 1845, and has always resided in Middle-
sex County, and has naturally a wide acquaintance among its inhabi-
tants. His grandfather, Thomas J. Jones, was born in London, Eng-
land, and there resided until over forty years of age, being connected
with the Bank of England. He resigned this position to engage in
ship-building, in company with John Brent, who was then mayor of
Canterbury, and after being engaged in this business for some time, he
embarked in the mercantile business. In June, 1822, he left Eng-
land for Canada, and amved in the County of Middlesex the following
year and opened a farm in London Township. He was married to
Miss Ann Attfield, also a native of London, and died in 1838, fol-
lowed by his wife in 1849. Their only surviving child, Charles J., was
born in London in 1814, and came with his parents to Canada. He
was reared on a farm, and has made agriculture his chief calling
through life, but a few years since retired from the active duties of
farm life, and is now resting from his long labors. He was married to
Miss Mary Carter, in 1843. She was born in London Township, and
is a daughter of George and Deziah Carter, the maiden name of the
latter being Pennington, and both were natives of England, and among
the earliest settlers of London Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Jones,
were born the following children : — Mary E., wife of F. A. Fitzgerald,
55
878 HISTORY OF THE
president of the Imperial Oil Co. ; George P. ; EmUy A., wife of Horace
McDougal, manager of the Dun, Wiman & Co., Mercantile Agency,
at Winnipeg ; Charles A., Dominion land surveyor ; Lucinda, wife of
S. Frank Peters, architect ; Hannah il., who died at the age of nine-
teen, and Charlotte Louisa. One child died in infancy.
G. P. Jones is their second child and eldest son. At an early day
he chose the profession of medicine as his calling through life, and
commenced his preparatory studies with Dr. S. F. Smith, of St. Marys,
Ontario. He then attended medical lectures at Harvard University,
Boston, and also attended the Jledical Department of Trinity College,
Toronto, and entered upon the active practice of his profession in 1870.
In 1883 he was appointed to the chair of Sanitary Science in the
Medical Department of the Western University, and in 1887 to tlie
chair of Obstetrics and Diseases of children. In over eighteen years of
faithful practice he has acquired an enviable reputation in his profes-
sion ; and, gifted with a natural love for science, he has not rested
contented with the learning acquired in preparatory study, but has
continually availed himself of the best opportunities offered for attain-
ing a higher plane of learning, and although a comparatively young
man, his career has met with flattering success. In 1886 he was
married to Edith Constance, daughter of Mr. Edward Whately, by
whom he has one child — Alice Hildagarde.
John and Thomas Jones.
John and Thomas Jones are carpenters and builders of the firm of
Jones Brothers, London, Ont. John Jones was born in Devonshire,
England, in April, 1852, and is the third of ten children born to
Thomas and Mary (Hill) Jones. He was reared in his native place,
and worked with his father, who was a waggon-maker. In 1872 he
immigrated to London, Ontario, and commenced working at the carpen-
ter's trade, filling the position of a journeyman until 1882, when he
formed a partnership with his brother, under the name of Jones
Brothers, and this firm has continued ever since. Mr. Jones was mar-
ried Dec. 25, 1878, to Miss Margaret Fletcher, who was born in Dub-
lin. An interesting family of four children was the result of this union.
They are named as follows: — Laura, Minnie, Frederick and John W.
Jones. Thomas Jones was born in Devonshire, England, Oct., 1859,
and after growing up came to Canada, and in 1872 worked with his
brother as journeyman until they formed a partnership in 1882. In
1S87 he chose for his companion in life Miss Frances Tranem, a
native of London, Jones Brothers are live, energetic business men,
and are doing well.
John W. Jones.
John W. Jones, Auctioneer and Commissioner, of London, Ont,
was bom in Scotland, on October 27, 1840, his parents, James and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 87&
Margaret (Nesbit) Jones, being also of Scotch birth. John W. was
reared in his native land until he had passed his fifteenth year, and in
1856 he immigrated to Canada, settling in London in 1861*. He had
learned the baker's trade in his youth, and after coming to this city
engaged in business on his own account, and after continuing very
successfully for twenty-one years, sold out, and in 1885 engaged in his
present business, his services being employed in many different points
in the United States. He is a thorough Cosmopolitan. He is a man of
unexceptionable habits, and as a citizen no less than a business man, he
has been closely identified with the city's interests for the past seven
years. He served as a member of the City Council, and as such made
an efficient and competent official, the city's interests being carefully
guarded, and by no word or action did he bring aught but credit to
those whose support placed him in this position. He also served as a
member of the School Board for three years, and since the inception
of the Canadian Loan Company he has been one of its Directors. He
was married in 1868 to Miss Jane D. Dipure, a native of Dundee,
Scotland. Mr. Jones is a Eoyal Arch Mason.
John Kay.
John Kay was born in Scotland in 1833, and is a prosperous agri-
culturist of Middlesex County, Ontario. He is the son of John Kay,
sr., and Mrs. Jane (McGregor) Kay. The father was a native of Scot-
land ; was a farmer by occupation, and to his union with Miss Mc-
Gregor were born four children — Emily, Rebecca, John, and Jane. In
1836, Mr. Kay immigrated to this township, and settled on the farm
now owned by his son John. At that time there was but a very
small clearance, and he paid between S700 and $800 for sixty acres.
Mr. Kay went to work and cleared away the heavy timber with which
it was covered, and by hard work and industry built up his present
home. John Kay, jr., was but a child of three years of age when he
came with his parents to this county. He grew to manhood in the
wilderness, and received a common school education. He followed agri-
cultural pursuits, and in 1867 was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth
Cobbins, daughter of John Cobbins and Christine James, both natives
of Scotland. Mrs. Kay was but sixteen years of age when she came
with her mother and brother to this country, her father having died iui
Scotland. She was one of thirteen children, eleven of whom lived to
be grown — John, Elspeth, Jane, William, Margaret, Alexander, Eliza-
beth, James, Archie, Daniel, and Christine. After marriage, Mr. and
Mrs. Kay settled down on the old homestead, where Mr. Kay followed
farming. He is Liberal in his political views, and he and wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kay has always been a
careful farmer, and has added fifty-seven acres to his property, so that
he now has 111 acres of land, which is pleasantly situated near Lou-
»80 mSTOEY OF THE
don. To Mr. and Mrs. Kay were bom nine children — John, Emily,
William, Elizabeth, Frank, Mary, Ada, Gordon, and Jane (who died in
infancy). Mr. Kay is a strong temperance man, and voted the Scott
law. He is an honest citizen and a prominent man.
Patrick Kelly.
Patrick Kelly, of London, Canada, was born in the City of Dublin,
Ireland, March 5, 1829, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine
(Bearney) Kelly, who were born, reared, and married in the County
of Wexford, Ireland. They were the parents of five children, the
youngest being born in the city of Dublin, and made that city their
home until their respective deaths. Their son Patrick was reared in
his native land, but received a limited early education. While in his
youth he started to learn several trades, but never served the full time
at any one of them. In 1848 he married Margaret Kinsellar, a native
of the City of Dubhn, and, in 1855, with his wife and three children,
immigrated to Canada, taking passage on board a vessel at Liverpool, and
landing at New York City after a five weeks' voyage. After visiting
with some friends in New York City for a few days, he came directly
to London, Canada, where he had a sister living, and for some time
was employed in a distillery. He then woi'ked at the carpenter's
trade for about a year, but received such meagre remuneration for his
labors that he determined to seek Dame Fortune in another locality,
and, accordingly, took a trip to Mississippi. The great civd war broke
out about this time, and he returned to Canada, and, in September,
1861, was given a position as Turnkey at the London Jail, which
position he held until July, 1883, since which time he has held the
position of Jailer. Nine children were born to his union with Miss
Kinsellar, four of whom are now living — Joseph H., Catherine (wife
of Hugh McLean), James H. and Francis. The mother of these
children died in 1881, and, three years later, Mr. Kelly married Maria
McLaughlin, a native of Ireland, but an earljr immigrant to Canada.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are members of the Catholic Church.
James Kennedy.
James Kennedy, a well-known and prominent citizen of Delaware
Township, Middlesex County, Canada, was born in that township and
county, June 5, 18(54, and is the son of Henry and Jemima (Orr)
Kennedy. The father was a native of the County of Cavan, Ireland ;
born in the year 1819, and remained on his native soil until 1857,
when he crossed the ocean and made a landing in Canada. He made
.a settlement first near St. Thomas, but later moved to Delaware Town-
ship, and died in the Village of Delaware in the year 1881. He was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 881
a well-known and prominent citizen of the county, and had served as
Councillor and other important offices. By his mamage to Miss Oit
he became the father of seven children, James being the fifth in order
of birth. He grew to manhood in his native county, and assisted his
father on the farm until the latter's death, when he began farming for
himself on the old homestead, which he now owns, and which consists
of 300 acres of fine land on the first and second Concessions. He and
family worship at the Church of England.
John Kent.
John Kent, retired farmer, was born in Staflbrdshire, England,
April 17, 1810, and is a son of John and Mary Kent, who were also
natives of Staffordshire. The father was a farmer, and owned 400
acres of land in England, but had a desire to seek his fortune elsewhere,
and in March, 1823, with his family, took passage for Canada on a
sailing vessel at Bristol, and after an eight weeks' ocean voyage, landed
at Montreal. After staying in this city for about one month, on
account of sickness in the family, they came to Simcoe, where a cousin
who had come to Canada with them purchased 200 acres of land and
located. Mr. Kent came on to the County of Middlesex in the fall of
1823, and purchased a farm of 200 acres near London. In 1825 he
purchased 200 acres of land where London West is now situated, but at
that day the country was almost a complete wilderness. He was very
fond of hxinting, and as the settler's ax was almost an unheard-of
thing in that region, game was abundant, and many were the deer and
wild game of all kinds that fell a victim of Mr. Kent's skill. He was
one of the first Justices of the Peace in the County, and died in 1859,
an earnest and consistent member of the Church of England. John
Kent, whose name heads this sketch, was thirteen years of age when
he came to Canada, and well remembers the name of the ship,
" Harding," different parts of the vessel, and the names of the captain
and mates. He assisted his father in improving the farm, and re-
mained with him until thirty years of age. He never attended school
but one day after coming to the Dominion, as the facilities for school-
ing were of the most meagre description at that day. He remembers
the first log cabin that was built in London, it being erected where the
McFarlaue House now stands, and was built in 1826. During the
Kebellion of 1837 he participated in quelling that uprising, being
stationed on the lake shore when the Battle of Windsor was fought.
A number of the enemy were taken prisoners, and Mr. Kent was
chosen to conduct them to jail at London, and stood guard over them
at the Court-house for several days. During that conflict, guns were
not to be had, and pitch-forks and other weapons of like character were
used.
After his marriage, Mr. Kent located three miles east of London,
882 HISTORY OF THE
where he purchased a farm of 150 acres, the greater portion of which
he improved by his own exertions. Here he resided until 185S, when
he moved to where he now hves, in London South, the last few years
having been spent in complete retirement from the active duties of
life. He was married in 1840 to Sarah Shoff, a native of London
Township, whose parents were early settlers of the county, and by her
is the father of two children — Elizabeth A. (wife of Dr. U. Mc Alpine)
and Malcolm J. He is Conservative politically, and has been Jus-
tice of the Peace for several years, but has never been an aspirant
for office. He is a member of the Church of England, and is the oldest
resident in the City of London or its suburbs, and lived in the first
house that was built in the township. His son, Malcolm, is Manager
of the London Loan Company, and was born in Canada in 1854. He
was educated in the Grammar and High Schools of London, winning
the Kobb Gold Medal before leaving the latter. At the age of nineteen
he began working for the Huron and Erie Loan Company, remaining
four years, and in 1877, when the London Loan Company was organiz-
ed, he became its manager. He handles §1,500,000 annually, and is
youngest bank manager in the City of London, being capable, honor-
able and courteous. He was married in 1882 to Anna L. Gibbons, a
daughter of William Gibbons, of Toronto, and a sister of George C.
Gibbons, barrister of London. Mr and Mis. Kent have two children
— John V. and Edna L. Mr. Kent gives his strict attention to busi-
ness, and has never sought publicity, although he has many times
been urged to oHer his name for difl'erent offices of a public nature.
Thomas F. Kingsmill.
Thomas F. Kingsmill, dealer in dry goods, carpets and ordered
clothing, needs no introduction to the citizens of London, for he is
recognized as a prominent business man of the city, and by his industry
and fine business ability has succeeded in establishing a large trade,
and ranks among the foremost merchants of the Dominion. His
business career has been a series of triumphs over difficulties that
would have discouraged a man of weaker nature, and his tireless energy,
unyielding perseverance, together with a fine knowledge of the neces-
sities of the public, have been the means of placing him in his present
enviable position. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, April
6, 1840, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Eraser) Kingsmill, who
were both bom in the " Emerald Isle." He served a thorough
apprenticeship at the dry goods business in his youth, and in his many
years' experience obtained that knowledge of commercial life for which
he has become famous. In 1858 he immigrated to the United States,
and after spending a short time in Savannah, Ga., came to Canada and
settled in Toronto, where he entered the employ of Murray & Co. In
1865 he was sent by this firm to manage their business in London,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 883
and subsequently engaged in business on bis own responsibility,
beginning at first on a very small scale. He increased his stock from
time to time, and now carries the most complete line of goods in the
city, his carpet and silk departments being the largest in Western
Ontario, and would reflect credit on any large city. At times in the
busy seasons the services of over 100 employes are required. Mr.
Kingsmill visits the foreign markets twice a year, and is recognized as
a shrewd and skillful buyer. His life has been one of ceaseless
activity, and he has always aided in advancing the city's interests.
His country seat, known as Belleview, comprises 200 acres of choice
land, and is one of the most attractive places in this section.
E. F. Lacey.
R. F. Lacey, manufacturer of boot and shoe uppers, of London,
Canada. In the brief sketch which here appears, will be found some
interesting facts connected with the history of Mr. Lacey, who through-
out life has pursued the even tenor of his way, and has now an
honored name among his many acquaintances. He was born in Eng-
land on the 8th of January, 1836, and is a son of Septimus and Eliza-
beth Lacey, who were also natives of England, the former a gardener
by occupation. Their family consisted of six childi'en, E. F. Lacey
being their fourth child and second son. He was reared in his native
county, and at an early age began serving an apprenticeship at the
shoemaker's trade in Somersetshire, and became thoroughly skilled in
all the details of the trade. In 1870 he came to Canada, and settled
in London, and five years later established his present business of boot
and shoe uppers, to which he has recently added leather and shoe
findings, which has been steadily increasing, until he is now considered
one of the prosperous citizens of the City of London. He served on
the School Board of London West for three years, being chairman of
the Board one year, and also served as councillor and deputy-reeve. In
January, 1888, he was elected to the office of reeve, and again in Jan-
uary, 1889. He has shown his fraternal spirit by becoming a member
of the following secret organizations : — Masons, Foresters, Ancient
Order of United Workmen, Sons of England, and Royal Arcanum.
He has always labored faithfully in the discharge of his duties and for
the welfare of his adopted city, and is now enjoying in a marked degree
the confidence and respect of his fellow-men. In 1860 he was mar-
ried to Miss Elizabeth Mary Grapes, a native of the Isle of Wight, by
whom he became the father of six children — Susie May, Frances
Louisa, and Annie Alice, who are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Lacey
lost three children by the flood of 1883. (Full particulars of this melan-
choly disaster are given elsewhere in this volume.) Those who were
drowned are: — Frederick C, aged twenty-one years; Florence M.,
aged twelve years ; and Horatio J., aged nine years.
884 HISTORY OF THE
Robert L armour.
Eobert Larmour is Assistant Superintendent Grand Trunk Railroad,
London. Permanent success in any undertaking is always regulated
by well-known causes, and no one cau hope to secure a lasting reputa-
tion with a solid foundation of success without merit. That Mr. Lar-
mour has made himself eminently successful in his chosen occupation
over thirty-two years' experience abundantly testifies, and tliis is
amply corroborated by those with whom he has long been associated.
Mr. Larmour is a native of the County of Dundas, Canada, and was born
in the year 1841. He was the fifth child born to his parents ;
was reared to farm life, and enjoyed the advantages of a good educa-
tion. He began his business experience in the railway telegraph
service in 1857, and, after passing various grades of promotion, he
was, in March, 1866, appointed Assistant Superintendent, and for
many years was stationed at Stratford. In 1886 he was changed to
London, where he has since remained. He is a man who is strictly
attentive to business, even to the most trivial details ; has the respect
of all with whom he has business, and has made a success of all his
enterprises. Mr. Larmour was married in 1867 to Miss Lizzie Gard-
ham, of Brantford, Ont. They have a family of five children. During
the Fenian raid, ]\Ir. Larmour was connected with the Grand Trunk
Brigade, and retired with the rank of Major.
Frederick Thomas Law son.
Frederick Thomas Lawson, accountant of the Canadian Bank of
Commerce at Strathroy, and whose birth occurred in Montrose, Scot-
land, Aug. 24, 1856, is the son of James and Isabella (Rolph) Lawson,
both natives of Scotland. The father was born in 1812, and the mother
in 1828. The latter died in 1881. The family immigrated to Canada,
settled at Sarnia, where they remained for some time, and then re-
moved to iMinnesota. Here they resided for a few years, and then re-
turned to Sarnia, Canada, where Frederick T. Lawson received his edu-
cation and where he began a business career at an early age, entering
the employ of Michael Fleming, a banker and broker, with whom he
remained until 1875. He then went to Toronto, and entered the em-
ploy of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, but in August of the same
year, came to Strathroy, where he has since been in the employ of
the same bank. Since 1878 he has held the position of account-
ant, and is well qualified in every respect for that position, is court-
eous and obliging, and has the entire confidence of the people. His
marriage to Miss Ida L. Hull occurred Aug. 29, 1877. She was born
in Strathroy in 1861, and is the daughter of W. W. Hull, one of the
old settlers of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Lawson were born two
children — Gwendoline R. and Roxieline E. H. Mr. Lawson is a mem-
ber of the IWasonic fraternity, is a member of the Presbyterian Church,
and is a Reformer in his political views.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 885
Eon. Elijah Leonard.
Among all classes of people there are some men who become
leaders in whatever business they are engaged, and these men are
almost invariably interested in enterprises tending to benefit the com-
munity in which they reside. Such a man is Mr. Leonard, who was
born in Syracuse, N. Y., September 10, 1814. His father, who also
bore the name of Elijah, was a native of Massachusetts, and was of
Welsh descent, his ancestors having come from Wales to America on
account of religious persecution. They settled in Taunton, Mass., in
1637. The mother's maiden name was Polly Stone, and her union
with Mr. Leonard resulted in the birth of seven children, four sons and
three daughters. Elijah, the second son, resided in his native State
until fifteen years of age and assisted his father in the foundry, the
latter being an ironmonger by occupation, which business the family
have been engaged in for 250 years. In 18.30 the father was offered
inducements to go to Upper Canada and take charge of Long Point
Furnace, and removed there with his family. In early life, Elijah, our
subject, learned the ironmonger's trade of his father, and at the age of
nineteen years was given his liberty, and, in company with W. C.
Vanbrocklin, went into business, and they established the fifth foundry
in Upper Canada, at St. Thomas, in 1834.
In 1838 he came to London, and the business which he established
was at first on a very small scale, but gradually grew until it has
assumed its present proportions. In 1857 he was a candidate for
Parliament for London, but was successfully opposed by Hon. John
Carling. He served as a member of the City Council, and in 1857
was elected Mayor of the city. In 1862 he became the candidate of
the Eeform party for the representation of the Malahide Division in
the Legislative Council, and was elected. He continued to represent
this Division until 1867, when he was appointed a Senator under the
British North American Act. He takes little part in party politics,
but his sympathies are with the Eeform party, of which he is an
influential member in the Senate. His business is left largely to the
management of his sons. Their trade extends east and west, with
agencies in Montreal, St. John, N. B., and Chatham, Ont. (Mention
is made of these works in another part of this volume.) In 1847 he
was married to Miss Emeline Woodman, of Buxton, in the State of
Maine, by whom he has two sons and two daughters — Frank E., Charles
W., Ella A. and May A., the wife of J. C, McCorkill, of Cowansville,
Province of Quebec.
George Lethbribge.
George Lethbridge, retired, and an old settler of the region, was
born in Somersetshire, England, Aug. 29, 1829 ; son of William and
886 HISTORY OF THE
Mary (Criddle) Lethbridge, who came with their family to Canada in
1843. They settled iu Southwold, Elgin County, engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits here, and here resided the remainder of their days.
George Lethbridge remained at home until of age, and, September 5,
1854, he married Miss Sarah Shepard, a native of Canada, born iu the
County of Oxford, near Ingersoll, and the daughter of Joseph and
Salome (Corey) Shepard, who emigrated from Vermont to Oxford
County prior to the Eevolutionary War. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs.
Lethbridge removed to Middlesex County, where he purchased 100
acres of land, which he afterwards increased to 220 acres. They resided
upon the farm until the spring of 1887, when they removed to the
village of Gleucoe, and have resided there ever since. They are the
parents of one child, John G., who is now farming on the homestead.
Mr. Lethbridge is Liberal in his political views ; has served as a mem-
ber of the School Board of Ekfrid ; and he and wife are respected mem-
bers of the Methodist Church, of which he is steward and trustee.
In the early days of the Township, when the facilities for the accom-
modation of the pioneer ministers were limited, they always found a
ready welcome and safe harbor under the roof of Mr. and Mrs. Leth-
bridge, and it soon became known among the ministers where to go.
]\Ir. and Mrs. Lethbridge have always remained prominent in Methodist
circles.
Robert Lewis.
Robert Lewis, manufacturer of stained glass, and dealer in wall
paper and house decorations, was born in Quebec, April 4, 1827. His
father, Alexander Lewis, was a native of Scotland, and was a member
of the celebrated 71st Highland Regiment, a regiment that has become
historic, and whose reputation is fragrant with many associations. The
mother's maiden name was Catharine Rainbow, of Dublin. Thirteen
children were born to them, and Robert is the second son and child.
He was reared in Toronto, and after leaving school served an
apprenticeship at the painting trade, and followed the same until 1852,
when he changed his residence to Simcoe, and in 1853 came to Lon-
don, where he laid the foundation for his present prosperous business,
commencing at first on a small scale and increasing from time to time
uutil it has assumed its present proportions. (A complete history of
his stained glass manufacturing will be found in another part of this
work.) In 1874, Mr. Lewis was elected a member of the Board of
Aldermen, and .served from that date until 1876. In 1878 he was
elected IMayor, and re-elected in 1879. He was one of the Water-
works Commissioners when the works were built, and saw them
completed. Mr. Lewis was married in March, 1854, to Miss Jane
Noble, a native of Ireland. Mr. Lewis is a Scottish Rite Mason, and
has held all the chairs in the Chapter, as well as all in the Blue Lodge ;
COUNIT OF MIDDLESEX. 887
he is also a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. His life
is a good illustration of wliat can be accomplished by young men of
character and determination, but a detailed account of his enterprise,
or to review even passingly his official and public life, or to speak of
his moral and social traits, would be impossible in the space allotted
to this sketch. In every walk of life his career has been above
criticism or reproach. A man of unbending honor and incorruptible
honesty, he has the respect of all who know him. He is a member of
the Methodist Church, of which he is treasurer and steward.
Feank Walder Lilley.
Frank Walder Lilley, postmaster, of London East, is a son of
Charles Lilley, who for many years has been prominently identified
with the business interests of the eastern portion of the city, and in the
following brief article will be found a sketch of his life : — Charles
■was born in London, England, December 26, 1833, his parents being
James and Caroline (Walder) Lilley, who were also born in the same
place, and became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are
living at the present time. In 1836 the family immigrated to Canada
and settled in Caledonia, where the father engaged in farming, and died
in 1858. Charles, his youngest son, was reared in Ontario, and in
early life worked as a messenger boy, and afterwards as a telegTaph
operator in Hamilton. In 1854 he came to London and engaged in
mercantile pursuits, and up to the present time has been identified
with the business interests of the city, especially the eastern portion,
where he resides. He has always been deeply interested in municipal
matters, and has served as reeve, councillor, a member of the School
Board, and the last year of the separate organization, held the position of
mayor of London East, and after the amalgamation, became a member
of the City Council as alderman from the 5th Ward. January 1,
1857, he was mamed to Miss Martha A. Eawlings, who was born in
West Wratting, Cambridgeshhe, England, and by her became the
father of three children — Charles J. D. ; Elinore E., wife of Frank
Barnard ; and Frank W. In all matters of public interest Mr. Lilley
is a man of decided opinions, but he gives every subject earnest con-
sideration. Frank W., his sou, was born in London, June 4, 1863, and
since eleven years of age, has been connected with the post-office
department. In 1877 he was appointed assistant postmaster, and in
August, 1886, was appointed postmaster, and the success with which
he has managed the office is highly complimentarj' to his ability as a
business manager. He is past-master of Corinthian Lodge, A. F. &
A. M., St. George's E. A. Chapter, and Eichard Cceur de Lion Precep-
tory, 18th degree Scottish Eite, and a member of the Mystic Shrine.
Since 1884 he has been connected with the I. 0. 0. F. In 1888 he
married Miss Eose 0' Gorman, who was born in London, and is a
daughter of Daniel O'Gorman.
888 HISTORY OF THE
John W. Lockyer.
John W. Lockyer, butcher and meat dealer at London, Ont., is a
fair example of the possibilities of this country for young men without
means or influence, but with character and determination, industry
and abUity to succeed. Mr. Lockyer, now in the prime of life, occu-
pies a favorable position among the business men of his occupation in
London. He was born in Exeter, Devonshire, England, June 26, 1846,
and his father, John Lockyer, was a native of the same place, and a
cabinet-maker by trade. The mother was Elizabeth (Baldry) Lockyer ;
was born in Twickenham, Middlesex, England. John W. Lockyer was
the second of five children born to his parents, and he remained in his
mother's birthplace until twenty years of age, after which he served an
apprenticeship at the butcher's business, which he has made his occu-
pation in life since. In 1866 he immigi-ated to America, landed in
New York, and went from there westward, working in different places
in Montana, Arkansas, California and Oregon. After an experience of
several years, which added to his already extensive experience in his
chosen calling, he came to Canada in 1875. On July 12 of the same
year, Mr. Lockyer was married to Miss Hannah Swan, of Brook Town-
ship. They have a family of seven children — Lizzie, Annie, Evaline,
Han-iet, John, William and Bertha. After coming to Canada, Mr.
Ix)ckyer farmed for two or three years, and then in 1873 he engaged
in his present business, which he has since followed with a good de-
gree of success. He came to this county without means, and what he
has accumulated is tlie result of his own industry, economy, honesty
and fair dealing, and this is evinced by the patronage he has secured
and the quantity of meat with which his market is supplied. j\Ir.
Lockyer is a member of the I. 0. of Foresters and Royal Arcanum.
Henry Dawson Long.
Henry Dawson Long is manager of the London Soap Company.
In a city like London, the diHerent lines of manufacture are many and
varied, and this is due not only to the enteiprise and energy of the
business men, but to its natural advantages. Among the enterprises
that are at the present time contributing largely to the reputation of
the city as a manufacturing centre, may be mentioned the London Soap
Company, of which Mr. H. D. Long is the manager. He has been a
resident of London since 1849, and was born in County Tipperary,
Ireland, June 20, 1828, his father being William Long, and his mother
Maiy (Eagan) Long, both of whom were natives of the same place.
He was reared in the county of his birth, and received fair educational
advantages in his boyhood days, but being of an enterprising disposi-
tion, he was not content to settle down in his native land, but deter-
mined to seek his fortune in America; and accordingly, in 1849, came
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 889
to Canada, settling in London, where he embarked on his mercantile
career as clerk in a dry goods store, and afterwards entered the employ
of Edward Adams & Co. He remained in the employ of this company
for ten years, and then became a partner in the business, and remained
connected with the house until 1884, being, no doubt, the oldest com-
mercial traveller in Ontario. The works with which he is now con-
nected were formerly owned and operated by Thomas Churcher, who
conducted the same until 1886, since which time Mr. H. D. Long has
had the management of affairs, and was sole owner until 1888, when a
joint stock company was organized, with a capital of $25,000. The
business was put under the management of Mr. H. D. Long, who has
some of the leading business men of the county associated with him,
among whom may be mentioned Hiram Walker, of Walkerville ; W. J.
Eeid, President of the Company ; J. K. Clare, and C. H. Elliott. Their
manufactory has a capacity of 500 boxes per week, and the quality of
the product is unsurpassed in the Dominion, and the patronage the
house enjoys is largely due to Mr. H. D. Long's success as a travelling
salesman. He was married in 1850 to Miss Hannah Eagan, of Gal-
way, Ireland, and their family circle consists of four children.
Jeremiah Lgughlin.
Jeremiah Loughlin, Foreman of the Car Works at London, Ont,
was born in the County of Tipperary, Ireland, in August, 1845, and
when very young was deprived of parental care by the death of both
his father and mother. When quite young, he came to Canada and
was reared at Drummondville, on the historic battle ground of Lundy's
Lane, and received his education at that place. August 11, 1862, he
entered the employ of the Great Western Railway at Hamilton, and
served a regular apprenticeship in the Car Department, and after
finishing, continued in the employ of the company until the road was
amalgamated with the Grand Trunk, and has been in the employ of
the two roads for the past twenty-seven years. In 1874 he came to
London, the Car Shops being completed at that date, and for over
seventeen years has served in the capacity of foreman, filling the
duties of this position faithfully and efficiently. After he entered the
employ of the Great Western Railway, he became identified with the
Fire Brigade, which became noted throughout Canada for its efficiency.
He has also taken an interest in military affairs. As a schoolboy he
belonged to a company organized by Captain Leonard at the time of
the Trent excitement. Upon the organization of the 13th Battalion,
the officers and privates of Nos. 5 and 7 Companies were em-
ployed on the Great Western Railway. Mr. Loughlin was a mem-
ber of No. 5 Company of this Battalion, and was in active service at
Prescott at the time of the St. Alban's raid, and spent three months at
Old Fort William. He was out with the same Battalion and engaged
890 HISTORY OF THE
in the battle of Ridgeway, being encamped in the foil of the same year
at Thorold under General Wolseley. He left the Battalion in 1868,
having held the position of sergeant for several years. He has been
twice married, first to Miss Mary Ann Moore, of New Brunswick, who
died in 1880, leaving three children — Mamie, John and Charlotte ; and
second, to Mrs. IMcKenna, of Hamilton, by whom he has two children
" ine and Irene.
William Gibson Lumley, M. D.
WiUiam Gibson Lumley, M. D., a practicing physician of Glencoe,
is a native of Canada, born in Southwold Township, Elgin County,
April 4, 1844. His father, John Lumley, was a native of Yorkshire,
England, and came with his parents to Elgin County when a child, the
Lumley family thereby being one of the earliest pioneer families of the
County. John Lumley took as his wife Miss Maria Gibson, a native
of the State of New York, born near Rochester, and who came with
her parents to Canada. Of a family of twelve children, WiUiam Gib-
son Lumley was the youngest member. At an early age he entered
the public schools of Southwold Township, and subsequently attended
the St. Thomas Grammar Schools, where he shortly afterwards began
the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. George Billington,
then at Delaware, Ont. In 1866 he entered the Medical Department
of Victoria University of Toronto, and in the spring of 1870 graduated
with honors from that institution. Immediately following his gradu-
ation he came to Glencoe, established himself in his profession, and
has built up a large and lucrative practice. He is a member of the
Provincial and Dominion Medical Associations, and for the past ten
years has served as surgeon for the Grand Trunk Railroad, and has
been Coroner of Middlesex for a number of years. On Nov. 4, 1883,
he married Miss Elizabeth T., a daughter of the late Nathaniel Currie,
Esq., ex-M. P. P. (see sketch), and to them have been born one son
and three daughters. In 1884, at the establishment of Company No.
3 of the 26th iliddlesex Battalion at Glencoe, the Doctor was ap-
pointed First Captain, which position he resigned in 1886. He has
been a member of the Public School Board, and is at present a trustee
of the High School Board. He is a prominent member of the Masonic
Order, having served as D. D, G. M. for the London District for 1885,
and is Past Master and charter member of Lome Lodge, No. 282,
Glencoe.
James S. Luney.
James S. Luney is a prosperous contractor and builder, of London,
Ont., and was born in Cornwall, England, in 1848, being the third of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 891
ten children born to the union of James Luney and Sophia Daw. He
resided in Cornwall until twenty-two years of age, and learned the
brick-mason's trade, which occupation was the chief calling of his
father and grandfather, and in 1871, determined to seek his fortune in
the New World, and accordingly immigrated to Canada, locating in
London, and began worldng at his trade. Two years later he embarked
in business on his own account, and took the contract for the Water-
loo block, on Kichmond, and also erected Knox church, the residence
of George C. Gibbons, Eeid Bros, building on Clarence, and did some
eflective work on the Asylum for the Insane, and the Medical School
building. He has had the contract awarded him for building the Pall
Mall street Methodist church, and through his industry and good
management, has acquired a comfortable competency. He is con-
sidered a skillful workman, and has the confidence and esteem of all
who know him. In 1868 he was married to Miss Mary Grace Par-
sous, a native of Devonshire, England. She died on the 29th of
December, 1887. Mr. Luney has been a member of the Methodist
Church for thirteen years.
T. H. LUS COMBE.
T. H. Luscombe, of the firm of Luscombe & Glass, barristers and
solicitors, of London, was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, England, in
1853, and is a son of Henry A. and Elizabeth (Congdon) Luscombe,
who are natives of Devonshire, and who are now residing in London,
England. The father is an artist. T. H. Luscombe was reared in
Plymouth, and received a good practical education in the Grammar
Schools. After quite an extensive trip through England, he sailed for
America, landing at Philadelphia, where he remained for a short time,
thence to New York and several other cities, and then came to Canada.
He located in Loudon in 1875, and began the study of law with Hon.
David Glass, and was admitted to the Bar in 1882. He soon after
formed a partnership with Glass & Son, which continued for some
time, and then practiced alone until November, 1886, when the firm
became Luscombe & Glass, the junior member of the firm, who was
called to the Bar in 1886, being a son of Sheriff William Glass. Mr.
Lxiscombe was married to iliss Henrietta Ellis, by whom he has one
child living named Mabel F. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and the National Union, ^lessrs. Luscombe & Glass are
the solicitors for several important iustitutions, and are acquiring an
enviable reputation among the legal fraternity of the county.
Hev. Thomas Macadam.
The Eev. Thomas Macadam, pastor of St. Andrew's Church, Strath-
roy, has only been a few years in Canada, but is abeady well known
892 HISTORY OF THE
throughout the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a distinguished
minister. He was born in the County of Aberdeen, Scotland, on July
9, 1843, and is the son of James and Margaret (Johnston) Macadam,
both deceased. Having early evinced a taste for study, he was afforded
the best facilities for obtaining a thorough education. After a pre-
liminary course at the famous Grammar School of Aberdeen, he
entered Aberdeen University in 1860, winning by competitive ex-
amination in classics a bursary of !?60 per annum, tenable for four
years, and standing next in order of merit to Professor W. Robertson
Smith, of Cambridge University, editor of the Encycloptedia Britannica.
He pursued the full course of four years in classics, mathematics,
natural sciences, logic, English literature and mental philosophy, hav-
ing as professor in the last of these departments Dr. Alexander Bain,
author of "The Senses and Intellect," "Emotions and Will," and
other standard works used in many leading institutions of learning
throughout the world. He secured a place on the honor list in
Greek and Christian Ev^idences. In 1864, Mr. Macadam entered
the Free Church Theological College in Aberdeen, where he studied
Hebrew and cognate languages, along with theology, for another
four years, gaining during this period the prize of S35 for an
essay on " The Headship of Christ," and being chosen by his
fellow-students to the highest offices in their gift, viz., the Presi-
dency of the " Free Church Students' Association," and of the Mis-
sionary Society. Receiving license to preach the Gospel, in 1868,
from the Free Church Presbytery of Aberdeen, he was immediately
called to West Calder, but declined to accept the pastorate of that
congregation, and pursued his studies for two years longer, while acting
as assistant to Eev. W. Mitchell, of Halbuni, Aberdeen, and llev. J.
Munro, Eutherglen, Glasgow. In 1870 he accepted a call to Chrys-
ton, near Glasgow, where he remained for ten years, during which,
in 1874, a remarkable revival of religion took place in the congrega-
tion. On Oct. 19, 1870, he married Miss Elizabeth Whyte, daughter
of John Whyte, Esq., of New York City, and sister of Kev. Dr.
Alexander Whyte, of Free St. George's, Edinburgh. Mrs. Macadam
died on Aug. 21, 1888. Their family consisted of — Elizabeth (born
■9th October, 1871), Margaret (born 2nd June, 1873), and Alexander
Whyte (born 22nd November, 1874, and died 18th February, 1884).
Mr. Macadam came to Canada in 1881, and having been elected
Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Strathroy, he commenced his labors
there on March 1st, 1882, and was formally inducted to pastoral
charge of the congregation by the Presbytery of London, on July 11th
of that year. Mr. Macadam is recognized as a vigorous and independ-
ent thinker, a ripe scholar, and an elegant writer, well-read in English,
French and German literature. Hitherto he has published little under
his own name; but has been an extensive contributor to the daily
press by editorials on politics and educational subjects, and by reviews
of EngUsh and German books. A small work of his on The Lord's
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 893
Supper, entitled " Master's Memorial," has received the highest praise
from literary and theological authorites, and in two years has reached
the large circulation of 1,300 copies, besides being republished in
Edinburgh. We understand he is at present engaged on a work on
"The Atonement." Mr. Macadam has had the advantage of extensive
foreign travel, and a large experience of public business. On the pass-
ing of the Scotch Education Act, in 1872, he was elected a member
of the School Board of the populous parish of Cadder, bordering on
the City of Glasgow, and served two terms of three years each, taking a
prominent share in the work of reorgain'zing the educational institu-
tions of the parish, at a cost of nearly §100,000. He was also an
active member of the Parochial and Sanitary Boards of that parish.
In his political views Mr. Macadam is a Liberal.
Colonel John Macbeth.
Col. John Macbeth, Deputy Clerk of the Crown at London, Ont.,
and was born in 1836 in the settlement of Kildonan, on the Red
Eiver, in Manitoba. His parents, George and Catherine (Sutherland)
Macbeth, were both born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, at Kildonan.
They were among the early Selkirk settlers of Manitoba, the grand-
parents being first of the early settlers there. The grandfather was
a British soldier, as were also some of the mother's people, three
of her uncles being at the battle of New Orleans. George Macbeth,
the father, was for some time in the Hudson Bay Company, and
in 1838 came with his family to Canada, via the lakes in birch
bark canoes, and located in the County of Lambton, where he died in
1852. He was quite an extensive real estate holder, owning 400 acres
of land, and was serving his township in the capacity of Pieeve at the
time of his death. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, his
wife being a member of the Presbyterian Church. His death oc-
cun-ed in 1882. They were the parents of eight children, five of whom
are living at the present time — Alexander ("residing at Port Talbot),
Col. John, Robert (residing in Pennsylvania), Isabella (widow of a Mr.
White), and Kate (residing in the County of Elgin).
Col. John Macbeth was a very small boy when he came with his
parents to Lambton County. Up to the age of fourteen years he
assisted his parents on the farm and attended school, and then entered
the law ofhce of Henry C. E. Becher, Q. C, of London, studying
with him until 1859, when he was admitted to the Bar. He im-
mediately engaged in practicing his profession, and, in 1860, was ap-
pointed to his present office, which he has filled up to the present time.
In 1854 he joined the volunteers, and the year that the Prince of
Wales made his visit to the Dominion of Canada, ]\Ir. Macbeth acted
as Captain of the Guard of Honor, and furnished the guard at the
S6
894 HISTORY OF THE
Tecumseli House during his stay. In 18(55 he entered a military
school, obtaining a first-class certificate, and attended the camps at
La Prairie and Thorold, under Colonel Wolseley, now Lord Wolse-
ley, and various camps up to the year 1878, when he resigned
his position as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Seventh Battalion, retain-
ing his rank. He was in the volunteer service nearly twenty-five
years, and no man has served his country better than Mr. Mac-
beth. The battalion was in a flourishing condition under his man-
agement, and had a celebrated brass band, which was considered
the best in Canada. In 1863 he was married to Miss Constance
Webster, of Edinburgh, Scotland, and the following are the children
born to their union : — Herbert G., a barrister, of London ; Frank I., in
Molsons Bank at Montreal ; Hugh, in the wholesale house of Birrell &
Co. ; George and Charles, in college ; and Frances, Helen and Isabella,
residing at home. Mr. Macbeth is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
Past Master of Tuscan Lodge, 32nd degree in the Scottish Eite. His
eldest brother, George, now deceased, was Lieut. -Colonel of the 25th
Battalion of Elgin, and represented that county in the old Parliament
of Canada before Confederation, and was Alderman of the City of
London at the time of his death, in 1870.
Hugh McCallum, M.D.
Hugh McCallum, M. D., was born in the County of Elgin in 1860.
His father, Alexander McCallum, was a native of Scotland, born April
22, 1810, and the mother, whose maiden name was Annie McAlpin,
■was also of Scotch birth. They were married January 22, 1841, and
to their union were born ten children, six of whom are now living —
three sons and three daughters. The father immigrated to Canada in
1831, settled in the County of Elgin, where he remained for several
years, and then went to Illinois, where he remained for about two
years. In 1841 he returned to Canada, and was here engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits for forty years. He resided on this farm previous to
coming to London.
Dr. Hugh McCallum passed his youth on a farm in Middlesex
County, and received his primary education in Westminster Township.
He is a gi'aduate of both the Western University of London and the Uni-
versity of Toronto. In 1887 he was elected to the chair of physiology
in the Western University. The year previous to this he began
practicing in London. He married Miss Annie Nattrass, who was
born in Bradford, and who is the daughter of Rev. Timothy Nattrass.
The doctor is a member of the Ontario College of Physicians and
Surgeons. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Inde-
pendent, Ancient and Canadian Order of Foresters, and surgeon of all
three orders. He is one of the prominent and rising young physicians
of the county.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 895
Mc Clary Family.
There is no name more favorably known or one with which the
interests of London are more closely connected than that of the Mc-
Clary family, for the manufactory that bears their name is the most
important industry among the many of the city, as well as Western
Ontario, and the career of this family is identified with every step of
the city's progress. Their manufactory, which at first was started on
a small scale, has grown so steadily that those who have witnessed the
progress in their business, have failed to realize its importance. The
number of men to whom it gives employment and the number of
individuals sustained by this establishment would, of itself, make a
town of no small proportions ; and the good judgment and energy
manifested in the development of this industry has stamped the
leaders thereof as men above the average. la the manufacture of
stoves and tinware their name is a familiar word throughout the
Dominion, and the quality of their product is unsurpassed. Their
manufactory is well supplied with all the latest and most approved
machinery, no expense being spared in this particular. The business
is now superintended by John McClary, who, from boyhood, has been
familiar with its details, and who has given his whole attention to its
development. No history of Middlesex county would be complete
which failed to include a sketch of the McClary family, for the senior
McClary was one of the very earliest pioneers, having come to the
county as early as 1817.
John McClary, who was the father of Peter, William, Oliver and
John McClary, was born in New Hampshire, March 18, 1784, and
was partially reared in his native State. In 1804 he moved to Penn-
sylvania, and was there married to Miss Sally Stark, who was born in
that State, March 17, 1786. and wa.s a descendant of Gen. Stark, of
Revolutionary fame. John McClary's father was the son of a Scotch-
man, who came to America long before the Revolutionary war, and the
son took part in this war, his wife being Dolly Fletcher, a daughter
of Peter and Ruth (Adams) Fletcher, the latter a niece of John Adams,
President of the United States. About 1740 the latter's grandfather,
Henry Adams, came with a family of eight sons from England to the
United States, and settled in Massachusetts. The father of John
Adams was a farmer of limited means, who managed to give John a
good collegiate education, and he was graduated from Harvard College
in 1755, after which he .spent some time in teaching a Grammar School
and in studying law, being admitted to the Bar. He soon turned his
attention to public matters, and became noted for his opposition tO'
the Stamp Act. He became the second President of the United
States, and was married to Abigail Smith in 1764. She was a daugh-
ter of a clergyman of the neighboring town of Weymouth. John
Quincy Adams was the eldest son of John Adams, and became the
sixth President of the United States. He was born July 11, 1767,,
896 HISTORY OF THE
and died in Washington, February 23, 1848. He was graduated from
Harvard College in 178JS, and in 1791 was admitted to the Bar.
He married a Miss Johnson on the 27th of July, 1797, and by her
became the father of one sou — Charles Francis Adams. The latter
died in 188(3 leaving two sons — Charles Francis and Josiah Quincy.
The former is prominently identified with the railroad interests at the
present time, and is President of the Union Pacific Railroad. John Mc-
Clary, who married Miss Sally Stark above mentioned, was a lumber
manufacturer in Peiuisylvania, and, in 1813, during the war between
Great Britain and the United States, a large cargo of his lumber was
seized and burned, which loss so crippled him, financially, that about
1817 he determined to come to Canada to see if lie could better his
fortunes. He settled iu Westminster Township, near Nilestown, and,
in connection with farming, re-engaged in the lumber business, and
here resided until his death, in 1848. He and wife became the
parents of twelve children — Dorcas (born Oct. 16, 1806, and died in
February, 1889), Daniel (born October 22, 1808, and died in infancy),
Dolly (born March 5, 1810), William (born January 16, 1812), Peter
(born April 5, 1814), Oliver (born October 31, 1816), David (born
March 24, 1820, and died at Mormon City on his way to California),
Sally (born March 7, 1822, and is now deceased), Mavia(born January
4, 1824, also deceased), Isaac (born June 26, 1826, living in Cali-
fornia), John (born January 22, 1829), and Henry (born February 20,
1831, and died August 8, 1832).
William McGlary, the eldest son, came with his parents to Canada
and spent his early life on a farm. He prepared himself for the occupa-
tion of teaching, and followed this calling for some time. In 1845 he
received a license as a Provincial Land Surveyor, and has followed this
calling for many years. Peter, the second son, was born in Pennsylvania,
Ajiril 5, 1814, and, after coming to Canada, was engaged in farming until
1878, when he retired from active life. In 1855 he was appointed Col-
lector of Inland Revenue, and continued to fill this office until 1876,
when he was superannuated and retired on a pension. He was maiTied
to Miss Clarissa Myrick, a daughter of Gardner and Elizabeth (Hall)
Myrick, and eight children was the result of their union — William
Henry (deceased), Charles, Sarah E. (wife of Jas. Gilmour), Nancy M.
{wife of Geo. Donald.son, of Buffalo, New York), John, Clara L. (wife of
Arthur W. Pritchard), and Katherine (wife of George Morehead). Mr.
McClary has held the office of Justice of the Peace for over thirty
years, and served for several yeais as either Councillor or Reeve of
Westminster Township. Oliver McClary, the third son, was reared on
the family homestead, and at an early age he commenced teaching
school, holding a Government certificate ; but, owing to impaired health,
relinquished this calling, and commenced selling goods on the road,
which occupation he followed five or six years. He then began manu-
facturing tinware, and the result of his enterprise is fully stated above.
In 1854 he married Miss Martha Coombs, who was born iu England.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 897
She died in 1871, leaving four children — Eliza (wife of John Gauld),
Louisa (wife of John M. Moore), Arthur (who married Miss Whetter),
and George. On February 3, 1881, Mr. McClary married his second
wife, Mrs. Fanny Murphy, whose maiden name was Hyde. She has
one son, Charles, by her former husband. John McClary, the next
son living, was born in Middlesex County, and spent his early days
working at the tinsmith's trade. During the early history of the gold
excitement in California, he went to the Pacific slope ; but at the end of
one year returned, and in connection with his brother Oliver began to
work at his chosen calling, and attended to the manufacturing while his
brother disposed of the wares; and this was the commencement of their
present business, which is the most important industry in London.
JMr. IVIcClary has been mamed twice, first to Miss Mary Ann Drake, a
daughter of Phineas Drake ; she died, leaving two children — Theresa
(who married W. A. Gunn, son of the late George M. Gunn) and
Beseie (wife of William M. Gartshore). He selected for his second
wife Miss Mary Pavey, a native of Devonshire, England.
George 0. McClary, Treasurer of the McClary Manufacturing Com-
pany, is the eldest son of Oliver McClary. He was born and reared
in London, and when sixteen years of age he commenced his business
life with the above company, and for eleven years has been connected
with this establishment, and in 1889 elected Treasurer of the same.
John G. McClary.
John G. McClary, another prominent farmer of Westminster Town-
ship, is the son of Peter McClary and grandson of John McClary, who
moved from Pennsylvania to Canada and settled on the 1st Con., Lot 2,
of Westminster Township, among the earliest settlers. Peter McClary
lived on the Second Concession for some time, and then moved to
London. He is a prosperous farmer, and is the owner of a large
tract of land. He is still living, is seventy-three years of age,
and has given his sons each a good farm. He has always been an
active temperance man, and is respected by all with whom he comes in
contact, fie is a man whose judgment is held in high esteem by his
fellow-men, and held the position of Keeve and Councilman for many
years. He was collector of internal revenue for twenty-three years,
took an active interest in the cause of education, and was School
Trustee for a number of years. He is a member of the Presbyterian
Church. His son John G. McClary was born on his father's farm in
184:9, and received a High School education in London. He married
Miss Matilda Norton, daughter of Frank and Catherine (Decker) Nor-
ton, and became the father of these children — Kate, Charles, Fred,
Peter, Lou and Walter. Mr. and Mrs. McClary are members of the
M. E. Church, of which Mr. McClary is steward. He is also School
Trustee, and in his political opinions is a Reformer. He is a man of
898 HISTOKY OF THE
liberal views on all important subjects. He has a good record, is aa
enterprising farmer and a good business man.
Arthur E. McClary.
Arthur E. McClary, son of Oliver McClary, was born in London,
June 6, 1863, and was reared and educated in his native city. On the
27th of November, 1884, he was married to Miss Ella Whetter, a
daughter of Francis Whetter, Esq., and by her is the father of one
child — Ella. Francis Whetter was born in Cornwall, England, in
1819 ; his parents, Eichard and Jane (Thomas) Whetter, being natives
of Cornwall and Devonshire, England, respectively. Francis was
reared in Cornwall on a farm and followed the occupation of a drover,
becoming an excellent judge of stock. In 1855 he decided to immigrate
to Canada, and after reaching this country, located in London end
began looking around for a business opening. Soon an opportunity
offered for opening a meat market, and he availed himself of this open-
ing, and for fourteen years was one of the prominent meat merchants
of the city, his former experience in purchasing stock assisting him
materially in this entei-prise. In 1856 he purchased his present farm
of thirty-three acres, and since retiring from business has been engaged
in raising thoroughbred and good graded cattle, and in this business
has been very successful. In 1855 he was man-ied to Miss Ellen
Peter, a native of Cornwall. She has ever been his confidante, adviser
and counsellor, and has proven a helpmate in every sense of the word.
They have three children — Kate (Mrs. Dodd, of Toronto), Ella (wife
of Arthur E. McClary), and Clara (at home).
Peter McCann.
Peter McCann was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1822, and two
years later was brought to Canada by his parents, who located in
London. He was educated in the old school building, which still
stands on York street, near Westminster bridge. After attaining his
majority, he took charge of the Western Hotel on Eichmond street,
with which he was connected until 1862. In 1851-2 he shared in
the speculation mania of the period, and invested largely in city lots,
but tins investment was unfortunate, for when the financial crisis of
1857 reached Canada, Mr. McCann and many others were taken
into the maelstrom. A reference to the early history of Lon-
don will show many of the various public duties performed by
this old resident ; and it is said that wherever a friend was wanted,
or an earnest eHbrt required by the village to cany out some
design of improvement, Mr. McCanu's name was mentioned and his
services called into play. This willingness on his part to do a public
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 899
or charitable act was displayed by him at an early age, and it is told
of him that in 1830 he rode from St. Thomas to Niagara Falls to
summon the priest of that parish to the bedside of a missionary father
who was dying at St. Thomas, and succeeded in his en-and. In 1862
the Western Hotel property passed out of his hands, as one of the
results of the panic of 1857. Indeed, it may be said that he lost
everything he possessed, except the regard and respect of his fellow-
citizens and the perfect health which was an hereditary legacy. He
has lived to see London grow from a small village to a city of several
thousand inhabitants, with good business blocks and handsome resi-
dences, and the almost unbroken wilderness, with a few scattered
settlers, become a country rich in fertile farms and fine homes ; and
views with pride and satisfaction the prosperity of the city and county,
and the part he has taken in the change.
Mr. McCann, in the year 1875, was appointed Fishery Inspector
by the Dominion Government, a position he still holds. He was mar-
ried in 1844 to Miss Annie Dignan, a daughter of the late Bernard
Dignan, who was one of the very early settlers of London Township.
Their union resulted in the birth of Jane (who married Charles. C.
Whateley), Amanda (now Mrs. John B. Givens), Thresa Clare (wife
of Edmund Meredith, Q. C), Bernard C. (who studied law under W.
E. Meredith, Q. C), Henrietta, Beatrice, and Han-y M. Mrs. McCann
died 21st August, 1886.
Hugh McColl
Hugh McColl, postmaster at Strathroy, was born in Ekfrid Town-
ship, County of Middlesex, Ont., and is the eldest of nine children, six
now living, born to the union of Duncan and Sarah (McTaggart) Mc-
Coll. The father was born in Scotland, in 1800, and died in Ekfrid
Township, in 1872. He was a farmer by occupation, and one of the
first settlers of Ekfrid Township, 'in this county, having immigrated
from his native land in 1831. The mother was also a native of Scot-
land, born 1812, and died in Ekfrid Townslrip in 1868. She came to
Canada in 1829, and settled in Lobo Township. Their son, Hugh
McColl, attained his gi'owth on the farm, and received the rudiments
of his education in the pubHc schools of his township, but finished at
the Normal School at Toronto. In 1855 he began teaching school, and
followed this avocation for thirteen years — nine years in Ekfrid Town-
ship, and four years in Lobo. His marriage occurred October 17,
1865, to Miss Annie M. Harris, who was born at Lobo, October 5,
1839, daughter of John and Margaret (Cutler) Harris, old settlers of
Lobo. The former died in 1872 at the age of fifty-six years, and the
latter in 1887, at the age of seventy-five years. In 1868, Mr. Mc-
Coll came to Strathroy and purchased the Strathroy Age of WUliam
Fisher Luxton, now one of the prominent men of Winnipeg. Mr.
McColl continued to pubhsh the Age until the first of April, 1876,
900 HISTORY OF THE
but previous to this, on November 1, 1875, he was appointed post-
master at Strathroy, which position he has held continuously since.
Mrs. McCoU died May 27, 1881, leaving one daughter, Maggie S.,
who was born October 24, 1874. Mr. McColl is a member of Masonic
fraternity, Beaver Lodge, No. 83, and is a charter member of Howard
Lodge, No. 58, 1. 0. 0. F. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and
has been a resident of Middlesex County for more than half a century.
Andrew Mccormick.
In sketching the life of this gentleman, it is but just to say that his
good name is above reproach, and that he has won tlie confidence and
esteem of all who know him. He was born in London, Ontario, on the
1st day of January, 1835, and he is one of the oldest male residents of
London, born within the organized limits of the city. His parents,
Andrew and Alice H. (Begg) McCormick, were both natives of
Donaghadee, County of Down, Ireland, and in 1829 immigrated to the
Dominion of Canada, and selected for their home Lot 19, North York
St., London. The father was a plasterer by trade, and after following
this calling for some years turned his attention to mercantile pursuits.
He was the first Pathmaster of the town. He was prominent in
Masonic circles, being a Royal Arch Mason and a Charter member of
St. John's, No. 3, and filled the chair of First Principal. He died on
the 20th day of July, 1860, leaving besides his widow, who still sur-
vives, three sons and one daughter — William, a resident of London ;
Thomas, in New South Wales ; Andrew, and Ann, the widow of Gilbert
Porte. Andrew, the third son and youngest child, was reared to man-
hood in his native city, and his early career was spent in his father's
store. He subsequently learned the shoemaker's trade and engaged in
the shoe business in his own name, and continued this calling until
1865, when, owing to impaired health, he abandoned this occupation,
and embarked in the grocery and provision trade, and also engaged in
buying and selling horses, and was thus engaged for several years,
doing a large business in this line. His services for years were in
frequent demand as a judge of horses at the leading fairs of the
Dominion, but he steadfastly refused to act in this capacity at home.
In all of his decisions he was accredited with impartiality, and gained
many friends and no enemies.
In municipal matters he has been prominent, having served as a
councilman, alderman, and mayor. In 1804 he was induced to accept
the nomination for councilman from the 4th Ward, and in 1866 he was
elected by acclamation alderman of the 1st Ward. In 1873 he was
elected mayor, and during his administration the fire department of the
city changed from a volunteer to a paid dejiartment, and steam engines
took the place of hand engines. During his term of office, the Huron
& Bruce Railway received its subsidy from the city, and Mr. McCor-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 901
mick was one of the active workers in the interests of the road. In
1873 the Provincial Fair was held in London, and Mr. McCormick
received a vote of thanks for his management and co-operation and its-
successful termination, the officers of the Board being Hon. David
Christie, and Hon. George Brown. The whole debt of the city was
adjusted that year. In 1875 he was made president of the Western
Fair Association, and for fourteen years he has been president of the
Ontario Mutual Fire Insurance Co. It was while he was mayor that
the land for the present park was secured. He was elected a member
of the Hospital Trust, and served as chairman of the Board. He is a
Eoyal Arch Mason, and has filled the chair of First Principal, and for
the past thirty years has been a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and has
filled all the chairs of this order.
In the space allotted in this volume, it would be impossible to give
a detailed account of his pubhc and private career, or speak at length
of his many sterling, social and business qualities. Suffice is to say,
that in everj' walk in life his career has been above criticism or
reproach. February 17, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann
E. Clegg, who was born in Chatham, Ontario, a daughter of the late
John Clegg, who was one of the early pioneers of the city. His widow
is still living and is one of the landmarks of the city, having been in
business in London longer than any other of its present residents. To
Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have been born thirteen children, ten of
whom are living — -Letitia (wife of John T. Stephenson), Charles J.,
Eobert, Andrew George, Henry K., Thomas B., Albert E, Alice A.,
Chester G., and Mary H. William J. F. died in March, 1882 ; Ernest
Alfred died in June, 1884 ; and Andrew died in 1865.
D. C. MACDONALR
D. C. Macdonald, manager of the London Mutual Insurance Com-
pany, of London, Ontario, was born in the Township of Seymour,
County of Northumberland, Canada, February 13, 1835, and is a son
of Alexander Macdonald (a nephew of Sir Archibald Campbell, the
hero of Ava, India), who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1809,
and was married in his native land to Miss Mary A. D. Cameron, of
Fort William, Inverness, Scotland. He was a lieutenant in Her
Majesty's 59th Piegiment, and after coming to Canada in 1834, settled
on a farm in the County of Northumberland, and then removed to
Grafton, near Cobourg, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, and also
operated a distillery. When the Rebellion of 1837 broke out, he was
appointed by Sir George Arthur to act as adjutant of the First Frontier
Light Infantry, and afterwards had command of the Whitby Inde-
pendent Company. Later, he commanded the colored troops of the
Province, which were disbanded in May, 1850. He then came to Lon-
don, and engaged in the real estate and insurance business, and in 1859
902 fflSTORY OF THE
organized the London Mutual Insurance, and acted as manager and
co-manager until his death, in 1879. He left two sons — A. J. B.
Macdonald and D. C, our subject. The latter received liberal educa-
tional advantages, attending school at Niagara and Port Robinson.
After studying law for some time he passed as a solicitor in 1861, but
gave his attention to insurance, and succeeded his father as manager
of the London Mutual, and no individual in London is more familiar
with the calling, or manifests a more natural aptitude for underwriting
than he. He has figured prominently in municipal affairs, and for six
years served as a member of the City Council. In 1875 he was
appointed by the Council to the position of Mayor, and was elected by
vote to the same position in 1876. He was married in 1862 to Miss
Alicia Thomson, who was born in the Township of Adelaide, County
of Middlesex, and by her has one surviving son. Mr. Macdonald is a
Mason, and is Past Master of King Solomon Lodge, No. 378.
^ L ^lGDOHf\LAD, ^
Removed his Office to Union Blocli, 185 Dundas St,
DVER E-URD'S G-UN STORE,
VITALIZED AIR USED FOR THE PAINLESS EXTRACTION OF TEETH.
Jerry McDonald.
Jerry McDonald, proprietor of the West End Hotel and Restaurant,
87-89 Dundas st., London, is a native of the County, born Feb. 5, 1856,
and is possessed of those requisites, such as pluck and energy, which
are so necessary to success in any business. He is the third of eight
children, and was reared and educated in London, and since 1877 has
been engaged in the hotel and restaurant business, having first built
and kept an hotel in London West known as the " River Side," which he
still owns. In 1884 he opened his present establishment on Dundas
St., which, under his able management, has become one of the popular
resorts of the city. He is thoroughly conversant with all the details
of the business, and his spacious dining-room is capable of seating a
COXINTY OF MIDDLESEX. 903
large number of guests, while the other rooms of the establishment are
proportionately commodious and well kept. He has several pool and
bDliard tables, and his well-appointed bar is well stocked with choice
wines, liquors and ales. His establishment is a popular resort as an
oyster house and restaurant for the ladies and gentlemen of the city,
and his luncheon department is patronized by many. Mr. McDonald
is well known and popular throughout the city, and on all sporting
matters is an excellent authority and judge.
Thomas McDonough.
Thomas McDonough, retired wholesale and retail grocer, was born
in the City of Limerick, Ireland, December 12, 1824, and is a son of
Patrick H. and Margaret jMcDonough, who were born, reared and
married in Ireland, the latter event taking place in the Church of
England in 1818. Patrick was the only son of John McDonough (who
died in 1836, at the age of ninety-three years and six months), and
came to Canada with his family in 1830, settling on a large tract of land
near Quebec, where he remained for some years and afterwards moved
to Ontario, locating on a farm in London Township. Soon after the
Eebellion of 1837 broke out, and at the first call for volunteers, he
enlisted and led a company to the front, where he remained until
peace was declared. He then returned to London, which was then
only a small village, and engaged in business, but owing to the hard-
ships and exposure which he endured while in the army at the front,
he was compelled to give up his business and retire to his farm, near
London. Here he died on the 12th of May, 1844, leaving a wife and
ten children to mourn his loss. He had uncles who preceded him to
America, but they settled in the United States, where they became
distinguished citizens. One of them entered the navy and afterwards
rose to prominence in the history of the United States as Commodore
McDonough. Thomas, whose name heads this sketch, received a good
business education in the Grammar School of London, under Wright,
Bayly and Thompson, and then remained on the old home farm until
1848, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits in London, which
occupation he followed until a short time ago. He was exceptionally
successful in his business ventures, and his many duties prevented
him from taking part in public life, although eminently fitted to fill
positions requiring marked business ability. From 1855 to 1865 he
was engaged in the mercantile business with his brother-in-law, but
afterwards he carried on the business unaided. In 1853 he became a
member of the Masonic fraternity, and throughout life has been a
staunch Conservative in his political views, taking an active part in
political campaigns and making a sturdy fight for his candidate. He
attends the Church of England, and in social as well as business life
he is very popular and successful. He is unmarried.
y04 HISTOKY OF THE
Andrew M. McEvoy.
A. M. McEvoy, Treasurer of the County of Middlesex, was born
about 1841, in County Down, Ireland, where both his parents, Dr.
William and Margaret (Miller) McEvoy, were born. The father was
a graduate of the Edinburgh Medical School, one of the leading medi-
cal institutions of Scotland, and practiced his profession in his native
county until his death, which occurred about 1842, followed by his
wife about a year later. Of their four children only two are living —
Andrew M. and Mary (wife of Hiram Miricle, residing in Wisconsin).
Those deceased are John, who, when the great civil war broke out in
the United States, joined the 4th Michigan Volunteers, and was sent
south with his regiment. He was taken prisoner at the battle of
Gettysburg, Pa , where he also received a gunshot wound in the left
arm, and was taken to the tobacco-house (Libby) prison at Kichmond,
Va., where all trace of him was lost; it is supposed he either died
or was killed. Margaret died in Wisconsin. Andrew M. McEvoy
came to Canada with his uncle in 1848, and located with him on a
farm in Lobo Township, where he grew to manhood, and received a
good English education, and, in 1869, he was elected to the Council of
Caradoc, serving until 1876, when he was appointed Clerk of that
township, and served until June, 1887, being nearly twenty years a
servant of the people. At the latter date he was appointed to his
present of&ce of County Treasurer. In 1859 he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna Northcott, a native of Caradoc.
Robert McEwen.
Eobert McEwen, another enterprising and successful farmer of
Westminster Township, was born in 1855 on the farm he now owns,
which was reclaimed from a perfectly wild forest by his father, David
McEwen, to a high state of cultivation. Robert McEwen, the grand-
father of the subject of this notice, following the footsteps of his
ancestors, took to farming, and was a tenant on Clochranhill, a small
holding belonging to the Hamiltons, of Eoselle, and across the road
from the widely-known Burns' cottage, in Ayrshire, Scotland. In
1799 he married Jane Mcll wraith (also of an Ayrshire family, who
could boast of a residence in this county, as well as an ancestry tracing
back over 700 years), and they had seven children — IMargaret, James
(writer to the Signet, Edinburgh), John festablished church minister of
the Parish of Kirkmichael), David, Robert (member, and for some
years chairman of the Stock Exchange, Manchester, England), Hugh
(agent of the Oriental Bank, Calcutta), and Janet, who all received a
thorough education in the Ayr Academy. For a number of years, and
at the time of his death, he was factor to the estate of which he was a
tenant. Upon his death the management of the farm fell to his son
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 905
David, who caiTied it on until the expiration of the lease, when he
come to Canada as early as 1834 and purchased from Colonel Talbot
200 acres in the Township of Delaware. Through some settlement
duty, claim was made against this property after considerable improve-
ments had been done. Eighteen months subsequently he was obliged
to give it up ; but not discouraged, and with a firm determination to
make himself a home with what little available means left, he again
bought, this time 100 acres in the First Concession of the Township
of Westminster. By patience, industry and careful attention, though
working against many misfortunes and striving with difficulties which
settlers in new countries of the present day know nothing, he increased
his holding to 2.30 acres, to which he gave the name of Alloway Lodge,
from his native parish in Scotland. In 1852 he was married to Martha,
the daughter of William Mcllwraith, of Penvallie, to whom were born
four children — Ellen, Robert, Jane, and a boy who died in infancy.
He died in 1879, at the age of seventy-four years. In religion he was
Presbyterian, and for over thirty years attended St. Andrew's Church,
London. He was a man of sterling qualities, and highly respected
by all who knew him.
Robert, his son, was given every advantage of obtaining an excellent
education, and, on his return from a four years' course in Scotland,
settled down to farming. He soon directed his attention more
especially to stock raising, and by his superior importations of Clydes-
dales has done much to improve the farm horses in his neighborhood.
For some j'ears he has been connected with the active militia of this
county, and now holds the responsible position of Adjutant, with the
rank of Captain. In 1888 he was married to Annie Isabel, daughter
of Thomas H. and Isabella (Robson) Brettell.
Daniel Mac fie.
The following outline, briefly narrated, is a sketch of one of Lon-
don's representative citizens — a man of recognized worth wherever
known, and whose present substantial position in life has been reached
entirely through his own perseverance. The facts connected with his
operations, therefore, and their results, show what a person of determi-
nation and good judgment can accomplish. He was born on the
Island of Bute, Frith of Clyde, West of Scotland, October 10, 1819;
son of Daniel and Isabel Macfie, nee Campbell, also of Scotch nativitj'.
The former was a cooper by trade, and devoted himself to that calling.
Daniel, the eighth child and sixth son in the family of ten children,
was reared in his native place, and in early life commenced working in
a cotton factory. Upon attaining his eighteenth year he went to Glas-
gow and entered a haberdasher warehouse, where he remained for three
years, but learning of an advance advertisement of Peter Buchanan
& Co., of that city, for a competent person to go to Canada in the capa-
906 HISTORY OF THE
city of salesman, he made applicatioa for the position, and subsequently
entered into an aiTaugement for three 3'ears, whereby his expenses to
Canada and salary were given him. In 1841 he arrived in Toronto,
where he had the choice of three positions — one in Toronto, one in
Kingston, and one in St. Thomas. Isaac Buchanan was then elected
a member of the first Parliament of the united Provinces of Quebec
and Ontario, and Peter Buchanan was his brother. Upon reaching
Toronto, he presented himself to Isaac Buchanan, and was advised by
him to enter the business of John McKay, at St. Thomas. In going
thence he passed through London for the first time— this was in 1841.
When his three years' engagement expired, he returned to London,
where he has remained ever since, and has proven of no little benefit
to the interests of the community.
In 1849 he embarked in business for himself on the corner of
Dundas and Talbot streets, and for nineteen years conducted a sub-
stantial trade at that place. In 1860 he was elected to represent his
ward in the City Council ; and, as one of the city's officials, accompanied
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to Sarnia, when he was on
a visit to this Province. In 1861, Mr. Macfie was elected by the
Council as Chainnan of the Finance Committee, and for five years
acceptably discharged the duties of that position. In the year 1866
he removed to London South. In 1867 he became a candidate for a
seat in Parliament as a Liberal, in opposition to the then member, Mr.
Crowell Willson, and made a highly complimentary contest, being
defeated by but a small vote in a very Conservative constituency. In
1871 he assisted in establishing the Dominion Savings and Investment
Society, of Loudon, and he was made its first President, continuing as
such about nine or ten years ; and upon retiring from this position he
left it in a most prosperous condition, the stock being at 25 per cent, pre-
mium. In 1885 his well-known qualifications for the position led to his
election as President of the Carling Brewing and Malting Company,
and in this capacity he proved himself to be the right man in the right
place, further adding to his reputation as a careful and successful
financier and business man. In 1845, jMr. Macfie was married to Miss
Jean McKay, sister of the late John JMcKay, Registrar of the County
of Elgin. She was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. To them were
born three children, one son and two daughters. The latter are
deceased. The son, Robert Macfie, is a prominent wholesale dealer in
hats, caps and furs, and is recognized as one of London's enterprising
business men.
James Walker Macfie.
James Walker Macfie, one of the highly respected citizens of
Ekfrid Township, was born near where he now lives, Feb. I'l, 1845;
son of Charles and Ann (Walker) Macfie, both natives of Scotland.
CODNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 907
The father was born December 14, 1810, and was married in his
native country to Miss Walker, who was born January 11, 1812.
The family came to Canada in 1844, and settled on Lot 13, Second
Concession of Ekfrid Township, where the father commenced teaching
in 184(5, and continued this occupation until 1852. He was a leading
Presbyterian, and was a Sabbath School superintendent for forty-
t\vo years. He was a most estimable man, and was respected wher-
ever known. He died May 9, 1888, and his faithful companion
preceded him to the grave April 16 of the same year. Their son,
James Walker Macfie, received a fair education, and has followed
agricultural pursuits the principal part of his hfe. In connection with
this, he also for a number of years was engaged in the dairy business,
and is now one of the stockholders of the Appin Cheese Factory. He
is the owner of a valuable farm of 220 acres, which he purchased in
1872, and wliich is situated near the village of Appin. The same year he
was united in marriage to Mrs. Jane Ann McGregor, whose maiden
name was Maitland, daughter of John Eichard and Mary (Walker)
Maitland. Miss Maitland was born in Leeds County, Ont., August
14, 1848, and by her marriage to Mr. Macfie she became the mother
of four children— Charles Maitland, John Walker, Mary Ann Maude,
and Archie William. Politically, Mr. Macfie is a pronounced Reformer.
He is an enterprising man, a popular citizen, and is a member of the
Presbyterian Church. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church,
and an amiable, intelligent woman.
Thomas McHattie.
Thomas McHattie, locomotive foreman. Grand Trunk Eailway,
London, Ont., was born in Scotland, August 8, 1854. He is a son of
George and Jane (Grant) McHattie, also natives of Scotland, who
immigrated to Canada in October, 1854, and settled in Hamilton. Our
subject attended school until about sixteen years of age, and then com-
menced working in the round-house. He next engaged in firing on a
locomotive, and afterwards was given charge of an engine. In 1886
he was promoted to the position of locomotive foreman at Palmertson,
•which he retained until appointed to his present position at London in
1889. Beginning at the lowest round in the ladder, he has successfully
passed through various promotions with much credit, and he well
merits the high compliment paid him in his last promotion. Mr. Mc-
Hattie was married in 1878 to Miss Margaret McFarlane, of Hamilton.
They have five children — Charles, George, Walter, Margaret, and John.
Mr. McHattie is a member of the Masonic Order, I. 0. 0. F., and
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
John D. McIlwain.
John D. McIlwain, superintendent of Grand Trunk Car Shops,
London, Ontario, is a native of Muskingum County, Ohio ; was born
908 HISTORY OF THE
December 11, 1842. His parents, John and Sarah (Dixon) McUwain,
were both natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared and received his
education in Cleveland, Ohio. Evincing an aptitude for railroad work,
when he had attained a suitable age, he commenced the practical part
of his education to fit him for the calling to which he has since given
his attention. In the late American Civil War he took an active part,
and served three years in the Federal Army. After leaving the array
he returned to his previous avocation at Cleveland, Ohio, where he
spent a number of years ; was also for some time at Jetfersonville,
Ind.. and was one year in Texas. All these years were spent in con-
nection with his chosen occupation. In 1881 he was called to a posi-
tion in Columbus, Ohio, as superintendent of a car manufacturing
works. In 1882 he became connected with the Grand Trunk Eail-
road. Mr. Mcllwain is a man of large experience, especially as a
railroad mechanical engineer, for one of his years, which is evinced by
the important position he is now filling. He is a man of energy and
push, and this, together with his pleasant, agreeable manner, makes
him popular with all with whom he comes in contact.
Feter Paul McKellar.
Peter Paul McKellar, a skillful and successful blacksmith of
Middlesex County, Out., was born in Lobo Township, on the 17th of
August, 1840, his parents, Peter and Mary (Paul) McKellar, being
natives of Argyleshire, Scotland. Peter Paul McKellar is one of their
nine children, and was reared on a farm in Lobo Township, where he
^Iso learned the occupation of blacksmithing, becoming well versed in
all the details of the business, and has followed this occupation with
fair success up to the present time. He has been seven years a
volunteer, and previous to 1866 and part of 1875 he served six
months in barracks and frontier duty. In the year 1866 he was
united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Graham, by whom he
has become the father of five children, whose names are as follows : —
Argus Peter, ilalcomb A., ]\Iary Catherine, Archibald D. and William
J. Mr. McKellar is highly esteemed by all who know him, and is
ever ready to assist all worthy enterprises with both money and influ-
ence. He has shown his brotherly spirit by becoming a member of
the Orange order.
A. McKellar.
Among the representative and energetic business men of Glencoe
is the one of whom this notice is given, and who is one of the leading
merchants of the place. Mr. McKellar is a native of Middlesex
County, having been born in Mosa Township, July 14, 1850. His
BY THE RIVER.
COUNTY OF mCDLESEX. 911
parents, Malcolm and Catharine (Leitch) McKellar, were worthy people
of Argyleshire, Scotland, and are known as pioneer settlers of Mosa
Township, having immigi'ated there prior to their marriage. Their sou,
A. McKellar, remained with his parents and assisted in the duties on
the farm nntil he had attained his eighteenth year. He had early in
life experienced a fondness for mercantile pursuits, and at the afore-
mentioned age he came to Glencoe and began clerking in the store of
Donald McKae, with whom he remained four years. In 1873 he
established himself in business, and now has the largest grocery trade
in the village. The same year, being in immediate need of more
room for his large and constantly increasing business, he erected the
fine double brick store occupied by himself below, with the assembly
halls of the A. 0. U. W., the I. 0. F. and the L. 0. Lodges above, of all
of which he is a member. In 1873 he M^as united in marriage to Miss
Isabella McFarlane, and their union has been blessed by six sons and
two daughters. Mrs. McKellar is a native of Glencoe and a descend-
ant of one of the pioneer families of this region. Her father, Donald
McFarlane, served as the first assessor of Ekfrid Township. Mr. and
Mrs. McKellar worship at the Presbyterian Church, and are held in
high esteem by all who know them.
D. G. Mackenzie.
D. G. Mackenzie, Clerk of the County of Middlesex, Ont., is a
native of London Town.ship, born on the 28th of December, 1833, and
is a son of Duncan and Margaret (Bartley) Mackenzie, both natives of
Inverness, Scotland. The father joined the army when quite young,
and served until the battle of Waterloo, and in 1817 came with his
family to Canada, their first child (Ann by name) being born on their
journey thither. They located in London Township, where the father
got a free grant of 800 acres of land, which was heavily covered with
timber. He was the first permanent settler of the township, the rest
of the inhabitants being Indians. He was afterwards compelled to
give up 600 acres of his land to the incoming settlers, but continued
to reside on his 200-acre farm until his death in 1876, in his 88th
year. His wife died two years later, in her S-lth year. Five of their
twelve children are living — Mary (wife of Alexander JIacdonald),
Isabella (wife of the late Alexander Patterson), Sarah (wife of Dr.
Hoar, of Strathroy), D. G., and John A., (who is now County Judge of
the County of Lambton). D, G. Mackenzie was educated in the com-
mon schools, and up to the time of his election to his present office, irb
1873, was engaged in tilling the soil. He still resides on the farm at
Hyde Park, London Township, where he owns the old homestead. He
was united in marriage, in 1868, to Miss Mary J. Hoar, a daughter of
John Hoar, of Adelaide, Ont., by whom he has three children — Annie;.
George and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie are members of the-
57
912 HISTORY OF THE
Presbyterian Church, aud he holds a captain's commission in the
Sedentary Militia.
Donald McKenzie.
Donald McKenzie, boot aud shoe dealer, and one of the oldest
residents of Parkhill, was born in North Uist, Inverness-shire, Scotland,
in 1836, and is a son of Alexander and Janet (McKarry) McKenzie,
who immigrated to Canada in 1849, and immediately located in Mc-
Gillivray Township, Middlesex County, where they passed the re-
mainder of their lives. The father died at the advanced age of 95,
and the mother was 75 years old at the time of her death. Mr. Mc-
Kenzie was a member of a sturdy Scotch family, and was of great
assistance in the upbuilding of the country in which he lived. Of a
family of eight children, Donald McKenzie is the seventh, and at the
age of sixteen he began to serve an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's
trade, working at the bench in Loudon, Out. After completing his
trade he established himself iu busiuess at Nairn, where he remained
fourteen years, at the expiration of which time he removed his busi-
ness to Parkhill, where he has the largest stock of boots and shoes
outside of London, in the county. June 19, 1862, he married Miss
Sarah McDonald, a native of Scotland, who came to Canada about
1851. Mrs. McKenzie has borne five sons and one daughter, of whom
all are living save one son. January 29, 1888, Mr. McKenzie was
half a century old. Himself and family belong to the Presbyterian
Church, in which he is an elder. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.,
being a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 90, and is also a member of the
Blue Lodge in Masonry.
Dr. a. MacLaren.
Dr. A. MacLaren began the practice of medicine in Delaware in
April, 1873. He is a graduate of Trinity Medical School, Toronto, and
a Canadian by birth. He has established a large and lucrative prac-
tice, and is deservedly a very popular man.
James and John McMartin.
James and John McI\Iartin, proprietors of the City Hotel, London,
are the sous of Peter McMartin, a native of the town of Cornwall,
County of Glengary, Canada, whose ancestors resided iu the Highlands
of Scotland, Their mother was formerly j\Iiss Lucy Kandall, of Cale-
donia, whose uncle, during the Eebellion of 1837, was obliged to leave
the country for a time, owing to the character of his utterances in his
COUNTY OF mDDLESEX. 913
newspaper, which he then edited at Hamilton. Peter McMartin came
to London in 1839, and at first secured a position as dry goods clerk ;
but later engaged in that business for himself, though he subsequently
met with severe reverses from having endorsed the paper of friends
who failed in business. Succeeding this, he moved into London Town-
ship, near the city, where he conducted an hotel for several years, at the
expiration of which time he returned to London and soon took charge
of the City Hotel, which he conducted successfully until his death,
which occurred in 1875. His widow still survives him, and resides on
her farm near the city. He left the following children : — Lizzie (wife
of George McNab), James, John, Etta, Robert, Duncan, Aggie (wife of
Daniel Burn), George, Clara and Edward. After the death of the
father, the hotel was conducted in the interests of the mother by James
and John until the expiration of the lease, when they purchased the
property, and have since conducted it in a highly creditable manner.
There is no better hotel in the Dominion at the price, and the success
with which the brothers have managed it amply testifies to their fit-
ness for the business. The house has a large, paying and permanent
John McPherson.
John McPherson, one of the leading agriculturists of Lobo Town-
ship, is nicely located in a fine brick residence one mile north of Pop-
lar Hill Village. He was born in this Township, Oct. 31, 1844, and is
the son of Alexander and Mary (Zavitz) McPherson. The mother was
the first white cliild born north of Bear Creek. Alexander McPherson
was but fifteen years old when he came to Canada from Scotland with
his father, Hugh McPherson, who was one of the first settlers of Lobo
Township. Alexander McPherson was a successful farmer, and by his
industry and good management became the owner of 300 acres of the
very best land in the county. He reared an interesting family of five
children, and died in 1867, his life's companion having departed this life
fourteen years prior to his death. Their son, John McPherson, attained
his growth in his native county, and in 1870 was united in marriage
to Miss Ellen Moore, of East Williams, and the daughter of Dugal and
Jeanette Moore, both of whom were natives of Scotland and pioneers
of Middlesex County. The first land bought by the subject of this
sketch was 100 acres on Concession 10, Lot 1, which was owned
originally by his grandfather. He received from his father's estate the
farm on which he is so nicely located, and to this he has added 100
acres in Lot 5, Concession 10. Mr. McPherson is one of the leading
farmers of Lobo Township, and, indeed, of Middlesex County. His
well-kept farm and the quality of his products attest his ability as a
true tiller of the soil. He has been a delegate from West Middlesex
to the Western Fair and Provincial Exhibition ; is at present Justice
914 HISTORY OF THE
of the Peace, and has been Township Auditor for thirteen years in
succession. He is Director of the West Middlesex Agricultural
Society, and served as its President for one year. Both he and his
estimable lady are members of the Baptist Church, and are the parents
of three children — Jliunie, who is an accomplished musician and artist ;
Emma and William A. Politically, Mr. McPherson is a Reformer, and
an active advocate of the principles of his party. He is a member of
the Canadian Order of Foresters, and is highly respected and esteemed
by all who know him.
DuGALD Mcpherson.
Dugald McPherson, one of the largest land-holders of Middlesex
County, is of Scotch descent, his ancestors being members of the Clan
McPherson of the Scottish Highlands. The great-grandfather moved
from County Inverness, the original home of the McPhersons, and
settled in Argyleshire, Scotland, where he married a Miss Mary Camp-
bell. Their son, Hugh IMcPherson, was there born and spent his life,
his occupation being that of a shepherd in the service of John Camp-
bell, of Lochead. He was married to Jeanette McNabb, Duncan Mc-
Pherson being one of their children. The latter was born near Loch
Gilpherd, in 1792, and was also a shepherd by occupation, and after
reaching manhood was married to Mary Black, a daughter of Archibald
and Sarah (Lamond) Black, by whom he became the father of eight
children— Archibald, Catherine, Hugh, John, Donald, Malcolm, Dugald
and Ann.
In 1847, Mr. McPherson immigi'ated with his family to Canada,
settling in Westminster Township, Middlesex County, on a farm of
200 acres, a portion of which was cleared, and from time to time con-
tinued to add to his land, until he became the owner of 610 acres of
valuable land, purchasing the Labatt property, which adjoined his
farm, in 1848. He also dealt largely in cattle, and being very indus-
trious and a shrewd business manager, he became a wealthy citizen.
He and wife were members of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, he
being an elder in the same for fifty years, and was one of the founders
of that church in Westminster Township. He was a thorough Scotch-
man, a man of fine character, beloved and respected by all who knew
him, and was exceptionally intelligent and well-informed. His son
Dugald, the subject of this biogi'aphy, was born in Argyleshire, Scot-
land, in 1828, and was a young man, twenty years of age, when he
came to Canada. He assisted his father in building up their home, and
was married about 1858 to Miss Barbara Buchanan, a daughter of
William and Mary (Sinclair) Buchanan, who were also early settlers
of the township, from Argyleshire, Scotland. Ten children were born
to the union of Mr. and Mrs. McPherson, their names being : — William,
Mary (who died at the age of twenty), Kate, Duncan, Malcolm, Mina,
COUNIT OF MIDDLESEX. 915
Louie Bell, Ada F., Norman A. and Douglass. After their marriage,
Mr. and ]\Irs. McPherson settled on the old homestead, where they
have since lived, and now own 400 acres of fine farming land, Mr. Mc-
Pherson being one of the representative farmers of the county. He is
an extensive raiser and dealer in cattle, and is well known throughout
the county. He and wife are members of the Scotch Presbyterian
Church, and he has held the office of Township Auditor for many
years, and is Ensign in the County Militia. He has always taken a
deep interest in the cause of education, having been School Trustee for
many years, and throughout his walk through life he has been a
worthy representative of the sturdy race of people from which he
sprung.
George J. Mahler.
George J. Mahler, a prosperous, enterprising farmer of Delaware
Township, and a first-class carpenter and builder by trade, was born in
Alsace, when a part of France, October 7, 1S34, and is the son of Jacob
and Margaret (Martin) Maliler. In 1852, George J. left the home
roof and immigrated to America, where he spent some time in travelling
over the country. In 1866 he came to Canada, found his way to
Middlesex Conuty, and located in Delaware Township. He had
learned the carpenter and builder's trade in his native country, and
followed the same for some time after coming to Canada. He then
purchased a fine farm one and a-half miles from the Village of Dela-
ware, where he located, and where he is now living. In 1857 he
chose for his companion in life JVliss Margaret Buntner, a native of
Germany, who came to Canada with her parents when but a child.
This union was blessed by the birth of nine children, seven sons and
two daughters, Mr. Mahler is a Conservative in his political opinions,
is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen.
George T. Mann.
T. Mann is a member of John Mann & Sons, dealers in
coal, coke, wood, cement, fire brick, fire clay, calcined plaster, etc.,
London, Ontario. One of the remarkable and distinguished character-
istics of our western civilization is the number and prominence of
comparatively young men in professional, official and business life —
men who in older sections and under other conditions would be but
entering upon the threshold of active life, are here found in the full
meridian of success and usefulness. The pluck so necessary to success
in any calling seems to be peculiarly a distinction of the young men of
this western country, and hence we find them well to the front in
916 HISTORY OV THE
every avocation of life ; and among those who have thus won in life's
battles and attained to a well-merited position among the business men
of London, is the subject of this sketch. John Mann, the father of
George T., was born in Yorkshire, England, and reared there. He
married Miss Harriet Elliott, a native of the same place. In 1866 he
immigrated with his family to Canada, and, after a short stay in London,
settled in Brantford, where he has since made his home. For several
years he was connected with the gas interests of the city, as lessee,
and in 1870 he engaged in the coal and wood trade, in addition to
which he has transacted a large lumber business. In 1883 his two-
sons, William E. and George T. became interested with him in the
business, and this relation existed until the death of the former in July,
1886.
In April, 1886, the business in London was established, and it has
since been under the management of George T., who is assisted by his
brother Walter. From the first inception of the business it has been
a success and of rapid growth, and is equal to, if not greater than, any
similar enterprise in the city, which fact is largely due to the method-
ical business habits and honorable dealings of the firm. Their original
facilities for doing business on Bathurst street have been augmented by
the purchase of the premises formerly occupied by the North American
Manufacturing Company, corner of York and Burwell streets, and ex-
tending back to the Grand Trunk Railroad, with a double siding on
the Grand Trunk front. On this property is being constructed a coal
trestle, or elevator, with a capacity of 1,500 tons of coal, all of which
is handled by machinery, and this is the only yard in Western Ontario-
thus equipped. The firm numbers among it important patrons, besides
many others, the London Insane Asylum, City Gas Works, Carling
Brewing Company, City Hall, City Hospital, Water-works and the
Military School. George T. Mann, the manager of the business in the
city, was born in Yorkshire, England, September 30, lcS62, and came
with his parents to Canada. He was reared principally in Brantford,
receiving a good business education, and commenced his business
training under the guidance of his father ; and the success that has
attended his career is highly creditable to his standing as a business
man and a citizen. He was married in 1887 to Miss Minnie, daughter
of John McGeary, grocer, of Brantford. The business in Brantford is
conducted by the father, who has associated with him his sons John K.
and Fred.
Mark Mann.
Mark Mann, another of the old settlers of Adelaide Towuship, and
an excellent citizen, was born in County Sussex, England, about forty
miles from London, June 11, 1819 ; being the sou of Samuel and Ana
(Downer) Mann, natives of County Sussex, England, the former bom
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 917
in 1782, and the latter in 1783. They immigrated to Canada in 1836,
settled in County Middlesex, and in the fall of 1836 moved to Ade-
laide Township. The father died in Montreal in 1836, while on his
way to Ontario from England, and the mother died in 1846. Their
son, Mark Mann, was reared to farm life, and this has been his princi-
pal occupation. In 1844 he settled on his present farm, Concession 5,
east half of Lot 14, and has 100 acres of well-improved laud. Aside
from this, he owns a valuable farm of 100 acres just outside the cor-
poration limits of Petrolea. He is a successful farmer and an excellent
citizen. In 1841 he chose for his wife. Miss Sophia Eapley, daughter
of Charles Eapley, and a native of Sussex County, England, born
November 22, 1821. Charles Eapley died in 1862. Her father came
to Canada in 1832, and was one of the pioneers of the township. He
was a drummer in the Eebellion of 1837. To Mr. and Mrs. Mann
were born these children: — John E., born 1842; Henry, born 1844 ;
Charles, born 1846, and died in 1886 ; Malinda Jane, born 1849 ;
Cynthia Ann, born 1851 ; Frances Elizabeth, born 1854 ; Sarah Sophia,
born 1856 ; Wesley, born 1859 ; Jessie B., born 1862 ; David Wallace,
born 1864 ; and Alice Maud, born 1867, and died in 1872. Mr. Mann
is a Eeformer in politics, and is a member of the Canada IMethodist
Church.
Jacob J. Manning.
Jacob J. Manning is of Irish-German lineage, and is a descendant
of a prominent old family, the founder in America being a native of
Ireland, and a pioneer settler in Dutchess County, New York, in which
county he located many years before the Eevolutionary war. Jacob
Manning, the grandfather of our subject, was born in York State, and
was a farmer by occupation, and during the American Eevolution was
a Loyahst, emigrating a few years after that struggle to Canada,
where he and his three sons each were given 200 acres of land for the
assistance they rendered the British Government during that war.
Here the father died, and, in 1833, his son Isaac (father of Jacob J.
Manning) removed with his family to Westminster Township, settled
on 200 acres of land on the Fourth Concession, where members of the
family still reside. He was married in 1794 to Miss Sarah Willsey,
by whom he became the father of the following family : — lacob J.,
John, Harry, Alpha, Willsey, Isaac, Polly, Matilda, Evis, Eleanor, and
Sabrina. Mr. Manning was a member of the Methodist Church, one
of the first settlers of Westminster Township, and died at the age of
seventy-seven years.
Jacob J. Manning, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch,
was born near Eouse's Point, N. Y., in 1795, but was reared on his
father's farm in Canada, marrying, after a suitable age, Elizabeth
Palen, which union resulted in the birth of eight children — Henrietta,
918 HISTORY OF THE
Lawrence, Lucetta, William, Eachel, Sally A., John G., and Almina.
Mr. Manning was appointed Lieutenant in the jMilitia, and rose to the
rank of Captain, and afterwards began filling the duties of Magistrate.
He owned a farm, and, about 1834, emigrated to Middlesex County,
and settled on the Sixth Concession of Westminster Township, where
he cleared a farm of 200 acres. He was appointed Magistrate soon
after coming to this county, which office he is still filling, and became
Captain of the Militia, being afterwards appointed to the rank of
Colonel, an office he filled until old age compelled him to resign. He
has been a church member for more than sixty years, and throughout
his long and useful walk through life has commanded the respect and
esteem of all who knew him. During his early career he kept a store
for fourteen years, where Belmont now stands, which enterprise was
attended with good success, and although at the present time he has
reached the advanced age of ninety-three years, he is stiU active, and
retains his mental faculties to a remarkable "degree. His son, Lawrence
Manning, was born in Henry sburg, Canada, 18 IS, and was in his six-
teenth year when lie came to Westminster Township, where he assisted
his father to clear their farm and get it in good tillable condition. He
was manied to iliss Hannah Duncaw, a daughter of Joseph Duncaw,
sen., by whom he became the father of one son, who grew to manhood
■ — Jacob J. The family attend the Methodist Church, and are classed
among the prosperous, highly honored, and progressive citizens of the
county.
Jacob J. jManning, his son, is a man of forty-three years, and was
born on the old homestead in Middlesex County. He received a com-
mon school education, and was wedded to Jliss Rehecc<a A. McKnight,
a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Borland) ]\lcKnight, which union
was blessed with the birth of a daughter — E. Addie. ]\lr. Manning
has always been an industrious farmer. Neither he, his father, nor his
giandfather was ever sued for any cause, being peaceable, law-abiding
citizens. There are four generations now living on the old homestead,
the fifth generation being Harry L. CoUard, sou of Mr. M. Collard, of
North Dorchester This instance forcibly illustrates the remarkable
longevity of the staunch old pioneer family.
Henry Mathewson.
Among those at London who have made for themselves an honor-
able name by a long term of years of steady and successful busi-
ness pursuits and upright citizenship stands Henry Mathewson.
He is a native of Scotland, and was reared mainly at Dundee. In
early life he learned the trade of baker and confectioner, at which
calling he served a regular apprenticeship. In 1841 he came to
Canada, and upon his an-ival was shipwreck-ed off the coast of New-
foundland, but reached the shore without injury. He first went to
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 919
Montreal, where he remained until 1842, when he came to London, and
here he has since resided, having built up a name and an honor with-
out reproach. He engaged in his trade as a baker and confectioner,
and in 1845 suffered seriously from the great fire of that year. He
continued the business until 1856, and subsequently with a partner
engaged in the manufacture of steam engines. After relinquishing
this business, he became connected with the Advertiser, with which
Company he remained for four or five years. In 1867 he accepted a
position with the Free Press Printing Co.; in 1871 became a partner,
and in 1882 was elected to his present position as Secretary-Treasurer.
The paper is an exponent of the great Conservative principles of
National Policy, is a recognized leader of opinion and owes much of
its prosperity to the business qualifications of Mr. Mathewson. Mr.
Mathewsou has been twice married — first in 1844 to Miss Ann Smith,
a native of England, by whom he had three sons and one daughter, of
whom only one son, George, is now living. He selected for his second
wife Mrs. Annie Newcombe, whose maiden name was Lancaster, who
has presented her husband with two children, one daughter only now
living — Maie.
T. Herbert Marsh.
T. Herbert Marsh, wholesale dealer in saddlery hardware, coach
trimmings, and manufacturer of leather goods, at London, is a native of
Canada, and one of London's prominent citizens as well as most pro-
gressive business men. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1849,
and his father, Thomas W. IMarsh, was a native of England, and came
to Canada while young. He married Miss Catherine Wyatt, a native
of England.
T. Herbert Marsh received a liberal education in his youth, and in
1864 he accepted a position in the Gore Bank, in London. In 1879
he engaged in his present business, at first on a small scale, but grad-
ually adding to his capacity, until his business has assumed its present
magnitude. In 1885, owing to the requirements of his trade, Mr.
Marsh purchased his present commodious building, and a singular
coincidence is, that it is the same building in which he was employed
as a clerjv of the Gore Bank, and he is to-day carrying the same keys he
did when a boy in the bank. His stock is full and complete in all the
departments, and his trade extends throughout the Province, and east
to Halifax. His straightforward and honorable methods of transacting
business have secured for him a large and continually increasing patron-
age, and he well merits the position he has attained as a reliable busi-
ness man. As a citizen, Mr. Marsh has proven himself progressive,
and takes an active interest in the advancement of the city. He is a
member of the Western Fair Board, and has rendered valuable aid in
making it a success. In 1889 he was elected president of the London
'd'Zi) HISTORY OF THE
Board of Trade, and he is a director of the Agiicultural Loan and
Savings Bank.
James S. Marshall
In professional, agricultural or commercial life, there are always
some men who attain prominence, and these men are, in nearly all
cases, intelligent and energetic. Such a man is James S. Marshall,
who was born in County Holton, April 5, 1850, being the fifth child
born to the mamage of James Marshall and Mary Lamb, who were
born in Paisley, Scotland, and Holton County, Ontario, respectively.
The father was a farmer by occupation, and when young immigrated to
Canada, where he was married to Miss Lamb, a daughter of Hugh
Lamb, who was an early immigrant from Ireland. James S. Marsliall
was reared on a farm in his native county, and followed the occupation
of husbandry until, in company with his brother, he engaged in the
livery business in Milton. In 1875 he changed his place of residence
to London, where he purchased his present business, which he has
conducted with satisfactory success. His stable is well kept and is
consequently patronized by those who desire good horses and stylish
and comfortable carriages. November 18, 1884, he was united in
mamage to Miss Bessie Eundle, a native of the county, by whom he
has one daughter, Nina. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being
a member of St. John's Lodge, No. 209.
C ATTAIN Benjamin Matthews.
Captain Benjamin Matthews was born in Glamorganshire, South
Wales, on the 2nd of February, 1812, and is a son of Philip and Mary
(Abraham) jMatthews, also natives of South Wales. The father was a
veterinary surgeon, and was a son of William Matthews, who was a
gardener by occupation, and lived in his native country until his death,
which occuiTed in his ninetieth year. His sou Benjamin was a soldier
in the British army. In 1821 the Matthews family came to Canada,
taking passage at Bristol in the sailing vessel Fidelity, and lauded at
Quebec after a voyage of six weeks and five days. Ou their way farther
into the interior, they stopped at Little York (now Toronto) and went
to the Governor-General's residence, where they made known their
wishes to him. He sent an order to Colonel Talbot, of London, to
gi-aut Mr. Philip Matthews 1,800 acres of land in any portion of
London Township he saw fit. Philip Matthews located on Concession
16, Lot 28, where he began clearing a farm of 100 acres. He built a
log house in the fall, and in this they lived for a number of years,
until he could make better improvements. All their trading was done
at Kettle Creek (now St. Thomas), and was only accomplished after an
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 921
absence of several days, with ox teams. Their waggons were made of
wood with sawed timber wheels, and continued to remain in use for a
number of years. There were only two horses in the township at this
time, and wild animals roamed the woods at pleasure, the timber
being so dense that the family were afraid to go far from home for
fear of being lost. On this farm the parents died, and are buried at
Danfield Cemetery. They were the parents of ten children, only five
of whom are living — Benjamin, Philip, Ruth, Mary and Catherine.
Benjamin, whose name heads this sketch, was about ten years of age
when he landed with his parents in Canada, and became inured to the
hardships and dangers of pioneer life. The schools of his boyhood
days were in a very primitive state, and were very few in number, con-
sequently, his educational advantages were of the most meagre descrip-
tion. His remembrances of his boyhood days are of a very pleasant
description, however, as he was very fond of hunting and trapping,
and game was very abundant. He has now in his possession a wolf
trap that has caught twenty-nine of those animals, eight lynxes and
two young bear cubs. He has lead an active and adventurous life,
which has materially benefited his naturally strong constitution, so that
now in his old age he is hale and hearty. He .served in the Eebellion
of 1837, and the following extract will show how his courage and
bravery were rewarded : —
" His Excellency, Sir Edmund Walker Head, Baronet, Governor-
General of British North America, and Captain- General and Governor-
in-Chief in and all over the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice Admiral of the
same, etc., etc., etc.
" To Benjamin Matthews, Gentleman, Greeting, — Eeposing especial
confidence in your loyalty, courage and good conduct, I do hereby
constitute and appoint you during pleasure, to be Lieutenant in the
Second Battalion of Middlesex Militia, taking rank and precedence in
the said Battalion, from the 28th day of February, 1856, and in the
Militia of the Province from the 28th day of February, 1856 ; you are
thereupon carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Lieutenant
by exercising and well disciplining the inferior officers and men of said
Battalion; and I do hereby command them to obey you as their
Lieutenant, and you are to observe and follow all such orders and
directions as you shall from time to time receive from me, or any
other of your superior officers, according to law.
" Given under my hand and office seal, at Toronto, this 27th day of
May, in the year of our Lord 1856, and the 19th year of Her Majesty's
reign."
On May 2nd, 1856, he was promoted to Captain of the same
Battalion, which shows that his services as Lieutenant were appreci-
ated. He and his venerable wife have hosts of warm friends, who on
the 12th of July, 1888, assisted them in celebrating their golden
wedding. Their marriage occun-ed in the Church of England at Stan-
922 HISTORY OF THE
ford, near Niagara Falls. They became the parents of ten children,
nine of whom are living — Eleanor (wife of John Scott), John, Thomas,
Philip, Benjamin, David, Mary (widow of D. Douglass), Wilham
and James L. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews are members of the Regular
Baptist Church, and during their long career as settlers of London
Township have experienced many hardships, as well as seen many
prosperous and sunshiny days. Their declining da)'s are blessed with
prosperity, and they are now enjoying the fruits of their long and well-
spent lives.
Robert Mawhinney (Deceased).
Robert Mawhinney (deceased) was one of the prominent and
enterprising citizens of the county. He was born in County Armagh,
Ireland, October 2.5, 1829, and is the son of James Mawhinney, who
was a native of the same place and a farmer by occupation. The
mother's name was Martha Richardson, she also of the same place as
subject. Their family consisted of six children, Robert Mawhinney
being the second in order of birth. He was reared on a farm in
Ireland and came to Canada in 1848, settled in London and followed
different occupations until June, 1855, when he was appointed to the
police force, filling that position for eighteen years. In 1873 he was
appointed caretaker of city buildings. Mr. ]\Iawhinney was married
first to Mrs. Eliza (Carson) Loftus, who was a native of Ireland, and
who died in 1SG8, leaving four children — Martha, James, Eliza Jane
and Sarah Ann. I\Ir. Mawhinney took for his second wife Miss
Henrietta Stephens, a native of Middlesex County, Canada, and the
fruit of this union was one child, Margaret Henrietta. Mr. Maw-
hinney was a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters, and was an
honest and much respected citizen. He died on September 8, 1888,
bearing with him to the grave the universal respect of all his brother
Orlow M. Maybee.
Orlow M. Maybee is one of the prominent residents of North
Dorchester. His ancestors were English. He was born in the State
of New York about the year 1827 ; later his parents went to Michigan.
When about fifteen years of age he came to Delaware, Canada ; after
residing there about three years, he spent one year in study at Oberlin
Institute, Ohio; leaving that institution, he taught a school in Medina
County, that state. Returning to Delaware, he went into trade, keep-
ing a store for a time in that village. In 1848 he married Miss
Amelia Eliza Mount, daughter of the late R. Mount, Esq., who was for
years postmaster at Delaware, and Crown land agent. At his death,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 923.
in 1837, he I'epresented the County of Middlesex in the Canadian
Parliament. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Maybee went to Dorchester,
where he and his wife taught in S. S. No. 4. While in Dorchester he
was township clerk and license inspector for the township. In 1850
he went to Lexington, Mich. ; went into general trade. For a num-
ber of years he was postmaster, a magistrate, and the proprietor and
editor of the Sanilac Signal, a weekly Democratic paper. Upon Lin-
coln's election to the presidency, he went South, teaching in the State
of Arkansas. When the State seceded, he joined the Confederate
Army as a piivate. A few months later, for special services at the
Battle of Oak Hills, he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
At the Siege of Vicksburg he had reached the rank of Major, in com-
mand of a regiment. At the surrender of that place he made his-
escape and rejoined the Confederate force at Canton, Miss. Here he
was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the Adjutant- General's depart-
ment, and ordered to Charleston, where he served as Assistant Adju-
tant-General on the staff of General Hardie. At the close of the war,
he was at Eichmoud, Va. He participated in the battles of Oak Hills,
Pea Eidge, Shiloh, The Siege of Vicksburg, and Charleston, and a
great number of minor engagements. For a time after peace he was
engaged in a fruit store in Charleston. In 1869 he returned to Dor-
chester Station, and has since resided on his farm. He and his wife
are members of the Church of England. For a number of yeare he
has served as churchwarden. Has been a trustee and secretary-
treasurer for twelve consecutive years, and takes a general interest in
the cause of education. He is an occasional contributor to the city
press, and his paragraphs are generally read with interest.
F. W. Meek.
F. W. Meek, druggist and pharmacist, and a representative of one-
of the pioneer families, is a native of Port Stanley, Middlesex County^
Ontario ; born in 1853 ; only child born to W. H. and Nancy (McCal-
lum) Meek, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The father was born in
Armagh, Ireland, in 1817, and the mother in Scotland, in 1828. The
family came to Canada as early as 1818, and settled in Montreal for a
short time, after which they came to Middlesex County, settled about
three miles from Port Stanley, in 1819, and were among the pioneers-
of that region. James Meek, the paternal grandfather of F. W. Meek,
was born in the year 1778, and died in this county, near Port Stanley,
in 1833. W. H. Meek was Sergeant in the 1837 Rebellion, and was
in service during the entire time of that war. He was a contractor
and builder by occupation, which he continued until about ten years
ago. The family removed to Detroit in 1857, and there remained until
1863, when they removed to Port Stanley, and, in 1865, came tO'
Strathroy. F. W. Meek first attended the Public Schools of Detroit,
^24 HISTORY OF THE
then a private school taught by a Mrs. Goodwin in Strathroy, and
later was a student at the Strathroy Grammar School. In 1872 he
entered Toronto University, where for some time he passed special
studies, and from which institution he graduated in pharmacy, in
1873. Three years later he began the drug business in Strathroy,
where, in 1881, he purchased the bookstore of W. H. Ewer, and since
then has carried on a joint drug and book business. He has a well-
stocked store, and is succeeding well. He is a member of the Inde-
pendent Order of Oddfellows. No. 58, Howard Lodge, is a member of
the Masonic Lodge, Euclid, No. 360, and is Liberal in his political
convictions.
Andrew Meekison.
Andrew Meekison, who was born in Scotland, February 14, 1836,
and who is now one of the successful and popular men of Strathroy, is
the son of James and Jane (Rodger) Meekison, also natives of Scot-
land, born in 1769 and 1806, and died in 1844 and 1886 respectively.
Their son, Andrew Meekison, was the eldest of two children and
received limited educational advantages, being compelled at the early
acre of ten to make his own way in life. His first effort was in a tobacco
manufacturing establishment, where he labored for about two years,
and then for seven years worked on a farm for wages. In 1867 he
immigrated to the United States, and for a short time lived at Napoleon,
Ohio, after which he came to Canada, settled at Windsor, where, for
twelve years, he was conductor on the Great Western Railway. In
1867 he came to Strathroy, engaged in the grocery business, wholesale
and retail, which he has continued since, and in which he has been
quite successful. In 1860 he married Miss Margaret McFie, who
was born in Scotland, in 1835, and to this marriage have been born
five children— Andrew, Mary, John, Jane and William. Mr. Meeki-
son is a reformer in his political views, and for one year was a member
of the Strathroy City Council. He has been a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Browl Lodge, No. 83, for five years, and is a wide-awake,
thorough-going citizen. He is a fair sample of what may be done by
perseverance and industry ; having started with nothing, his success
must be attributed solely to his own energy and enterprise.
Hon. David Mills. LL.B.
Hon. David Mills, LL.B., M. P. for Bothwell and ex-Minister of
the Interior for Canada, is a son of Nathaniel and Mary (Guggerty)
Mills, and was born in the Township of Oxford, in the County of Kent,
Ontario, March 18, 1831. Nathaniel Mills removed to Nova Scotia at
an early day, where he continued to reside until 1817, when he
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 925
emigrated to the western part of Upper Canada, and became a resident
of Talbot St., in the Township of Oxford in 1819, continuing to
make this place his home imtil his death in 1860. His son David
attended the public schools for some time, then became a student
under the private tutorship of the Eev. Dr. Frey, subsequently enter-
ing the Michigan University, receiving from that institution the degree
of LL.B. In 1856 he was appointed Superintendent of Schools for
the County of Kent, which office he held nine years, and in 1867 re-
ceived the unanimous nomination of the Eeform electors as candidate
for election to the House of Commons, and was returned to Parliament
in September of that year. He has represented Both well continuously
since that time. In 1872 he was requested by the Government of
Ontario to enquire into and report upon the boundaries of Ontario. He
did so, and the report made by him contains a large quantity of valu-
able information relating to Colonial history and Imperial policy in
reference to the Government of the British Dominions in North
America. As there was other valuable information to be obtained, he
was again requested to look into the matter and prepare a second re-
port, which he did in 1875 and the early part of 1876. Upon the ap-
pointment of the Hon. D. Laird to the Governorship of the North- west
Territories, Mr. Mills was offered a portfolio in the Cabinet, and ac-
cepted that of the Interior, which position he filled until October, 1878,
when he resigned with the Ministry. In 1875, Mr. Mills was elected
by the Public School Inspectors of the Province as their representative
on the Board of Public Instruction.
After the fall of the Mackenzie administration, ]\Ir. Mills concluded
to engage in the practice of law, for the duties of which he was
eminently fitted, and for the past four years has been engaged in the
practice of that profession. He was also editorial writer on the London
Advertiser for a few years. In politics he is an advanced Liberal,
and favored the union of the provinces, but was wholly opposed to the
means by which it was brought about. He did not favor the ad-
mission of British Columbia into the Canadian Confederacy at the
time it was admitted, for he thought it not to the interest of either
that such a union should exist while there was such a large amount of
unoccupied territory between. He thought the resources of the
country could be better employed by developing the North-west than
by building a road which would always be without transcontinental
traffic, and for a gi-eat part of the distance without local traffic for
many years to come. He has always been opposed to a nominated
Senate, which, he contends, ought to have no place in their system of
government, and favors an amendment of the Constitution so as to
provide for the election of senators. He holds the economic doctrines
of Gladstone and Bright, and is in favor of a real, not a sham, national
policy, and favors a national policy based upon principles of commer-
cial extension, not of commercial exclusion. He thinks Canada ought
to regulate and control her commercial relations with foreign states,
926 HISTORY OF THE
and is opposed to handing over the work of legislation to the ministry
as, he affirms, is now done at Ottawa. He is opposed to the practice
of abdicating the duty of effective supervision over the national ex-
penditures, and does not regard a large public debt as a national
blessing. Care and economy in the expenditure of public money, a
desire to do what is honest and fair on the part of the representatives,
personal independence and a sense of justice are, in his opinion, of
immeasurably greater consequence in promoting the prosperity of
Canada than by heavily taxing the people, the enormous public debt,
and the erection of costly public works, built in uninhabited regions.
During his service as Minister of the Interior, he proved himself
careful, capable and popular, and there is no man in public life in
Canada to-day who has a wider and more accurate knowledge of public
affairs than he. He is one of the ablest Parliamentary debaters in the
country, and ranks among the first, if he is not the first, in mastering
and representing a large question. He is considered a formidable
opponent, and when he rises to talk on any question in Parliament, he
receives the prompt attention of the entire house. He is the author
of a pamphlet treating of the " Present and Future Prospects of
Canada," and, "The Blunders of the Dominion Government in Con-
nection with the North-west Territory." He was married in Decem-
ber, 1860, to Miss M. J. Brown, of Chatham, by whom he is the father
of three sons and four daughters — one daughter being deceased.
John R. Minhinnick.
John E. Minhinnick, dealer in and refiner of oil, was born in
Devonshire, England, March 18, 183.S, his father being Henry Minhin-
nick, and his mother Hannah (I'owe) Minhinnick, both of whom were
born in the same place. John li. was reared in the home of his birth,
and at the age of nineteen years immigrated to Canada. He learned the
trade of plumber and gas-fitter in his youth, and it was while follow-
ing his chosen occupation, in fitting up oil refineries, that he was led
to engage in the oil trade, and he is one of the few who has continued
this occupation up to the present time and has met with satisfactory
success. He has always taken great pains to perfect the quality of his
product, and has discovered a process by which they are enabled to
place upon the market an oil that cannot be surpassed, it being freed
from all unpleasant odor and will not smoke. [Full mention of his
business is given elsewhere in this work.] Mr. Minhinnick is a large
stockholder in the Imperial Oil Co., and is Vice-President of the Car-
ling Brewing & Malting Co. His career since coming to London is a
good illustration of the possibilities of the country for a young man of
pluck and perseverance, and as a citizen no less than a business man,
he ranks among the first of the county. He has represented his Ward
several terms in the City Council, and was also selected as the sue-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 927
cesser of E. W. Hyman (deceased) as Water Commissioner until the
completion of the Works. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary
O'Dynes, and by her is the father of three children — Gertrude, Henry
S. and Edwin Eowe. Mr. Minhinnick is a Mason, and is one of the
shrewd and successful financiers of the county.
B. A. Mitchell.
In inserting in this history the sketches of eminent business men
who came to the City of London years gone by, and who, by their
pluck, perseverance, energy and honest dealing, contributed to building
up the Forest City, or London-the-Less, we cannot omit the name of
the old veteran and pioneer druggist, B. A. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell,
the subject of this sketch, was born in Kingsclere, Hampshire, Eng-
land, on the 13th of September, 1824, being one of the issue of the
Eev. John Mitchell, of the Church of England, and Ann Ashford
Mitchell. After receiving a liberal education in England, he was
apprenticed to one John Huntly, a leading druggist of Wimborne
Minster, Dorsetshire, England. After completing his term of service,
five years, the young druggist took a notion, as was the fashion in
those days, to see the world, he being naturally of an ambitious turn of
mind, and could not content himself to settle down in England, as in
those days there was little chance of making more than a bare living
without having capital.
Without any means save his education, energy and pluck, he
shipped as a sailor before the mast on a common timber ship bound
for Sierra Leone, on the coast of Africa, in 1842, and arrived there
safely. A short time after he landed, he was prostrated with yellow
fever, then prevalent in that locality, and was confined in the hospital
at Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, for six weeks or more. After
recovery, he embarked in a timber ship for his native home as a
passenger. A short time after leaving the port, three of the crew died
from the yellow scourge, and Mr. Mitchell was compelled to again take
the place of a common sailor; and, although weak from his recent
illness, by the exercise of his indomitable will and courage, was enabled
to get through all right, and again land on his native shore. After
remaining at his home a few mouths to recuperate his health, he sailed
for the Dominion of Canada, via New York, and went to the town of
Simcoe, Norfolk County, where his brother resided. Mr. Mitchell,
after arriving in Canada, held responsible positions in Dundas and
Hamilton. In 1846 he came to London, where he has resided ever
since in the drug business. He was commissioned to take charge of
a bankrupt stock belonging to T. Winer & Co., which he had taken
under execution from one Nowal.
This was the commencement of the successful career of Mr.
Mitchell as a druggist, which he has continued and still continues. Mr.
yiJS HISTORY OF THE
Mitchell when he commenced business in London on his own account
had no capital, except his business character for probity and integrity,
a character he has retained to the present date. During the long time he
has been in business, both in the wholesale trade and retail, he has
never been served with any writ or creditor's papers whatever relating
to suits for debt. For many years he did a large retail business.
About the year 1869 he opened up one of the largest wholesale drug
establishments west of Toronto, an institution which still exists at the
present day, under the title of the London Drug Company (who pur-
chased the business from Mr. Mitchell in 1883), and enjoys a patron-
age second to none in Ontario, the trade and reputation of the house
being the fruits of the honest, square and straightforward dealings of
B. A. ]\litchell, who laid the foundation and the prosperity and busi-
ness reputation of that establishment.
Mr. Mitchell still continues the retail drug business at the Old
Gothic Hall, which he erected shortly after he came to London, and is
the same genial, honorable and accommodating person that he always
was. He looks hale and hearty as ever, and enjoys a chat with his old
friends about his early struggles and ups and downs in life. Mr.
Mitchell is an heroic example of what determination, energy, honesty
and laudable ambition will effect. He is a consistent Christian, of a
benevolent disposition, and an honorable and valuable member of
society. He enjoys what he deserves — a large patronage in his busi-
ness— and has a host of friends.
Mr. Mitchell has been twice married, first in 184G, to iliss Ann
Little, a native of Ireland. She died in 1882, leaving three sons, John
A,, Fred H. and A. B. Mitchell. He chose for his second wife Miss
Catherine Lougheed, daughter of the late Dr. Lougheed, of Prince
Edward County, of Irish birth. They have one daughter — Florence.
William J. Mitchell, M.D.
William J. Mitchell, M. D., another successful practicing physician
of London, Ont., was born in the Townsliip of Adelaide, County of
Middlesex, Ontario, and is the son of John and Mary Mitchell. John
Mitchell was born in the North of Ireland, Coimty Armagh, and left
his native country to immigi-ate to Canada about 1850. He was a
farmer by occupation. The mother was also from County Armagh.
They were the parents of five children, William J. Mitchell being the
youngest son and child. He was reared in his native county, and
received a good practical education in the same. He then read medi-
cine under Dr. Wishart for some time, and later attended lectures at
Toronto and at London, where he graduated in 1885. He commenced
practicing in the last-named place, and is a demonstrator of anatomy
in the Western Universitj'. He is also on the visiting staff at the
hospital. Dr. Mitchell is a close student, and is one of the rising
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 929
young physicians of London. He has a large and constantly increas-
ing practice, and stands well with his professional brethren. He takes
a great interest in surgery, at which he is very successful and skillful,
and although a young man, he stands at the head of his profession. He
is a member of the following orders, viz. : — A. F. & A. M., Knights of
Pythias, I. 0. Foresters, and A. 0. Foresters.
George Mitchell.
George Mitchell, a well-to-do farmer, of Concession 4, Lot 4, was
born in Devonshire, England, in 1842, and is a son of Daniel and
Sarah (Dummitt) Mitchell, also natives of Devonshire. The father
was a farmer, and died in his native land. Six of his eleven children
are living at the present time — -James, Robert, Samuel, Alfred, Joel
and George. The latter was reared on his father's farm, in England,
and followed the occupation of agriculture until his removal to Canada
in 1866. He took passage at Liverpool and landed at New York
City, from which place he came directly to London, Canada, and hired
out as a day laborer on a farm. At the end of one year he abandoned
this work and began learning the brick and stonemason's trade, and
after serving an apprenticeship, followed this occupation for about ten
years. In 1875 he purchased and located on the farm where he now
lives, and has made some valuable improvements. In 1875 his mar-
riage with Miss Eleanor Hale was celebrated. She was born in the
County of Middlesex, on the farm now owned by her husband, and
is the mother of two children — Eichard L. and Anna L. Mr. and
Mrs. Mitchell are members of the Methodist Church.
Lieutenant- Colonel James Moffat.
James Moffat, Lieutenant-Colonel, and late Brigade Major of No. 1
District, of Ontario, is one of the old residents of London, and for
almost forty-five years he has been prominently identified with its
interests. He was born in Lanark, Scotland, and is the son of James
and Rachel (Harrower) MoHat. He received a liberal business educa-
cation in his youth, and spent his early life on a farm. In 1841 he
immigrated to New York, where he remained for a time ; thence to
Lockport, and, in 1845, to London, where he has since made his home.
He was a member of the Town Council of London at an early day,
and, in 1860, he was elected Mayor. While the Prince of Wales was
visiting in Canada, the Colonel had the honor of presenting His Royal
Highness with the address on that memorable occasion. Colonel Moffat
has been much interested in educational matters, and for several years
was a member of the School Board, and served as Chairman. He has
930 HISTORY OF THE
always, while occupying official positions, been a faithful and con-
sistent guardian of the city's interests. After a few years' residence in
London, Colonel Moffat went to Montreal, and received instructions in
military drill, in connection with the 47th liegiment. In 1856 he
raised a Highland Company. In 1862 he was gazetted Brigade Major,
and, in 1S72, Lieutenanti-Colonel, since which time he has been
engaged in superintending and inspecting military in the First District.
He received his degrees of Master Mason in Lanark, Scotland, in 1841,
and after coming to London, he affiliated with St. John's, No. 209, and,
in 1S55, after having filled subordinate offices, was made Worshipful
Master, and again in 1867. In 1856 he was elected by the Grand
Lodge, Grand Senior Warden, and, two years later, District Deputy
Grand Master of the London District.
In 1871 he was made Worshipful Master of Tuscan Lodge, No.
195, and in 1879 and 1880 he held the position of Deputy Grand
Master; in 1881 he was elected Grand Master. In the same year,
while on a visit to Scotland, St. Clair Lodge, No. 349, of Edinburgh,
and St. George's, No. 333, Glasgow, held crowded meetings in his
honor, and both elected him an honorary member. In Capitulary
Masonry, Colonel Moffat has filled the various offices, including First
Principal. He received his degree in 1854 in St. John's Chapter, No.
3. In 1858 he became a member of Richard Coeur de Lion Com-
mandery, and occupied several subordinate positions. He was elected
Eminent Commander in 1865, and the same year he was appointed
Grand Registrar of the Grand Conclave ; in 1868, First Captain ; in
1878, Grand Vice-Chancellor, and to the same office in 1881. In
1870, on the establishment of Huron Conclave, he became a member
of the Coustautine Order of England, and was appointed Eusebius, or
Viceroy, which office he held until 1872, when he was unanimously
elected Most Puissant Sovereign. In 1868 he petitioned for and re-
ceived the degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, up to and
including the Rose Croix, 18°, of London, and in 1871 went to Detroit
and took the remaining degree of the Scottish Rite. In 1885, while
in Scotland, he took the degree of the Royal Order of Scotland.
In attempting a detailed account of the career, or review even
passingly his official and public life, or to speak at length of his
•characteristics and his many social traits, would be impossible in the
space allotted in this work. In every walk of life he has proven him-
self a man of unbending honor and incorruptible honesty, generous in
his feelings and dignified in his manhood, worthy as a citizen, and true
and faithful as a friend. Colonel Moffat has been twice married, first
in New York, in 1843, to Miss Susanna Cox, a native of England : she
died in 1881. To this marriage were born eight children, six now
living. He selected for his present wife, Miss Helen Wallace Peden, a
native of Galston, in Ayrshire, Scotland, and a descendant of Alexander
Peden, one of the most celebrated of Scotch Covenanter worthies,
whose memory is cherished with reverence throughout the country.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 931
George Monaghan.
In mentioning witlnn these pages the Monaghan family as early-
settlers, reference should be made to James Monaghan, whose residence
within this community dates from the year 1819. He was born in
Leitrim County, Ireland, in the year 1781, and when eleven years old
immigrated with an uncle, Patrick Monaghan, to America, settling first
in Cherry Valley, N. Y., at the head of the Susquehanna River. Here
he married Miss Jemima Eaton when he was twenty-seven years old,
and lived, following agricultural pursuits, until the spring of 1819,
when he came to Canada and worked one season near St. Thomas.
His family then consisted of a wife and seven children, and with them
he settled on a farm in Loudon Township, January 20, 1820, and pur-
sued his peaceful avocation until his death, at the age of 87 years.
The mother died at the age of 77 years. Their family consisted of
eleven children — Esther (who married John Duncan, is now a widow
residing in Illinoi.?), Ann (the wife of Archibald Bryce), Phoebe (who
married James Tofliemire), John (who died at the age of thirty-three
years), James (now living in Adair County, Iowa), George, Eliakim,
Jemima (wife of Charles C. Brown, of British Columbia), William
(who died at the age of fourteen years), Sarah (who died in infancy),
and Uri (the last and youngest child). George is the si.^th child and
third son, and was born in Cherry Valley, N. Y., August 13, 1817, and
came with his parents to Canada in 1819. He was reared on a farm,
and after attaining his majority, became a farm hand, working during
the summer months, and thus saved means with which to go to school.
After acquiring a good education he began teaching school, which
occupation he followed for fifteen years, also keeping an hotel during
this time. December 17, 1849, he was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah Dayton, who was born in Ancaster, Canada. Mr. Monaghan
served in the Militia during the Rebellion of 1837, and throughout
his long and useful career has fully merited the esteem with which he
is regarded by all who know him.
Robert R. G. Montgomery.
Robert R. G. Montgomery, a well-known citizen of Delaware, was
born in Gosport Ban-acks, Hampshire, England, August 7, 1819, and is
the eldest son of Captain George and Maria (Rutherford) Montgomery.
The Captain entered the Royal Military Academy of Woolwich as a
cadet in 1796; appointed an ensign in the 20th Regiment in 1799;
served in Holland, under command of the Duke of York, in 1799;
served in the Kingdom of Naples with the army under command of
Sir James Craig, in 1806 ; served in Calabria, Battle of Maida with the
army under command of Sir John Stuart, in 1806 ; promoted to a
lieutenanc)' in the same corps in 1801; appointed aide-de-camp to
932 HISTORY OF THE
Major-General Hull in 1801, and served four years on that general
ofBcer's staft'; promoted to a company in the 18th Eoyal Irisli, July,
1808 ; served in Portugal under Sir Arthur Wellesley, afterwards Duke
of Wellington, in 1808 ; served in Spain with the army, under Sir John
Moore, in 1808-9, the entire memorable retreat, and battle ofCorunna
served in Egypt, under command of Sir Ralph Abercrombe, in 1811
served four years in the West Indies, and returned to Europe in a de
plorable state of health ; served in the Mediterranean in different
islands, Minorca, Malta, Sicily, etc., six years ; appointed Barrack
Master at Belturbut, County of Cavan, Ireland, 1823; appointed
Barrack Master at Kilkenny Barracks same year, served fifteen years
and four months; total service, forty years. In 1841 he came to
Canada, located in the township of Clarke, east of Toronto, and here
passed his last days. Of a family of seven children, Robert R. G. was
the eldest son. At the age of twenty-one he commenced farming for
himself. In 1847 he manied Miss Louisa Bignall, born in Jamaica,
West Indies, and had oue daughter. In 1860 his wife died, and in
1861 he married Mrs. Annie A. Rivers, by whom he had five children,
three now living. In 1878 he sold his farm and settled in Delaware.
Mr. Montgomery is Conservative in politics. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and he and his family are members of the Church
of England.
William Moore.
William Moore, of the Inland Revenue Department, is one of the
early settlers of London, and has been identified with its interests for
over forty-six years. He was born in the County of Sligo, Ireland, in
1819, and was a son of Walter Moore, who was a native of the same
County, as were liis ancestors for many generations back. The name
of the mother was Catherine Lyttle of the same County. In 1835 the
family immigrated to Canada, and settled in what is now the County of
Peel, within twenty-one miles of Toronto, and here William Moore,
our subject, was reared at the distilling business. In 1843 he came to
London, and two years later built the distillery that so long bore his
name in what is now London East. He conducted the business from
1862 to 1863, when he abandoned this calling, and in 1868 accepted a
position in the Inland Revenue Department of London, which position
he has filled up to the present date, a fact which speaks eloquently for
his ability and usefulness, as he is the oldest man in point of service
in the office. In 1851 he was elected Councillor of St. Lawrence
Ward, and the following year was elected Reeve, which position he
lield several years. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors when
the greater part of the improvements were made in this section, and
he has also acted as Warden when this official was absent. He has
held the rank of Lieutenant- Colonel of the East Middlesex Militia. In
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 933
1 846 he wedded Miss Margaret, daughter of the late Duncan McKenzie,
of London Township, and a sister of the present County Clerk, and of
Judge McKenzie. Mrs. Moore was born in London Township in 1826,
and her union with Mr. Moore has been blessed in the birth of ten
children — Margaret A., Kate, Mary W., W. McKenzie (a druggist of
Chicago, III), Sarah J., John M., Walter D. (who is Assistant Chief
Clerk at Pullman. 111.), Robert G. B. (with Edward Adams & Co.),
James P. (a barrister), and Thomas A. (a student with his brother John
M.) The latter is the fifth of the family, and was reared in London,
receiving his education in the schools of London. He served an
apprenticeship at architecture and Provincial land surveying with
Eobinson & Tracy, and subsequently formed a partnership with
others, the latter connection lasting four or five years. At the end
of this time Mr. Moore severed his connection with this firm, and has
since conducted business on his own account. He was married in
April, 1882, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Oliver McClary, a full history
of whose family appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Moore
was born in London, and is the mother of one daughter — Clara. Mr.
Moore is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Dr. Walter H. Moorhouse.
Walter H. Moorhouse, M. B., L. R. S. & L. P. C. P., Edinburgh,
was born in the Township of Euphemia, County of Lambton, June 12,
1843. His father, Joseph Moorhouse, was born in the County of
Wexford, Ireland, and came with his father, Thomas Moorhouse, to
Canada in 1820. The Moorhouse family, like all other adherents to
the Protestant faith, suffered severely, both personally and financially,
during the Irish Rebellion. In consequence of this, Thomas de-
termined that he would take his family and go where they could enjoy
their religious opinions unmolested. Accordingly, though at a great
sacrifice of landed property, as soon as peace was restored he immi-
grated to Canada. Joseph Moorhouse took a very active part in sup-
pressing the Canadian Rebellion of 1837, and for services rendered
was raised to the rank of Captain. He died in 1851. His wife, Mary
Backus, was the daughter of the late Stejjhen Backus, of Tyrconnell,
one of the earliest and best-known pioneers of Elgin County, having
located there very shortly after the founding of that settlement by
Colonel Talbot in 1801. She became the mother of five children,
three of whom are still living, Joseph, the youngest, being a clergy-
man of the Church of England in the Diocese of Huron. Dr. Moor-
house spent his boyhood in Elgin County under the tutelage of the
Rev. Henry Holland, B. A., of Queen's College, Cambridge (late of
St. Catherine's), and subsequently studied with the late Rev. John
Kennedy, B. A., of Adelaide. His medical education was obtained at
Trinity Medical College, Toronto, where he graduated. The foUoNving
934 HISTORY OF THE
year he spent in the European Hospitals, principally in London and
Edinburgh. After taking his degrees he returned to Canada, and in
the winter of 1875 settled in London, where he is now in the enjoy-
ment of a large and lucrative practice, He is a thorough student, and
his adaptability for the position of family physician has won for him a
reputation much more than local. He, conjointly with Dr. Fraser,
holds the chair of Principles and Practice of Medicine in the Medical
Department of the Western University, located in London.
In 1871 he married Jliss Margaret Webster, daughter of the Rev.
Dr. Webster, Newbury, County of Middlesex, a prominent clergyman
of the Methodist Church, and one of the oldest now living in Ontario.
He is also one of the few pioneers in the settlement of the County of
Middlesex who now survive, having come thither in 1819, when a lad
of only ten years, and continued a constant resident until 1840. His
father, Robert Webster, a Lieutenant in the Militia, settled on the
north half of Lot No. 7 of the Third Concession of London, in 1819.
Dr. Webster is, therefore, familiar with the early settlement of the
county, and has always taken a warm interest in its development and
prosperity. He entered the ministry in 1838, and continued in the
active work until 1869. In 1866 he returned to Middlesex County
and settled in Newbury, where he has ever since resided. In 1833
he married Mary Bailey, the daughter of another Middlesex pioneer,
the Rev. John Bailey, a union which lasted nearly fifty-five years, and
was severed by Mrs. Webster's death in November, 1888. He was
the proprietor and editor of the Canmla Christian Advocate for a
great number of years, and he also contributed largely to the current
literature of the county for the last fifty years, being the author of
several books. His " Early Scenes in Canadian Life " ran through a
series of years in the New Dominion Monthly, and he has furnished
a number of historical papers for several American encyclopedias and
reviews.
Rev. John P. Morden.
Rev. John P. Morden is a native of the township in which he now
resides ; his birth occurring on the 14th of February, 1830, and is a
son of John and Mary A. (Parkinson) Morden. The mother was a
sister of Major Parkinson, and was born in Seaford, County Down,
Ireland. Her family, which consisted of herself and two brothers,
Thomas and James, were early immigrants to Canada, and were among
the early settlers of Middlesex County. Her brother, Thomas Parkin-
son, was one of the oldest Masons in the country; he joined the
order in 1813 in the town of Seaforth, and died near Brock way, Michi-
gan, in his 95th year. The Morden family are of English descent, the
great grandparent, Ralph Morden, having immigrated from his native
laud to the United States about 1775 ; was married in New Jersey,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 935
and at the breaking out of the Eevolutionary war in the United States,
they came to Canada as Loyalists, and settled near Hamilton. In 1819
they located in Jliddlesex County. The grandfather, John Morden,
had eight sons, who settled in the county, and at one time there was a
community known as the " Mordens." They took up land from the
Government as U. E. Loyalists, and the graudfether's death occurred at
Lambeth. John and Mary Morden became the parents of nine child-
ren, six of whom are now living — John P., Eobert (residing in Iowa),
Jane, Mary, Hannah, and Eliza. Those deceased are, Ann, Ellen,
and Margaret. The father died in 1855 ; his widow dying in January,
1888. Rev. John P. IMorden was reared to farm life, and received his
early education in the common schools, completing his studies in.
Cobourg College. At the age of twenty-six he began the study of theo-
logy, being ordained a minister of the Methodist Church in 1860.
Since that time he has had charge of a number of different circuits,
and has established many different societies. The enviable position
he occupies in his profession, as a citizen and as a man, is doubly
appreciated by him for having been due largely to personal efforts.
In 1884 his throat became so affected from over exertion, than he was
put on the superannuated list, and is now retired from active work.
He was married in 1853 to Miss Prudence, daughter of Clarkson F.
and Keziah Shotwell, natives of New Jersey, whose grandfather, James
Shotwell, was an expressman for Gen. George Washington during the
American War, and was a very wealthy citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Morden
are the parents of two children — John W. G., and Mary E., a gradu-
ate in music, and wife of L. W. Smith. Mrs. Morden is a lady of fine
intellectual powers, and has written poetry for nearly all the leading
journals throughout the country. Her poems have received the uni-
versal praise of the public, and show great literary ability.
George W. Morgan.
George W. Morgan, a representative of one of the oldest families
of Adelaide Township was born in this township, December 3, 1839,
and is the son of Pilchard and Catherine (Patterson) ilorgan, natives
of Ireland. Richard Morgan was born in 1810, and died in Adelaide
Township, in 1882. He was one of three brothers — John, Richard
and William — who came with their father, Richard Morgan, to Canada,
and where the father died in Adelaide Township at a ripe old age.
Richard Morgan, jr., was a soldier in the 1837 and 1838 Rebellion,
and was sent home several times to look after the welfare of the families
in the then wilderness country. He took quite an interest in the edu-
cation of his children, and employed a private teacher by the name of
Madison Been, who came to Canada from Wisconsin, and taught in
the home of Mr. Morgan. The latter was an enterprising man, and
was quite well-to-do at the time of his death. He was a man of un-
936 fflSTORY OF THE
questionable integiity, whose word was as good as his note. When the
family first came to Canada, they settled in Coimty Lambton, but soon
after came to County Middlesex and settled in Adelaide Township.
j\Ir Morgan's estate is yet undivided, and the business is in the hands
of G. W. ilorgan. Mrs. Catharine (Patterson) Morgan was born in
Ireland, in 1811, and now resides in Metcalfe Township with a
daughter. The Pattersons came to Canada in early times, and were,
for many years, a leading family of this township. George W. Morgan
settled where he now resides, in 1868. He received a common school
education, and is now a successful agriculturist, and is also engaged
in loaning money out of his father's estate. He was married in 1871
to Miss Ehzabeth Cuddy, a native of this township, born 1845, and
who bore him three children — Alfred E., Ernest A. and George E.
Mr. Morgan is the owner of 100 acres of land, is Conservative in
politics, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Church of
Canada.
Charles A. Morley.
Charles A. Morley, butcher and provision dealer, has been a resi-
dent of London for over thirty-three years, and is one of the landmarks
of that city. He is a native of the Isle of Wight, and was born March
15, 183:2, the son of James and Thirza jMorley, both natives of the Isle
of Wight. Charles A. IMorley was reared at his birthplace until twenty
years of age, and then went to Australia, where he remained until
1855, meeting with satisfactory results. He then returned to England,
and the same year came to Canada, where he was employed for some
time in a drug house, and where he remained for several years. In
1862 he engaged in business for himself in his present line, and he is
now one of the oldest dealers residing in the city. His business career
has been both honorable and successful, and his plain, unassuming
manners cause him to be reticent concerning his labors. Strictly
attentive to business, even in its most trivial details, urbane and
pleasant to those with whom he has business intercourse, scrupulously
exact in the fulfillment of all representations to customers, he has
built up a trade in full keeping with his standing as a business man
and citizen. Mr. Morley was married in 1855 to Miss Isabella
Barton, a native of the same jilace as her husband.
George F. Morris.
George F. Morris, meat dealer, London, Ont. — Among those who
have won their way in life's battles and are deservedly ranked among
thoroughly reliable citizens and business men of London stands the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 937
name of Mr. Morris, who was born in Gloucestershire, England, and
came to this country in 1839, being one of the early settlers and
representative citizens of this county. The mother, whose maiden
name was Hannah Cook, was born in Kent, County Essex, England.
The father in his native country was engaged in mercantile pursuits ;
but after coming to this country he followed agricultural pursuits.
He is still a resident of Middlesex County, but the mother died Oct.
10, 18S8. George F. Morris was the fifth of seven children bom to
his parents, his birth occurring Feb. 19, 1853, and his early life was
spent on a farm. As soon as he had attained a suitable age he com-
menced famiharizing himself with the business which has been his
life occupation. He was married in 1878 to Miss Mary Harris, a
native of Delaware, Ont. They have one adopted son. The same
year of his marriage Mr. Morris rented a stall in the Market House,
commenced business on a small scale and with very little capital. By
industry, economy, coupled with sterling integrity, year by year his
trade has increased until he now commands one of the best trades in
his line in the city, and the quahty of his meat is unsurpassed.
Scrupulously exact in the fulfillment of all his promises to customers,
he receives and merits the respect of all who know him, and his career
is worthy of imitation. He is a member of the Ancient Order of
Foresters, and is an excellent citizen.
John Moule.
Jolin Moule, grocer and provision dealer, of London, and one of
the wide-awake, stirring business men of that place, is a native of
Canada; born May 17, 1849, and the fourth son born to John and
Catherine (Scanlan) Moule. The father was a native of Cambridge,
England, and immigrated to Canada in 1828. He was a grocer and
provision dealer, and followed this calling for many years. His son,
John ]\Ioule, was reared to this business, and after his father retired
from active life succeeded to the business, and has become promi-
nently identified with the business interest of the city of his childhood.
In 1876 he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Day, a native of
Michigan. To this union were born six children — Carrie Gertrude
(deceased), Thomas, John Alonzo (deceased;, Chester, Beatrice, and
Francis. In 1887, Mr. Moule was elected by acclamation as a suit-
able person to represent the No. 2 Ward in the City Council, and, in
1888, he was re-elected his own successor. Strict attention to his
duties in this position, as well as his business, even to its smallest
details, courteous and pleasant in all his relations with the pubHc,
scrupulously exact in the fulfillment of all his representations and
promises to patrons, he has built up an enviable reputation as a
business man and official. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum
and fraternity ; also a member of King Solomon Lodge (Free Masons).
\)M HISTORY OF THE
Adam Murray.
Adam Murray, ex-Treasurer of Middlesex County, Ontario, was
born in Eoxburghshire, Scotland, August 1, 1808, and is a son of
Charles and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Mun-ay, and they, as well as the
paternal grandparents, were natives of Scotland. They were the
parents of thirteen children, three of whom are living — Agnes (widow
of Thomas Armstrong, whose son is now in the Canadian Parliament),.
Elspeth (widow of John Little) and Adam, who is the youngest of the
family. He was reared on his father's farm until nine years of age,,
and when in his twelfth year came to New Brunswick with his
parents, completing his education in the Grammar School in St. John,
and in Frederickton, New Brunswick. In 1834 he resolved to seek
his fortune in Canada, and took passage in a vessel bound for New
York, coming via BuHalo, and locating in Westminster, where he
engaged in teaching school, and for nineteen years followed that
occupation. He was married in October, 1835, to Miss Jane Beattie,,
who was born in Scotland. Of their family only the eldest, Charles, is-
living. In 1836 he purchased a farm, which he managed in connection
with his school duties, and during the five years in which he served as.
Township Clerk, Treasurer and School Superintendent, he still tilled,
his farm. In 1857 he was appointed Treasurer of Middlesex County,
which office he held to the satisfaction of all concerned until
July 1, 1887, when he resigned, and has since lived a retired life. The
following extract shows how his services were appreciated, and with,
what reluctance his resignation was received : —
" To Adam Murray, Esq., Treasurer of the County of Middlesex :
" Respected Sir, — We, the members of the County Council of
Middlesex, desire at this time to say to you, that we received the
intimation of your intention to resign the onerous and responsible
position you have held in this county for so many years, with profound
regret and pain ; and when requested by you to accept your resigna-
tion, we comply with the greatest reluctance, knowing that in parting
with you we are parting with one whose place we cannot expect to fill
for many years. Your long service, your kindly advice and valuable
assistance in all matters pertainintj to the management of the county
atl'airs, will be sadly missed. Your sterling and prudent business
management of the duties imposed on you, and your ever honest fulfill-
ment of the high trust placed in you for so long a term of years, will
not only stand to your credit in time to come, but will redound to the-
credit of your children and your children's children. You have set an
example that is at once a guide and beacon to us all, not only as
officers of this county, but to us as men in our walk through life.
" We feel that we, as a corporation, and the ratepayers thereof, are
largely indebted to you, in a monetary sense, for the earnest efforts
successfully made toward the reduction of the large debenture debt
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 939
that long pressed upon this county, and also for the large amounts you
have handed over to us as interest received on money invested at your
own risk, and which many of us felt rightly belonged to yourself; and
when we consider that this saving alone amounts to nearly twenty-
five thousand dollars, we think that we, as a Council, would only be
doing our duty to ourselves and the ratepayers we represent by mak-
ing a fitting recognition, which the Municipal Act wisely allows us to
do, on your retiring from the position you have held for the past thirty
years.
" And now, sir, to conclude, we earnestly trust that the days of
your pilgrimage, and that of your esteemed partner in life, now exceed-
ing the allotted span, may be still further prolonged, and that you may
find in your withdrawal from public life that well-earned repose which
you now so much require, and we earnestly trust that when the days
of the years of your useful life are fully ended, may you receive that
joyful welcome, ' Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; enter
thou into the joy of thy rest.'
" Simon McLeod, Acting Warden.
" County Council Rooms, London, June 10th, 1887."
Mr. Murray is now in his eighty-first year, but is yet very active,
and has a remarkably retentive memory. Mr. and Mrs. Murray are
members of the Presbyterian Church, and have in their possession a
Bible that was printed in London, England, in 1640.
A. S. MUEEAY.
Any sketch of the business interests of London would be incom-
plete which failed to make mention of one of the principal houses in
the jewelry line, that of Mr. Murray ; and in this connection it may
not be out of place to give a brief outline of the history of his career.
A. S. MuiTay is a native Canadian, having been born in the County
of Oxford, January 15, 1847. His father, William Murray, a Scotch-
man by birth, and a Canadian by adoption, was born in Sutherland-
shire in about 1802, and immigrated to Canada at an early period in
her history. He settled on a farm, and now, notwithstanding the fact
that almost four score years and ten have passed over his head, is a
man of remarkable vigor, and bids fair to see many more years. The
subject of this sketch spent his early life in assisting his father with
the duties on the farm, and when old enough commenced an apprentice-
ship at the jewelry trade, at which he became very proficient. He
has been a resident of London for about twenty-five years, and the
business to which he has succeeded was established in 1863. His
stock is large and complete in all departments, embraces the product
of the most reputable manufacturers, and for variety and elegance is
unsurpassed. Mr. Murray gives the business his undivided attention,
940 HISTORY OF THE
and disposes of his goods at prices as low as is consistent with good
business management, and his store is the popular resort of those in
want of reliable goods in his line, and at popular prices. In connec-
tion with this department of business, he is the possessor of a complete
set of the celebrated lenses of Nachet & Fils, Paris, France, for testing
the sight, and he is the only jeweler in London or Western Ontario
who has graduated as an optician. In this connection it may be
mentioned that multitudes are suffering from defective eyes in their
declining years from failure to avail themselves of competent advice
and knowledge in adjusting glasses to their eyes. The trade that My.
Murray has built up and the large number of patrons he has secured
speak more forcibly of his iipright methods of doing business than
any words we can write. He was married in 1880 to Miss Laura P.
McPherson, a native of Whitby, Outario, and they have four children
— Ethel, Laura, Gordon, and Gladdis. Mr. Murray is a member of
the Masonic Order, the I. 0. Foresters, and the Royal Arcanum.
Murray Brothers.
John and Peter Murray, of the firm of ilurray Bros., plasterers, of
London, are the sons of David and Rebecca (Cook) Murray, who were
natives of Scotland. Both David Murray and his father were in the
British Army, the former serving as Hospital Steward, and the latter as
Captain. They were retired on pensions, and David Murray is still
living in London, a hale and hearty old man. There were four sons in
his family — James, David, John and Peter. John Murray was born in
Toronto in 1857, and came with his parents to London, Out., about
1860. Peter was also born in Toronto, but his birth occurred two
years later. They served a regular apprenticeship at their present
business, and in 1882 formed a partnership for taking contracts on
their own account, and, being very competent and reliable workmen,
have secured a large share of the public patronage. They have had
sub-contracts on buildings at the Insane Asylum, and did the plaster-
ing for the Simcoe St. School building, Dundas St. Methodist Church,
and have the contract for the new Colborne St. Methodist Church. In
1880, John was mamed to Miss Maria Ryan, a native of London, by
whom he has four children — .Tohn, Martin, Joseph and Edward.
Peter was married in 1884 to Miss Annie McCowan, and by her has
one son — Herbert. Both men are enterprising and iudustriotis, and are
doing a large and paying business.
Thomas Morkin.
Among those who for nearly forty years have been residents of
London and vicinity is the subject of this brief sketch. He was born
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 941
in tlie County of Tipperary, Ireland, in 1837. His parents, Edward
and Margaret (O'Maraj Morkiu, were both natives of the same county,
and immigrated with their parents to America in about 1851, and
settled in the County of Middlesex, where the father lived until his
death in 1869. The mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-
seven years. Of their family of thirteen children, six sons and two
daughters are still living. The subject of this sketch in early life
worked at different occupations until he decided upon the tannery
business, which he followed for thirteen years, and then engaged in
the hotel business, and for twenty-three years his record will compare
with any house in this calling in London. The Morkin Hotel for
many years has been devoted to public entertainment, and has an
established reputation. The building is brick and admirably located,
and has not only comfortable bedrooms, but large and convenient sit-
ting rooms. The bar is stocked with a choice selection of wines,
liquors and ales, and special attention is given to quality, regardless
of price. Few men are better known, and his word is as good as cash.
He is really a self-made man, and what he has accumulated is the
result of his own industry and good business management. He has
made it a cardinal point in his career to treat all men politely, and do
as he would he done by ; and he has thus drawn around him a trade
highly complimentary to his standing as a business man and a citizen.
Mr. Morkin married Miss Mary Cooney, also of the County of Tip-
perary. They have a family of six sons — John, Tom, Ned, Martin,
Will and Joe.
Henry Nicholson.
Henry Nicholson, insurance agent, money lender and dealer in
real estate, is a native of Corbridge, Northumberland, England, born
March 10, 1840; son of Henry and Ann (Inniss) Nicholson, and of
English descent. His father was born in Cumberland and the mother
in Northumberland, England, the father in 1807, and died in the land
of his nativity in 1873. He was a contractor and builder by occupa-
tion, also a local Wesleyan minister, and a man of energy and enter-
prise. The mother was born in the year 1807, and also died in Eng-
land in 1884. Henry Nicholson received a Collegiate education in
England, and early in hfe entered upon a business career, having held
several positions of trust and importance prior to immigrating to Canada
in 1866. After reaching this country he first settled in Tilsonburg,
County Oxford, and remained there until 1868, when he came to
Strathroy, where he at once entered into the lumbering business, in
which he continued about nine years. In 1876, Mr. Nicholson en-
gaged in the real estate business in connection with ocean steamship,
insurance and loaning money, which he still continues. He repre-
sents the Canadian Life Insurance Company, the Eoyal Canadian Fire
942 HISTORY OF THE
Insurance Company, the London (England) Assurance Corporation,
and is agent for the Dominion Savings & Investment Society of Lon-
don, Ont., the London (England) & Ontario Investment Co., the
Freehold Loan & Savings Company of Toronto, and the Anchor Line
steamships. He has been, and is doing a successful business, and is in
comfortable circumstances, owning considerable valuable property in
Strathroy and neighborhood. He takes an active part in politics, and
is a Eeformer in his views. He was a member of the Strathroy Coun-
cil from 1874 to 1878 and 1883 and 1884. In 1875 he was appointed
a member of the High School Board, on which he served for six years.
He was made an Oddfellow at Otter Lodge, at Tilsonburg, in 1867 ; is
the first charter member and was one of the organizers of Howard
Lodge, No. 58, in Strathroy. In 1875 he was united in marriage to
Miss Isabella Laws, who was born in Northumberland, England, in
1852. Mr. Nicholson is a correspondent for the Hexham Courant,
England, also a commercial journal in Canada, and is an interesting
writer. He is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is one of the
active men of Strathroy.
Robert Nicholson.
Robert Nicholson, proprietor of the Nicholson Planing Mill, and
dealer in lumber, coal and lime, was born in the North of England in
1828, and is the son of Edward and Hannah (Mullcaster) Nicholson,
both natives of England. His father's birth occurred in 1779, and his
death in 1853 ; and his mother was born in 1792, and died in 1866.
He was educated in England, and first worked in a provision store.
He came to Canada in 1848, and settled in Norwich, County Oxford,
where he engaged in mercantile pursuits first, and later in the lumber
business. He came to Strathroy in 1861, and here carried on mer-
chandising for about three years. Since 1861 he has been engaged in
the lumber business in this town, and for nearly thirty years has
been one of the leading business men of Strathroy. He has made his
own way in life, has been successful, and is now in very comfortable
circumstances, owning a valuable farm just outside the corporation of
Strathroy. In 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Saul, a
representative of one of the pioneer families of the County of Middle-
sex, and to them have been born eight children. In 1887, after an
absence of thirty-nine years, Mr. Nicholson visited his old home and
birthplace in England. He is a decided Reformer in politics, and has
held the office of Reeve and Town Councillor, and is one of the leading
citizens of Strathroy.
Adam Nichol
Adam Nichol is of Scotch descent, his father, Francis Nichol, being
born in Scotland in 1782, and a dealer in flour and oatmeal. He was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 943
married to Miss Jannet Nichol, and by her became the fiither of six
children — John, Thomas, Francis, Mnry, Adam and William. He
immigrated to Canada, and settled in Westminster Township in 1833,
where he entered 200 acres of land on the Fourth Concession, which is
now occupied by his son Adam, and began clearing his land and
getting it in tillable shape, his experience Iseing much the same as all
pioneer settlers. He was a strict member of the Presbyterian Church,
and reared his family in the fear of God, his death occurring in 1868,
at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He was very energetic, and
is a descendant of a very hardy race of people, who, in addition to their
Bibles, which invariably accompanied them, brought with them to the
New World stout hearts and willing hands. He pos.sessed great
strength of character, and his long career of usefulness may well be
viewed with pride by his descendants. He became a wealthy farmer,
owing to his industry, frugality and good management, and built a fine
brick residence on his farm and one of the first barns in the township,
which is still standing in a good state of preservation, the framework
being of hewed oak.
Adam Nichol, whose name heads this sketch, was born on the old
homestead in 1834, and was reared to farm life, receiving a good com-
mon school education. In 1868 he married Catherine Laidlaw, a
daughter of Walter and Elizabeth (Beattie) Laidlaw, who were also
Scotch Presbyterians, and came to Canada, settling in Middlesex
County in 1832, where they are still living at the age of seventy-three
and sixty-eight respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol are the parents of
six children — Francis W., Jannet E., Mary, Walter L., John B., and
Thomas H. After their marriage they settled down to farming on the
old homestead, where they have remained a period of twenty years.
They are devout members of the Presbyterian Church, and their
children are carefully instructed in all moral and religious teachings,
and the way pointed out with clearness and accuracy. They possess
250 acres of fine farming land, which is well stocked and cultivated,
and on which is a commodious and handsome residence. Mr. Nichol
may well be considered one of the sterling and respected citizens of
the township.
John Nichol.
John Nichol is one of the enterprising and reliable farmers of West-
minster Township, and is a son of Francis Nichol — a short history of
whom is given in the sketch of Adam Nichol — and was born at New-
castleton, Eoxburg.shire, Scotland, in 1822, receiving his education in
the common schools of his native land. He was reared in the woods
of Canada and became very expert in the use of the ax, many a mon-
arch of the forest having fallen beneath his sturdy stroke. After
reaching manhood, Mr. Nichol married Miss Barbara Scott, a daughter
944 HISTORY OF THK
of George and Mary Scott, and their union was blessed in the birth of
seven children — Francis, George T., John 0., Jeanette, Mary, Belle,
and Jane. After his man'iage, Mr. Nichol located on a farm in the
6th Concession, and is now the owner of 360 acres of valuable farming
land. He has always followed the peaceful occupation of tilling the
soil, and is considered one of the most painstaking and successful
farmers of the township. He has always taken an active interest in
the cause of education, and has been school trustee for many years.
His wife being also a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church.
Their son, George, married Miss Isabel Ivirk, and John wedded Miss
Annie Cameron, and both are residing in Westminster Township on
farms presented to them by their father, near the old homestead.
The Nichols have ever been prominent citizens, and have the respect
and esteem of all who know them.
James Nobbs.
James Nobbs, contractor, was born in the County of Norfolk, Eng-
land, Aug. 16, 1837. His parents, James and Martha (Harvey)
Nobbs, were of the same place. James, the eldest son and third child,
was reared at his native place until ten years of age, and then removed
to Lowenstoft, where he attended school until fourteen years of age,
receiving a good, practical business education. He then served an
apprenticeship to the stone-cutting business with Lucas Brothers, the
largest contractors in this line in England. Charles Berry, the cele-
brated engineer and architect, was an apprentice at the same time with
the same firm. Mr. Nobbs superintended the building of the London
University for the contractors, and also for the Royal Academy. For
a long time impressed with the idea that better opportunities were
offered in the New World for men of energy and integrity, he in 1870
immigrated to Canada and settled in Toronto. In 1871, after the
Chicago fire, he went to that city and remained for one year, and then
returned to Toronto, where he followed his chosen occupation. For
seven years he was employed on Government work, and had charge
of the work for the contractors in building the addition to the Custom
House in London, and the last addition to the Loudon Insane Asylum.
He was the contractor of the English Church at Exeter, and of the
Church at Dorchester. He also has the contract for the stonework of
the new Colborne Street Methodist Church, and of the Canadian Loan
& Savings Building. He is a thoroughly competent mechanic, as well
as a rehable contractor, and is much above the average in intelligence
and good judgment. He was married in 1859 to Miss Elizabeth
Pocock, a native of the Isle of Wight. They have six children — Alice
(wife of Jno. Henderson, Toronto), Annie, Robert and Arthur (both
learning the trade with their father), and Edmund and William (in
school).
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 945
John Nixon.
John Nixon, a member of the Township Council, is a descendant of
a prominent family, the male members of which have been farmers of
England for several hundred years, and were the owners of landed
estates, on which the ruins of the family castle can still be seen. James
Nixon, the father of John, was born in England, and was there married
to Margaret Summers, and with her immigrated to America in 1816,
locating in New York State, where he resided three years, and then
came to Canada aud settled on and cleared the farm now occupied by
our subject, which consists of between 700 and 800 acres. He and
wife became the parents of the following children : — -John, Kobert,
George, William (deceased), James, Margaret, Mary and Elizabeth.
At the time of their settlement Westminster Township was a wilder-
ness, and he and wife were compelled to sufier many of the privations
and hardships incident to pioneer life. He died December 25, 1873,
at the age of eighty-five years, but his wife is still living at the
advanced age of ninety-four years, and possesses her strength and
mental faculties to a remarkable degree. Mr. Nixon was a member of
the Church of England, and was an honorable and upright citizen.
John Nixon was born in New York State, in 1817, and came to
Canada with his parents, but owing to the newness of the country the
school facilities were very poor. Indians were very plentiful at that
time, and the woods were filled with wild game of all kinds. John
grew to be skilled in woodcraft, aud the hardships of pioneer hfe were
as naught to him. He has been Justice of the Peace for probably
thirty-five years, and has also been a member of the Township Coun-
cil for thirty-two years, with the exception of three years spent in
visiting England, from 1872 to 1875. He has been a Director of the
Westminster Mutual Fire Insurance Company for thirty years, and
holds the same connection with the Western Fair Board and the East
Middlesex Agricultural Society. He is a member of the Church of
England, and is the owner of 425 acres of land, all of which i,s well
improved ; and he is noted throughout the county as a man of strict
integrity, and has the respect of all who know him for his affection
and fidelity to his aged mother, for whom he has always made a home.
William Northcott.
Among the many enterprising and successful farmers of the town-
ship, stands the name of William Northcott, who was born in Nova
Scotia, November 27, 1828, and is the sou of Thomas and Sarah North-
cott. The parents were among the earliest settlers of Caradoc Town-
ship, aud trace their lineage back to English ancestors. William
Northcott came to Middlesex County in 1836, and settled at Port
Stanley. He then lived in Yarmouth Township for seven years, then
946 HISTORY OF THE
a part of London District, which was composed of Elgin, Middlesex,
Lambton and Huron. Mr. Northcott subsequently moved to Caradoc
Township, where he followed farming with his father. He was mar-
ried in 1851 to Miss Eliza Adelaide Mihell, born March 27, 1832,
near Saulsbury, England, and is the daughter of Edward and EUza-
beth Mihell, both of whom are natives of Wiltshire, England. They
came to this country when Mrs. Northcott was about one year old,
and located first in Little York (now Toronto) ; then the father took up
land near Hamilton. He subsequently moved to the City of London,
where he worked at the carpenter trade, although he had previously
been a tailor. He died in 1883, and his wife in 1870. To Mr. and
Mrs. Northcott were born six children — Thomas A., Sarah E., William
E., Edward H., Mary E and Eosilla M. Mr. Northcott is a Reformer
in pohtics, and in his religious views inclines to the Quaker Church.
John Nutkins.
John Nutkins, builder and contractor, was born in Herefordshire,
England, May 25, 1850, his parents being John and Hannah Nutkins.
Our subject resided in his native shire until fourteen or fifteen years of
age, then went to London and worked in a foundry until twenty years of
age, after which he came to Canada and settled in York County. When
about twenty-two years of age he came to London, and since that time
has been working at his trade in the city and country, but for the past
two years has been mostly engaged in the city. He has taken a deep
interest in all enterprises tending to benefit the city, and in 1884 was
elected a member of the Council of Loudon East, and to the City
Council in 1886. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. 0. 0. F.,
the A. 0. F., the Sons of England and the Orangemen. In 1872 he was
mamed to Miss Elizabeth 15ailey, of London, England, by whom he
has six children — Margaret E., William J., Ernest, Anna E., Frederick
and John.
Leonard Odell.
Leonard Odell, farmer, Odell Post-office, is a member of an old
Canadian family of American origin. The founders of the family
after the American Revolution settled in Lower Canada, where they
founded Odelltown. John Odell, father of Leonard Odell, was born in
Dutchess County, N. Y., in 1789, and was but two years of age when
he was brought from New York State by his parents. When a young
man of twenty-two years of age, he came to Westminster Township
and took charge of Lot No. 25, 1st Concession, in 1811. The country
was an entire wilderness, and it was in the middle of winter. He was
with Capt. Joseph Odell and James Lester. They had a yoke of oxeu
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 947
that lived on the tops of trees that winter. They brought a few slabs
from the nearest saw-mill, that was about twenty miles distant, and
built a shanty on Lot 23, then covered with heavy timber. The trials
and privations of the pioneer settlers are but little understood or
realized by the present generation. They were obliged to go about
twenty-five miles to mill, London being then a complete wilderness with
not a tree cut on its present site, and these three men were the first
settlers on the 1st Concession. This Concession was laid out by a Mr.
Watson, in 1810. In 1817, Mr. Odell married Miss Annis Griffeth,
daughter of Nathan Griffeth, and to them were born these children : —
Mary A., Leonard, Eliza J., Priscilla, Enor L., John, Lymon, and
Harriet.
Mr. Odell was one of the pioneers of the county, and assisted
materially in clearing up the country, which at that time was full of
game — bear, deer, and wild turkey. He was a soldier in the War of
1812, and was a very hard-working man. He followed teaming for
many years, and made a comfortable home. He was well respected,
and was an honorable man. His son, Leonard Odell, was born on his
father's farm, on Lot 25, 1st Concession, in 1819 ; secured but little
education, as school advantages were limited at that early date, but
one thing was not lacking, and that was muscular exercise, and young
Odell was early taught the use of the ax. He assisted in clearing otf
his father's farm, and in March, 1850, he married Miss Jane Mihell,
daughter of Edward and Sarah (Dike) Mihell. Jlr. Odell has taken
an active interest in all matters relating to the good of the community,
and has been a member of the Church for many years. He was also
one of the organizers of the Westminster Fire Insurance Co., and was
present at the first meeting : he was also one of the first members.
He has taken an active interest in educational affairs, and has been
school trustee for many years. He has also been connected with the
Board of Health, and was health inspector for a number of years. Mr.
Odell is Liberal in his views, and has assisted many good causes with
his means. He has always lived on his farm on the 1st Concession,
with the exception of a short time spent on the Pacific coast, and at
one time when he kept hotel. Mr. Odell is now 70 years of age, and
a fine representative of the old pioneer stock from whom he sprang.
He is still hale and hearty and able to do a good day's work. He
stands high in the community for his honesty, industry, and his good
moral character. He adopted a son, who was named Henry M. Odell,
who was one year old at the time of adoption, and who is now twenty-
seven years of age.
William Odell.
William Odell, P. M., merchant and farmer at Belmont, Ontario, is
of Dutch ancestry, the founder of the family in America, having
y48 HISTORY OF THE
settled in Dutchess Count}', N. Y., where John Odell, tlie great-grand-
father of WilHam, was born in 1758. His wife, Etior Schriver, was also
born in that State, Feb. 17, 1761, and to their union a family of ten
children were born — William, Peter, Joshua S., Albert S., John,
James, Rebecca (who married a Mr. Doty), IVIartha (wife of Ezra Grif-
fith, the first tax collector of Westminster Township), Hannah and
Loop. During the American Eevolution, John Odell was a Loyalist,
and left the State of New York shortly after 17S5, and settled near
Montreal, Canada, where he passed the remainder of his days. All
his children, with the exception of Loop, who died in Lower Canada,
came to Westminster Township, Ont., his son Albert S. being the first
one to come. The latter arrived in 1810, and the remainder of the
family shortly after, his brother Joshua coming in 1811 and taking up
200 acres of land, on which he located and began clearing. After liv-
ing on this farm a few years, he sold out, and in 1831 located in Lon-
don, where he kept a tavern on Dundas St., afterwards purchasing a
farm in Westminster Township, and moved to Belmont about 1834,
being one of the founders of that town. He was married to IMiss
Cornelia Palen, by whom he became the father of ten children — Julia
A., Eachel, Polly, Enor, Anna, Alvira, Rebecca, John G., Cornelius
and Wilham H. The father of these children lived to be 77 years of
age, and died in 1863, having been a prosperous farmer and an honored
citizen throughout life. His son John G. Odell was born in Odell-
towu in 1810, and was reared to a farm life. He married Marian
Atkins, a Scotch lady, by whom he had eight children — William,
Peter, John, Cornelius, Allan, Henrietta, Agnes and Clara. Their
marriage took place in Michigan, after which they settled in Belmont,
and in 1841 began keeping an hotel, but sold out in 1856 and engaged
in farming, which he continued until his death in 1876, at the age of
sixty-six years.
Mr. Odell was a prominent man in Belmont, and owned the land
where the town now stands ; and was one who took great pride in his
word, it being truly said of him that his word was as good as his bond.
He took great pains to instill principles of honor in the minds of his
children, and his memory is revered by his descendants. William
Odell, his son. and the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in
Belmont in 1841, and was there educated in the common schools, his
early days being also spent in tilling the soil and working in his
father's mercantile establishment, his partner being William Dyer;
but sold his interest in 1874, and has since been engaged in farming
and stock dealing, and has held the office of Postmaster of Belmont for
the past twenty years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a
Reformer in politics, has held the office of Deputy- Reeve for two years,
and Reeve two years, having been a member of the County Council
the same length of time. He is a representative and substantial
citizen of the county, and stands high in the estimation of all who
know him. He was married in 1870 to Miss Salina Cole, a daughter
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 949
of Joseph and Anna (Maker) Cole, who were from Devonshire, England,
and came to America in 1832. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Odell has
been blessed in the birth of five children — Henrietta, William Henry,
Salina, John G. and Cecil C. — all of whom attend the Methodist
Church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Odell are members.
Frederick A. Odell.
Frederick A. Odell, blacksmith, at Nebstown, was born in Lower
Canada, in 1826, and is the son of William and Caroline (Wilson)
Odell. The Odells are from an American family from Pougbkeepsie,
New York, and are of German origin. William Odell was born in
Pougbkeepsie, and came when a young man to Odelltown. He was mar-
ried there, and became the father of these children : — David, John H.,
James, Wilham L., Frederick, Alfred, Adolphus, Johanna, Deborah,
Sarah, Marietta and Ameha. In 1837, Mr. Odell moved to West-
minster Township, and settled where the Warrior Hotel now stands.
Afterwards he resided in London, and then in Putnamville, where he
died. He was a member of the Methodist Church, was a hard-work-
ing, industrious citizen, and in his early days was a man of consider-
able property. He was a man who was ujjright and honorable in
every respect, and had the esteem of all who knew him. He died at
the age of 64 years. His son, Frederick A. Odell, was a lad of eight
years when he came to this county with his father. He learned the
blacksmith trade in early life, and married Miss Fannie W. Reynolds,
daughter of Henry and Fannie (LaBodo) Reynolds, of Windsor. This
union resulted in the birth of six children — Henry, Gertrude, Nellie and
Myrett and two others. Mrs. Odell is a member of the ilethodist
Church. Mr. Odell has always been prosperous in his business rela-
tions, and is a man of means. His son Henry married Miss Lizzie
Lewis, daughter of George Lewis. Gertrude married Frederick Giles.
The rest of the family are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Odell had the
misfortune to lose one son, Frederick, at the age of twenty-two years.
He was a young man of unusual promise. Mr. Odell is one of the
many intelligent and entei-prisiug citizens of the county, and is noted
for his honesty and integrity.
William L. Odell.
William L. Odell is the descendant of an old Canadian family of
American origin, A. U. E. L. William Odell, father of subject, was
born in Dutchess County, New York. He came to Lower Canada,
settled at Odellville and here married Caroline Wilson, daughter of
John Wilson. fFor further particulars of parents see sketch of Fred-
erick Odell.) AVilliam L. Odell, subject of sketch, was born in Odell-
950 HISTORY OF THE
town, March 15, 1824, and was thirteen years of age when he moved
with his father to this township. He received a common school
education, and in early life learned the occupation of a farmer. He
then learned the blacksmith trade, at which he worked for ten years,
eight years in the City of London. September 23, 1847, he married
Miss Priscilla Odell, daughter of John and Annie (Griffith) Odell, and
to them were born si.x children — Mary C, Amelia L., William E.,
John A., Melvin L. and Fannie C. Mrs. Odell died March 1, 1858,
and Mr. Odell married Eliza J. Odell, a sister of his first wife. One
child is the result of this union — Harriet E. About 1856, Mr. Odell
bought the property where he now resides, and built the Warrior
Hotel, which he ran for many years, and which was one of the most
popular hotels in the township. Mr. Odell is a Mason of high stand-
ing; became a member of the Lambets Lodge in 1870, and has taken
all the degrees in the Blue Lodge, having held all the offices, including
Master. Mr. Odell assisted in building the first bridge across the
Thames, the old Wellington Bridge, and made the iron work for the
same. He has assisted greatly in the introduction of valuable stock,
and is one of the thorough-going business men of the day. His
family is one of the best known and oldest in the county, and their
descendants may well be proud of the honorable ancestry from which
they sprang. Grandfather John Odell was born February 19, 1758,
and was married on the 17th day of February, 1779, to Miss Enor
Schriver, who was born February 17, 1761. Their sons and daughters
are as follows : — William (who was born February 17, 1782), Peter
(born November 17, 1783), Johanna (born September 1, 1785), Albert
S. (born May 26, 1787), John (born May 18, 1789), James (born July
19, 1791), Eebecca (born September 19, 1793), Martha (born January
15, 1796), Hannah (born April 1, 1798;, and Loop (born March 1,
1802). [The third child was given by William Odell as Joshua S.,
instead of Johanna.]
A. W. Oliver.
A. W. Oliver, proprietor of the London Vinegar and Cider Works,
is a native of Canada, born in Brantford, July 31, 1851. The father,
William Oliver, was a native of Scotland, and came to Canada in
1824, when eleven years of age ; he was a farmer, and followed this
calling until his death in 1869. The name of his mother was Miss
Agnes McDugall, of Argyleshire, Scotland The subject of this sketch
was the seventh child in a family of thirteen. His early life until
sixteen years of age was spent in agricultural pursuits. He then went
to Hamilton, where he commenced familiarizing himself with the
business to which he has since devoted his time. For two and a-half
years he was with B. C. E. Charlton, four years with William Wilson,
of Toronto, aud three years with T. A. Lyttle, of the last-named place.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 951
In these different positions Mr. Oliver acquitted himself as a sales-
man, as well as a manufacturer, of more than ordinary merit, and it is
but simply stating facts when we mention that no man in Canada is
more familiar with all the details of the business or better acquainted
with the trade. In the spring of 1886 he came to London and
opened on his own account, and, although he had difficulties to en-
counter, he has perfected his machinery and process until now the
quality of his product is unsurpassed in the Dominion, and his trade
extends from British Columbia on the west to Montreal on the east.
No man is more deserving the success that has so far attended his
efforts than Mr. Oliver.
Michael F. O'Mara.
Michael F. O'Mara is a pork and provision dealer, of London, Ont.
Among the many industries of any city, few have so important bearing
in our commercial fabric as the reliable provision dealer, contributing
as he does the very necessities of our daily life ; and among the lead-
ing men in this line in London is the name that heads this sketch. M.
F. O'Mara is a native of Ireland, and he was born in 1855, and is the
son of Andrew and Catherine (McMannus) O'Mara, both natives of
Tipperary County, Ireland. The family immigrated to America in 1868,
and settled in London, Ontario, wliere the father conducted a success-
ful business as a pork packer and general provision dealer, until his
death in 1878. He left, besides his widow, two sons and four daugh-
ters. The business was continued by the two sons, Michael and John
M., until the death of the latter in 1886. Since that date the subject
of this sketch has conducted the business with signal success. He
has been reared to the business, and has had valuable experience for
one of his years, both in London and in the States, having spent some
time in St. Louis, Mo., and is thoroughly familiar with all the duties
of his calling. His places of business on Dundas street and in the
" Market Bazaar " are models of neatness, and always well supplied
with the best meat in their line that the market affords. He cures
his own hams and bacon, renders his own lard, and makes his own
sausages. The success, which is his, has been achieved by unceasing
industry, through the possession of good business insight, and not a
little through the est eem in which he is held by the business public ;
and he has what all men court, the confidence of those with whom he
has dealings.
Stephen O'Meara.
The perseverance and continuous effort which are necessary to
success in life are among the possessions of Mr. O'Meara, who has, by
952 HISTORY OF THE
his own worth, attained an enviable position in the estimation of his
fellow-men. He was born in the County of Tipperary, Ireland, in
1832, his parents, Patrick and Katherine (Hone) O'Meara, being also
natives of the " Emerald Isle." They were farmers throughout life,
and became the parents of nine children ; and in 1847, thinking they
could better their condition, came to Canada, where they resided until
theh respective deaths. Stephen is their seventh child, and until
about fifteen years of age resided in his native county, and after coming
to Canada assisted his father on the farm. He was subsequently
engaged in constructing a gravel road in Huron County, and with other
parties had a contract for constructing six miles of the Grand Trunk
Eailway between Port Huron and Detroit. In 1881 he was nominated
by the voters of the Second Ward to the City Council, and was also
elected Alderman, a position he has filled continuously up to the
present time, with the exception of one year, when he refused to serve.
He has always been imbued with an earnest desire to do his best in
all his undertakings, and that he has been successful is shown by the
respect and esteem in which he is held by all who know him. In 1862
he was married to Miss ]Mary Loughnen, who was also born in Ireland,
and their union has been blessed in the birth of six children — Patrick,
Mary, Katie, John, Maigaret and Ellis.
/. D. O'NEIL, V.S.
To establish a good re])utation and to secure success in life, it is
necessary to be possessed of merit, energy and determination, and Dr.
O'Neil may be truly said to possess these requisites. The family was
first represented in Middlesex County by the great-grandfather O'Neil,
who settled with his family in this township. His son, William,
became the father of Henry D., the father of J. D. O'Neil, whose name
heads this sketch. Henry D. O'Neil was born in London Town.ship
in 1823, and was reared to manhood on a farm. He became promi-
nently connected with the county and held the position of reeve, and
was a member of the County Council for twelve successive years, and
is now residing on the f;irm on which his ancestors settled on first
coming to the country. He was married to Miss Ehzabeth Deacon,
also one of the representatives of the pioneer famihes of the country,
and J. D. O'Neil is their .second child, in a family of seven children.
He was reared to a farm life, but also prepared himself for teaching
school, which he followed for some time. Having formed a taste for
veterinary surgery, he began studying that profession, and afterwards
entered the Ontario Veterinary College, of Toronto, from which insti-
tution he graduated in 1873. He commenced practicing in London,
and gives his attention to healing all domestic animals. He is con-
sidered a skillful and able practitioner, and can be thoroughly relied
upon in cases of emergency. He has spared no pains to become pro-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 953
ficient in his profession, and bends all his energies to attain good
results in difficult cases. Much credit should be given him for the
interest he has taken in importing thoroughbred horses for stock pur-
poses, and lie has done more than his share in raising the standard
of horses throughout this section, and his infirmary and stables are
very complete and worthy the inspection of every horse owner in the
country. In 1876 he married Miss Sarah Jane, daughter of Edward
Hodgens. She was born in Middlesex County, and became the mother
of four children — Katie, Clara, Harry and Ernest. The latter is
deceased, his being the first death in the family for many years. Dr.
O'Neil is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and L 0. of Foresters.
John W. Orme.
John W. Orme, editor of The Enterprise, which was established in
1883, and is a weekly paper, published every Thursday, is a native of
London Township, Middlesex County, and was born June 10, 1857.
His parents, Thomas and Maria (Hughes) Orme, were born in Ireland,
and in their early youth came to Canada when the country was a vast
wilderness. They had a family of five sons and tliree daughters, of
whom our subject is the youngest. He received a good education
during his youth, and in 1877 established himself in the mercantile
bushiess which he successfully carried on for five years, since which
time he has been engaged in conducting the above-named paper. In
May, 1878. he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hodgins. a
daughter of William Hodgins. (See sketch of Charles C. Hodgins.)
Mr. and Mrs. Orme have a family of three sons and two daughters,
and are adherents of the Methodist and English Churches respectively.
In politics Mr. Orme is Conservative.
Doctor Oronhyatekha.
Permanent success in any calling in life is always regulated by
well-known laws, dependent upon, natural causes, and no one can hope
to secure a lasting reputation for success without merit. That Dr.
Oronhyatekha has made himself eminently successful in his profes-
sional career, nearly twenty years' constant practice abundantly testi-
fies, and this is amply corroborated by his fellow brethren, and the
position which he occupies in the city of his adoption. He was born
in Brant County, Ont., on the Six Nations' Indian Reservation, August
10, 1841, and is a sou of a full-blooded Mohawk Indian, who removed
from New York State shortly after the Revolutionary War, and
settled at the above-mentioned place. His childhood days were spent
among his own people, and at ten years of age he began his English
education in the Indian Industrial School near Brantford, established
954 HISTORY OF THE
for the training of young Indians. He remained here four and a-half
years, and was taught the shoemaker's trade in addition to the rudi-
ments of EngHsh. He then left home and went to the Wesleyau
Academy, at Wilbraham, ilass. Here he supported himself while
pursuing his studies, and during the last year at the Academy he re-
ceived the maximum number of marks in all his classes. At the end
of two years he returned to his home, taught school among the Indians
for a year, and then entered the preparatory department of Kenyon
College, at Gambler, Ohio. In this institution he succeeded in taking
the two years' preparatory course in one, and matriculated into college
at the end of the first year, where he remained as a student three
years. He afterwards studied at Toronto University, and was also for
some time a student at St. Edmund's Hall, Oxford University, England.
When the Prince of Wales visited Canada in 1860, Oronhyatekha
was selected by the chiefs of the Six Nations to present an address to
the son of their " Great Mother." It was owing to the impression he
made on this occasion that he received the invitation to go to Oxford
to continue his studies. On his arrival at that ancient seat of learn-
ing he was placed under the care of Dr. Acland, the Prince's physician,
and Regius Professor of Medicine in Oxford University. He began
his career as a physician at Frankford, Canada, where he soon acquired
a large practice, and at the organization of the Hastings County
Medical Association was elected its first secretary, a post which he held
until he removed to Stratford. On his leaving Frankford, he was
presented by his friends with an address and a gold watch. During
his residence in Stratford he took a prominent part in politics, and in
1872 took the stump for the Conservative candidate, and by his
organizing powers secured the success of his party and the defeat of
the sitting member. Shortly afterwarfs he was appointed Consulting
Physician to the Mohawk Indians on the Bay of Quinte, but resigned
the position in 1874. One year later he took up his abode in London,.
Canada, where he resided and practiced his profession till within a few
months ago, when in the interests of the Independent Order of Foresters,
of which he is the head, he removed to Toronto. He was, on his re-
moval to London, appointed Consulting Physician to the Oneida
Indians, a post which he still holds, in addition to an extensive
practice.
Dr. Oronhyatekha was manied to Miss Ellen Hill, of the Mohawk
tribe, a gi-eat grand-daughter of the celebrated Mohawk chief, Captain
Joseph Brant. They have a son and daughter, the son being named
Acland, after his father's old friend and tutor, Dr. Acland, of Oxford,
and is a student in Queen's University. The Doctor is a true Indian,
and is very proud of his race. He has never allowed his connection
with his tribe to be impaired, and at home in his own family the
Mohawk language is always used. The Doctor was elected President
of the Grand Council of Chiefs of Canada in 1874. The Canadian
Indians are thoroughly loyal, and Dr. Oronhyatekha, while in Toronto
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 955
"University, joined the volunteer force, and was on active duty in the
University Rifle Company of the Queen's Own during the Fenian
Raid of 1866. He was also a member of the first Wimbledon rifle
team from Canada, where he won nine prizes. The Doctor's connec-
tion with Good Templary has extended over thirty years. During
that period he has been Grand Chief Templar of his Grand Lodge four
times, and is now filling, for the third time, the post of Right Worthy
Grand Councillor, the second highest office in the Order, and in addi-
tion to that office he is Superintendent of Missions for North America.
He is prominently associated with other societies, notably the Loyal
Orange Association. He was one of the Canadian delegates to the
Imperial Triennial Council when it met in Gla.sgow, Scotland, and
addressed a number of mass meetings in different towns of the United
Kingdom. He was made a "'Prentice Boy" in Derry, and was for
some days at Florence Court, as a guest of the Earl of Enniskillen,
the Imperial Grand Master of the Order. He is a thirty-tliird degree
Mason and a Past Grand Master General and Grand Lecturer of the
Royal and Oriental Masonry. At the head of the Independent Order
of Foresters he has, by his energy and perseverance, made that Society
one of the strongest in the Dominion of Canada. When it was
organized, seven and a-half years ago, the membership was less than
four hundred, while the debt was over $4,000. On the first of
April last there was in the treasury a surplus over 3135,000 in cash,
with all claims paid. The members of the Independent Order of Fores-
ters have not been slow in recognizing his services. They have
repeatedly elected him unanimously to the highest office in their gift,
and at the last annual session of the Supreme Court tiie representatives
voted S2,000 as some recognition of his services for the past year, and
placed his salary at $2,500, besides having given him a magnificent
gold watch.
After coming to London the doctor at once took a prominent posi-
tion, and his success has been assured from the first, for no discourage-
ments have been allowed to impede his progress. In the treatment
of nervous diseases, and of the throat and lungs, he has built up a
reputation of surprising magnitude, and the pileasant results that have
followed his practice warmly testify to his ability and popularity as a
physician ; and to his natural qualifications as a medical practitioner
he brings a mind well stored with medical learning, and an experi-
ence which others might well desire. A clever student, he avails him-
self of the latest and most popular works of medicine, keeping
thoroughly posted with the progress of this science. Not only pro-
fessionally, fjut as a citizen, in both private and public circles, the doctor
has become well and favorably known.
Thomas Ore.
This gentleman was born in London, Canada, June 6, 1850. His
father, Robinson Orr, was born in the County of Armagh, Ireland, and
956 HISTORY OF THE
was there reared to manhood. In yonth he learned the waggon-
maker's trade, and in 1845 immigrated to Canada and located at
London, where he followed his chosen occupation. He married Miss
Ann Glass, a daughter of Matthew Glass, one of the pioneers and
prominent men of London Township. To this marriage were born
seven children, of whom only five are now living — Margaret (wife of
William Rooke), Thomas, Mary (wife of William Davis, now living in
Michigan), Rachel (wife of Alfred Barrett, of Parkhill), and Robinson
J. In early life Robinson Orr was prominent in political matters, and
served in the City Council. He took great and active interest in
church matters and was a member of the old " Kirk," and the first
money paid into the society for the church building was by him. He
died in 1872, and his widow followed him on Easter Sunday, 1888.
Their son Thomas was reared and educated in London, and is thus
wholly a product of home institutions and conditions. He commenced
his business life as a paper carrier, and steadily arose through all the
grades of promotion, learning in all its multifarious details the practi-
cal workings of the printer's art. In 1878 he was appointed to his
present position. It is a pleasure of the editor of this volume to
testify as to the fitness of Mr. Orr for his position. After many
months of intimate business relations, the courtesy, urbanity, honesty,
intelligence and conscientious care of Mr. Orr have inspired in the
entire historic force sentiments of the warmest friendship and the
highest respect. It is unusual to find a business man so uniformly
aHable and considerate as Mr. Orr. In March, 1886, he was united
in marriage with Miss Lizzie Bowey, of London, who has presented
him with two sons, Robinson T. and James B.
Dr. G. F. Palmer.
Dr. G. ¥. Palmer, physician and surgeon, of London, Ontario, was
born in India, November 25, 1862, and is the son of Edward 0.
Palmer, a native of England, and a Civil Engineer. The mother,
whose maiden name was Georgiana Bucke, was a native of England,
and a sister of Dr. Bucke, of London, Ontario. They were the parents
of five children. Dr. Palmer being the third son and child. He was
reared in India until eight years of age, and then went to England
with his parents, living there until he was nineteen years of age, his
time being fully occupied in attending school. He then crossed the
ocean to America and settled at Montreal, Canada, where he pursued
his medical studies, and was graduated from McGill University in
1885. He removed to London, Ontario, in 1887, but previous to this,
for two years, he had practiced his profession and met with good suc-
cess. He is a close student, a deep thinker and reasoner, and is a
young man of unusual promise. He makes a specialty of nervous
diseases, being very fortunate in the treatment of the same.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 957
A. Parfitt.
A. Parfitt, merchant at Delaware, and dealer in dry goods, groceries,
boots, shoes, etc., was born in Hampshire, England, in 1846, and is the
son of Thomas and Ann (Melmouth) Parfitt, the father a brewer by
occupation. In 1865, the subject of this .sketch crossed the ocean to
Canada, and located at Delaware, where he engaged clerking for his
uncle, F. C. Rogers, who' was in business at that place. Here he con-
tinued until 1871, when he purchased tlie exclusive control of the
business, and has since been actively engaged in this occupation. In
the spring of 1871 he was united in marriage with Miss H. Lockwood,
a native of Delaware, and a descendant of one of the oldest pioneer
families of the county, of whom an extensive notice will be given in
this work. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Parfitt have been born four children,,
three sons and a daughter. Mr. Parfitt is Conservative in his political
opinions, and is a member of the Church of England.
Gavin Park.
Gavin Park, dealer and curer of meats, for both summer and
winter, and one of the leading men in his line in the city, is a native
of Glasgow, Scotland, born October 17, 1852. He was reared and
educated in his native country, and came here in 1871. He is the
fourth son in a family of eight children born to John and Janet
(Shaw) Park, both of whom were natives of Lanarkshire, Scotland. The
father was a wholesale grocer in his native country, and in 1871 came
to London, where he has given special attention to the curing of meats.
In 1873, Gavin Park commenced business for himself, and he has
built up an enviable reputation for honesty, care and fair dealing.
He was married in 1886 to Miss Eva McArthur, a native of Seaforth.
Mr. Park handles large quantities of dressed pork, and the superior
quality of his hams, breakfast bacon, both summer and winter cured,
and sausages of his own manufacture, lard of his own rendering, are
the equal of any to be found in the market, and have a wide reputa-
tion for the quality and flavor of the product. Mr. Park is a member
of the Eoyal Clan, of A. 0. Foresters and St. Andrew's Society.
E. Jones Parke, Q. C.
E. Jones Parke, Q. C, London, is the eldest son of the late Thomas
Parke, builder and architect, and native of. the County of Wicklow,
Ireland. The latter came to Toronto about 1819, and in 1828 came
to London, and represented Middlesex County in the two last Parlia-
ments of the Province of Upper Canada, and after the union in the
Parliament of Canada. He was Surveyor-General in the Lafontaine-
958 HISTORY OF THE
Baldwin Administration, and in his political views was an advanced
Liberal, advocating, through the press and in Parliament, the introduc-
tion of responsible government, municipal institutions, public schools,
free grants of land to actual settlers and the secularization of the clergy
reserves. He was the editor of the Canada Inquirer and a frequent
contributor to other journals. He earnestly supported Lord Syden-
ham's efforts for the union of Upper and Lower Canada, and was
largely instrumental in securing the consent of the Upper Canada
Legislature to the measure. He died at St. Catherines, January 29,
1864. His son, E. Jones Parke, was born at York, November 1, 1823,
and was educated at the London District Grammar School, under
Francis H. Wright, M.A., of Trinity College, Dublin, who was head
master. He then began the study of law in the office of Sir John A.
Macdonald and Sir Alexander Campbell in Kingston, and afterwards
studied for a year in the office of Hon. John Wilson in London. He
was admitted to the Bar in 1847, and began practicing his profession
in Woodstock in partnership with the late Thomas Scatcherd, Q. C,
M. P., but in 1852 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Parke
returned to London, where he has since practiced, residing, since 1858,
in the Township of Westminster. For a short time he was also in
partnership with his brother and student, Edward D., who died July
12. 1868. Another brother, Thomas Parke, barrister, was distinguish-
ed for his high legal and literary attainments, and died at the home of
E. Jones Parke, July 31, 1885.
Mr. Parke was maiTied on the 4th of Februarj', 1869, to Mary
Helen, a daughter of George South wick, M. D., of St. Thomas, and an
ex-M. P. for the East Hiding of Elgin. Her grandfather, Ellas Moore,
M.P., of the Township of Yarmouth, was a colleague of Thomas Parke
in 1834 in representing the County of Middlesex. Mr. Parke is
solicitor for several large financial institutions, and was one of the
promoters of and obtained the charter for, the London & Port Stanley
Eailroad, and has been solicitor for tlie company since its incorporation.
He is also solicitor for the Corporation of the County of Middlesex,
having succeeded Judge Elliot on his elevation to the Bench. He
was on two occasions appointed Deputy Judge, and acted in this
capacity several times during the absence of Judge Small. He is
Police Magistrate for the City of London, also holding the office of
Vice-President of the Law Association of the county. In politics he
is a Liberal. Mr. Parke is senior partner in the firm of Parke &
Purdom.
Frank Parker.
Frank Parker, Treasurer of Adelaide Township, and a successful
farmer, was born in England, March 7, 1845, and is the son of Edwin
and Caroline (Cundick) Parker, both natives of England, born 1821 and
COUNTY OF JUDDLESEX. 959
1823 respectively. The family came to Cauada about 1855, settled in
Adelaide village, and here the father followed his trade, that of black-
smith, for many years. He is still living, and is a resident of the
County of Lambton. Frank Parker is the second of eight children,
seven of whom are now living. He received a good practical educa-
tion, and in early life learned the blacksmith trade, succeeding his
father as village blacksmith, which trade he carried on for eleven years,
and at which he was very successful. In 1877 he began tilling the
soil on his present farm, which is located at Adelaide Village, and
which consists of 200 acres of well-improved land. He made improve-
ments in 1885 at a cost of not less than §3,000, and his success in life
is entirely due to his own energy and enterprise. In 1881 he was
elected Treasurer of Adelaide Township, and now holds that position
to the satisfaction of all concerned. In 1868 he married Miss Eliza-
beth Hodgson, who was bom in Westminster Township in 1844, and
died January 31, 1889, and who bore him three children — Annie, born
1869 ; Fred., born 1879, and Maude, born 1882. Mr. Parker is Liberal
in polities, and he and wife are members of the Church of England.
He is one of the prominent men of Adelaide Township, and is worth
not less than $15,000.
Edward Parnell, Jr.
Edward Parnell, jr., proprietor of St. James's Park Bakery, and an
energetic business man of London, Ont., was born in Dover, England,
in 1859. His father, Edward Parnell, sr., and his mother, whose
maiden name was Mary A. Furner, were both of English birth. Our
subject was reared in England until 1868, when the family immigrated
to Canada. He early became acquainted with the bakery business,
and subsequently gave it his whole attention. In 1882 he commenced
business for himself on a small scale, and has since increased his
capacity from time to time as trade demanded, until his business has
assumed its present proportion, and is the largest in this line in Lon-
don. He not only has a large city trade, but does an extensive busi-
ness with the surrounding towns in the country. He uses only the
best material in the manufacture of his production, and, as a result, the
quality of his baking has gained for him the confidence of a large
circle of customers, and his trade is a steadily increasing one. He
makes a specialty of Vienna bread, and is the only one in the city who
has made a success of that branch of the trade. As a result of his own
exertion, enterprise and ability, he has laid the foundation of a busi-
ness of which others may well be envious. Mr. Parnell is also deserv-
ing of mention as a public spirited citizen, having always taken a deep
interest in all enterprises tending toward the advancement of his com-
munity and educational matters, being at the present time a member
of the London South School Board. In 1886 he contested for the
960 HISTORY OF THE
reeveship against Heeve Coughlin, a veteran in political matters, and
was defeated, though by a small majority. In 1878, Mr. Parnell mar-
ried Miss Jane Harwood, a native of Plymouth. Five children have
been born to them — Matilda, Frederick, William, Ethel, and Pearl.
Mr. Parnell is a member of the Sons of England, and the Royal
Arcanum.
:e. Parsons.
E. Parsons, one of the well-known and enterprising citizens of the
Third Concession of Delaware Township, is a son of Thomas and Ann
Parsons. E. Parsons was born in Union, Canada, June 1, 1855. His
parents were both natives of Devonshire, England, and came to
Canada about thirty-eight years ago. They landed at St. Thomas, but
moved from there to Delaware Township in 18G2. Their son, E.
Parsons, was reared in Delaware Township, and was there married
to Miss Jane McFarlane, a native of Delaware Township, in 1875.
This union has been blessed by the birth of five interesting children,
all boys. In 1877, Mr. Parsons purchased his present farm, which
consists of 300 acres of excellent land, Third and Fourth Concessions,
and the same year moved on his property. He is a member of the
Presbyterian Church, and is Conservative in politics.
Elnathan Parsons.
Elnathan Parsons, a builder by trade, was born in Devonshire, Eng-
land, in February, 1857, and is a son of Elnathan and Grace (Trick)
Parsons, who were of English birth, the father having been a shoe-
maker by trade. Our subject resided in his native land until 1869,
when he immigrated to Canada, and, in 1871, commenced working at
the bricklayer's trade, and subsequently became a partner of James S.
Luney, which connection existed until 1888, since which time Mr.
Parsons has conducted the business for himself. He is one of the
most skillful and experienced builders in Ontario, and his ability and
workmanship in the construction of the finest and most difficult build-
ings in the city are in constant demand. In company with Mr. Limey
he constructed the following buildings : — Knox Church ; Ileid Brothers'
building; business houses of Robinson & Little, Burns & Green,
Struthers & Anderson, and A. E. Pavey & Co. ; Gi-anite Block, York
street; Collins' Hall, London West; Hamilton Road Public School
building; residence of George C. Gibbons. On his own account he
constructed the following : — London West Schoolhouse addition ;
changes and improvements in the hotel building, corner of Talbot and
Carling streets ; and is at present at work on ]\Iasuret's fine residence,
and on an addition to the Street Car stables. He also conducts a
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 961
bakery, which is tlioroughly equipped with all necessary appliances,
and the quality of his product will equal that of any similar establish-
ment of the kind in Ontario. This business has been conducted under
his management for five years with very satisfactory results. In
March, 1S77, Mr. Parsons was married to Mr. Sarah Seccombe, daugh-
ter of the late Eichard Seccombe. She was born in Devonshire,
England, and by Mr. Parsons is the mother of three children — Albert
E. E., Frank S., and Alice Maud Mary. Mr. Parsons's property has
been acquired by his own exertions, and he is one of the wide-awake
and enterprising business men of the city.
Abeam Patrick.
Abram Patrick, farmer at Lambeth, is a descendant of one of the
oldest families in the Township, and the son of Abraham Patrick, who
was born in Schoharie County, New York. In 1809 the father came
to Westminster Township, traveling through from Niagara. At that
time there was nothing but an Indian trail, and he swam rivers and
creeks, frequently mired his horse, and had a very tedious journey.
He arrived finally at Byron, where he found Archie McMillan keeping
a tavern, and a few other old settlers engaged in different occupations.
He went to Col. Talbot and told him that he wanted some land. The
Colonel said he had no laud for him. Mr. Patrick replied that he had
plenty. Col. Talbot then laughed, and asked him where he wanted his
land. Mr, Patrick selected Lot 71, Range 4. He then returned to
Niagara, where he had left his family, consisting of his wife, Lucy
Guernsey, and twelve children — Betsy, Polly, Hannah, John, Ptichard,
Peter, George, Lucinda, Susan, David, Abram and James. He then
returned to Westminster Township in 1811 and settled on his land,
consisting of 200 acres. The North Talbot was then a blind trail, and
Mr. Patrick cut the road out from Lambeth to Byron. He was the
third settler near Lambeth. He was in the war of 1812, and left his
wife with her little children. On one occasion Mrs. Patrick went after
the cows, and found a big Indian driving her cows up the creek. She
promptly turned them towards home to the great surprise of the In-
dian, who, however, did not molest her. That night he killed two.
cows for a neighbor. After the war, Mr. Patrick cleared his land, and
built up a home in the wilderness. He went to mill at Delaware
later, but when first coming to the country he pounded his corn in a
mortar. Mr. Patrick was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
his house was often used as a meeting-house. He was a great hunter,
and killed a great many wild animals. He lived to be eighty-three-
years of age. His wife lived to be 101 years ten mouths and twenty-,
two days old. Their son, Abram Patrick, was born in 1819 on the old
homestead, where he still resides. He grew to manhood in the wilder-
ness, and early learned the use of the gun and ax. The early settlers
962 HISTORY OF THE
were little given to style, but they were kind and hospitable. They
spun their own cloth for their clothing, and although they were not
blessed with the luxuries of to-day, they were contented and happy.
Mr. Patrick married Miss Sarah Vail, daughter of Stephen and Katie
(Jones) Vail, and to this union were born nine children — George K,
Ezra, Matilda, Malinda, Maggie, James, Eose, Hiram, Lauie. After
marriage, Mr. Patrick settled down on the old homestead, where he has
always lived. He has witnessed the wonderful improvement of the
Township, and takes an active part in the same. He was called out in
the Canadian Rebellion, is a Reformer in politics and a man of liberal
views on all subjects of importance. He is a member of the Methodist
Church.
John Patrick.
John Patrick is prominent among the successful agriculturists of
the county, and among those deserving special recognition for their long
residence in this county, being a member of one of the earliest families.
He is the son of Abraham and Lucy (Guernsey) Patrick, whose sketch
appears in that of David and Abram Patrick. John Patrick was born
in Schoharie, New York, in 1807, and came with his parents to Canada
in 1811. He grew up in the wilderness, and was early inured to hard
labor. He was very fond of hunting, was a first-class shot, and at one
time killed a deer and very large bear the same day. He married
Miss Eoxanna Thorp, daughter of Ransom and Huldah (Brunsom)
Thorp. The Thorps were from New York State. To Mr. and Mrs.
Patrick were born ten children — Eva, Ransom, Malissa, George W.,
John, Cordelia, Samuel, Emily, Mary and James. After marriage Mr.
Patrick settled down on his present farm, where he has since remained.
This farm is situated on Lot 73 west. North Talbot Road. Mr. Patrick
has always been a hard-working, industrious citizen, and one of the
old pioneer citizens who are now so rapidly passing away. He has
reared a large family of children, and says that the present generation
can hardly realize the hardships and privations endured by the early
settlers. They often suffered for food, and had the game not been
so plentiful, they would have suffered much more. The old settlers
made moccasins of deer skin, and clothing also of skins, which the
Indians generally dressed. According to Mr. Patrick, a Scotchman
and trader named Peter McGregor built the first log house in London,
on the corner where the American Hotel now stands.
David Patrick.
David Patrick is a descendant of one of the oldest pioneer families
of American origin and Irish descent. Abraham Patrick, father of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 963
subject, was born in Schoharie Countj', N. Y., on a farm, March 4,
1775, and married Miss Lucy Guernsey, of New York State. They
became the parents of twelve children — Betsy, Polly, Hannah, John,
Eichard, Peter, George, Lucinda, Susan, David, Abram and James.
Mr. Patrick emigrated to Niagara in 1809, and there resided for two
years. In 1809 he went to Westminster Township, and located on
the North Talbot road, where the post-office now stands at Lambeth —
Lot 71 west. He was the first settler at that place, his nearest neigh-
bors being at Byron, four miles away, where a family by the name of
McMullins resided. The entire country was a wilderness, and Mr.
Patrick followed a trail on what is now the North Talbot road, from
Colonel Talbot's residence. He brought his family in 1811, cleared his
land and built a log house, the first at Lambeth. He was called out
in the war of 1812, but it is not known whether he was in any engage-
ment or not. Himself and wife were members of the Baptist Church,
but, there being no church of that denomination, he attended the
Methodist Church, and gave the land on which that church was built.
He was a Reformer in politics. He was a great hunter in his day,
and many a deer, bear and wolf have fallen victims to his unerring
rifle. On one occasion he and his sons killed an old she bear and
three cubs, he shooting the old bear from his door. Mr. Patrick was
honest and industrious, and was the owner of 250 acres of land, with
good buildings, etc. He died in 1858, at the age of nearly eighty-four
years. His wife died in 1875, at the age of nearly 102 years, and lived
with her son David the latter part of her Hfe.
David Patrick was born on the old homestead at Lambeth in 1818,
and had but Httle chance to get an education, a school being taught by
Calvin Burch, whose sketch appears in that of D. Burley Burch. Mr.
Patrick grew up in the wilderness, and early in life learned the use of
the ax and the rifle. He was an expert hunter, has killed many wild
animals, and has recently killed deer in Lambton County. He married
Miss Elizabeth ]\Iurrell, and to their union was born one child-
Charles. After marriage, Mr. Patrick settled on his present farm on
the North Talbot road, Lot 72 east. He is a member of the Methodist
Church. He was yet a young fellow when the Canadian Rebellion
broke out. He has always taken an interest in the cause of education
and in the good of the schools. He has filled the office of School
Trustee, has been successful financially, and can now live at his ease.
His son Charles is now livin" with him on the farm.
A. K Pavey & Co.
In presenting for the consideration of our readers historical reviews
of the industries and commercial enterprises of this section, it is neces-
sary and important to select representative institutions and establish-
ments, and consider more particularly those whose successes have made
yb4 HISTORY OF THE
them conspicuous and gained for the proprietors positions prominent in
the mercantile history of the city, the character of business men being
often measured by their success, reflecting in a certain ratio the credit
and reputation of the community of which they are members. The
general mercantile interest of this, or, in fact, any country, is one of the
most important factors in the general make-up, and exercises an influ-
ence not out-measured by any other branch of trade. Among the
well-known and deservedly successful merchants of London is A. E.
Pavey & Co., dealer in fine woollens, tailor's trimmings and gents'
furnishing goods. The business was established in 1877, and the
house ranks high as the leading establishment in this line in the city,
a position to which they are justly entitled and freely accorded from
their large patronage and the magnitude of their stock. Associated
with Mr. Pavey is F. A. Fitzgerald, a man of large business capacity
and well known throughout the Province, and also ilr. N. S. Williams.
The stock of the house is not only large but well selected, and embraces
the finest products of the most reputable looms of England and of
domestic manufacture. Great care is exercised to meet the wants of
patrons, and being familiar with the wants and requirements of the
public, the firm conducts the business upon the highest basis of mer-
cantile integrity, and their business dealings are cliaracterized by
their energy, ability, liberality, and extend as far west as British
Columbia and throughout the Province of Ontario.
S. Richard Payne, M.D.
During a professional career of over forty years. Dr. Payne has
become a successful physician, and justly deserves the eulogiums which
are bestowed upon him by his professional brethren. He was born in
Quebec on the .Oth of June, 1829, and is a son of Thomas Payne, who
was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and Mary (Goode) Payne of
Hereford, England. The family immigrated to Canada in 1819, and
until 1840 was engaged in the hotel business. The doctor is the eldest
of their four children, and at an early day chose medicine as his calling
■ through life. He began preparing himself for his professional career
under the guidance of Dr. James Sewell, as instructor in medicine, and
Dr. James Douglass, as instructor in surgery. He attended lectures
for four years, and from 1847 to 1848 was assistant in the Hospital,
and from 1849 to 1850 was assistant in the Asylum. After this he
practiced for four years in the County of Beauharnois, and then came
to London, where he has since made his home and practiced the heal-
ing art for over thirty years. It is a conceded fact that he is one of
the leading physicians of the county, and his mind is well stored with
medical lore and an experience which others might well desire. He
was man-ied in 1869 to Miss Julia Keller, of the County of York, Out.,
and the following are the children born to their union : — William,
Charles, Herbert, Harold and Francis.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 965
Daniel S. Ferrin.
Daniel S. Perrin is a wholesale confectioner and biscuit baker.
The following outline, briefly narrated, is a sketch of the career of this
gentleman, a man of recognized worth wherever known, whose present
substantial position in life has been reached entirely through his own
perseverance ; and the facts connected with his operation and their
results freely show what a person of determination and courage can
accomplish. His father, Lemuel Perrin, was a native of New York
State, and a blacksmith by occupation. He immigrated from his native
state to Canada, and for a time lived in Grafton, near Cobourg. He
man-ied Miss Ruth Eastman, a most estimable woman, whose life was
devoted to making home happy. In 1834 they changed their resi-
dence to London, and were numbered among the earliest settlers of
the city. Here the father followed for a time his chosen calling, but
subsequently abandoned it and turned his attention to the bakery
business, having received a contract for supplying the troops that were
stationed at that place with bread. He had a large and successful
business in this line. He was a man of strong will, indomitable energy
and perseverance, and few obstacles were too difficult for him to
overcome. He at one time owned property which included the
north-west corner of Talbot and Duudas street, on which were seven
buildings, and his bakery, which consisted of four large ovens. These
buildings were all destroyed by fire, on which there was no insurance,
entailing a loss of the accumulations of his life, and represented by
years of toil and anxiety. Mr. Perrin did not wait for the ashes to
cool, but with the assistance of a detail of soldiers from the garrison
he had the debris removed and a temporary building erected, so that
the following day he could fill his contract for bread. He afterwards
recuperated from this loss to meet with a more severe one through en-
dorsement for friends. Then it was that the subject of this sketch
began to show the metal subsequent years has developed.
His early life up to this time had been occupied in assisting his
father and brother, who were in business together, and as a conse-
quence he was denied the educational advantages the older children
of the family enjoyed. He at this time assumed the care of the family,
which included, besides his parents, his sisters. He opened a con-
fectionery and bakery out on the Hamilton road, which was the
nucleus of his jDreseut business, at first on a small scale, and then
adding to it from time to time as his trade demanded. His tireless
energy and indomitable pluck constituted his stock-in-trade. He
labored faithfully in the exacting duties required to make the business
a success, and the increase of trade led to his removal to Richmond
street, and thence to his present place of business. The firm is recog-
nized as one of the important industries of the city, and it has con-
tributed a full share towards adding to the good name that London
enjoys as a business centre and distributing point. Their trade extends
ybb HISTORY OF THE
from the Eastern Provinces to British Columbia, with agencies at
Victoria, Winnipeg and Port Arthur. They employ at times as many
as 150 individuals. It is not only the magnitude of their business
which is deserving of notice, but the quality of the product and the
correct principles on which business is transacted. Mr. Perrin, not-
withstanding his close attention to business, even to its most trivial
details, has during his evenings and leisure hours, devoted his time
to reading, taking a full four years' Chatauqua course, so that he
passed an honorable examination and received a diploma for same.
Mr. Perrin is married to Miss Lillie, daughter of the late Mrs. Given,
of the City of London.
' DI^. Plt^GRL, •
EAR, mm AND THROAT SPEglALKT
C/fT^f^f^H, DEAFNESS, fjEMOV/fL OF NAS/fL GROWTHS, ETC.
OFFICE HOURS, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
Surgery, 354 Dundas %U late Dr. Moore's Office, London.
TELEPHONE 376.
William Payne.
William Payne, manufacturer and dealer in bicycles, in London
South, was born in the County of Elgin, September 9, 1843, being a
son of Henry Payne, sen., a native of Wiltshire, England ; born in
1812. He came to Canada in 1828, and built the first mill in what is
now Elgin County. He was married to ]\Iiss Mary Kettlewell, a
native of Yorlcshire, England, who died in 1875, having borne a family
of four children, only two of whom are now living — William and
Henry, jr. William Payne was reared in the County of Elgin, and
worked in his father's mill until 1876, when he came to Middlesex
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 967
County and built a mill, which he afterwards sold. In 1879 he began
manufacturing bicycles, and his business has very largely increased,
until he is now a leader in his line of work, being a skilled mechanic,
and can do all kinds of repairing for the machines he manufactures.
He makes a specialty of the Singer Cycles, and recently made exten-
sive preparations for his business, by extending his warerooms and
increasing his stock of goods. He is also expert in mounting birds
and animals. September 9, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary Ann
Munro, who was born near St. Thomas, in the County of Elgin, a
niece of Sheritf Munro, and by her became the father of three children
— Mary E., Norman, and Alma. The father of William Payne was on
guard at London Jail during the EebeUion of 1837.
George W. Pitt.
George W. Pitt, watchmaker and jeweler, of London, Out., was
born in Alleghany Co., New York, April 19, 1836, his parents being
William and Betsey (Vincent) Pitt, both of whom were born in Eng-
land. The father was a farmer by occupation, and at an early day
came to America, settling in York State, Alleghany County. George
W. Pitt was the ninth in a family of ten children, and his boyhood
days were spent on his father's farm. After a time he abandoned
farm life to engage in photography, but afterwards gave this up and
began learning the watchmaker and jeweler's trade, which calling he
followed until the outbreak of the Civil War, and he enlisted in Com-
pany "E," 85th New York Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed 4th
Sargeant, and served in this capacity until 1863, when he was com-
missioned a Lieutenant. His regiment passed through a severe cam-
paign, and saw hard service, and participated in the battles of York-
town, Williamsburg, Peach Orchard, Gainsville, Savage Station, Fair
Oaks, seven days' fight before Richmond, Malvern Hill, Kingston, the
eleven days' fight under Foster in North Carolina, Newburn and Ply-
mouth. In the latter engagement the Federal force amounted to
8,000, and was opposed by Hood with 11,000 men. The Unionists
held out three days, but were unable to get supplies, and were forced
to surrender. Mr. Pitt was held a prisoner for almost one year, and
after three attempts to escape was twice recaptured, but the third
attempt was successful, and he, in company with five other men, made
their escape in March, 1865, and succeeded in reaching the LTnion
lines at Newbern after travelling thirty-eight nights and remaining
hidden during the day time. They thus covered 300 miles. The
negroes were their only friends, and supplied them with food and
acted as their guides. All the hardships and privations incident to
such a journey was experienced by them, as they were barefooted, and
many times suffered from hunger and exposure. After Mr. Pitt re-
ceived his discharge he returned home and opened a jewelry store in
968 HISTORY OF THE
Friendship, N. Y., but afterwards removed to Cuba, of the same State,
where he remained three or four years, then went to New York City,
where he became interested in watchmaking, and was a successful
travelling salesman for two years, or until the death of his employer.
In 1876 he came to Canada, and for two years was with H. Davis &
Co. He then engaged in business on liis own account, and it is not
overstating the facts to assert that no man in the Province understands
his business more thoroughly or has been more successful for the short
time he has been in business than he. He is a member of the Rifle
Association, and is an expert in the use of that weapon, having taken
several prizes and medals, and is also a member of the I. 0. of
Foresters. In 1869 he was manied to Miss Mary L. Grant, of Wells-
ville, N. Y., by whom he has two children — Mamie and Maudie.
John Pope.
John Pope, Treasurer of the City of London, Canada, who for
thirty-four years has been a resident of Canada, was born in Clapham,
near London, December 25, 18;U, and is a son of John and Ann
(Lloyd) Pope, who were natives of County Kent and Shropshire,
England, respectively. The former was a farmer and contractor, and
he and his wife became the parents of three children, of whom John
was the youngest. He was reared in his native county, and received
excellent "educational advantages ; and at an early day was apprenticed
as a school teacher in the then Government school system of teaching.
In 1854 he immigrated to Montreal, Canada, having been appointed by
Bishop Fulford to take charge of the schools of Montreal which were
connected with the Cathedral, and remained thus employed for five
years. He was then appointed by Bishop Hellmuth as agent of the
Colonial and Continental Church and School Society, and moved to
Sherbrooke, Eastern Township, where he lived for five years, after
which he removed to Gaspu, and took charge of their labors in that
•district, continuing there also five years. He then left the Society's
work, after receiving an appointment from Bishop Hellmuth to take
charge of the Modern Department in Hellmuth College, London.
After three years' connection with this institution, he accepted a
position with JVIessrs. Kowland & Jewell, gi-ain dealers, grocers and
pork packers, and after remaining three years thus employed he
accepted the position of cashier for Edward Adams & Co , wholesale
gi'ocers, and was with this firm nearly nine years. In May, 1882, he
received the appointment of City Treasurer, the duties of which office
he is now discharging. He was married in 1851) to Miss Angehne
Atkinson, of Armagh, County Armagh, Ireland, and by her is the
father of seven children — John K. H., Emily, Ada, Edith, Elizabeth,
Harry and Willie. He is a member of the English Church of Canada,
and belongs to the Eoyal Arcanum. He has always taken a great
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 969
interest in athletic sports, and, as a member of the snowshoe and
cricket clubs, has won several prizes. He was one of the first to
introduce the game of lacrosse in Montreal, and also in London.
William Porte.
WiUiam Porte, postmaster at Lucan, was born in Kings County,
Ireland, December 19, 1823, and is a son of James and Mary (Patrick)
Porte, natives of the same county. Having lost his wife in 1832, Mr.
Porte and his family of four children set sail for Canada, June 6, 1837,
where they landed at Culbertson's wharf, now Desoronto, August 8,
1837. In 1839 the family came to the Township of Biddulph, and
settled where Lucan now stands, where the father died in 1856, aged
58. For many years he served as clerk of the township, and also held
other minor offices. Our subject is the oldest child born to his parents,
and until twenty-two years of age he dwelt under the parental roof.
He then passed eleven years at Belleville, but in 1856 returned to
Lucan, then called Marystown, and succeeded his father as township
clerk, which office he filled for ten years. He has held the position
of postmaster continuously since 1858, and has also served as a mem-
ber of the Town Council for seven years after the incorporation of the
village. He is a public-spirited man, and was instrumental in the
erection of the present school at this place. He is an enterprising
business man, and is the agent for the Great Nortliwestern Telegraph
Co. October 22, 1851, he married at Belleville, Miss Catherine
Murphy, a native of County Mayo, Ireland, who accompanied her
parents to Canada in 1844. This union has been blessed with nine
children, of whom two sons and four daughters are now living. Mr.
Porte and family worship at the Church of England. In politics our
subject is a Conservative. Mr. Porte is a charter member of Irving
Lodge, No. 154, A. F. & A. M., G. K. C, and has served as secretary
of the same ten years, and as master two years.
Andrew W. Porte.
In every community and among all classes there are always some
men who become leaders in whatever they do, whether of an official,
professional or commercial nature, and these same men are the ones
who, perhaps unconsciously, take a prominent, active interest in pro-
moting any movements which may be thought capable of tending to
the welfare of the city or vicinity where they reside. Such a one is
Mr. Porte, a native Canadian, a man held in the highest esteem by
everyone who knows him, and though barely in the prime of life, he
has risen to a position which many older in years and experience
might well feel proud to occupy, and at this time he holds the position
970 HISTORY OF THE
of Managing Director of the McCormick Manufacturing Company,
an enterprise that has contributed a full share in sustaining the reputa-
tion that London enjoys as a manufacturing centre and distributing
point. Andrew W. Porte was born on the 31st day of July, 1848.
His father, Gilbert Porte, was born in King's County, Ireland, and was
reared in Dublin. He learned the trade of shoemaking in his youth,
and in 1841 immigrated to Canada and settled in London, and entered
the employ of Thompson & Morrill. He subsequently engaged in
business on his own account, and conducted it successfully until his
death, in 1854, during a cholera epidemic. He had married in 1843
Miss Ann, only daughter of the late Andrew McCormick, and left at
his death, besides his widow, four children, three of whom are now
living — Thomas ¥., Andrew W., and Alice (now Mrs. Brickenden).
The subject of this sketch has been reared in London, receiving a
good business education, and for twenty-three years he has been con-
nected with the house with which he is now associated, and his best
efforts have been devoted to advancing its interests ; and he is recog-
nized as a representative business man and citizen. In early life he
enlisted in a volunteer military company, and also attended miUtary
schools, passing all the grades of promotion ; and was subsequently
gazetted captain of Company No. 2, of the 7th Fusiliers, and he was on
the frontier with his company during the Fenian troubles. He is
serving his third year as President of the Western Fair Association,
and has rendered valuable aid in making it a success. He is also a
Director of the Huron and Erie Loan and Savings Company. He is
prominent in Masonic circles, being a lioyal Arch Mason and also a
member of the Scottish Eite, and has held the position of Grand Senior
Warden of the Grand Lodge. Mr. Porte was married in 1877 to Miss
Mary E., only daughter of Alexander Johnston, and by her has a family
of four sons and two daughters.
Richard A. Powell
Richard A. Powell, farmer and Deputy-Reeve of London Township,
is a native of Middlesex County, and was bom on the 13th of October,
1846, being a son of Ambrose K. and Catherine (Ardiel) Powell, both
of whom were born in County Tipperary, Ireland. The mother came
to Canada with her parents at a very early day, and settled about seven
miles north of London. Ambrose K. Powell came to Canada in 1828,
and settled just opposite the place where his son Richard now resides.
He purchased 100 acres of land for $200, being allowed $50 for an
overcoat which he had brought over from Ireland with him, and
erected a little log cabin on his farm, in which he lived for several
years, and in the meantime cleared his land, which was heavily covered
with timber, and made other valuable improvements. At the time of
his death, in 1872, he owned 400 acres of well-improved land, and
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 971
gave each of his sons 100 acres of land apiece. He was a staunch
Conservative politically, and in his religious views was a member of
the Church of England. His wife died in 1873, having borne a family
of twelve children, five of whom are now living — Leonard, Richard A.,
Charles, Mary (wife of John Lewis), and Catherine A. (wife of Hugh
Fraser). Richard A. Powell received the education of the average
farmer's boy, and after his marriage, which occurred in 1875, located
on his present farm, where he has a beautiful and commodious resi-
dence, very pleasantly situated. He and wife (who was fonuerly a
Miss Mary J. Lawrence) became the parents of four children, three of
whom are living — Arthur H., Edward B. and Katie. In 1884, Mr.
Powell was elected Deputy-Reeve, which office he still holds, and has
been school trustee and Warden of the Church of England for a num-
ber of years.
James and George Fribbis.
and George Priddis are dealers in dry goods, house-furnish-
ings, carpets, and ordered clothing. To fail to include within the
biographical department of the present volume a sketch of the hfe of
the late Charles Trump Priddis, would be to omit a history of one of
the most worthy men who ever made his home in London, and a man
whose every effort was of material benefit to the city, and whose
energies were directed towards its advancement as a business centre
from the time of his settlement in this community. He was born in
Devonshire, England, in 1818 ; was reared in his native place, and
served a regular apprenticeship at the dry goods trade. He subse-
quently went into business for himself, and shortly afterwards was
united in marriage to Miss Harriet, daughter of John Williams, of
Cardiff, Wales. Impressed with the belief that better opportunities
were offered in the New World for men of energy and character, he
left his native land in 1849, came to Canada and settled in London.
He at once opened a store and commenced the business which he con-
ducted successfully, at first alone, but afterwards in connection with
his sons, until his retirement from the same in 1876. He then retired
to his farm, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death,
which occurred in 1881, leaving beside his widow, who died in March,
1887, five children — Charles (a resident of Calgary), Elizabeth H.,
Harriet, James and George. Mr. Priddis was a man who had a quick,
far-reaching insight into business, and had the satisfaction of seeing
his efforts crowned with success. Although he su.stained, in the
vicissitudes of trade, some heavy losses, he always paid one hundred
cents on the dollar, and left at his death, a comfortable competency.
As before stated, he retired from the firm in 1876, and was suc-
ceeded by his sons, James and George Priddis, who have already done
so much in contributing to the good name the firm enjoys, and who,
972 HISTORY OF THE
for some time previous to their assuming charge, had largely controlled
the management of the firm affairs. It is a fact that no house in Lon-
don stands higher in the interests of the public at large, or one whose
patronage is more ' sought for or whose financial rating is more favor-
able than the above-mentioned firm. Their stock includes a full and
complete line of dry goods, house furnishings, carpets and ordered
clothing, hosiery and gloves being leading specialties. They visit the
European markets twice each year, and have imported their stock
since 1S58, being the oldest importing house in their line in the city.
Their upright manner of doing business has secured for them a large
share of public patronage and the merit and esteem in which they are
held by the many patrons of the house.
James Priddis, the senior member of the firm, was born in Devon-
shire, England, in 1848, and after attaining his thirteenth year, com-
menced his business life under the guidance of his father, and he has
spent his life, thus far, at the business in which he is now engaged.
He has the satisfaction of having contributed a full share in relieving
his father of heavy cares and of seeing the business prosper under his
assistance. He was mari-ied in 1883 to Miss Hattie Taylor, of Port
Huron, Mich. He is a member of the Masonic Order. George
Priddis was born in London, August 16, 1851, and, like his brother,
was reared to his present business and has shared fully with his
brother in advancing its interests. He also belongs to the Masonic
Order. Not only as business men but as citizens have the brothers
been foremost in advocating every measure which has for its object the
permanent improvement and benefit of the city. During the North-
west Piebellion three of their clerks — John Graham, George McOomb
and K. A. Smith — enlisted as volunteers, served through this cam-
paign, and received their full salary during their absence.
John G. Pritchett.
John G. Pritchett, a native of Canada, was born in London, Ont.,
October 29, 18.52. His father, Thomas Pritchett, was a native of
Bii-raingham, England, and his mother, Janet (Garrett) Pritchett, was
born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Thomas Pritchett was a soldier in Her
Majesty's service, and was connected with the 82nd Eegiment, from
which he was honorably discharged at Quebec in 1847, having served
nineteen years. He immigrated to London, Ontario, with the 47th
Kegiment, and lived in the latter place until his death, June 14, 1878.
The mother died June 14, 1883, and, it was singular coincidence,
that she died, as she had hoped she might, on the same day and month
as her husband. The nine cliildren in the family were Edward, John,
Henry, Mary Hannah (wife of Archibald Nicholson), Thomas (in St.
Paul), Anna Bella and William (twins), Margaret (wife of Archie Legg),
and Israel. John G. was reared and educated in Loudon, and, after
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 97S
attaining a suitable age, served an apprenticeship at the plasterer's
trade, which he has since followed. He first commenced working
for himself and taking contracts in 1874, and has thus far secured a
hberal share of the public patronage. In January, 1889, he received
the nomination for Deputy- Eeeve of his District, and, although he had
strong opposition in a popular candidate, and this his first appearance
in the political field, he was elected by a complimentary majority.
Mr. Pritchett was married June 11, 1879, to Susan, daughter of Adam
Hyslop, a pioneer settler of Westminster. Mr. and Mrs. Pritchett
are the parents of two children — Edward Adam and James Benton.
Mr. Pritchett is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Sons of
England.
William Rafley.
William Eapley, a pioneer of Adelaide Township, was born in County
Sussex, England, May 20, 1814, being the sixth in a family of twelve
childi'en (five now living) bom to James and Mary (Collings) Eapley,
both natives of England — the former born in 1780 and died in Ade-
laide Township, this county, in October, 1832, and the latter born in
about 1782, and died in her native country in 1831. In 1832, WiUiam
Eapley came to Canada and settled in the almost unbroken wilderness
of Adelaide Township, when there were not more than seven families
residing in the township. His first work after settling here was to
assist in clearing the Egremont road to Sarnia during the years 1832
and 1833. He afterwards cleared a farm, Lot 19 of the Fifth Con-
cession, south of the Egremont road, and there he resided until 1857,
when he removed to Strathroy, and in the same year purchased the
stock of general merchandise of James Keefer. From that time until
the present, ilr. Eapley has been engaged in business in Strathroy, and
has been one of the successful merchants and business men of that
village. For many years he took a leading part in the political affiairs
of the county, and is a pronounced Eeformer in politics. He was one
of the Councillors of Strathroy for the years 1860, 1866 and 1868,
and Eeeve for the years 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864 and 1805. He was
also Eeeve and Deputy-Eeeve several times after Strathroy was made
a town. He was Mayor of Strathroy for two years in succession, and
is a prominent man in his county. He celebrated his nuptials with
Miss Jane Hilton in 1838, and to them were born the following
children: — Mary A., Lucy, Charlotte (who died in 1877), Ellen, James,
Sarah, ]\Ianford and Herbert S. Mrs. Eapley died in 1868, and in
1872, Mr. Eapley married Miss Jane Page, a native of England, who
bore him one child — Winfield. Mr. Eapley is a- man in whom the
people of Strathroy have implicit confidence. From the wilderness
he has seen the well-improved country grow and the cities of Loudon
and Strathroy spring up.
974 HISTORY OF THE
David Rapley.
David Eapley, one of the pioneers of Adelaide Township and an
enterjDrising farmer of Middlesex County, Canada, was born in Sussex
County, England, forty miles from the world's metropolis, March 8,
1817 ; son of James and Mary (Collins") Rapley. David Rapley was
fifteen years of age when he crossed the ocean to Canada with his
father. They settled in Adelaide Township, Middlesex County, near
Strathroy, when the country was a continuous wilderness, and here
David Eapley, in his early boyhood, worked on the farm, which occu-
pation he has ever since continued. He lived on the old homestead
until 1857, when he sold out and moved to his present farm, the same
being the east half of Lot 14 of the 4th Concession, south of the Egre-
mont Road. In 1840 he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet
Hilton, who was born in County Sussex, England, in 1821. To them
were born eleven children, of which eight are living — Jesse, born in
1841, and now residing in California ; Mary, born in 1846 ; Charles, born
in 1848 ; Esther Ann, born in 1851 ; Emma H., born in 1855 ; Thomas
James, born in 1857 ; William, born in 1859, and Frederick, born in
1862. The mother of these cliildren died at the residence of her son
Charles, Feb. 27, 1888. Mr. Rapley was in the Rebellion of 1837, and
he helped cut out the Egremont Road. He has been a resident of this
county for fifty-six years, and is one of the active and well-to-do
farmers of Adelaide Township. He is a Reformer in politics, and he
and family attend the M. E. Church of Canada.
Edmond Raymond (Deceased).
Edmond Raymond (deceased), was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Novem-
ber 28, 1809. His father. Dr. Nathan Edmond Raymond, was a
native of Boston, Mass., and the mother, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth Wintermute, was born on the Niagara River, on the United
States side. The Wintermute family were U. E. Loyalists, who had
settled on the IMorgan River, and after the breaking out of the War
of 1812, they crossed over into Canada. The subject of this sketch
apprenticed himself to the hat-making and fur business. He worked
at this at Chippewa, thence in 1825 at Niagara, where he finished
learning the business in all its details. October 5, 1831, he came to
London, where he followed his business for fifty years, and at the time
of his death, was the eldest male resident of the city in point of resi-
dence. In later years he was engaged in the raw fur business. He
was married October 3, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Durrant, a native of
England, and the fruits of this union were eleven children, six of
whom are living, viz. : — Susannah W., Elizabeth D., Josephine K.,
Addis(m Gardiner, Frederick W., and John D. Mr. Raymond was a
man of strict honor and integrity, and commanded the respect of all
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 975
■who knew him. No man was more familiar with the early history of
the city, and he leaves, as a priceless legacy to his children, an untar-
nished name. His death occun-ed December 11, 1888.
Freb J. Reed.
Fred J. Keed, builder, was born in Old London, April 29, 1856, and
is the second son and child bom to Henry S. and Eliza (Brown) Reed,
both natives of same place as subject. The family immigrated to
Toronto in 1869, and here Fred J. Eeed grew to manhood. At a suit-
able age he commenced learning the builder's trade; also learned
draughting, and became a fair architect. In 1879 he came to London,
where he has since been identified with the building interest, and
where he since carried on the business for himself. He married Miss
Louisa White in 1880, She was born in Wensbury, England, and
came to London with her parents, Alfred and Eliza (Rayner) White,
when an infant. To the happy marriage relations of Mr. and Mrs.
Reed were born three children — Ethel A., Alfred Henry, and Ernest
Frederick. Mr. Reed is one of the county's best citizens, and is an
honest, upright man. He has made his property by his own efforts,
and has a good, comfortable home. He is a member of the Baptist
Church, is clerk of the same, and superintendent of the Sabbath School.
E. Baynes Heed.
E. Baynes Reed, secretary-treasurer of the Incorporated Synod of
the Diocese of Huron, at London, Ont., is a native of Exeter, England,
and was born in 1838, being a son of Dr. Baynes Reed, a well known
medical practitioner. The subject of this sketch was reared at his
birthplace and was educated at Marlborough College, in Wiltshire.
After leaving school he immigrated to Canada in 1858 and settled in
London, where he commenced the study of law in the office of both
Judge John Wilson and Col. James Shanly, and after being called to
the bar in I860, at once entered on the active duties of his profession
and continued the same until 1873, when he was elected secretary-
treasurer of the former church society of the Diocese, now merged by
an act of Parliament since 1875 into the Incorporated Synod of the
Diocese of Huron, and in this capacity has proven himself a compe-
tent and painstaking official, and one who has manifested a natural
aptitude for the position. He has always manifested a deep interest
in educational matters, and has served with credit as a member of the
School Board. For the past five years he has acted as an observer of
the Meteorological Service of Canada at London. He was married in
1864 to the youngest daughter of the late Lawrence Lawrason.
976 HISTORY OF THE
Robert Re id.
Kobert Eeid, Collector of Customs at London, Ontario, is a native
of Paisley, Scotland, where he was born on January 1, 1822. His
father, James Reid, and grandfather Eeid, were active participants in
the struggle for civil and religious liberty in Scotland during the latter
part of the last and the first thirty years of the present century,
but were thoroughly loyal' subjects, although advanced Liberals.
James Eeid was a devoted and consistent Christian, and was a member
of the Baptist Church. His family consisted of seven sons and three
daughters, Eobert being the youngest born. The latter's early educa-
tional training was confined chiefly to reading the Bible and learning
Shorter Catechism. When only six years old he was set to work to
learn the weaver's trade, which was then a flourishing industry in
Paisley, and after reaching his twelfth year began attending night
school, continuing to attend for two years, notwithstanding the fact
that he worked from six o'clock in the morning until seven or eight at
night. He was determined, in spite of adverse fortune, to win an
education, and after a hard struggle he acquired a fair knowledge of
the three E's and English Grammar. About this time his father
became a member of the Encyclopedia Club of Paisley, and always
had some of the volumes in his house. It was in reading the subjects
treated in these works that Mv. Eeid acquired the solid, accurate
knowledge and the taste for literature which became one of his distin-
guished characteristics in after life.
When in his twentieth year he left Scotland for the United States,
and, although the youngest of the family, was the first to go abroad to
seek his fortune. He landed in New York in November, 1842, and
the following spring went to BuH'alo, via the Erie Canal, and reached
Toronto in the spring of 1845. He soon after obtained employment
in the paper mills belonging to the late John Eastwood, and, although
devoting himself faithfully to his duties, he began to study political
questions, and in a short time was thoroughly conversant with leading
political events, and became personally and politically attached to
the late lamented Hon. George Brown. In the summer of 1848 he
came to London, Canada, where he established a branch of the Toronto
Eastwood publishing business, and eighteen months afterward bought
out the stock and conducted the business with the best of success until
1878, in which year he received his appointment to his present office
as Collector of Customs at Loudon. The printing and publishing
business is successfully carried on under the able management of his
two sons, Eobert and George, under the firm name of Eeid Bros. & Co.
Mr. Eeid's marriage to Miss Ann J. McElroy occurred in 1851.
She is a daughter of William McElroy, now deceased, and came with
him to Canada from Ulster, Ireland. The family was a prominent one
in their native land, the grandfather having been a magistrate of
Ulster. Mrs. Eeid graduated with honor from the Normal School of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 977
Toronto, and was a popular and successful educator in the London
Central School. To her union with Mr. Raid seven sons and one
daughter were born. One son, Arthur W., died in 1885 of heart
disease. He was in his twenty-fifth year, and was a young man of
rare promise and a distinguished graduate of the Toronto University,
taking all the scholarships in his department every year, and graduated
with the gold medal in mathematics. Obituary sketches bearing tribute
to his brilliant career appeared in the Toronto Globe and The ' Varsity,
the organ of the University from which he graduated. Another son,
George M., distinguished himself in the North-west Eebellion as
Adjutant of the 7th Fusiliers; and his bravery and discretion were so
admired by General Laurie, who had command of the brigade, that he
was recommended to the Minister of Militia for promotion, and while
on the field and in active service was promoted to a Captaincy for
efficiency and bravery.
Mr. Eeid has always been interested in the St. Andrew's and
Caledonian Societies, and was President of the same for a number of
years. He has always taken an active interest in and given his sup-
port to the Liberal party, and was a trustee for the Common and High
schools for eighteen years, which positions he held until his election to
liis present office. He was also appointed by the Common and High
School Boards as a member of the Free Library, and a few years ago
was appointed Justice of the Peace by the Mowat Government, but
has never qualified for the position. He has always been identified
with the U. P. branch of the Presbyterian Church, although his re-
ligious convictions are somewhat in advance of that body. He is
Chairman of the Management Committee of the Eev. Dr. Proudfoot's
Church, with which he has been connected for the past thirty-five
years. Mr. Reid is a man of unblemished reputation, and is sagacious
and intelligent, possessing a large fund of useful information, gained
by a long course of reading, reflection and observation. He has been
unswervingly true to his political party, and it is said that the first
recognition of the public services rendered by him was from the
lamented Lord Elgin. In the year 1851 he was gazetted, and received
a commission as a Militia officer, signed by the Earl himself, and very
naturally the recipient prizes this favor very highly. He has been in
every respect the architect of his own fortune, and his career is worthy
the emulation of all. He is at present President of the Dominica
Savings and Investment Society.
Lieutenant- General W. T. Renwick.
No history of Middlesex County would be complete without men-
tion of the name of General Eenwick, for his connection with this
portion of Upper Canada dates back to an early period (1841). He
was born in Berwick, England, in 1802, and his father, William Ren-
978 HISTORY OF THE
wick, was an officer in the English navy. The maiden name of the
mother was TurnbuU. One of his brothers contracted consumption at
the Bay of Fundy, and died on his return to England. Another
brother was in the regular service, and died at Madras. The subject
of this sketch was the eldest son in his father's family, and until fif-
teen years of age attended school. He then entered the Royal Military
Academy at Woolwich, and remained connected with this institution
till 1823, when he went to Wales with a surveying corps. In 1824
he went to Ireland on the survey; but, in 1851, he was ordered to
the West Indies, were he was stationed for six and a-half years. He
was in Jamaica during the rage of the yellow fever, an epidemic which
had become historic. From Jamaica, Mr. Eenwick went to Chatham,
England, and thence to Ireland. In 1841 he came to Canada. He
then went to New Brunswick, where he was engaged in fortifying the
boundary, but the plans were abandoned. Next he was stationed
at Montreal, where he remained until all was quiet, aud then returned
to England, where he remained for a time, but went from there to
different places in Ireland. He then returned to Toronto, and after-
wards to Quebec, where he served under Sir Charles Trollope. From
Quebec he went to the Isle of Jersey, C. R. E., and from there to
South Africa and to Capetown, leaving that place in 1SG4. General
Renwick was married to a Miss Gilpin, of Yorkshire, England, a lady
whose acquaintance he had made in Jamaica. She was a relative of
Dean Gilpin, of Halifax. General and Mrs. Renwick were the
parents of two daughters now living ; one sou, Henry Renwick, was
educated to the profession of Civil Engineering, and died in Canada,
whither he had gone to look after some property of his father's. After
his death, General Renwick came to Canada, where he has remained a
greater portion of the time ; and, although a man of fourscore and six
years, he is a remarkable specimen of well-preserved manhood, and
a man of remarkable resource, whose eye is not dim, and whose step is
as elastic as many who have not seen half his years. He is most
positive in his convictions, and, when his mind is once made up, it
requires evidence of the most positive kind to convince him.
John G. Richter.
John G. Richter is manager and secretary of The London Life
Insurance Company. He was born in the County of Waterloo, Ont.,
September 18, 1854. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah E.
Musser, was a native of the County of Waterloo, while his father,
Charles Richter, was born in Bavaria.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, receiv-
ing a liberal education. In 1872, when about eighteen years of age,
he accepted a position in the office of a friend who carried on extensive
manufacturing interests in the County of Oxford, Ont., where was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 979
acquired a varied and extended experience in accountancy and general
business practice, which, although not directly connected with the
profession subsequently engaged in, yet, indirectly the experience
gained proved the stepping-stone to what followed. Early in life, Mr.
Eichter began to take a deep interest in the subject of life insurance,
and having a natural aptitude for mathematics, his attention was
especially directed to the actuarial branch of the profession. By avail-
ing himself of the most reliable authorities on the subject, and by hard
and persistent study, he thoroughly familiarized himself with the
caUing he has since adopted. In 1883 he was offered and accepted
the responsible position he now occupies, and to his indomitable energy,
coupled with a thorougli knowledge of every branch of the business, is
to be attributed in a large measure the success of the company over
which he has so successfully presided for the past six years.
Among the many enterprises of London, and one deserving of
special attention, is the London Life Insurance Company. This Com-
pany was incorporated in 1874, by special Act of the Legislature of
Ontario, and reincorporated in 1885 by special Act of the Parliament
of Canada. The authorized capital is $1,000,000, and the stock-
holders rank among the wealthiest and most successful business men
of London and Western Ontario. The Company's operations extend
over Ontario, Manitoba, the North-west Territories and British
Columbia, and in addition is issuing ordinary Life and Endowment
policies on the most approved plans. An important branch of its
business, and one that among Canadian Companies pertains to the
London Life alone, is its system of Industrial Insurance, whereby all
the healthy members of a family from one year of age up to sixty-
five may be insured by paying a small weekly premium ; five cents
per week and upwards being acce]>ted at all ages, and regularly col-
lected by the Company's agents at the homes of the members. The
system certainly appears to be well adapted to the requirements of the
working classes, and although a comparatively new feature in Canada,
the already large and constantly increasing business being transacted
proves conclusively that the Company's efforts to bring within the
reach of all the benefits of reliable life insurance is being highly appreci-
ated. The Executive Officers and Board of Directors are as follows: —
Joseph JeHery, President; John jMcCIary, Vice-President; William
Bowman, George C. Gibbons, Arthur S. Emery, Thomas H. Smallman,
William F. Bullen, George M. Harrison, Sherilf Glass, Judge Bell, and
John G. Eichter, Manager and Secretary.
George Ribdle.
George Eiddle, slate roofer, is a native of Dorset, England, bom in
1831, and the son of William and Ann (Grace) Eiddle, also of English
birth. George Eiddle is the eldest in a family of nine children, and
980 HISTORY OF THE
he served a regular apprenticeship to his present business, slate roofing.
In 1855 he left the land of his birth, immigi'ated to Canada and settled
in London, where he commenced taking contracts with his father,
under the name of William Riddle & Son. He has a large patronage
and does the principal part of the work in this line within a radius of
sixty miles. He has done nearly all the work of this kind that has
been done in London. His father died in 1885 and his mother in
1882. Mr. Riddle married Miss Amelia Sweet in 1864. She was
born in Dorchester, died in London in 1885 and left four children —
Annie, Mary, Albert and Edgar. Walter Scott and John Whitaker,
nephews, are associated with Mr. Riddle in his business.
William C. Robertson.
WiUiam C. Robertson, license inspector for West ^Middlesex, was
appointed to this office in August, 1886. He was born in Scotland
in 1831, and is the son of James and Jane Robertson, both natives of
the same country. He had the advantage of a good education, such
as was afforded lay the common schools, and to this he has added by
reading and observation, and is now a well-informed man. He came
to the Province of Ontario in 1850, located at Belleville with an uncle,
and there learned the tailor trade. He followed this business at
Cobourg, Port Hope, Hamilton, and subsequently at Mt. Brydges.
In 1860 he went back to Scotland on a visit, and while there wa-s
united in marriage to Miss Ellen Smith, of Orkney, and daughter of
George and EHzabeth Smith, both natives of Scotland, returning to
Mt. Brydges in 1862. For a number of years Mr. Robertson was
engaged in the mercantile business at Mt. Brydges, and then at Appin,
but in 1875 he came back to Mt. Brydges, where he has since re-
mained. By his union to Miss Smith, he became the father of seven
children, five of whom are now living — Elizabeth Jane (who married
Humphry Badge), Annie (who died at the age of twenty-one years),
Margaret E , Eliza Belle, William J. (who died at the age of seven
years), George A., and Evelyn Maude. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are
members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the
Independent Order of Foresters. He has been a total abstainer for
thirty years.
William Robinson.
William Robinson was born in New Ross, County Wexford, Ire-
land, March 27, 1812, and is the grand,son of WiUiam Robinson, who
mai-ried a Miss McDonald. To them were born four sons and three
daughters, named respectively, John, Francis, ]Woses, James, Mary,
Elizabeth and Nancy. The grandfather died at the age of eighty-seven
COUiNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 981
years, and the grandmother at the age of eighty years. James Eobin-
son was the father of the subject of this sketch. He removed from
New Eoss to Rosegarland, to superintend the erection of buildings in
the interest of his brother John. He married Miss Elizabeth Davis,
daughter of Andrew Davis (and granddaughter of Francis Bassett, of
Welsh descent, who lived to be ninety-seven years of age), and was
one of a family of seven children — five sons and two daughters. Her
brother, John Davis, was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, for the
Episcopal ministry ; but owing to ill health, was prevented from taking
a regular pastorate. He took quite an interest in the education of the
subject of this sketch. John Robinson, a brother of William, owing
to not succeeding in obtaining employment on the Trigonometrical
Survey of Ireland, immigi'ated to Canada in 1833, and from him William
got his first idea of land surveying. The latter came to Burford,
Canada, in November, 1836, with his father and mother, three brothers
and one sister, four of whom are yet living. The spring after his
arrival he went to Hamilton, where he found employment at carpenter
work, nothing better oflering. This trade he had worked at a little on
his own account, at the erection of a family residence, before coming
to Canada ; but his theoretical knowledge of building at that time was
more than his practical, owing to his opportunity of seeing mechanics
at work, occasionally using tools, copying estimates, etc. From
Hamilton he went to Brantford, and was employed there with a
builder for about eighteen months, when he returned to his father's in
Burford.
In the spring of 1839 he went to London, his employer in Brant-
ford having recommended him to a contractor there, who had taken a
contract to build Barracks, and was employed here for two years. He
was for a short time with another builder, and then went to Toronto
with a letter from his last employer to the architect of the University
of King's College (Thomas Young), recommending him for employ-
ment. This he received, and remained two years. This architect was
also employed as City Engineer and Drawing Master of the College.
Mr. Robinson determined at this time to improve his knowledge of
land surveying, and although not receiving the promised (but unasked
for) instruction from his employer, he had access to his library, which
embraced works in this science, and availed himself of the opportunity
each evening, after his day's work, in the study of Euclid, trigonome-
try, surveying, linear perspective, geometrical building problems, &c.
After leaving Mr. Young he thought of going to New York, but
passing Mr. Ritchie (one of the most prominent builders in Toronto)
on the street, he was hailed by him, who said: " If you will accept em-
ployment from me to assist Mr. Hill (his head foreman), I will make
it to your advantage to do so." He accepted, and remained with Mr.
Ritchie for two years, and at the request of his workmen he taught
them geometrical drawing and the various practical problems connected
with their work. He remained with Mr. Ritchie about two years, and
982 HISTORY OF THE
subsequently made arrangement with a provincial land surveyor to
study with him and obtain the necessary practice. He went to Mon-
treal in May, 1846, passed a successful examination, and received a
license to practice in the Province of Upper Canada, his sureties in the
sum of S2,000 being the Hon. Wm. Henry Boultou and the Hon. W.
B. Eobinson. He left Montreal in November, 1846, returned to
Toronto, where he spent the winter in teaching geometrical drawing to
workmen, and in the spring accepted a position as Superintendent of
buildings, and in April, 1849, commenced to complete the survey of the
Toronto & Owen Sound Eoad survey diagonally through the townships
of Melancton, Artemesia, Holland and some other townships, complet-
ing the survey of about 200,000 acres between the first week in April
and the middle of December.
After his return, in company with Mr. C. Eankin, conducted busi-
ness for two years in Toronto. In 1851 they dissolved partnership,
owing to Mr. Eankin's removing to Owen Sound. Mr. Eobinson con-
ducted the business until 1852, when he received instructions from
the Crown Land Department to survey the Township of Howick, but
owing to a severe attack of illness at the time the order was given,
was unable to execute it.
Mr. Eobinson then returned to his father's in Burford, and there
received by letters, a proposition to come to London, which proposition
he finally accepted, and for four years was a partner with W. B.
Leather, an English engineer. They then separated, and Mr. Eobin-
son opened an office for himself. In May, 1857, he was appointed
city engineer, and held this office for over twenty-one years and five
months, until the completion of the water-works in 1878, when he
resigned, with the request that his partner, T. H. Tracy, be appointed
in his place. He then made a visit to Europe, but returned in Sept.,
1879, then went to the State of New York, where he remained five
months, and then returned to London. Mr. Eobinson, though living a
single life, advises others to get married when circumstances are favor-
able, and is satisfied that where two that are adapted for each other
are united in maniage, happiness may be secured ; if the contrary,
then better (decidedly) never to have met. Mr. Eobinson has intro-
duced about a dozen young men to the profession, and is one of the
representative men of London ; is quiet and unassuming, and the
embodiment of honor.
George Robinson.
The association of this gentleman with the affairs of London,
Ontario, as a business man dates from the year 1857, and his
business career has been both honorable and successful. He was
born in the Province of Quebec, his parents being John and Esther
(Sherry) Eobinson, natives of Northern Ireland. About 1824 or 1825
COUNTY OF iMIDDLESEX. 98S
the parents immigrated to Canada, settling on a farm in what is now
the Province of Quebec, where our subject became famihar with the
early settler's life. His educational advantages were limited in the
then new country, and he remained on his father's farm until twenty-
four years of age, when he accepted a situation in the wholesale dry
goods house of Joseph McKay & Bro., with whom he remained five
years. He then determined to engage in business on his own account,
and arrived in London, March 13, 1857, where he has since been
closely identified with everything tending to advance the permanent
interests of the place. For some years the struggle against difficulties
was severe, but the obstacles were surmounted, and he has the con-
sciousness of looking back over his past career and seeing that his
efforts were not in vain. For sixteen years he conducted a retail dry
goods store, and for the same length of time has subsequently been
engaged in the wholesale trade, the present firm of Eobinsou & Little
having been established in 1875. They were the pioneers in settling
what is now known as the wholesale centre of the city, and no house
at the present time has a higher standing for probity, honor and fair
dealing. Their trade extends from Niagara Falls on the east to British
Columbia on the west, and has steadily increased until it has assumed
its present magnitude. Strict attention to business even in its most
trivial details, urbane and pleasant in all relations with the public, and
exact in all representations and promises to customers, has aided ia
establishing one of the most desirable trades in the Province. Mr.
Robinson was married in 1859 to Miss Lizzie Kernohan, who was born
in London Township, her parents having immigrated to this county from
the County of Tyrone, Ireland. In his rehgious belief Mr. Eobinsou
is a member of the Methodist Church, and one of its staunch sup-
porters.
Thomas Robinson.
Thomas Eobinson, Eeeve of Newbury and a prominent citizen, was
born in Carrowcrine, County of Roscommon, Ireland, July, 1824 ; son
of George and Jane (Payne) Eobinsou, both natives of Ireland, where
they spent their lives and where the father was landed proprietor. Of
a family of fifteen children, twelve of whom reached maturity, Thomas
is the fourteenth in order of birth. He grew to manhood in his native
land, and at the time of the famine held a government stewardship.
In 1850 he immigrated to Canada, landing at Port Stanley, and came
to London where he remained a short time. The same year he came
to Mosa Township and served a clerkship at Wardsville. In 1851 he
was appointed superintendent of a section of the Great Western Eail-
way, then building. Afterwards he established himself in business
(1855), thus starting the village of Newbury, and for twenty-two years
kept post-office, being appointed in 1858, and was also express agent.
Later he established a saw-mill which was destroyed by fire. In 1877
984 HISTOHY OF THE
an explosion occurred which destroyed the mill and killed one man
and wounded others. Mr. Robinson has served as Reeve of Newbury,
also Reeve of Mosa and has served as a member of the School Board.
In 1855 he married Mrs. J. D. Anderson, a native of Scotland, who
immigrated to Canada at an early day and when quite young. They
had two sons and three daughters of whom but one, Kate (Mrs.
Thomas Andrews), is now living. Mr. Robinson is Conservative in
his political views, is Paist Master of Albion Lodge, No. 80, of the
A. F. & A. M., a member of the English Church, and has been Warden
of Christ Church, Newbury, for the last twenty-five years.
Thomas E. Rob son.
Among the prominent pioneer residents of Middlesex County who
have become well known and are highly esteemed may be mentioned
the Robsons, who were first represented in Canada by George and
Elizabeth (Summers) Robson, who were born in Cumberland, England,
and came to Canada in 1821. They first located in Westminster
Township, but soon after moved to London Township, where the father
purchased a large and very fine tract of timber land, 200 acres
of which was in Lobo Township. He cleared his land himself, and
lived on the place where his son Thomas E. now resides until his
death, which occurred in 1885. He held a number of offices of trust
in his township, and took an active part in the Rebellion of 1837,
being commissioned Lieutenant for services rendered. Thomas E.
Robson received the education and rearing of the average farmer's
boy, and at the death of his father became the owner of a valuable
farm of 200 acres well adapted for grazing, and abundantly supplied
with running water. He is extensively engaged in stock-raising, giv-
ing the most of his attention to raising fine horses of the Clydesdale
breed, Lincolnshire sheep and Short-horned cattle. The people of
Middlesex County have shown their appreciation of the many sterling
business qualities possessed by Mr. Robson by electing him to the
office of Deputy-Reeve, to which position he has been re-elected by
acclamation and without opposition since 1883. He became a mem-
ber of the Militia 26th Battalion, No. 8 Company, in 1882, and was
elected Lieutenant, serving in this capacity until he was elected to the
office of Captain, which position he is holding at the present time,
drilling his Battalion in London. Mr. Robson is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is a young man of estimable character, and is
justly entitled to a foremost place among the prominent men of Middle-
sex County.
Thomas L. Rogers.
Thomas L. Rogers is prominent among the leading citizens of Park-
Lill, and is a member of, and manager of, the Parkhill Banking Com-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 985
pany, and Treasurer of the town. He was born near Montreal in
1849, and is a son of Colonel Eobert and Mary J. (Kennedy) Rogers.
The father was born in Scotland, and when young came with his
parents to Canada. They located near Montreal, and were well
known as early settlers of that region. In 1866 he organized and was
commissioned Colonel of the 51st Battalion of Hemiugford Rangers,
and he was also in active service during the Rebellion of 1837. For the
last fifty years he has been Collector of Customs at Franklin. His
wife, and the mother of our subject, is a descendant of an aristocratic
Irish family of County Down, Ireland, and when young she, also,
accompanied her parents to Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were
drowned on the St. Lawrence river during a storm. Of a family of
seven sons, Thomas L. Rogers is the second child. He received all the
advantages of a good education, and graduated with honors from Hunt-
ingdon Academy. At the age of sixteen he accepted the responsible
position of manager of the money department in the union office of
the National, the United States and the Canadian Express Companies,
which position he held for five years. In 1874 he became manager
of the Exchange Bank at Bedford, Quebec, from which place, in 1877,
he was transferred to Parkhill in order to attend to the business of the
bank at that place. In 1882 he purchased the business and organized
the Parkhill Banking Company, of which his brother, R, A. Rogers,
is now a partner. Mr. Rogers has always been prominently identified
with the advancement and improvement of the town, and is Chairman
of the Board of Public Education. In May, 1885, he was elected
Treasurer of the town, the duties of which office he is now faithfully
discharging. He is a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, and is now a
member of the Blue Lodge. Mr. Rogers has been twice married. His
first wife, whom he married January 11, 1876, was Katheriiie Cant-
well, a daughter of the late William Cantwell, ex-M. P. P., of Hunting-
don County, and a pioneer of that county. Mrs. Rogers died in March,
1883, leaving one son and three daughters. The present wife of Mr.
Rogers was Miss Maude Jervis, daughter of John Jervis, and a native
of St. Marys, Ontario. To them one child has been born. Mr. Rogers
and family are highly respected members of the English Church.
W. F. ROOME, M.D., M.P.
Dr. W. F. Roome, physician and surgeon, at Newbury, and a
prominent representative citizen of Middlesex County, is a native of
the County of Kent, Canada, born November 21, 1841, and the son of
William F. Roome, who was a native of New Brunswick. His parents
came from England about the year 1800, and when William F. Roome,
sr., was twelve years of age they removed to the County of Kent.
Here W. F. married Miss Catherine McLean, a native of tlie High-
lands of Scotland, who when eleven years of age came with her ]
986 HISTORY OF THE
to Canada. Of a family of seven children, Dr. W. F. was the third.
He received the advantages of a good common education, and remained
with his parents until twenty years of age, when he began teaching in
the public schools. In 18G3 he entered the medical department of the
University of Michigan, and graduated from that institution in 1866.
The same year he entered Ralph School, Victoria College, Toronto, and
in 1869 he passed a satisfactory examination before the College of
Physicians and Surgeons. In 1867 he began the practice of his pro-
fession at Newbury, and has since resided here. He has taken an
active interest in the welfare of the village, and for the past seventeen
years he has served as chairman of the Board of Public Eduaxtion. In
1883 he was the Conservative candidate for Parliament from West
Middlesex for the House of Commons, but was defeated by a small
majority. In 1887, at the general election, he was again the candidate,^
and was elected to the position. After election a petition was filed,
and all other charges having been proved libelous and false, he was
unseated through the act of an agent, and coming again before the
public as a candidate in March, 1888, he was re-elected with an
increased majority, and is now the sitting member from this district.
January 20, 1869, he married Miss Maggie Anderson, a native of
Wardsville, Out., and a daughter of J. D. Anderson, who was a mer-
chant of the place. Their union has been blessed by one child, Wil-
liam R., who is at home. The family worship at the Church of Eng-
land. The doctor is Past Master of Albion Lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M.
at Newbury, and also Past Grand of Mt. Zion Lodge of I. 0. 0. F., and
has been Grand Representative of this lodge several years.
George Routledge.
George Routledge, farmer, is of English descent, the founders of
the family in America having settled in Canada very early. John
Routledge, the grandfather, was a native of Northumberland County,
England, a cattle dealer, and often visited Scotland to buy cattle, having
a farm called " Burnfoot," well adapted to raising stock in Northumber-
land County. His wife was formerly Margaret Harrison, by whom he
was the father of the following family: — Margaret, Jennie, I\Iary,
Nancy, John, William and George. In 1819 he moved with his
family to Seneca County, N. Y., (Margaret and Jennie remained in
England) where he bought a cleared fiirm and lived five years ; then
removed to Ontario and bought 200 acres of laud, partly improved, in
Westminster Town,ship, Lot 72, East Talbot Road, the country being
in a very wild and unsettled state at this period. London was not
built upon at that dale, which compelled them to do the most of their
trading at St. Thomas. They were members of the Church of Eng-
land, and the father died in 182G at the age of sixty-two years, and
Mrs. Routledge in 1846 at the age of eighty-two. William Routledge,.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 987
his son, was born on the old homestead in England, and when a young
man of twenty-two years of age came with his parents to Canada,
■where he assisted in clearing a farm. He received a good education
in his native laud, and after coming to the New World was married
to Miss Jannet, a daughter of John and Christina (McAdam) Beattie,
which family was Scotch, and immigrated to Canada in 1832. The
following are the children born to William and Mrs. Eoutledge — John,
George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Christian, Jane, Mary and James.
John died at the age of nineteen years, but all the rest are living.
William Eoutledge settled on the east half of Lot 72, East Talbot
Eoad, 100 acres, but he owned 425 acres in the Township, and here he
passed his days and reared his family, his death occurring in 1878 at
the age oH seventy -six years, after a well-spent and honorable career.
The mother of the family died in 1887, aged seventy-four years. His
son George was born on the old homestead in 1836, and was there
reared to manhood, receiving a common school education. He has
followed the occupation of farming throughout life, and now has a fine
and well-improved farm of 100 acres on the 5th Concession, Lot 7,
and has the confidence and respect of all who know him, the people
showing their belief in his honor and ability by electing him to the
following offices: — Was elected to the Township Council in 1875, and
served eight years ; was seven years Deputy-Eeeve, and was a member
of the County Council, and in 188-1: appointed Treasurer of the Town-
ship, which office he still holds. In 1873 he was united in marriage
to Miss Sarah A. Carrothers, a daughter of David and Malinda (Thomp-
son) Carrothers, and by her has three children — Ella J , Nettie M., and
Martha M. Mi'. Eoutledge is a member of the Belmont Lodge of
Masons, and director of the Westminster Fire Insurance Company,
and President of the Board in 1888. They are members of the
Methodist Church.
Andrew Eoutledge.
Andrew Eoutledge, farmer, is a descendant of a pioneer family of
English descent, and the son of William Eoutledge, and grandson of
John Eoutledge, a farmer in Cumberland County, England. (See above.)
He immigrated to New York State in 1817, settled near Geneva,
Seneca County, and there brought his family, consisting of his wife
and five children. He left two daughters in the Old Country. The
children who came with him were named as follows : — John, William,
George, Mary and Nancy. Here Mr. Eoutledge lived for five years,
and then in 1822 moved to Lambeth, and settled on Lot 72, North
Talbot Eoad. He died in 1826. He was one of the old pioneers, and
was a man of comfortable circumstances, haviug a small farm in Eng-
land, besides 200 acres where he lived in Canada. His son William
was born in England, and was a young man of twenty-two when his
988 HISTORY OF THE
father settled at Lambeth. He married Miss Jannet Beattie, daughter
of John and Christina (McAdam) Beattie. To Mr. and Mrs. Eout-
ledge were born nine children — John, George, William, Andrew,
Margeret, Christian, Jane, Mary and James. After marriage Mr.
Eoutledge settled down to farming on part of the old homestead, and
here he remained all his life. Mr. Eoutledge was a man who gave
his hearty support to all laudable enterprises. He was one of the old
pioneers who did so much and worked so hard to improve the country.
He was a prosperous man, was the owner of much valuable land, and
had money out at interest. ' He was a member of the Church of Eng-
land. He assisted all his sons to a start in life. Andrew Eoutledge,
subject of this sketch, was born on the old homestead in IS-id, and
received a good Enghsh education. He learned farming in early life,
and married Miss Sarah Beattie, daughter of James and Sarah
(Schram) Beattie. Mr. and ]\Irs. Eoutledge became the parents of
four children — William, Beatrice J., James (deceased), and George.
James Beattie was of Scotch descent, and settled in Westminster
Township on the farm now occupied by Andrew Eoutledge, on Lot 71,
North Talbot Eoad. ^Ir. Eoutledge first began farming on the 5th
Concession, Lot 7 of Westminster. This farm he cleared, and then
bought the farm where he now lives. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity, Past Master, and has, like his father, taken an active
interest in all that tends to improve the township. He gives liberally
to all laudable enterprises, and is a first-class citizen. He and wife are
members of the Church of England. He is the owner of 150 acres of
land and a store in Lambeth. WiUiam, his eldest son, is attending
the Veterinary College, Toronto.
Nelson Sage.
Nelson Sage was born in the County of Oxford in June, 1833, his
father being William Sage, born in the County of Oxford, who came
to Canada at an early period of its history, and followed the occupa-
tions of farming and milling. He was married to Miss Dorothy
McClary, a daughter of John McClary, one of the early settlers of the
county, a sketch of whom apjiears on another page of this volume. To
Mr. and Mrs. Sage seven children were bijrn, Nelson being their third
child. He was reared on a farm, and became thoroughly familiar with
the details of farm labor, and also witli stock raising, and throughout
life has proven himself a man of more than ordinary resources in
adapting himself to any calling that would yield profitable returns.
He has been interested in furnishing the railroads with wood, and has
also handled real estate very successfully. He has given considerable
attention to buying and shipping horses, and of late years has devoted
his time largely to the two last-named callings. He has valuable
landed property in the county to the amount of 700 acres, all of which
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 989'
has been acquired through his own good management and industry.
In 1857 he was married to Miss Catherine Eyer, who was born in
Markham, and by her has a family of six children, three sons and three
daughters — Emma J. (wife of William Littler), Willard (who married
Miss Emma Freeland), Frank (who married Miss Minnie Lodge),,
Maud (wife of Dr. Gustin), Victoria and John.
W. H. Sanborn.
W. H. Sanborn, dealer in groceries and provisions, is deservedly
ranked among among the leading citizens of London, Ontario, and was
born in London Township, Middlesex County, in 1852. He was the-
sixth of nine children, and until fourteen years of age his life was-
spent upon a farm. He then began his mercantile life as clerk in
a grocery store, and continued this business for several years, becoming
thoroughly proficient with all the details of the business. In 1876 he
embarked in business for himself, his capital consisting of his strong
hands, hopeful spirit, determination and economical habits. From
time to time he added to his small stock of goods, until his business
has assumed its present large proportions, and it is not overstating the
truth to say that no man in London has attained a more enviable
position as a business man or whose eflbrts have been attended with
more substantial results. He is always pleasant and accommodating
in his social as well as business relations, and now commands a large
and lucrative trade. He was married in 1875 to Miss ilary Trebil-
cock, a native of Cornwall, England. She died in September, 1887,
having borne one son, Eay, who died at the age of nine years.
David Sare.
David Sare, a worthy and well-to-do business man of London, Ont.,
was born in London. England, January 1, 1843, and is a son of John
and Maria (Shaw) Sare, both of whom were of English birth. David
was the tenth of their large family of children, fifteen in number,
and at an early day began working at the shoemaking, and after-
wards at the cabinet-making trade. In 1859 he enlisted in the British
mititary service, in what was known as the 8th of Kings Hanoverian
White Horse, and after serving for some time his father purchased his-
discharge. In 1860 he again enlisted, this time in the 53rd Shrop-
shire Regiment, which he served for ten years, being ordered with his
regiment to Canada in 1867, in consequence of the Fenian invasion,
holding at the time the position of pay-sergeant. He then received his
discharge, but he remained with the regiment, catering for the officers
for six years, until they embarked for the West Indies. j\Ir. Sare then
returned to London, there having married in 1867 Miss Mary, daugh-
S90 HISTORY OF THE
ter of Charles and Sarah Wallace, the former being an old settler, and
for thirty j^ears was in the employ of Mr. Hyman. Mr. Sare engaged
in the hotel business after his return to London, and has since given
his attention to attending to the wants of the public. As a citizen,
BO less than a business man, he has gained an honorable place in the
estimation of all, and is a universal favorite. He and wife have a
family of eight children — John Cls., Sarah M., David T., Harry E.,
Sidney W., Louie B , JIaud M., and Fred A. Mr. Sare is a member
of the Masonic fraternity, the Sons of England, St. George's, A. 0. of
Foresters, and the Shepherds.
ISAAC SARGENT.
Isaac Sargeant, contractor and builder, was born in Devonshire,
England, in 1842, his parents being John and Betsy (Jordan) Sargent,
the former being a tailor by occupation. Isaac was reared in his
native shire and served a regular apprenticeship at the contractor's and
builder's trade, which calling he has followed throughout life. In
1869 he came to London where, in 1873, he began taking contracts
for himself, erecting, in 1884, a planing-mill, and is thoroughly pre-
pared to do all kinds of work in his line. He commands a large share
of the public patronage and is doing a thriving business. In 1863 he
was married to Miss Ann Lane, a native of Canada, and his union has
resulted in the birth of five children — John, James, William, Elizabeth
and Albert. Mr. Sargent is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Royal
Arch Degree, and is also one of the Sons of England.
John Scandrett.
.lohn Scandrett, groceryman and liquor merchant, was born in
County Down, Ireland, in 1829, his parents being Jacob and Ann
(Wright) Scandrett, both of whom were of Scotch birth, and who became
the parents of four sons and one daughter — Thomas, Richard, John,
Joseph and Maria (who married Robert Dickey). Only two of the
children are now living— Richard aud John. In 1832 the family
determined to seek their fortune in the New World and immigrated to
Canada, settling on Lot four, of the Fourth Concession, of Middlesex
County, but were obliged to begin life in their new home without the
aid and guidance of the mother, she having died on the ocean. The
subject of this sketch was only three years of age at this time. He
was reared on a farm and became thoroughly familiar with the details
of husbandry and stock raising, and followed these callings successfully
until 1860, when, in connection with F. A. Fitzgerald, he engaged in
the grocery business. This relation existed until 1876, then Mr. Scan-
drett embarked in the same business on his own account, aud as he
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 991
has ever earnestly endeavored to do as he would be done by, he has
gained the esteem and good-will of all who know him. He carries a
very complete stock of goods, and care is always taken to select
the choicest and most popular brands of liquors as well as the best
groceries, and the patronage the house enjoys speaks very forcibly
for its popularity. For over fourteen years he was located at the
market, his rents amounting as high as §8,800 per year, but this in-
cluded the use of the hay scale and all fees. lu connection with his
brother Joseph he rented all the toll roads in the county excepting
two or three. In 1853 he was married to Miss May, a daughter
of John Fitzgerald, who settled in London Township in 1820. They
have a family of six children — Isabel (wife of William Magee), Emma
(wife of T. A. Bronn), John B., Joseph W., Thomas W., and Frederick E.
Leonard H. Scandrett.
Leonard H. Scandrett, of the grocery firm of Fitzgerald, Scandrett
& Co., of London. Ontario, is one of the weU known and honored
business men of the county, and no history of the same would be com-
plete without giving his name honorable mention, as the family has
been connected with its affairs since 1832. Jacob Scandrett, the
grandfather of Leonard H., was born in Scotland, but at an early day
settled in the North-west of Ireland, where he married Ann Wright,
by whom he became the father of four sons and one daughter —
Thomas, Richard, John, Joseph and Maria, the latter being the wife of
Kobert Dickey. In 1832 the family immigrated to Canada and settled
in London Township, Middlesex County. Here Joseph, the youngest
son, was reared on a farm, and in the meantime acquired a thorough
knowledge of stock raising; but gave this up in 1859 to engage in the
grocery business in company with F. A. Fitzgerald, and continued thus
associated until his death in 1 862, leaving, besides his widow, whose
maiden name was Rebecca Fitzgerald, and who still survives him,
three children — Dina, Maria (wife of Rev. A. M. McCuUoch) and
Leonard H. The latter was born in Middlesex County, October 29,
1858, and was reared and educated in the City of London, having
been engaged in merchandising since boyhood. In 1877 he became
associated with liis uncle, F. A. Fitzgerald, in the grocery and provision
business, and the large and paying patronage the house enjoys speaks
volumes for their popularity as honorable business men and for the
choice quality of their goods. In 1883 he was married to Miss Flor-
ence, a daughter of J. H. Belton, who is a resident of London, and was
one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Scandrett have
two children — Harold B. and Clarence J.
George Scates.
George Scates, one of the leading farmers and self-made men of
County Middlesex, is a native of County York, Ontario, bom Decern-
992 HISTORY OF THE
ber 26, 1837, and is a son of James and Sarah (Hazlewood) Scales,
natives of England, and both born in the year 1806. The former died
in 1866, but the latter is still living, and is a resident of Ekfrid Town-
ship. The father was a brickmaker by occupation, and his death took
place in County Elgin, Ontario. Of the seven children born to their
union, five are now living, and George Scates is the second in order of
birth. His parents came to Canada in 1834, settled in County York,
where they remaiued for about three years, and then removed to
County Wentworth, where they remained for fifteen years ; from here
they then removed to County Elgin. George Scates attended the
schools of Dundas, Ontario, and received a good common school educa-
tion. He learned the brickmaking business, and followed that avoca-
tion exclusively until twenty-three years of age, when he began farm-
ing on shares. He came to Ekfrid Township in 1861, and for five
years lived on rented farms, after which he made brick for two years.
In 1869 he, in partnership with his brother, borrowed money and
bought 120 acres of woodland. At the end of four years' labor he
foreclosed his brother's interest, and is now the owner of a well-
improved farm of 170 acres, with excellent buildings. He is also, and
has been for quite a number of years, engaged in the dairy business,
and has been making brick ever since he bought his farm, with the
exception of about four years. He was married November 12, 1867,
to Miss Letitia Hamilton, who was born in Ireland in February, 1839,
and who is the daughter of llobert and Ann (Elliott) Hamilton. Her
father died in Ireland in the latter part of 1838, and her mother was
born in Monaghan, County Ulster, Ireland, in 1800, but passed her
last days in Ekfrid Township, dying in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Scates
were born five children — Sarah Ann, born September 17, 1868: Minnie
Jane, born May 3, 1871 ; Elizabeth L , born October 22, 1874 ; one
boy, born April 12, 1875 ; and Letitia, born June 12, 1876. Mr.
Scates is an uncompromising Eeformer in his political views, and ia
1887 he was elected a memljer of the Council of Ekfrid Township.
The family attend the Baptist Church, and are highly respected
wherever known. Mr. Scates is one of the most enterprising men of
Ekfrid Township, and his success in life may be attributed to his'
untiring energy and good management, along with that of bis wife.
Henry Rapleje Schram.
Henry R. Schram, Dominion detective, was born in the " Forest
City," August 15, 1841, and is a sou of Peter Schram, a native of
Germany. The latter came to Middlesex County in 1818, and was
chosen its first high constable, being in office with Sheriff Rapleje. He
served through the RebeUion of 1JS37 as Captain of an Indian Company,
and died October, 1869. His wife, who is yet living, at the age of S6
years, was formerly a Miss Margaret Beattie, and their union was
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 993
blessed in the birth of five children : — Jane T. (who first married Capt.
Paelston, of the 82nd Regiment, a son of Sir Richard D. Puelston, of
Emerald Park, England, by whom she became the mother of one son,
Richard J. ; after her husband's death she wedded Dr. Henry Hainson,
(a surgeon of the British Medical Staff) ; Mary Caroline (the second
daughter, married Capt. Agassiz, of the 28rd Welsh Fusiliers) ; Jere-
miah B. (who is deputy collector of Internal Revenue) ; Andrew J. (who
died in 1860), and Henry R. (whose name heads this sketch). The
latter was reared and educated in his native county, and in early life
learned the trade of contractor, but was afterwards appointed first
Deputy High Constable and Crier for all the courts of Middlesex
County, receiving in 1887 the appointment of High Constable, which
position he is at present filling. Mr. Schram is a thoroughly intel-
ligent officer, and has a staff of thoroughly reliable and experienced
assistants. He has earned the reputation of a careful, shrewd and
painstaking officer, who allows no clew for the working up of a case to
escape him. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. 0. of
Foresters, of which he is Past-Chief Ranger, and also belongs to the
Orangemen. In 1864 he was married to Miss Jane Robson, a daugh-
ter of Robert Robson, who settled on the 12th Concession of London
Township in 1820. She was born August 30, 1841, and has one child,
Margaret J. P. Schram.
Samuel Screaton.
Among those who have a well-earned reputation as a builder,
being the pioneer in his line, is the subject of this sketch. Samuel
Screaton was born in Leicestershire, England, August, 1811, and is the
son of James and Jennie (Hazlewood) Screaton. James Screaton was
a builder by trade, and at this business the subject of this sketch was
reared under the guidance of his father. After reaching his majority,
and after the death of his parents, Samuel Screaton enlisted in the
British Army, was assigned to duty in the 14th Regiment, and served
for ten years — five years in Ireland and five years in the West Indies.
He was also one year in Canada, to which place he came in 1842.
After coming here he purchased his discharge, moved to London, and
went to work at his trade, his first employment being on the English
Church, which was then building. He soon commenced working for
himself, and did the brickwork of many of the prominent buildings of
the city. There is no man in the city whose record is more enviable
than that of Mr. Screaton. In 1835, while in the West Indies, he
united with the JVIethodist Church, and has since been an active mem-
ber in the same. For thirty-five years he was choirmaster of the
Queen's Avenue Methodist Church, and is a trustee and one of the
oldest members of the same. He was married in 1844 to iVIiss Eliza-
beth McLaughlin, who was born near the Isle of Bute, Scotland. To
y94 HISTORY OF THE
this union were born thirteen children, viz.: — John (in postal service),
Archibald, Samuel, Charles and Herbert (both builders), Edmund,
James, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Charles Teale, of Toronto), and Lucy, and
four who are deceased. In every walk of life the career of Mr. Screa-
ton has been above criticism or reproach. He receives and merits the
respect of all who know him.
John D. Sharman,
John D. Sharman, the present Assistant Postmaster of London, was
born in the County Kildare, Ireland, on the 29th December, 1832.
His parents having died when he was quite young, he was adopted by
his aunt, Mrs. E. IMann, of Bauagher, King's County, his father's sister,
who placed him under the care of Messrs. Monck & McDonough, who
kept a private academy in that town. He remained under their
instructions for five years, and afterwards under a private tutor, Mr.
Mahon, preparatory to the commencing the study of engineering and
surveying, remaining at that profession from 1848 to 1850. He made
up his mind to visit Canada, which he did, sailing on the 4th of July,
1850. After a very pleasant voyage of seven weeks, he arrived in
London on the 28th of September. London had then a population of
7,000. After a short season he engaged in the dry goods business,
most of which time he served with the firm of Lawrason, Chisholm &
Co. (late Lawrason & Goodhue), corner of Dundas and Talbot streets,
south side. On the 1st of February, 1859, Mr. Sharman accepted a
position as Post-office Clerk at London, the late Mr. L, Lawless then
being postmaster. In June, 1881, he was appointed Assistant Post-
master, the vacancy having been created by the superannuation of
Mr. Lawless and the promotion of Mr. E. J. C. Dawson, the assistant,
to the postmastership.
He has been a member of the School P.oard for fifteen years, was
elected Chairman in January, 1887, in which year he laid the corner
stone of the Simcoe Street School, a building costing in the neighbor-
hood of $40,000. In the years 1879, 1880 and 1881 he represented
old No. 7 Ward at the City Council. He also sat as Director of the
Western Fair in 1887-8. As a society man he always took an active
part, having been initiated as a member of the Masonic fraternity in
October, 1856, and is also a member and Past Most Wise Sovereign
of the A. &. A. Rite, Rose CIroix Chapter, and is now the present Grand
Master of the Lodge of Perfection, and Past Chief Ranger of the
Independent Order of Foresters, and Past Master Workman of the
London Lodge of the A. 0. U. W. On the 24th of October, 1854, he
was married to Sarah A., eldest daughter of the late William Barker,
Esq., London, by whom he has had five children — Wilham, Emma,
Aimie, Robert and Kate. Mr. and Mrs. Sharman are members of the
Church of England, and own a very nice home on Richmond street
north.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX, 995
James C. Shoebottom.
James C. Shoebottom, farmer, of Middlesex County, was born in
Conuty Tipperary, Ireland, August 22, 1827, and is a son of John and
Eebecca (Colbert) Shoebottom, who were also natives of County Tip-
perary. The paternal grandfather, William Shoebottom, was a farmer
by occupation, and died in his native land. The mother's father, John
Colbert, also died in Ireland. John Shoebottom was reared to man-
hood on a farm in Ireland, and was there married to Miss Colbert, and
in 1830 came with her to Canada. They took passage at Limerick,
and reached Quebec after a nine weeks' ocean voyage, and proceeded
at once to London. He had considerable money left on reaching Lon-
don, and immediately invested in 100 acres of land, which he pur-
chased of a man from the United States, paying him .$200 for his tract,
on which was erected a little log cabin. He also bought a yoke of
oxen and some sheep, and commenced his life in the forest, and for
many years his ax was in constant use in clearing his land. He
eventually succeeded in accomplishing his purpose, his farm becoming,
under his skillful management, one of the best m the township. Here
he resided until his death, which occurred in January, 1860, followed
by his widow's death in January of the following year. Eleven children
blessed their union, all of whom lived to maturity — William, Sarah
(deceased), John (deceased), Ann, (deceased), Rebecca (deceased), Eliza,
Margaret, James C Thomas C, Mary and Isaac. James C. Shoe-
bottom was reared in London Township, and has always followed the
occupation of farming, at which he has been quite successful. He has
a good farm of 250 acres, which is well improved, and has given his
son a good farm. He has always taken a deep interest in educational
affairs, although his own early educational advantages were limited,
and has filled the office of School Trustee for years. He is a member
of the Orangemen, in which organization he has held a number of
important offices, but of late years has given way for the younger
members. October 20, 1852, he was married to Margaret McGuffin,
who was born in Middlesex County, and is a member of one of the
prominent and early families of the county, and their union has been
blessed in the birth of ten children, eight of whom are living — John
M. (married to Sarah A. Shoebottom), Margaret A., Eebecca (wife of
James McGuffin), Albert (married to Sarah Hadkins), William M.,
Henry W., Sarah M., and Mary H.
Br. George Seoults.
Dr. George Shoults, physician and surgeon, at St. John's, was bom
in Middlesex County, Canada, in March, 1859, and is a son of John
and Catherine (Carter) Shoults. The maternal grandfather was one of
the early settlers, and was well known throughout Middlesex County,
996 HISTORY OF THE
having held various offices of trust therein. The paternal grandfather
was one of the first settlers in McGillivray Township, and carried on
the nursery business for a number of years ; the old homestead still
being known as the nursery farm. He raised the first barn in the
township at which whisky was not supplied for the friends who
assisted him, and throughout life was noted for his strong temperance
principles. He was a total abstainer from the use of all intoxicating
beverages and tobacco, and throughout his career of 85 years, he never
knowingly tasted either of them. He was a member of the Methodist
Church, though very tolerant with all who differed from him in
religious views. The first Methodist burying ground in the com-
munity was on his farm ; he having donated the ground for that pur-
pose and the erection of a Methodist church. He was well known as
a firm opposer of all that was evil, and a promoter of all that was for
the honor and glory of the Lord.
His son, John, was born in York County, Canada, and for a num-
ber of years was engaged in farming, but is now engaged in the grain
trade at Parkhill. He has a family of two sons and three daughters,
of which Dr. George is the oldest. Dr. George lived on the farm with
his parents until he was seven years of age, when they removed to
town. After attaining a suitable age he bought grain for his father
for two years, and then commenced the study of medicine at Trinity
Medical College, Toronto, where he put in three sessions, and then
finished his course of study at the Western Medical School, London.
He began to practice medicine at Harrow, in Essex County, but was
burned out in 1887, when he bought out Dr. Bice, of St. Johns, and
now of Denver, Colorado. In 1883 he was united in marriage to Miss
Agnes Thomson, who died three months later, and in 1885 he took
as his second wife, Miss Sarah J. Symons, daughter of the late Wm.
Symons, of London. The doctor and his wife are members of the
Methodist Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is
at present medical health officer for the Township of London.
Joseph Simmons.
Joseph Simmons, builder, of Loudon, Ont., was born in Devonshire
England, March 25, 1851, his parents, Robert and Bessie (Stapleton'
Simmons, being natives of the same place. Joseph Simmons, the fifth
of their nine children, was reared in Devonshire, and in his early days
served a seven years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's and builder's
trade, becoming thoroughly familiar with all its details, In 1871 he
immigrated to Canada, locating in London, but only remained here a
short time, when he went to Chicago and spent one winter. He then
came back to London, where he has continued to make liis home up to
the present time. About 1870 he commenced doing work on his own
account, and owing to the neatness and durability of his work has built
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 997
up a good business. His union with Miss Mary A. Hill, who was
born in Canada, was consummated iu 1869, and their union has been
blessed in the birth of ten children— Edith. John, Charles, Joseph,
Edwin, Arthur, Victor, Amelia, Ettie and George. Mr. and Mrs.
Simmons are members of the Methodist Church, and he is a member
of the Corinthian Lodge of A. F. & A. M., and is Past Chief Ranger in
the A. 0. of Foresters, and has represented this Lodge in the Grand
Lodge.
Herbert C. Simpson.
There is perhaps no city in the Dominion in proportion to its
population that numbers among its inhabitants a greater number of
honorable, reliable and competent contractors than London, and among
those who have attained to a well-merited prominence is the subject
of this sketch. Herbert C. Simpson was born in the Village of Kirton,
County of Suffolk, England, January 31, 1847. His father, James
Simpson, was a native of the same place, as was his ancestry for
several generations. The maiden name of his mother was Elizabeth
Ann Fenton. She was born in Kirton, and traces her ancestry back
four hundred years. She is a lineal descendant of Dudley Fenton,
who was noted as being the warm personal friend of William Rufus.
Mrs. Simpson is still living, at the advanced age of eighty years.
Herbert C. was the tenth child in a family of eleven children. He
was reared at his birthplace, and after attaining a suitable age he
commenced working at the trade of bricklaying under the guidance of
his father, who followed this calling. When he was seventeen years
of age he went to London, England, where he was appointed foreman
of twenty bricklayers working on the Crystal Palace District Gas
Works. He remained in London and vicinity until June 12, 1872,
when he entered into a contract with the Montreal Gas Company to
come to Canada, they paying his expenses and .^2.50 per day from the
date of his leaving England ; and he remained in their employ for
nearly two years. After living in Montreal about three years, he
came to London, Ontario, arriving here March 16, 1875, and he has
since made his home in this city, where he has pursued his chosen
occupation. In 1884 he commenced taking contracts on his own
account, in connection with Scott Muri'ay, a ]iartner in the business,
under the firm name of Simpson & Murray. They have proven them-
selves not only thoroughly competent contractors, but honorable and
successful business men, and they are securing a liberal share of
patronage in their line.
Mr. Simpson is a member of the Builders' Exchange, and at the
last meeting was elected Secretary of the same, a position he is filling
to the entire satisfaction of those who placed him in this office. He
was the first delegate from the Bricklayers' Union, No. 5, to the
998 HISTORY OF THK
general convention in Cincinnati. He is also prominent in iMasoiiic
circles, being a P. M., Corinthian Lodge, No. 330 ; P. Asst. G. D. of C,
Grand Lodge of Canada; P. Z., St. George's Chapter, No. 5; P. P.,
Richard Coeur de Lion Preceptory, No. 4 ; P. G. Sword Bearer, Sove-
reign Great Priory of Canada, K. T. ; Present Prior of London District ;
London Lodge of Perfection, 14°, No. A. ; London Sovereign Chapter,
Eose Croix, 18° ; Saltanat Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., G. E. C. Mr. Simp-
son has been twice married — first, on February 10, 1879, to Miss Sarah,
daughter of the late Captain Smith, Gore of London ; she died Novem-
ber 1, 1880. He selected for his second wife Miss Catharine Ardill,
their marriage occumng September 22, 1886. She is a daughter of the
late James Ardill, one of the first Directors of the Eoyal Standard Loan
Company.
William J. Simpson, Esq.
One of the old and prominent settlers of Glencoe, is a native of the
County of Fermanagh, Ireland, born August 4, 1823, son of Chris-
topher Simpson, an officer in the British army, and Elizabeth (Hickey)
Simpson, both natives of Ireland. In 1836 they came to Canada,
where they settled in Mosa Township, Middlesex County, the same
year. Here they passed their last days, the father dying in 1848, at
the age of sixty-two years, and the mother dying in 1880, at the age of
ninety-two years. Christopher Simpson was appointed Captain of the
Militia and had charge of the same during the Rebellion. Of a family
of five children, Wilham J. is the eldest. He came to Canada with
his parents and received a thorough education. At the age of twenty-
two years he was united in marriage to Miss Joannah Tucker, a native
of Mosa Township, and a daughter of John Tucker, an early pioneer of
that township. Immediately following their marriage they located on
a farm in Mosa Township, near Glencoe, where he engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. Two years later, at the death of his father, he took
charge of the homestead, and in 1883 retired from active business life,
settled in the Village of Newbury, and being burned out there in 1888,
he removed to Glencoe.
Mr. Simpson has always been active in public matters, and has
served the people as Justice of the Peace for the past thirty years.
He has also for many years held the Captaincy of Company No. 4, 8th
Battalion, Middlesex. Prior to this appointment he held the commis-
sion of Quartermaster of the Battalion. He was for thirty years a
member of the Board of Public Education, and during his residence in
Mosa, Mr. Simpson has taken at active interest in the advancement of
agriculture, and was connected with the Mosa Agricultural Society.
He is a member of the L. 0. L., serving as D. M. He and family
worship at the Church of England, and enjoy the respect and esteem
of all who know them. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are the parents of
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 999
fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters, of whom four sons and
three daughters are now living. Mrs. Simpson died in 1878, at the
age of forty-seven. She was a faithful wife and a devoted mother. In
1879, Mr. Simpson took for his second wife Miss Amelia Ward, a
native of Wardsville, and a daughter of Captain A. D. Ward, of the
same place, from whose family the village took its name.
Lewis Simpson.
Lewis Simpson is of English and German descent, is a member of a
family that became represented in the United States in Dutchess
County, New York, and whose grandfather, John Simpson, was a
Loyalist during the American Eevolution. After the Colonies became
the United States, he would not remain in the country, but moved
northward and settled as he supposed in Lower Canada, Then, when
the line became established betwixt the States and Canada, he found
he was in Vermont State. He then moved to Odell Town, L. C,
where' he resided for a number of years, and then moved to Hollowell,
now called Picton, U. C, and settled on a farm, and died in 1827. He
was married to a lady by the name of Miss Lewis before he left
Dutchess County, N. Y., by whom he became the father of the follow-
ing children: — Joseph, Morrice, John, Joel and Josiah, and three
daughters. Morrice Simpson, one of the sons, and father of the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch, was born February 26, 1788, and
lived with his uncle, William Lewis, after his father moved to Picton.
After reaching manhood he was married to Miss Polly Vanvliet, who
was born July 25, 1790. By her he became the father of the follow-
ing children: — Melisa, Almira, Amanda, Lewis, Emiline, Catherine,
John, Joseph and Caroline. In 1835 he moved to Westminster
Township, where he cleared up a heavy timbered farm. He was a
member of the militia, and filled all the positions from a Sergeant to a
Captain, and took an active part in the war of 1812. He took a part
in the Battles of Lacole Mill and Odell Town, and was taken prisoner
by the Americans at Shatigee, but made his escape by being assisted by
Lieutenant Eooch, an American officer, who was an old acquaintance.
He was a man much esteemed by those who knew him, and died
February, 1860, at the age of seventy-three years. His sou Lewis
was born in Odell Town, May 5, 1818, being raised on a farm. At
the age of thirty-three years he was married to Miss Abby Young,
daughter of John and Harriet Young, who bore him four children, only
two of whom are living — John and Hattie, Since 1862 he and his
family have been residents of Belmont, where they have a good farm,
pleasantly situated, Mr. Simpson has served his Township as Coun-
cillor and Deputy-Eeeve and Eeeve for several years, and held im-
portant positions in society. He was appointed Justice of Peace by
1000 HISTORY OF THE
the Ontario Government, but never qualified. He received a limited
education, is one of the intelligent and well-informed men of the
County, and is Liberal in politics. Although seventy years of age, he
has never been sick, and bids fair to spend many more years among
his family and friends.
William Skinneb.
The following outline, briefly narrated, is a sketch of the career of
Wilham Skinner, a man of recognized worth wherever known, whose
present substantial position in life has been reached entirely through
his own perseverance, and while his name is never thrust Ijefore the
public for the purpose of notoriety, it is borne by one whose true worth
of cliaracter is exceeded by that of no man in the City of London. His
association with its affairs dates from 184'.l, and though his business
career has been both honorable and successful, his plain and unassum-
ing manner causes him to be silent and reticent concerning his labors.
Mr. Skinner was born in Crediton, Devonshire, Englaud, October 21,
1828. His father, William Skinner, was born in England, and the
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Woodley, was also a native of
England. By their marriage there are two sons living. William, the
eldest, and the subject of this sketch, was reared at his birthplace, and
learned the trade of shoemaking in his youth. This he made his
princijial occupation during life, and is a good example of the old
proverb : " Shoemaker, stick to your last." In 1849, Mr. Skinner
immigrated to Canada, and arrived in London, May 24, of that year, and
turned his attention to his chosen calling, which he has conducted with
satisfactory results. He built his present building thirty-two years
ago, and he has occupied it continuously since. He was married in
1849 to Miss Emma Saunders, of Crediton, Devonshire, England, a
lady of refined taste and domestic habits, whose life lias been devoted
in making home happy and attractive. To them have been born seven
children, five of whom are now living — Bessie (now Mrs. Noble, a
widow), Olive (now Mrs. Miner, of Buffalo, N. Y.), Ernest E., Wil-
helmina, and William H. Two are deceased (Lousia, who died in 1877,
at the age of nineteen), and Lillia (who was one of the victims of the
Victoria disaster, aged seventeen). In 1876, Mr. Skinner was selected
as a suitable person to represent his ward in the City Council, and
with the exception of an interval of a little over one year, he has held
this position continuously to the present time, never suffering a defeat.
He is at present a member of Committee No. 1, and has also served in
School Board, but resigned his position on the High School Board
when elected to the Council the last time. Mr. Skinner is a member
of the 1. 0. F., and one of the two original Oddfellows in good stand-
ing of London. He is also Past-Master of St. George, No. 42, A. F. &
A. M., and for the past fourteen years he has been treasurer of the
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1001
same, and has been the recipient of a beautiful jewel in honor of his
efficient services in this position.
Barnabas Skuse.
Barnabas Skuse, manufacturer and dealer in lime, cements, plaster
Paris, salt, coal, wood, &c., &c., also one of the prominent farmers of
the township, is the son of John and Ann (Jennings) Skuse. John
Skuse was born in Ireland, and in 1835 came to America, settled in
the Province of Ontario, Westminster Township, Middlesex County,
on the 2nd Concession, on Lot 41. He was married in his native land
to Miss Jennings, who bore him these children — Mary A., Edward,
Nathaniel, Eliza, Maggie, Ann, Thomas and Barnabas. Mr. Skuse
cleared the land of the heavy timber with which it was covered, and
made all the improvements. Here he passed his last days. He was
one of the county's best citizens, and was a prosperous farmer. He
and wife were members of the Church of England. Barnabas Skuse
was born on the old homestead in 1843, and was reared to farm life.
He secured a common school education, and married Miss Hannah
Griffith, daughter of Nathan Griffith. She died several years after
marriage, and Mr. Skuse took for his second wife Miss Anna Griffith,
sister of his first wife. Six children were the result of the last mar-
riage— Eddie, Eliza, Jane, Harriet, Louise and Lizzie (twins). Mr.
Skuse followed farming for some time, aud then, in 1863, engaged in
the lime trade until 1868. He then farmed until 1882, after which he
bought his present farm, on which is a valuable lime quarry and good
building stone, which Mr. Skuse disposes of in Loudon, and is doing a
large and successful business. He is well known in London, and
furnished stone for the first Insane Asylum, for the Keusington Bridge,
the Westminster Bridge, for Birrell's wholesale store, aud the Catholic
Cathedral. Mr. Skuse is a Reformer in politics, is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, A. 0. U. W., and a member of the Royal Arcanum.
His judgment is well respected by the people of the township, and he
was appointed Deputy-Reeve for three years. Nathan Griffith (father
of Mrs. Skuse), manied Miss Jane McAdam, daughter of John and
Ellen McAdam. John McAdam was from the Lowlands of Scotland,
and immigrated to London Township, Middlesex County, Out., in 1819,
on the 7th Concession, Lot 13, and there passed his last days. Nathan
Griffith, sr. (grandfather of Mrs. Skuse), was a soldier in the American
Revolution ou the side of liberty, and received a pension from the
American Government. His son was in the battle of Lundy's Lane
on the English side, as he had come to Westminster Township in the
spring of 1812. Mr. Griffith, sr., resided in Vermont for some years
after his son had moved to Canada, but finally took up his residence
with his son. Nathan Griffith, jr., made the first brickyard in Middle-
1002 HISTORY OF THE
sex County. It was on the 1st Concession. Mr. Griffith sold the
first brick in London, and his yard was established in 1816.
William H. Smith.
The history of the County of Middlesex, especially that part whi ch
refers to the City of London, would not be complete without mention
of the name of Henry A. Smith (deceased), for his connection with its
affairs dates from 1S55. His father, Able Smith, was a native of
Missisquoi Bay, Canada, and married a Miss Kussel. Their family
consisted of five children, three sons and two daughters, all of whom
are deceased. They were named as follows: — Russel, Jane, Charles
P., Henry A. and Mary. The eldest son, Russel, died in early life
from injuries received in his efforts to save an acquaintance from
drowning. The father was a dry goods merchant and his sons were
reared with a mercantile experience. Henry A. Smith was a thorough
Canadian in preference and principles. He was born in Vermont, in
1827, while his parents were temporarily residing in that State, but
they returned to Missisquoi Bay while he was still an infant. In
1854, Charles Smith, an elder brother of Henry A. Smith, came to Lon-
don, engaged in the hardware business and established the present
houses. He conducted this business successfully until 1880, when he
retired from the trade. He was one of the organizers of the London
Furniture Company and a large stockholder in the same. He died in
December, 1882, at the age of fifty-nine years.
Henry A. Smith came to Cauada in the year 1855, and was en-
gaged in running a line of stages between London and Clinton, and he
was also manager of the City Hotel. Later he was engaged in buying
grain, and then in the mercantile business at Lucan and Exeter. He
subsequently came to London, accepted a position in the Custom
service, and after remaining thus employed he became connected with
the Inland Eevenue Department from 1877 to 1881, and made his
home in Toronto. In 1882 he again became interested in the hard-
ware business, and thus remained engaged until his death. He was
also Vice-President of the London Furniture Company, and was pro-
minent in ]\Iasonic circles. In 1853 he married Mi.ss L. Hinkley, and
left at his death, which occurred August 2G, 1888, four children, viz. :
—Mary C. (wife of R. L. Taylor, barrister), William H., Charles R.
and Fannie W. W. H. Smith was born in London, June 23, 1857,
and has been reared and educated in this city. After attaining a suit-
able age he engaged in mercantile matters, and for years before the
death of his father was manager of the business. He married Miss
Maggie Clark in 1880. She was born in London, Canada, and by her
man-iage became the mother of one daughter — Ruby May. Charles
R. Smith, the younger brother, was born in Exeter, in 18(10, and, like
his brother William H., was reared with a mercantile experience. He
married Miss Annie Clark in 1886. She was born in London.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1003
Edward Smith.
Edward Smith, farmer, drover and cattle dealer, of London, is a son
of Sydnie Smith, and grandson of Jacob Smith, who was born in
Pennsylvania and was of German stock. He immigiuted to Canada
and settled at Little York, near Toronto. He was married three times.
His son, Sidnie Smith, was born in Pennsylvania, and when a young
man moved with his parents to Canada, and he settled in County
Halton, eight miles from Oakville. He was married in Canada to
Miss Sarah Johnson, daughter of James and Mary (Cram) Johnson,
both prominent Pennsylvania people. To Mv. and Mrs. Smith were
born five children, who grew to maturity — Cynthia, James, Edward,
Cornelia and Sydnie. Mr. Smith was a member of the Methodist
Church. He was a good, substantial farmer. His son, Edward Smith,
was born in the County of Halton in 1837, and was but seven years
of age when his father died. He received a common school education,
and learned farming in early life. He was married at the age of
twenty-two, or in 1859, to Miss Martha Smith, daughter of Edward
and Ann (Early) Smith. Seven children were born to our subject and
his wife — Orville E. (deceased), Harry L., Hattie E., Dominia M.,
Frederick C, Eussel E. and Eoyden B. The son, Orville E, was
drowned in the Victoria disaster. May 24, 1881, one of the saddest
events that ever befell any country. Orville E. was a young man of
but twenty-one years of age. He was a young man of excellent
habits, was a member of the Methodist Church, and was full of life
and spirits on this saddest of days. He was in the grocery business
with his father, ]\lr. Smith engaged in the cattle and butchering busi-
ness in London in 1855, and remained there until 1864, when he settled
on his present farm on the First Concession, Lots 26 and 27, where he
has remained ever since, engaged in farming and droving, in which
business he has been quite successful. Both he and Mrs. Smith are
members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Smith was one of the
trustees at the time of the building of the Centre Church, aud filled
that position for many years. He is a member of the Independent
Order of Oddfellows, and is an active, industrious citizen.
William Smith.
William Smith, a member of the plumbing and gas-fitting firm of
Smith Brothers, of London, Out , was born in Toronto, July 27, 1857,
and is one of two sons born to William and Margaret (Harding) Smith,
who were born in Toronto, Canada, and Dublin, L'eland, respectively.
The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was reared to his pres-
ent business in the employ of the late G. Harding, of Toronto, and is a
thorough and practical plumber, conversant with every detail of the
business. In 1878 he came to Loudon and worked as a journeyman
1004 HISTORY OF THE
for two years, then engaged in business in partnership with John
Sadler, but owing to impaired health, Mr. Smith was unable to give
the attention to the business that was necessary, and in consequence,
suffered from the dishonesty of his partner, who misappropriated the
funds and left Mr. Smith to bear the burdens and responsibihties of
his misconduct. Nothing daunted, Mr. Smith, with the energ)^ and
and determination that has ever marked his career through hfe, started
in business anew, taking his brother as a partner ; the firm name being
Smith Brothers, and although their work has only been conducted a
short time, they met with most gi'atifying success. They were adepts
in every branch of their business, but made a specialty of the mechani-
cal line of plumbing, gas-fitting, and steam heating, and carry an
extensive and select stock of chandeliers, sanitary earthen ware, brass
goods, iron and lead pipes, force and lift pumps, etc. The rooms will
compare very favorably with any similar estabhshment of the kind in
Western Ontario, and the goods have taken many premiums at the
Provincial fairs. Mr. Smith has the agency for the "Standard" lager
beer machines used by all the leading hotel-keepers of the city, and
also sells the " air pressure " pumps. Mr. Smith has been the archi-
tect of his own fortunes, and may justly feel proud of the success his
endeavors have met with. In 188:^ he married Miss Margaret Mc-
Keuna, who was born in Toronto, and by her has three children —
Annie, Eddie, and Hugh. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., and the
Knights of Pythias fraternities. John Smith, who was the junior
member of the firm, was also born in Toronto, and from 1881 to 1888
was associated with his brother in business. At the latter date he
met with an accident which resulted in his death, and his interest in
the business was then paid oft' to his widow. His wife's maiden name
was Isman Muthart.
John Joseph Smith.
John Joseph Smith, fish dealer, of London, was born in Derbyshire,
England, at "Elvason Castle," March 27, l!S39, his fiither being John
and his grandfather being Joseph Smith. The mother's maiden name
was Mary Thompson, and her mother lived to the advanced age of 125
years. John Smith was a gardener of wide reputation, and was in the
employ of Sir Joseph Paxton, and while serving in this capacity set
out the trees for the first Exposition Grounds in 1851. His mother
was one of the most expert lace workers in England. John Joseph
Smith, whose name heads this sketch, is the eldest of a family of eight
children, and received a liberal education in the National School of
Ockbrook, under the care of blaster Percival, an instructor of wide re-
pute. December 15, 1857, Mr. Smith enlisted in Her Majesty's Glird
Infantry, and from Derbyshire went to Ireland, and then sailed for
Halifax, Nova Scotia. After remaining at the latter place about four
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1005
years he came to London, Canada (in 1862), and remained in the ser-
vice for over fourteen mouths in Ontario, when he was honorably dis-
charged by purchase. He then engaged in his present business, and
has drawn around him a large and paying patronage. He has had
wide experience as a caterer, and his services in years past have often
been solicited when occasions of importance demanded skilled assis-
tance, and no one in London can excell him in this line.
John B. Smyth.
To fail to include within the biographical department of this work
a sketch of the life of Mr. John B. Smyth, would be to omit a history
of one of London's oldest, most deserving, and loyal citizens : a man
whose every effort has been of material benefit to the whole section.
He was born in Margate, Kent County, England, November 24, 1827.
John Smyth, his father, who was known in later years as Captain
Smyth, was a native of Loudon, England, and when young entered the
British army, and became connected with the 1st Batt., 95th Itifle
Brigade, and served through the Peninsular wars, and participated in
that ever memorable battle on which hung the destiny of nations —
" Waterloo." He held two medals, one, to which is attached twelve
clasps, representing the battles in which he participated, aud a special
one for the part which he took in the battle of Waterloo. In 1832
he immigrated to the United States and settled in Albany, where he was
engaged in business for some time, but afterwards went to New York,
where he was engaged in business until 1838, when, owing to the
Eebellion in Canada, and inspired with a love for the ilother Country,
he came to Canada and purchased land, engaging also in mercantile
pursuits, continuing the latter occupation until 1842. He had the
honor of originating the first Eifle Company in Western Canada, and
was appointed its commander. He was always noted for being of an
open and warm-hearted nature, and his good humor seemed inex-
haustible. He died on the 4th of August, 1862, aged 76, and was
buried with military honors. He left two sous — A. G. and John B.
The latter accompanied his father to Canada, aud was there reared to
manhood, receiving a thorough mercantile experience in the house of
Lawrence Lawrason & Chisholm. After leaving their employ he, in
company with his brother, engaged in the grocery business in London.
In 1861 he was elected a member of the City Council, and served off
and on for sixteen years. He has taken a great interest in the West-
ern Fair Association, and has served as I)irector, Superintendent of
grounds, Secretary and Treasurer. He is also interested in military
matters, and holds the honorary rank of Major, being in active service
during the troubles in the North-west. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and in 1850 was married to Miss Clarissa Adelia
Leonard, a sister of Hon. E. Leonard, of London. She was born at
1006 HISTORY OF THE
Long Point, Canada, and died May 28, 1873, having borne the follow-
ing children :— Jennie (wife of A. Gillard), John L., Harry C, James
F., Minnie (wife of Dr. J. S. Edwards), Deloss W., Clara (wife of
Caleb Wall), Frank and Hattie.
Albert Smith.
Albert Smith, a manufacturer of cigars, and one of the wide-awake
and progressive business men of London, Ontario, is a native of the
County of Kent. His father was John B. Smith, and his mother's
maiden name was Abba. Albert spent his early life on a farm, and
when young became interested in the cigar manufacturer's trade, which
he learned thoroughly, and first commenced the manufacture of cigars
on his own account in Guelph in ISGO. Five years later he removed
to Brantford, where he engaged in the same business until 1872, when
he located in London, since which time he has devoted his whole
attention to his trade, and has built up a large business. He com-
menced manufacturing on a small scale, but, as trade demanded, has
increased his facilities from time to time, until he now has one of the
largest factories in the Province, employing fifty hands the year round
and in busy seasons extra help. He uses entirely imported material,
and makes from twelve to fifteen grades of cigars, making a specialty
of the " Green Seal " brand. He also manufactures the " Red Seal,"
Medal brand, etc. His trade extends over a large territory, and the
popularity of his productions is due to his enterprise as a business
man and his knowledge of the business, which he thoroughly under-
stands in all its details, as well as honorable dealing with all customers.
Mr. Smith well merits the success he has attained in his line, and as a
public-spirited man he has done his share in the advancement of all
interests and worthy enterprises tending to benefit the place.
Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith, a manufacturer of cigars, of London, Ont., is a native
of the County of Kent, and is a son of John B. Smith, who with his
wife, whose maiden name was Adair, came from the district of Niagara,
(Jnt. Joseph was reared on a farm, which vocation he followed many
years, subsequently abandoning the pursuit of agriculture for the cigar
and tobacco trade. In 1S75 he commenced the manufacture of cigars
in his present location, where he has since conducted the business with
signal success. He uses entirely imported tobacco, and the product of
his factory ranges from the medium to the finest grades, manufactur-
ing nine different grades of cigars. As a result of fair and honorable
dealing with all men he has secured a liberal patronage, and he well
merits the success that has attended his efforts. Mr. Smith has done
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1007
his full share in extending the reputation that London enjoys as a
manufacturing centre for cigars ; it is the largest in the Province, and
one of the most extensive in the Dominion. The factory furnishes
employment for forty-five hands the year round, and its capacity
exceeds that of the Toronto, Hamilton and other manufactories.
John W. Smyth.
John W. Smyth, marble dealer, is one of the deservedly popular
and successful business men of London, Ontario, and was born in
Barnstable, Devonshire, England, September 29, 1828, his parents,
John and Mary (Wilkinson) Smyth, being natives of the same place.
The father vcas a builder by occupation and conducted this business
for some years, but afterwards became a land steward for Esquire
Knight, of Exmere, Somerset. John W. Smyth, our subject, was the
eldest of five children, and after attaining a suitable age began working
at the marble cutter's trade, in which he became thoroughly proficient.
For some time he had been impressed with the idea that better oppor-
tunities were to be had in the New World for men of energy and
determination to succeed, and accordingly in 1850 immigrated to
Canada and worked for some time in Brantford and St. Thomas. In
1854 he came to London and established his present business, and as a
workman is without a rival in London. He has a natural aptitude for
his calling, is a man of wide and various experience, a close observer,
and has profited by what he has seen. He is of a genial disposition
and is always disposed to look on the bright side of things, rather than
to despond when he meets with business reverses. In 1853 he was
married to Miss Sarah Minhinnick, a native of Cornwall, England.
Their family consists of seven children, whose names are as follows : —
Agnes (wife of E. C. Dodd), Frank W., Caroline, Loui.sa, Ida, Edith
and George W. Frank W. is associated with his father in business, is
a competent workman, and has a thorough knowledge of the business
in all its details.
Lemuel Snelgrove.
Lemuel Snelgrove, a successful agriculturist, now residing on Con-
cession 5, Lot 18, was born in Middlesex County, Canada, in 1849,
and is the son of Wilham and Ellen (Atkins) Snelgrove, natives of
England and Canada, respectively. The father was one of the very
earliest settlers of this county. He first purchased 100 acres of land,
where the subject of this sketch is now residing, and here he followed
farming the remainder of his days. He died in 1877, and his wife in
1872. Lemuel was one of ten children born to his parents. He was
reared in his native county, and January 29, 1873, he was united in
1008 HISTORY OF THE
marriage to Miss Eliza Eogers, who was born September 28, 1853, and
who is the daughter of Eichard and Elizabeth Rogers, both natives of
England. Her parents were early settlers of Middlesex County, and
of the eleven children born to their union all are now living. Her
father died in February, 1871. To Mr. and j\Irs. Snelgrove have been
bom five children — Stanley, Viola, Frank H., Alauson and Sarah E.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Snelgrove are members of the M. E. Church, and
are excellent citizens. They have an interesting family, a pleasant
home, and he is one of the wide-awake farmers of the county.
William B. Stanley.
William D. Stanley, Clerk of Biddulph Township and ex- Warden
of Middlesex County, was born in Biddulph, County Middlesex, March
12, 1844. His father, Thomas Stanley, left Tipperary County, Ireland,
his native place, in 1835, and came to Canada, immediately locating in
Biddulph Township, where he took up land on Lot 15, 3rd Concession.
He served in the Rebellion in 1837, and in 1840 married Miss Eliza
Dobbs, a native of Queen's County, Ireland, who came with her
parents to Canada in 1835. This union was blessed with six sons and
three daughters, six of whom are now living. Mrs. Stanley died in
1855, aged thirty-eight. William D., our subject, was at that time
eleven years of age, and he continued to live with his father, receiving a
common school education during his youth, which enabled him at the
age of twenty-one to engage in teaching in a public school, which
vocation he followed five years. In 1870, Mr. Stanley located on his
present farm, situated on Lot 26, North Boundary, Biddulph. In
August, 1868, he married Miss Mary Brooks, a native of Somerset-
shire, England, and daughter of Edwin and Ann (Gunning) Brooks,
natives of the same place. The family came to Canada in 1853, and
in 1863 removed to Middlesex County. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have
three sons and two daughters living and have lost two children. The
eldest son is a graduate of Toronto University. Mr. Stanley has
always taken an active interest in the political affairs of the county,
and has held many positions of trust and honor. In 1875 he was
elected a member of the Township Council, and served in that body
two years. For six years after 1881 he served as Reeve of Biddulph
Township, and during the latter part of the session of 1883 and in
1884 he officiated as Warden of Middlesex County. While filling the
latter position he established the precedent of breaking up the hitherto
prevalent custom of making money grants for the improvement of
township roads not within the jurisdiction of the Council. (See chapter
on the proceedings of the County Council.) In January, 1887, Mr.
Stanley was elected to fill the office of County Auditor. Mr. Stanley
now resides upon his farm, which is pleasantly situated near Granton,
and is the result of industry and good management. In politics he is
a Liberal-Conservative and an ardent supporter of British connection.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1009
Samuel Stewart.
Samuel Stewart, dealer in stoves, tinware and house furnishing
goods, London, Ontario, is numbered among the earliest settlers of
London, and is one of the few who have witnessed its growth and noted
the changes that have taken place. He was born in Lower Canada,
July 16, 1833. His father, John Stewart, was a native of the North
of Ireland, and was reared in his native country until eighteen years
of age, when he immigrated to Lower Canada. Here he engaged in the
lumber business, and married Miss Elizabeth Longstroff, of Tipperary,
Ireland. In 1837, during the Canadian Eebellion, John Stewart came
to London and secured a contract in constructing the barracks. Tools
being scarce at that time, he exchanged the second lot west of Mr.
Stewart's store for a cross-cut saw, and traded the lot on King
street, occupied by the Fire Department, for a broad-ax. He is
stiU living at the advanced age of fourscore years, and yet his step is
elastic, his eye undimmed, and his senses keen and alert. The mother
died in 1866. There were nine children in the family — Samuel, Jane
(wife of John Holcroft, of Philadelphia), Ehza, William, Sarah A.
(wife of Richard Cross), Charles, Matilda (wife of Eichard ), and
James Andrew and John are deceased. Samuel Stewart was born
July 16, 1833; came with his parents to London in 1837, and was
reared in that city. When sixteen years of age he commenced his
apprenticeship at the tinsmith business, and worked for S. McBride for
thirteen years. In 1864 he commenced business for himself, and is
the oldest merchant in point of residence in this line in the city. He
commenced business at first on a small scale, and added to his stock
and capacity from time to time as his trade determined, until it has
assumed its present proportions. Mr. Stewart has always been
strictly attentive to business, even to its most trivial details ; urbane
and pleasant in his treatment of customers, scrupulously exact in the
fulfillment of promises made to customers, he receives and merits the
respect of all. Mr. Stewart was married in 1855 to Miss Mary Gray,
a native of Middlesex County, and the fruits of this union were five
children — Sophia (wife of F. McGuire), Elizabeth (wife of Harry
Jones), Samuel K., Minnie and Jessie.
Angus C. Stewart.
The short sketch which here appears is that of one of the reliable
and deservedly successful educators of this city, and one whose experi-
ence has proven him well qualified for the profession he has chosen.
It but expresses the general sentiment of the community where he has
resided so long, to say that no man has done more for the educational
interests of the city, or given more of his time and personal attention
1010 HISTOHY OF THE
to the interests of this cause, than has Mr. Stewart. He was born in
Scotland, July 25, 1849, and is the son of Alexander and Jane (Mc-
Donald) Stewart, both of Scotch birth. Angus C. Stewart was the
youngest of seven children, and immigrated with his parents to Canada,
settling in Yarmouth Township, County of Elgin, were he was reared
and educated. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching school,
and this occupation he has since followed, a period of twenty-two
years ; a fact that indicates in itself a thorough fitness and success as
an instructor. In 1875 he came to Loudon, and since that time he
has been connected with the city schools, and if his life was to be
viewed in the light of the sincere interest he has manifested, it might
well be said that he has seemed to labor for his own advancement,
that he might become the better able to aid those who here come under
bis charge. Mr. Stewart was married in 1870 to Miss Kate jMcLach-
lan, a native of Westminster Township, and to them were born five
children — Bella, Willie, Cassie May (deceased), Archibald, and Clarence.
Mr. Stewart is Past-Master in the Masonic fraternity, Past- Master of
the I. 0. O. F., and has been Auditor of the Grand Lodge for five
years.
John Stephenson.
John Stephenson, Manager of the Huron & Middlesex Fire In-
surance Company, of London, Ontario, was born in the Township of
London, August 24, 1851. His parents, Adam and Ellen (Elliott)
Stephenson, were natives of Cumberland County, England, and immi-
grated to Canada in the spring of 1851, settling on a form in Middlesex
County, which occupation the father was following at the time of
his death in 1856, the result of an accident. He left, besides his
widow, six children — Bessie (since deceased), William (in California),
John, Thomas, Mary (wife of Thomas Tomlinson, of County Lambton),
and Ellen (wife of Alfred Westcott, of Michigan). The father's death
left the widowed mother with a large family to support, and now that
he could no longer protect and provide for his family, it became neces-
sary that other provisions should be made. John Stephenson, who
was then very young, set bravely to work battling the storms of life,
and whatever he could find to do he did with all his might. He first
began working on a farm, and his earnings went to help support his
bereaved mother. For years he labored faithfully as a tiller of the
soil, and a boy of less determination, or actuated by less noble prin-
ciples, would have succumbed to the many hardships he was obliged
to undergo. He, however, was made of sterner stuH' and in addition
to helping his mother, he determined to secure au education, and after
.securing sufiicient means he entered college for three years ; and, soon
after tli'j organization of the company with which he is connected, he
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1011
accepted a position as travelling agent for a time, and then he received
the appointment as Inspector, holding the same until he was appointed
to his present position, which he has filled very creditably. He was
married in August, 1880, to Miss Belle McLeod, a native of London,
by whom he has a family of four children — Gertrude, Ella, Amy B.
and George E. In 1888, Mr. Stephenson was selected as a suitable
person to represent his ward on the School Board, and was elected by
a complimentary majority. He is a Mason, and a member of the
I. 0. 0. F.
Samuel P. Stringer. ■■
Samuel P. Stringer, Chief Engineer of Pumping Works, of London,
Ont., was born in County Wexford, Ireland, March 8, 1837, and is the
son of Samuel and Ann (Percival) Stringer, both natives of Ireland.
The Stringer family were of English origin, but went to Ireland im-
mediately after Cromwell's conquest. The Percival family took an
active part in the Rebellion ot 1837, being on the frontier. Mrs. Ann
Stringer died March 17, 1888, at the age of ninety years. Of the five
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stringer, Samuel P. is the third in order
of birth and the only son. He learned the business of hydraulic
engineering in London, England, with Easton & Ames, and while there
worked on the engine for the Crystal Palace, and on the water- works
of this firm, which is the largest water-work construction in existence.
Their trade extends to Egypt and Australia. Mr. Stringer came to the
United States in 1854, worked for a firm in New York, and was
employed by them in New Jersey. He was influenced by his national
sympathies to leave the States, owing to the feelings against England
at the time of the Crimean War, and, being an out-and-out Loyalist,
he came to Canada, where he became engaged with a steam-fitting
establishment. Later he became connected with the Great Western
Eailway, where he remained for over twenty years. Eleven years of
that time was spent as engine-fitter, and two years were spent on a
locomotive, having previously spent seven years in learning the busi-
ness before entering the service of the Water Commissioners, where he
took charge of the water service on the Sarnia Branch of the London,
Huron & Bruce R. R., main line west. In May, 1887, he accepted
his present position. After leaving the employ of the railroad he was
the recipient of a handsome present and address from the employes of
the road, an unusual course to pursue. Mr. Stringer was elected as
Alderman of old No. 3 Ward in 1877, and after the redivision he was
re-elected a member of the present No. 3, holding the seat for nine
successive years, contesting for the election eleven times, and elected
ten times. Mr. Stringer was married in 1862 to Miss E. B. Bedggood,
a native of London, Ont. This union resulted in the birth of two sons
and four daughters — Laura, Ernest, Eva, Francis, Ada and Lillie.
lUlZ HISTORY OF THE
Alexander Stuart.
Alexander Stuart, barrister of Glencoe, was born in the Scotch
Block, in the County of Halton, Ontario, and is the son of Charles
and Hannah (Campbell) Stuart, natives of Scotland and England, res-
pectively. Early in the fifties, they moved to the County of JMiddle-
sex, and about the beginning of the year 1857 they settled on a bush
farm in the Township of Caradoc, where their eldest son, Alexander,
grew up. Being a boy always large and strong, he is seen at the early
age of ten years driving a yoke of oxen in the winters with staves to
the market, and logs to the mill, and in the summers burning brush,
logging, and othtfi'wise assisting his father to clear his bush farm.
From this time he went only a few weeks occasionally to the country
school, but his taste for solid reading in the winter evenings, and his
interest in public affairs had with him so well supplied the place of
regular school tuition, that in 1869, on the advice of some of his com-
panions who were pursuing an educational career, he tried the exami-
nations then going on in Strathroy for teacher's certificates.
Having obtained a certificate, he is found teaching in the public
schools of the county, in which he soon obtained some local distinction
as an educator. He afterwards attended the Normal School in Toronto,
from which he graduated with a First Class Grade A Certificate in
1875. He then took the position of Mathematical Master in Morris-
burg High School, and the next year that of English Master in the St.
St. Marys Collegiate Institute. While at St. Marys he was appointed
a member of the Board of Teachers' Examiners for the County of
Middlesex, which position he held for several years. In the same
year, while in St. Marys, one of the Inspectorship of Public Schools
for Middlesex became vacant, and Mr. Stuart became a candidate, but
after a long and exciting contest he was defeated by Mr. J. S. Carson,
the Principal of the Public Schools of Strathroy. In 1877 he began
the study of law in the office of Cronyn, Martin and Kew, of London,
and pursued it afterwards in Toronto in the office of Thomas Hodgins,
Q. C, (the present Ma,ster in Ordinary) and J. S. Ewart, Q. C, (now of
Winnipeg). In 1881, before his time under articles had expired, he
went to Glencoe and opened an office there, at first in connection with
the London firm of Cronyn & Greenlees, and afterwards on his own
account, in which he now enjoys a large practice.
Mr. Stuart takes an active interest in educational and political
affairs, and holds the jiosition of Chairman of the High School Board,
and is President of the West Middlesex Reform Association. Although
looked upon as an eligible candidate for Parliament, he has on one
occasion declined the nomination of his party as candidate for the
House of Commons. He has also taken some interest in military
affairs, and is now in command of No. 3 Company of the 26th Battalion
of Infantry ; but business and other duties have prevented him giving
it much attention.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1013
John Sullivan.
John Sullivan, an enterprising and leading citizen of Adelaide
Township, whose birth occurred in London, England, December 24,
1828, is the son of John and Letitia (Cassell) Sullivan, natives of Ire-
land, who came to Canada in 1832, and settled in Adelaide Township,
Middlesex County, on the west half of Lot 4, south of the Egremont Eoad.
Here the father died in 1836, when John was about eight years of age,
and the mother also died here in 1880. John Sullivan was the eldest
of four children born to his parents, was reared on the farm, and after
the early death of the father the family moved to Loudon Township.
When eighteen years of age, Mr. Sullivan began learning the car-
penter's and joiner's trade, which occupation he followed for eighteen
years, carrying on the trade for seventeen years of this time in London.
He proved himself a safe, practical and successful carpenter. In 1858
he returned to Adelaide Township, engaged in farming, and for sixteen
years has lived on his present property. He is the owner of 300 acres
of choice land, most of which is well improved. He was married in
1854 to Miss Agnes Nichol, who was born in Kingston, and who died
in Adelaide Township in 1886, leaving these children ; — James,
Harriet, William, Mary E., John, Martha and Edwin Alfred. Mr.
Sullivan is a Eeformer in politics, and has been a member of the
Township Council. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
of Canada, is in good financial circumstances, and is a first-class man of
the Township.
ROBERT Summers.
Robert Summers, a resident of the 2nd Concession of Nissouri
Township, Middlesex County, was born in County Cumberland, Eng-
land, on the 14th of July, 1810, his parents, Robert and Margaret
(Bell) Summers, being natives of the same county. The father was a
farmer and weaver by trade, and when sixty-four or sixty-five years
old came to Canada, in June, 1819, and nine weeks from the day he
started landed in Quebec. He came soon after to Middlesex County,
and the first winter lived on the 2nd Concession. Early in February,
1820, he bought a place on Brick street, in Westminster Township,
and moved there on the 1st of May. Here he lived until his death
in August, 1833, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife died in
1858, at the age of ninety-one. Their family consisted of three sons
and four daughters, whose names are as follows : — Margaret (the wife
of James Nixon), Jane (wife of George Routledge, died in 1847), Mary
(wife of Eli Trowbridge, who is also dead), John (died 11th of April
1889), Elizabeth (wife of George Robson), Robert and Thomas. Eour of,
the children are now living. Margaret, the eldest daughter, is ninety-
four years of age ; Mary is eighty-five ; Robert is seventy-nine ; and
1014 HISTORY OF THE
Thomas is 72. Eobert Summers, our subject, has been a farmer the
greater portion of his life, but for a time was engaged in merchandis-
ing. In 1865 he went to Massachusetts, and for about four years was
engaged there in a cotton factory, but then returned to Middlesex
County. Since that time he has resided five miles south-west of Lon-
don, and is one of the oldest and most honored residents of the county.
Although seventy-nine years of age, his memory is remarkable, and he
recollects with distinctness incidents that happened when he first came
to this county. He has always been a Eeformer in politics. July 29,
1833, he was married to Miss Isabella Eobson, who was born in Cum-
berland County, England, and immigrated to Canada in 1820. The
following are their children who are living: — Margaret (Mrs. Kenny),
Eobert (in San Jose, California), Ann (wife of Albert McCuUoch, in
New York State, near Eochester), Jane (wife of Thomas H. Orrell),
Isabella, Mary and Katherine. John, the eldest son, died in Cali-
fornia on Christmas Day, 1 878.
Ralfe B. Sumner.
Ealph B. Sumner, farmer, of Middlesex County, Canada, is the son
of Cyrus W. Sumner, and grandson of Wilham Sumner, who was born
in Keene, N. H., and who man-ied Patience Johnson. To their union
were born eight children — William, Clement, Nathaniel, Cyrus W.,
Mary, Betsy, Clara, and Cyntha (all dead). Mr. Sumner moved to
Canada and settled in Oxford County, where he carried on the Cooper
trade. His family moved to Blenheim, where Cyrus W. Sumner,
father of subject, was born in 1803. William Sumner died in Halton,
near Milton. Cyrus W. was a farmer by occupation, and married
Eebecca Sumner, daughter of William A. Sumner, who was an old
.settler on the 1st Concession of Westminster about 1816, and was a
second cousin to Cyrus W. Sumner. The latter had moved to Middle-
sex County in 1819; was married there in 1835, and first took up a
lot on the 13th Concession, London Township, but afterwards bought
Lot No. 19, 1st Concession of Westminster, where his son now resides.
Mr. Sumner was a hard-working man, and accumulated a good pro-
perty. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and lived to be
77 years of age. He was known by all the old settlers as an honorable,
upright man. His death occurred in 1880. Ealph B. Sumner, son of
the above gentlemen, was born on the old homestead, and still sleeps
in the same room in which he first saw the light of day in 1836. He
received a good common school education, and has followed farming
all his life. He was married to Miss Mary Eoot, daughter of Henry
and Sarah (Lee) Eoot, and to them were born two cliildreu — Cyrus H.,
and Amelia L. Mr. Sumner is a member of the 1. 0. 0. F. Lodge, and
he and Mrs. Sumner are members of the Congregational Church. He
is a well-to-do farmer, and understands agricultural pursuits and keep-
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1015
ing up the soil. He has 115 acres of land, and has one of the best
and most pleasantly situated farms in the township. His great gi'and-
father was a clergyman of the Church of England, and immigrated from
Sussex to New Hampshire. Mr. Sumner has in his possession a six
pound iron cannon ball which was iired across the Niagara river from
Lewiston to Queenston in the War of 1812, and was picked up the
next day after the battle by William Sumner, an uncle of the subject
of this sketch.
Rev. William Ross Sutherland.
Eev. William Eoss Sutherland, one of the leading men of the
Presbyterian Church, is a native of Scotland, born July 19, 1823, and
son of Hugh and Janet (Koss) Sutherland, both natives of the High-
lands of Scotland. The father was born in 1782. and died in Nova
Scotia in 1834. He was married in Scotland to Miss Ross, who was
born in 1781 and died in 1844. The family immigrated to Nova Scotia
and settled in Pictou, where their son, William Ross Sutherland,
attended the Pictou Academy, and later the Edinburgh University, and
Knox College at Toronto. He was licensed to preach by the Presby-
tery of Hamilton in 1847, and in February, 1848, he was ordained
pastor of Knox Church, in Ekfrid Township. After being pastor of
Knox Church for more than thirty-five years, and having the largest
pastorate in Western Ontario, he resigned his charge in 1884. He
was united in marriage, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth McBean, daughter
of Alexander McBean. Mrs. Sutherland died in 1857, leaving three
children. In 1859, Mr. Sutherland chose for his second wife Miss
Mary Ann, youngest daughter of Alexander Ross, of Embro, Ontario.
Thirteen children were the result of the second marriage, nine of whom
are living— three sons and six daughters. Mr. Sutherland settled
where he now lives in 1851, and is the owner of 102 acres of well-
improved land.
James F. Sutherland.
James F. Sutherland, builder and contractor and dealer in lumber,
lime, plaster, &c., at Mount Brydges, and son of William and Jane
(Francis) Sutherland, was born in Caradoc Township, Middlesex
County, Ontario, October 2, 1850. The parents were natives of Scot-
land and Ireland, respectively. The father came to this country at the
age of eighteen, located in Caradoc Township, where for many years
he was a successful tiller of the soil. He was a soldier in the war of
1812, and died in 1868. His son, James F. Sutherland, was married
in 1879 to Miss Annie Richardson, daughter of L. R. and Catherine
Richardson, natives of England and Ireland, respectively. Mr. and
1016 HISTORY OF THE
Mrs. Sutherland are the pareuts of two children — Mabel Catherine and
William Earle. Mr. Sutherland affiliates with Eeform party, and, like
many successful business men, he has given but little attention to
political matters. He is yet a comparatively young man, but has suc-
ceeded in business to a marked de.airee. Socially, he is a member of
the jMasonic fraternity, and he and his estimable lady are influential
members of the Presbyterian Church.
Talbot Family.
This family originated prior to the Norman Conquest, and one of
the family, Richard by name, was witness to a grant to the Monks of
Casaise in Normany, in the reign of William I. About 1250, Gilbert,
who belonged to the seventh generation of Talbots, was married to
Gundaline, daughter of Rhiese A. Griffith, Prince of Wales, and
assumed the Arms of that Prince, which the family still retain. His
son, Richard Talbot, was one of the Barons who assisted the right of
Edward I. over Scotland. Richard Gilbert was one of the principal
persons who assisted Edward in obtaining the Crown of Scot-
land in 1332, and was with Edward III. in the expedition against
Calais. Sir Gilbert Talbot died in 1419. He was first man'ied to
Joan, daughter of Thomas Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, who was a
son of King Edward III., and took for his second wife Beatrice, widow
of Thomas, Earl of Arndale, and daughter of John, King of Portugal.
John, the brother of Sir Gilbert, afterwards became possessed of
his estate, and in 1442 was made Earl of Shrewsbury, and July 17,
1446, was made Earl of Waterford and Wexford, in Ireland. He also
held the positions of Assistant Steward of England and Marshal of
France, and was killed July 24, 1453, by a cannon ball. By his
second wife, who was a daughter of Richard, Earl of Warwick, by
right of her mother. Lady Lisle, he became the father of one son,
John, who was created Baron Li.sle by Henry VI., on July 26, 1444,
and Viscount Lisle in 1452, but was killed at the same time as his
father. John, his second son and second Earl of Shrewsbury, had
several sons by his wife, Eliza, who was a daughter of James Butta,
Earl of Ormond. His eldest sou, John, on the death of his father in
1460, succeeded as third Earl of Shrewsbury, and died in 1473. His
son George, who died in 1542, became the next Earl of Shrewsbury,
and was succeeded by his son Francis, who was the fifth Earl, and
died in 1560; succeeded by his son George, who died in 1590; was
succeeded by his second son Gilbert, who died in 1616 ; succeeded by
his brother Edward, whose death occurred in 1617. The title and
estates then fell to George, the second sou of John, second Earl of
Shrewsbury, and from Acts descended to the present Earl of Shrews-
bury. George was succeeded by his brother's son, John, who was
succeeded by his second son, Francis, the eleventh Earl, who married
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1017
the daughter of the Earl of Cardigan, and his eldest son, Charles,
succeeded him iu 1677. The latter was afterwards created Marquis of
Alton and Duke of Shrewsbury in 1694, but his Grace died without
issue in 1718, and his title of Duke and Marquis became extinct.
The title of Earl descended to his first cousin Gilbert, who died in
1733, the title then descended to George, fourteenth Earl, who was
married to Mary, daughter of Thomas, Viscount Fitzwilliam, by whom
he had issue. George, the late Earl was married to Eliza, daughter of
the late Lord Dasmon, and was succeeded by his nephew, Charles, who
married the daughter of Robert Allwyn, Esq. His second wife was
Mary, daughter of John Martyu Solacre, in Flintshire, by whom he
became the father of four sons and nine daughters. His son Francis
married Annie, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Fanconburg, who died
without issue, and he took for his second wife Mary Frances, only
daughter of W. Sheldon, Esq., by whom he had one sou and five
daughters. His daughter Barbara married James, Lord Astor of Far-
far, Scotland, and Mary, another daughter, wedded Lord Dovenor, July
9, 1749.
Henry Talbot, of Ashmore, County of Nottingham, England, was a
grandson of John, the first Earl of Shrewsbury and Earl of Waterford
and Wexford in Ireland, and son of Charles, third son of the Earl ; he
was married to Jane, daughter of Edward Hobbs, Esq., of Great
Broonham, County of Lincoln. To their union were born three sons —
Henry (who died unmarried), John and Edward. The latter was
married to Eleanor, daughter of Philip Gray Binghton, of the County
of Bucks, by whom he had one son and three daughters. He was
killed in the war between the houses of York aud Lancaster. His son,
W., became the father of four sons — William, Richard, Wilmot aud
Gilbert. Sir Richard Kent, of Armstou Hall, in Staffordshire, was the
second son of William Talbot, aud was married to Averine, daughter
of Count Harlstet, of the Cade of Luabia, Germany, by whom he had
nine sous, two of whom were killed by the rebels in one of the insur-
rections in the reign of Henry VII. ; three more died unmarried, and
Richard, the third of the surviving sons, was first married to Elizabeth,
■daughter of Thomas Combney, of Wilbrook Kidins, in the County of
Darrel, by whom he had one son. His second marriage was to Alice,
daughter of Mayner Cadville, of the Kingdom of Scotland, and to this
■union one son and two daughters were born. Thomas, one of the
sons of the second marriage, wedded Mary, daughter aud sole heir of
George Fitzhugli, of Sandwich, County of Stallord, by whom he had
three sons and one daughter. His son George resided on his grand-
father Fitzhugh's estate of Sandwich, and was married to Joan,
daughter of Elias Ludlow, of Fernwood, County of Cheshire, and five
sous were born to their man-iage.
The father, George, became a member of Parliament for Jamesworth
and Beverley, in Warwickshire. His son, who also bore the name of
George, was married to Joan, daughter of Benjamin Fouctele, of Shrop-
1018 HISTORY OF THE
shire. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the service of Charles I., and
was killed at the siege of Gloucester, leaving three sons and one
daughter. His eldest son, George, followed the fortunes of Charles II ,
and Benjamin and Thomas settled in Ireland, in County Clare ; but
after their respective marriages settled in Loham and Glonegan, King's
County. The former was married to Susan and the latter to Mary,
daughters of John Large, of County Tipperary. Their sister Julia also
came to Ireland, and was married to Thomas Large, Esq. William,
son of Benjamin Talbot, was married to IMary, daughter of Amos Carr,
of Balloughmore, Queen's County, to whom were born four sons.
Their third son, William, was married to Frances, the daughter of W.
Smith, of Kilcommon, King's County, and was also blessed with four
sons, all of whom are deceased. The second son, Thomas, was married
to Eose, eldest daughter of Jacob Roberts, Esq , of Monstrath, Clennole,
County Tipperary, by whom he had one son, William R.
Thomas was a man of wealth, and lived the life of a gentleman in
his native land. He was a fine English scholar, and served a short
time in the British Army. He had one brother, Benjamin, who was.
in the Royal Irish Artillery, and was killed in battle. In 1829, Thomas
Talbot immigrated from Ireland to Canada, and purchased property in
what was then the village of London, where he resided until his death.
He was the father of two children, a son and daughter — William R.
and Elizabeth G. The latter resides in Lambton County. William
R. was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, May 26, 1811, and there re-
ceived excellent educational advantages, being a student in the
endowed College of Clonwell, under the noted Prof. Rev. Dr. Bell. In
January, 1827, he left school, and a few weeks later sailed for Canada,
taking passage at Limerick on board the sailing vessel " Peace," of
Newcastle. After a voyage of two months he landed at Quebec, and
went at once to Ottawa, there being but one house where the city is
now located. On the ninth of January he arrived in the City of Lon-
don and bought the homestead, which place he owned up to 1880.
When he left the farm he bought land, and lived on Lot 18, 3rd Con-
cession of London, for about four years. In 1854 he received the
commission of Magistrate, which office he has since held, being the
oldest IMagistrate in the comity. The country in and about Loudon
was in a very primitive state at the time of his location. Tea and
coffee were the greatest luxuries, and it was a serious matter to get a
dollar bill changed. Since 1884 he has been been making his home
with his son William J., the farm being owned by his son Frederick
V. Mr. Talbot has been totally blind for eight years, but in body and
mind is strong and vigorous, possessing a wonderful memory. The
genealogy of his family, which is given at the head of this memoir,
was copied by him from the records in the City of Dublin, Ireland.
He was baptised by Rev. William Hill, of the established Church of
England, while a resident of County Tipperary, Ireland, and the year
after coming to Canada was married to Mary Fitzgerald, who died on,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1019
the Sth of March, 1884, having borne a family of teu children, eight of
v.'liom are living — Thomas N. (married to Esther Fitzgerald, sr.),
William J. (married to Esther Fitzgerald, jr.), Frederick V. (married to
Augusta Everett), John H. (residing in Minnesota), Rosanna (wife of
John Henry), Margaret (wife of Edward Campbell), Eliza (wife of John
To we), and Mary (wife of William Howard). Mr. Talbot has fifteen
great-grandchildren.
Charles S. Tamlin.
Charles S. Tamlin, veterinary surgeon of London, and a native of
Middlesex County, was born on the 24th of November, 1868, being
one of two surviving members of a family of three, born to the mar-
riage of William Tamlin and Elizabeth J. Tackaberry, who were born
in Devonshire, England, and Middlesex County, Canada, respectively.
The father removed from his native land to Canada in 1851, and here
spent the remainder of his days. He removed to London about 1875,
and here Charles S. was educated, and began studying veterinary
surgery, beginning his preparatory studies under the preceptorship of
Dr. Wilson, and afterwards entering the Veterinary College of Toronto,
from which institution he was graduated in December 1888. He has
entered on the active practice of his profession in London under very
favorable circumstances, and owing to his many admirable mental at-
tainments, and to his studious habits, bids fair to become eminent in
his profession.
George Taylor, Mayor.
George Taylor, Esq., ]\Iayor of London, Ont., was born in Sterling
Castle, Scotland, August ti, 1849 ; is the oldest son of six children, of
Scotch and Irish parentage ; his mother being a native of Hillsboro,
Ireland, and his father, Mr. James Taylor, of Carthness, Scotland. The
latter early in life enlisted in the British Army, leaving the service after
a period of twenty-two years, as sergeant-major of Her Majesty's 93rd
Highlanders. During this time the regiment was for some years
stationed in Canada, the knowledge of it probably influencing Mr. Tay-
lor's parents to return to it, which they did in 1855, settling in the
County of Middlesex. After school days, Mr. Taylor commenced learn-
ing harness-making, but the North-west troubles of 187U induced
him to volunteer under the command of General (then Colonel) Wol-
seley, whose rapid march to Winnipeg under many difficulties and
hardships, and the successful termination of the expedition, is doubt-
less still in the minds of most of our readers. On its return, Mr.
Taylor remained in the North-west until 1882, judiciously investing in
lands favorably situated, which he had the good judgment to dispose of
1020 HISTORY OF THE
when prices were at their highest ; returning to London in 1S82, where
he has since resided, and where he has ever since been closely identi-
fied with the interests of the city.
In 1887 he was nominated and elected as alderman to represent
the 4th Ward in the City Council, and again re-elected in 1888. In
1889 he contested a very strong opposition for the mayoralty, and to
the surprise of many was elected by the largest majority ever given
any candidate for this ottice. His well-known character, of the strictest
probity and incorruptible honesty, and his shrewd vigilance in guarding
the public interests, was doubtless the principal ctiuse of his unpre-
cedented majority. He combines those sure elements of success, both
in public and private life, — clear and deliberate consideration, with
prompt and decisive action.
Henry Taylor.
Henry Taylor, banker and broker, was born in London, England,
October 14, 1841 ; son of Daniel and Sarah Taylor of the same place.
Subject was reared in London, England, and came to London, Canada,
in 1862, and was connected with the Commissary Department of Her
Majesty's service. In 1863 he retired from service. One year later
he engaged in the private banking business. He was instrumental, in
company with E. Jones Parke, of organizing the Dominion Loan &
Investment Society, and connected with it until 1880, when he retired
from the same. He also formed the Ontario Investment Association, and
was succeeded in the management of same by Charles Murray. He
was called to the presidency in 1887, and retired the same year. He
was instrumental in starting the Bank of Loudon, Canada, and was Presi-
dent until his resignation in 1887. He was one of the organizers of
the Carling Brewery & Malting Company in 1885, and a Director of
the same until he resigned in 1887. He purchased the Bennet Furni-
ture Factory from the Bennet heirs in 1884, which was successfully
carried on for some time. He was also one of the organizers of the
London & Petrolea Barrel Company in 18S6, and retired in 1887. He
was a member of the Stevens, Turner & Burns JNIanufacturing Com-
pany for some time, and placed the stock of the same. He was
a Director of the British-American Assurance Company, of Toronto,
and assisted in the formation of the Huron & Lambton Mortgage
Company, being a Director in the same. He purchased tlie Brant
Mortgage of Brantford in 1886. He negotiated the City of London
debentures in connection with the Bank of Toronto. He also took an
active interest in the various oil syndicates of London. He has always
manifested an active interest in any enterprise that had for its object
the advancement of the city, and, i>erhaps, no citizen of London has thus
contributed more of his time, energy and means than he. He was
Captain of No. 7 Company of 7th Fusiliers for many years, and took an
COUNTY OF JUDDLESEX. 1021
active interest in the same. Mr. Taylor was married December 25,
I860, to Miss Charlotte Hunter, a native of Ireland. They have a
family of three children — Edward (of the London & Petrolea Barrel
Company), Sallie, and Pannie (wife of J. G. Dawson, of the Post Office
Department, and son of J. E. Dawson).
John Taylor.
John Taylor, nurseryman, of London South, was born in Lancaster,
Lancashire, England, in 1833, and is the second son of Thomas and
Elizabeth Taylor, of Lancaster. He received his education in the
Grammar School of Lancaster and Tulketh Hall, Preston, the latter
belonging to Sir Escot Fleetwood, from whom the town of Fleetwood
took its name. In 1855 he came to Canada, and a few years after-
wards bought property in the Township of Westminster. He had
previously served some time as a Surveyor and Civil Engineer with
John Watson, surveyor for the Great Western Railroad, now called
the Midland Road. After coming to Middlesex County he continued
to follow the occupation of surveying for some time. In company
with William Percival he laid out the town of Brussels, Ontario, which
has since grown so rich and prosperous. In 1864 he was married to
Miss Sarah G. Minard, daughter of Samuel Minard, Esq., of Long
Island, New York, then living in Yarmouth, Ontario. Their children
are : — Herbert Thomas, Adah Elizabeth, Mary Inez and Sarah Helena.
The family reside in London South at their residence, "Evergreen
Lawn."
James F. Taylor.
James F. Taylor, Collector of Customs and Inland Revenue for
Middlesex, was born near the City of Loudon, Ontario, July 13, 1854,
and is the son of William and Mary Ann (Ferguson) Taylor, both
natives af Ireland. The father was born about 1816, is now a resident
of London, Ontario, and since 1873 has been in the employ of the
Dominion Government in the Customs Department. He came to
Canada when quite young. The mother was horn about 1811^, and of
the eight children born to her union with Mr. Taylor, James F. is the
youngest. He was educated in the London schools, to which place hi&
parents had removed when he was about twelve years of age. In 1872
he entered the employ of the Dominion Government in the Revenue
Department at London, and there continued until December, 1881,
when he came to Strathroy, at that time receiving the appointment to
his present position. He was married on September 4, 1878, to Miss
Jessie Campbell, who was born at Seaforth, Canada, October 14, 1856,
a daughter of Wilham and Margaret Campbell. This union resulted
1022 HISTORY OF THE
in the birth of four children — Percy (born July 9, 1879), Frances (born
January 17, 1881, died September 12, 1884), Erin (born March 17,
1883) and Fredrica (born June 29, 1886). He is a Conservative in
politics, and he and his wife are members of the Church of England.
He is one of the most popular men of Strathroy, and is an excellent
citizen.
John Taylor, Jr.
John Taylor, jr., proprietor of Westminster Bakery, was bom in
the County of York, Canada, February 13, 1851 ; son of Robert and
Ann (Park) Taylor, natives of Bristol, England, and Belfast, Ireland,
respectively. John Taylor, jr., was the eldest son and third child in a
family of nine children. His father and grandfather were bakers, and
John, jr., was reared to this business in Weston, Ont. In 1874 he
came to London, and in 1876 commenced business for himself, at
which he has been quite successful, his trade extending all over the
city. His bakery is oue of the most important in the city, and is sup-
plied with all the most improved ajipliances. He has a large trade,
uses only the best grades of flour, and produces an excellent quality of
bread. He is very obliging and pleasant and agreeable in his manner.
December 21, 1870, Mr. Taylor married Miss Emma Taylor, a native
of London, Out., and the daughter of John Taylor, an early settler, and
for many years a prominent builder. To Mr. and Mrs. John Taylor,
jr., were born six children — William, Emma, Laura, Mabel, Joseph,
and James. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a
member of the A. 0. U. W., and is also a member of the Independent
Order of Foresters.
Richard Thompson.
Richard Thompson, one of the old and prominent citizens of Lon-
don, and a man much esteemed for his many good qualities, was born
in England, January 31, 1817, and is the son of Richard and Anna
(Prush) Tliompson, both of English birth. The father was a shoe-
maker by trade, and in 1834 immigrated with his family to Canada.
He first made his home at St. Davids, but in 1837 he came to London,
where he died in 187"). He left four children, and of these the subject
of this sketch was the youngest. Previous to coming to Canada
Richard Thompson, jr., commenced his apprenticeship at the shoemaker's
trade, and finished the same at St. Davids. He first came to Loudon
in 1838, but did not make his home here until 1840. Two years
later he commenced business on his own account, was very successful,
and subsequently purchased a farm in London Township, where he
has spent part of his time. Mr. Thompson's life is a good illustratiou
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1023
of the possibilities of this country for young men without means or
influence, but of character and determination to succeed. From his
first settlement here Mr. Thompson has taken active interest in the
welfare of the city, has represented his Ward in the City Council, and
in this capacity made an efficient and faithful guardian of the city's
interest. Mr. Thompson was married iu 1841 to Miss Elizabeth
Dixon, a native of England, and to them were born nine children,
seven of whom are living — Mary J. (now Mrs. Lock, of Nebraska),
Francis E. (of Nebraska), John, Elizabeth (now Mrs. Wilson, of Lon-
don), Theressa (wife of Charles Sterling), Ellen and Charles. The two
deceased were named James D. and Emily.
William Thompson.
William Thompson, a prosperous farmer, residing in North Dor-
chester, near Derwent P. 0.. is one of the oldest tillers of the soil in
the county, and is of Irish descent, his father, Arthur Thompson, hav-
ing been born in County Fermanagh, Ireland. When sixteen years of
age the latter, with his brother Richard, took part in suppressing the
Irish Rebellion, and he (Arthur) afterwards married Sarah Rea, by
whom he became the father of seven children — Elizabeth, James, Jane,
Rea (who died in infancy while crossing the ocean on their way to the
New World in 1817), Malinda, Arthur and William. The family
settled in London Township, Middlesex County, and entered 100
acres of land on the Second Concession, where they remained a num-
ber of years, and after much labor succeeded in clearing their land.
He and wife, who died about 1833, were members of the Methodist
Church, and he was on duty in the militia at London during the
Canadian Rebellion of 1837, as was also his son James. He lived to
the ripe old age of ninety-one years and died at the residence of his
son William, where he had spent the declining years of his life, breath-
ing his last while peacefull}' asleep, September 20, 1875. His brother
Richard accompanied him to Canada, but died a few years afterwards,
unmarried. They suffered many of the privations of pioneer life, and
were obliged to go a distance of twenty-seven miles to Port Stanley
for supplies, a barrel of salt at that time costing §25. Mr. Thompson
was a comfortable farmer, and owned 100 acres of good land, which
he had cleared and put in tillable order.
William Thompson, his son, named above, was born on the
old homestead in London Township in 1827, and grew to manhood on
a wilderness farm. He assisted in clearing the London Township
farm, and subsequently (about the year 1850) took charge of the
North Dorchester homestead, on which his brother James had first
spent three years, afterwards returning to London. The Dorchester
farm now covers an area of 200 acres. Mr. Thompson on January 23,
1856, married Jane O'Hara, born December 6, 1823, a daughter of
Thomas and Ann (Dickson) O'Hara, of Cootehill, County Cavan, Ire-
64
1024 HISTORY OF THE
land, a Moravian family, by whom he had five children — William
(born November 7, 1856), Sarah A. (December 27, 1858), James D.
(July 15, 1861), Arthur (January 16, 1864), and George K. (Septem-
loer 5, 1866). Arthur died in London on August 20, 1881. When a
young woman, Mrs. Thotapson came to America, locating in Phila-
delphia, Pa., and in 1855 became a resident of Canada, and made her
home with her uncle, in London, Ontario, who had married Elizabeth, a
sister of Mr. Thompson. The latter resided on his present farm for six
years previous to his marriage. He has been a staunch member of the
Methodist Chm'ch, which he joined prior to his marriage, loyally
supporting all denominational enterprises, and was one of the Board of
Trustees to erect Salem Church, near Derwent, taking an active interest
also in the churches at Belmont and other places on the circuit. He
served as Sunday School Superintendent, and was a Public School
Trustee for nine years. His son, William Thompson, jr., has been for
some years on the editorial staff of the London Advertiser, being in
turn City and Agricultural Editor, and married Alice, a daughter of
James Morgan, of London. She died July 12, 1887, leaving one
child, William R.
[Much of the history of London City in this volume was written
for the Advertiser by Mr. Thompson, and adapted to this work by the
publishers.]
William Thomas.
William Thomas, contractor and builder, and manufacturer of all
kinds of doors, blinds, mouldings, etc., of London, has an enviable re-
putation as a reliable workman. He was born in London, Ontario,
October 20, 1843, and is a son of John and Jane (Harris) Thomas,
both natives of Cornwall, England. The father was a carpenter and
joiner by trade, and in 1840 immigrated to Canada, settling in London,
where he followed his trade until his death in 1857. The mother is
still living, and finds a pleasant home in the family of her son.
William Thomas was reared and educated in the place of his birth, and
after attaining a suitable age commenced working at the carpenter's
trade with his father. For a number of years he was foreman at
Broadbent & Overell's, but left their employ in 1881 to engage in busi-
ness for himself, in which he has ever since been successfully engaged.
His shop is one of the most completely equipped in the city, and he
manufactures his own moulding frames, sash, etc., having built a large
and increasing trade. Mr. Thomas was married in 1864 to Miss JNIary
Jury, who was born in Cornwall, England. They have one daughter,
Clara.
Charles H. Thorn.
Charles H. Thorn, dealer in hats, caps and furs, is among the
many business men of London who are deserving of special mention.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX 1025
He received his business training in London, and has made this city
his home for over seventeen years. He is a native of the Isle of
Jersey, and was born October 29, 1856. His father, Charles Thorn,
and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Ann Cochram, were
both of English birth. Charles H. Thorn was reared in his native
country until 1872, when the family immigrated to Canada, and his
time was principally occupied in attending school and receiving a good
business education. He commenced his business experience in the
employ of Edmund Beltz, and passed all the grades of promotion from
errand boy to salesman, thus becoming thoroughly familiar in all the
details of the present business as well as a practical furrier. In 1883
he engaged in business on his own account in connection with Mr,
Addison Eaymond, and they conducted business together until
February, 1888, when the firm was dissolved by Mr. Raymond retir-
ing. Mr. Thorn carries in stock a full and complete line of hats, caps
and fur goods, and at as reasonable a price as is consistent with good
material, stock and honest workmanship. He gives his entire attention
to business, and by his polite and attentive treatment to customers has
secured a large and constantly increasing patronage. He is a man of
integrity in his business, of fine social qualities, and enjoys the esteem
and confidence of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Thorn was
married December 31, 1878, to Miss Mary Isabella Daniels, a native
of London. They have a family of five children — Emily A.,
Frederick C, Alfred C, Frank E. and Herbert C. Mr. Thorn is a
member of both the Canadian and Independent Order of Foresters and
of Sons of England.
Rev. Father M. J. Tieenan.
Eev. Father M. J. Tiernan, Eector of St. Peter's Cathedral and
Chancellor of London Diocese, was born in the County of Essex, Ont.,
two miles from Essex Centre, in May, 1846, and is a son of James and
Mary (Ward) Tiernan, who were born in County Leitrim and County
Donegal, Ireland, in 1791 and 1809, respectively. In 1830 the father
immigrated to the United States, and after residing for about three years
in New York, went to Canton, Ohio, where he became acquainted with
Miss Ward, who was brought to America by her parents in 1810, and
their marriage was consummated in 1834. The same year they moved
to Detroit, and in 1835, during the cholera epidemic, he sent his wife
and one child for safety to a farmer living on the Canada side. She
became so pleased with the country that Mr. Tiernan sold out in
Detroit and moved to Canada, purchasing 100 acres of land in Essex
County, and as their family increased he purchased more land, until
he became the owner of 300 acres of fine farming land, which is still
in possession of the family. During the Rebellion of 1837, he was
forced to leave his wife and children to suffer the hardships of pioneer
life without his aid, and went to the front. He served until the Rebel-
1026 HISTORY OF THE
lion was quelled, holding the rank of sergeant under Col. Prince, and then
returned to the peaceful pursuit of farming. He was a devoted mem-
her of the Cathohc Church, and died in 1S69. His wife is now in her
SOth year, and is still hale and hearty. She is living on the old home-
stead in Essex County, and has seen eight of her eleven children grow
to honorable manhood and womanhood. The following are the names
of the children :• — Patrick, Mary (wife of John Hannet, of Detroit),
Cornelius (who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio), Michael J., Peter (on the
old homestead), Thomas (in Detroit), Hannah (wife of W. McSweeney,
of Detroit), and Joseph (who is a civil engineer, and is now engaged in
surveying a township in the District of Muskoka, and has done nearly
all the surveying in three of the Townships of Essex County). Those
deceased were : John, James, and Catherine (who was the wife of
Thomas Moran, and mother of ten children, nine of whom are living).
Michael J., whose name heads this sketch, remained on his father's
farm until seventeen years of age, receiving his early education in the
Parish school, within half a mile of where he was born. His precep-
tor then went with him to one of the teacher's examinations to see if
he could obtain a certificate, and to his own and teacher's surprise,
received a first-class certificate. He then engaged in teaching for six
mouths, and in I860 entered St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, Pennsyl-
vania, to study for the priesthood. Here he remained four years, and
then owing to ill health, made a change to the Seminary of Our Lady
of Angels, at Niagara Falls, from which institution he graduated in
1869. He then spent two years in studying theology and teaching in
the commercial course of Sandwich College, finishing his studies in
1875, in the Grand Seminary at Montreal. On December 19 of that
year he was ordained priest in the old Cathedral of London, by His
Lordship, Bishop Walsh, but just six weeks from that day was
appointed to liis present position, as Rector of the Cathedral, and one
year later was made Chancellor. For five years he was secretary to
His Lordship, and when the latter began the erection of the Cathedral,
which is one of the handsomest buildings in the City of London, the
financial transactions were placed in Father Tiernan's hands, and in
less than five years from the time the first sod was turned, the struc-
ture was practically completed and dedicated. It is a masterpiece of
architecture, and when thoroughly completed will cost about ir'lSOjOOO.
5150,000 have already been expended upon it. (See cut.)
Feter Toll.
Peter Toll, a skillful carpenter and builder of London, Ontario, was
born in Bedfordshire, England, January 19, 184:2, his parents being
Frederick and Susan (Irons) Toll, also natives of England. The father
was a carpenter and builder also, and he and wife became the parents
of nine children, of whom Peter is the second son and third child. He
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1027
remained in Bedfordshire until Christmas Day, 1849, when he went to
London and began working at the carpenter's trade, which work he
continued until 18G1, then enlisted in the English army, Eoyal
Artillery, and in the fall of the same year came to Canada. After
serving eight years he purchased his discharge and began working at
his trade at Hellmuth Ladies' College, continuing his work as a
journeyman until 1870, when he opened a shop of his own. He also,
in company with another gentleman, built the Infantry School of
London. He was elected to the London East Council in 1877, of
which body he was a member at the time of amalgamation. He has
also served as Deputy-Eeeve, Councillor and School Trustee for the
past twelve years. He has shown his brotherly spirit by becoming a
member of the A. F. and A. M., the A. 0. U. W., the A. 0. F., St.
George's, I. 0. E. and the Orangemen. In 1876 he was married to
Miss Mary Ann Russell, who was born in the " Emerald Isle," and by
her is the father of the following family : — Walter, Susan, Mary A.,
Frederick, Annie, Joseph and Nora.
Ill CHARD Toole Y.
Eicliard Tooley is one of the representative men of Middlesex
County, and is a son of Richard Tooley, who was a successful farmer
of Cuckfordleigh, Devonshire, England, was married to Susanna, a
daughter of William Cooker, by whom he became the father of eight
children — Mary, Elizabeth, Susanna, Ann E., Harriett, Eichard, John,
and Thirza, all of whom are living except Susanna. The father spent
his entire life in his native land, and died at the age of fifty- four years,
Aug. 13, 1846, having been bhnd for twenty-eight years before his
death, the result of an accident from the horn of a cow. He and wife
were members of the Church of England, and the latter's death occur-
red in 18S0 at the advanced age of ninety-four years, her people, as
well as the Tooleys, having been farmers of England for generations.
She and her grandfather were born on the same farm, which is now
occupied by descendants of the family. Eichard Tooley, whose name
heads this sketch, was born in Devonshire on the Jordan farm " Wid-
decomb," November 25, 1820, and received a common school educa-
tion in his boyhood days. After reaching manhood he was married to
Jane, a daughter of John and Mary (Smerdon) Esterbrook, by whom
he became the father of four children — Eichard, William S., John E.
(deceased), and Elizabeth (deceased). Mr. Tooley resided on his
father's farm until May, 1855, then came to Canada, and settled in
North Dorchester, Middlesex County, where he became a well-to-do
farmer, and has taken an active interest in all worthy public enter-
prises. He has been a School Trustee for three years, and was a
member of the Municipal Coimcil from 186:3 to 1870, serving as Reeve
two years, and Deputy-Reeve one year. He was Warden of the
1028 HISTORY OF THE
county in 1870, and the following year was elected a member of the
Provincial Legislative Assembly, being re-elected to this office three
successive terms. He resigned, however, in 1883, but in 1886 was
re-elected for four years, and served to the entire satisfaction of all
concerned. He is Conservative, and believes in upholding the laws
of the country in which he lives. He was elected to support the Gov-
ernment of John Sandfield j\Iacdonald, and is now a follower of W. R.
Meredith. He owned a fine farm of 300 acres, and was an extensive
dealer in cattle, but sold his farm, and has since been retired from
active life. His official career in Middlesex County illustrates the
high place he occupies in the estimation of the people, and he is one
of its most progressive and honorable citizens. Since coming to
Canada he has spent two winters in England (1871 and 1876), one of
these years being to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of his mother.
Her eight children were all present, their average ages amounting to
sixty years.
Richard M. C. Toothe.
Richard M. C. Toothe, barrister of Loudon, Ontario, is a son of
Robert Powell Toothe. The latter was born in England, and educated
at Cambridge University, from which institution he graduated and
received his degrees. After leaving college he determined to immigrate
to Canada, which he did about the year 1842, settling in the Township
of Adelaide, Ontario, where he turned his attention to the pursuit of
agriculture. His surroundings in his new location were in direct con-
trast to bis early life, but he soon became attached to his new home,
and has spent his life there. He is a good Latin and Greek scholar, and
has at different times held the position of Councillor and Reeve of his
Township ; but his plainly expressed disfavor of the methods resorted
to by many pobticans, and his pronounced and outspoken opinions
have not made him a popular candidate for political or public favor,
save by those whose standard of morality and right is above that of
many professional politicans. Mr. Toothe married Miss Charlotte C.
Thompson, and of the seven children born to them five are now living,
viz. : — Harriet (widow of the late Rev. A. S Falls, Rector of the English
Church of Amherstburg), Charlotte C. (now Mrs. Thos. Boyer), Helen
C. (wife of H. Dillon), Richard M. C, and John H. B. (accountant at
Molsons Bank, London). Richard M. C. was reared in the County of
Middlesex, England, and spent his early life on a farm. He received
his education at Strathroy High School, and the Upper Canada College
at Toronto. He subsequently studied law in the office of Becher,
Street & Becher, and was called to the bar in 1885, since which time
he has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his
chosen profession.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1029
Lieut.- Col. Thomas E. Tracy.
Thomas H. Tracy, City Engineer of London, Canada, was born in
that city, June 25, 1848. His father, John Tracy, and his mother,
whose maiden name was Mary Brady, were both natives of Wexford,
Ireland. They were the parents of four children, and came to Canada
in 1838. Thomas H. Tracy was the third child, and was reared and
educated in London. At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the
City Engineer, and served with him five years. He then went to the
Public Works Department at Toronto, where he remained three and
a-half years. In 1871, after the great fire in Chicago, he went to that
city and remained a year, when he returned to London, but later went
to Albany, N. Y., and entered the office of the architect of the State
House at that place. In 1873 he returned once more to London, and
became a partner of William Eobinson, City Engineer. This relation
existed until 1878, when Mr. Eobinson retired and Mr. Tracy was
elected City Engineer, and he has since filled this position. In 1881 a
resolution was passed requiring the City Engineer to give all his time
to the city's interest. Previous to tiiis, Mr. Tracy had had a large
partnership in general work in his line. In his present capacity he is
the architect of the School Board. Mr. Tracy was married in 1874 to
Miss Sarah M. Bryan, who was born near Amsterdam, N. Y. ; they
have one daughter — Sarah L. Mr. Tracy is a member of the jMasonic
Order, and a Past Master, Past First Principal in the Chapter, and
Past Eminent Preceptor of the Knights Templar ; he is a member of the
Scottish Pute, 18^ and Past Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of
Canada. He was a Captain in the 7th Fusiliers, and served through
the North-west campaign. He had charge, as constructing engineer,
of the Water-works in 1878, and is a man well known and universally
Uked and esteemed. He has lately been appointed Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 7th Fusiliers, an appointment well merited, and one which gives
universal satisfaction.
William Trowbridge.
William Trowbridge, one of the enterprising and successful farmers
of Westminster Township, is the son of Eli Trowbridge, who was born
in New York State, and was a man thirty years of age when he moved
with his wife. Miss Mabel Webster, to Westminster Township, Out., in
1822 or '23. They settled on the First Concession, Lot 35, where his
wife died three years later. Mr. Trowbridge then married Miss Mary
Summers, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Bell) Summers, and be-
came the father of one son — William Trowbridge. Robert Summers
came with his family from Cumberland County, England, in 181b.
and to his marriage were born six children — Jane, Mary, John, Eliza
beth, Robert and Thomas. Mr. Summers settled on Lot 36, 1st Con-
1030 HISTOIIY OF THE
cession, and lived there the remainder of his days. He died in the year
1833 at the age of 77. He was the owner of about 500 acres of land,
and was a well-to-do farmer. Mr. Trowbridge was the owner of 200
acres of fine farming land, which he cleared by his own individual
labor, and was an industrious, hard-working man. He died in 1828
at the age of forty-two years. His son, William Trowbridge, was
born April 14, 1827, on his father's farm, and received a common
school education. He assisted his father on the farm until grown, and
then married Miss Mary Nixon, daughter of James Nixon, an old
pioneer of the Township. (See sketch of John Nixon.) To Mr. and
Mrs. Trowbridge were born two children — Jane and Mary. After
marriage, Mr. Trowbridge and family settled on Lot 37, and has
always resided in the immediate vicinity, and is now residing on Lot
35. He has been successfully engaged in farming all his life, and is
one of the substantial farmers of the county. He takes great interest
in educational work, and has filled the office of School Trustee for three
years. He has also held other offices. He has always been a hard-
working, industrious citizen, and a pleasant, genial gentleman. He is
a Eeformer in politics.
James Tune & Son.
A marked and important industry of the City of London is the
manufacture of carbonated beverages, and among those most actively
engaged in this branch of commercial trade is the firm of James Tune
& Son, proprietors of the London Soda Water Works. The manufac-
tory which these gentlemen conduct is well equipped with the most
modern and improved machinery, and their product is unsurpassed by
any similar manufactory in the Dominion, and embraces the following
list of goods : — Ginger ale, champagne crab apple cider, phosphated
champagne sherbet, double soda, Buffalo mead, plain soda, standard
nerve food, cream soda, lemon soda, sarsaparilla, Georgia mineral
water, seltzer water in siphons and St. Leon mineral waters. The
business of this firm was first established at Simcoe in 1880, and in
188."3 removed to London, since which time Mr. Tune has been
recognized as one of Loudon's enterprising and successful business men.
Their business has been of steady growth, and their success has been
largely due to their enterprise and energy, as well as the superior nature
of their product, in which both skill and experience have been
combined in making equal to the most noted manufactures of the Old
Country. The firm give their personal attention to their business, even
to the most trivial details, and have built up an enviable name for the
honorable methods of conducting their business, and the uniformly
gentlemanly treatment of those with whom they have business inter-
course. James Tune, the senior partner and founder of the business, is
a native Canadian, and he was born in Brautford, County of Brant,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1031
March 30, 1837. His parents, Eobert and Elizabeth (Deau) Tune, were
both of English birth. When the father first came to Canada he settled
in Little York, now Toronto. The subject of this sketch was reared in
Canada at the confectionery business, and followed this calling for
fifteen years. He was married in 1862 to Miss Sarah Hambidge, a
native of Canada, to whom were born four sons — Charles Henry,
George Edward, William Alfred and John Albert. Charles Henry,
the eldest son, is associated with his father in the business.
John Turnee.
John Turner is a carriage manufacturer. The connection of the
Turner family with the early history of Middlesex County dates back
to a period when the country was a wilderness, and its white inhabi-
tants few and far between. John Turner, the grandfather of the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in County Tipper-
ary, Ireland, and was a soldier in the British army and a participant in
the battle of Waterloo, which battle will live in history as the over-
throw of Napoleon Bonaparte. Mr. Turner was wounded in his right
arm at this battle while loading his gun, the shot passing through the
elbow and disabling this member for life. In 1818 he came to Canada
and settled in London Township, Middlesex County, where he spent
the remainder of his days. His son Eobert was born and raised in
this county, and throughout life followed the occupation of agriculture.
He was married to Miss Jane Gain, and by her became the father of
six children. John, the second child, was born in this county, June
21, 1847, and at an early day began learning the trade which has
since received his attention, and at which he is now working. He has
always possessed a determination to succeed, and this desire, accom-
panied by energy and good judgment, has accoraphshed the end hoped
for. Ho is at the head of the establishment in which he learned his
trade, and no similar enterprise of the kind in the county has earned a
more favorable reputation for substantial and graceful work. Mr.
Turner is serving his second term as a member of the Board of Educa-
tion. His first wife, whom he married in 1871, and whose name was
Christine McKellar, died in 1872, and he afterwards married his
present wife, whose maiden name was Annie McMillan. She was
born in the county, and is the mother of five children — Robert C,
Henry A., John A., Annie Irene and Ella May.
Alexandee Tytler.
Alexander Tytler, a dealer in groceries and provisions, is one of the
most reliable business men of London, Ontario, of which place he has
been a resident since 1855. Mr. Tytler was born in Aberdeenshire,
1032 HISTORY OF THE
Scotland, May 22, 1833. His father, Alexander Ty tier, and his mother
whose maiden name was Janet Brook, were both natives of Aberdeen-
shire. Our subject was reared at his birthplace, and after attaining
the age of ten and a-half years commenced an apprenticeship at the
grocery business, serving five years and becoming thoroughly familiar
with all the details. He subsequently clerked three years in Edin-
burgh, and in 185.5, as above stated, immigrated to London, Ontario,
where he entered the employ of R. S. Murray, with whom he remained
one year. In 1865 he commenced the grocery business in his own
name, and is now one of the oldest business men in his line in London.
Strict attention to business, pleasant in all his relations with the public,
and exact in the fulfillment of all representations and promises to
customers, he has earned and well merits the esteem in which he is
held by all who know him. He has been successful in his business,
and enjoys liberal patronage. Mr. Tytler was married in 1859 to
Ellen, daughter of James Fraser, of London Township. Mrs. Tytler
was born in Scotland, and came to London with her parents when
young. This union has been blessed with three children, Alexander
who married Mary Pratt, James and Margaret. Mr. Tytler is a
member of the I. 0. 0. F., and in his religious views is a Presbyterian,
having been a member of St. Andrew's Church thirty-five years.
/. /. Uptigrove.
J. J. Uptigrove, who is one of the prominent citizens of Delaware
Township, was born in Westminster Township, Middlesex County,
Canada, Feb. 1, 1839, and is the sou of James and Jane (Schram)
Uptigrove, both natives of Canada. They were among the earliest
settlers of Westminster Township, but later, or in 1846, they moved
to Delaware Township, and settled on the place now owned by the
subject of this sketch. Here the father received his final summons in
1875 at the age of sixty-seven. His son J. J. remained at home and
assisted his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. In 1864
he purchased his present farm, which consists of 1 00 acres on the 4th
Concession, and here he has since remained. December 28, 1873,
he chose for his life's companion Miss Esther Kilbourn, a native of Dela-
ware Township and a daughter of Robert Kilbourn, one of the old
pioneers of Delaware Township. Eight children were born to this
union, five sons and two daughters now living. Mr. Uptigrove is a
member of the Methodist Church, is a Ileformer in politics, and is
trustee of the School Board.
Aaron T. Vail.
Aaron T. Vail, of Delaware Village, one of the old settlers and
pioneers of Middlesex County, is a son of the late William and Mary
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1033
(Davis) Vail, and was born in (the then) village of Simcoe, Norfolk
County, Ontario, April 1, 1814, William Vail was born in Nova
Scotia, of English parentage, and came to Middlesex County among
the first settlers of the same. He served in the militia during the War
of IS 12. Mary Davis was born near the City of Hamilton. A family
of eleven children was born to them ; the subject of this .sketch being
the eldest. He had just arrived at manhood when his father died, and
he remained on the homestead (four miles south of Lambeth) with his
mother until he was twenty-three years of age. About this time the
Rebellion broke out, and he served in the militia as sergeant until
peace was restored, after which he followed farming in Westminster
Township till 1848, when he purchased a farm on the 1st Concession
of Delaware Township, where he carried on the manufacturing of brick
and tile in connection with his farming operations. Having by close
application and fair dealing acquired a competency, he retired from
active business, and removed to Delaware village in 1871, where he
has since resided.
In 1837 he married Miss Susan Warwick, daughter of Andrew
and Sarah Warwick, and a native of Yarmouth Township. To them
were born seven children, four sons and three daughters— William L.
(farmer of Delaware Township), Harriet M. (of Imlay City, Michigan),
George F. (merchant of Melbourne), Ellen M. (wife of G. D. Glemin,
of Delaware Village), James (of Dorchester Township), John A.
(farmer, of Caradoc Township), and Emma M. (deceased, who was
married to J. S. Ferguson, of London Township). Mrs Vail died in
1858, and in 1860 he was again married to ?.Irs. Elizabeth Bennett,
daughter of Alex, and Mahedabel Gunn, who was born in Digby,
Nova Scotia. Mr. Vail has always been Conservative in his political
views, and both he and Mrs. Vail are respected members of the
Methodist Church, he having served many years as Steward in the
Wilbur R. Vining.
Wilbur R. Vining, Treasurer of the London Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, was born near Rochester, New York, November '22, 1819,
and is the son of Jared and Charlotte (Bodwell) Vining. His father
was a native of Massachusetts and a farmer by occupation, and his
mother was born on the line dividing the State of Maine from Lower
Canada. In 1820 the family moved from New York State to the
County of Oxford, Canada, but two years later removed to Nissouri
Township, then in the County of Oxford, but at present time part of
the County of Middlesex, where Wilbur R. grew to manhood. He
was the eldest son and second child of a family of ten — five sons and
five daughters. His youth was spent upon his father's farm, and sub-
sequently he learned the carpenter's trade. After a few years he
1034 HISTORY OF THE
farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1873,
when he abandoned the farm and came to London. As early as 1861
he had become interested in the London Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, was elected Vice-President, and served creditably as such until
1873, when he was elected Treasurer, which responsible position he
has since filled with high honor. The steady and pronounced success
of the company is largely due to his energy, skill and advice. (An
account of this company, its development, success and business, will be
found on another page of this volume.) Previous to his coming to
London he served nine years as Pieeve of Nissouri Township ; and as
early as 1857 received the appointment of Justice of the Peace, being
now oue of the oldest magistrates in the county,
Since coming to London he has served as a member of the City
Council, and has gone high in Masonry, being a Past-Master of St.
George's Lodge, No. 42 ; St. George's Eoyal Arch Chapter, No. 5, and
Eichard Creur de Lion Commandery. He is a man of unblemished
reputation, whose word, where he is known, is as good as a bond.
The responsible positions he has so faithfully occupied, aud the high
esteem in which he is held by all, are sufficient to establish the correct-
ness of his habits and his life. In 1854 he was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret Moloy, a native of Oxford County, and to this
union were born three children — two sons and one daughter. Of this
family only one — James B. Vining — is now living. His birth occurred
in Nissouri Township, Middlesex County, July 9, 1857. He was
reared and educated in this county, and passed his early life on the
farm. After leaving the farm he became connected with the insurance
business, with which he is yet interested. In 1879 he was united in
marriage with ]\Iiss Margaret Quinn, a native of this city, and three
children have blessed this union — Frank W., Winnie and Annie. In
1887 he was elected to the City Council from his Ward, and in 1888
was re-elected, aud has served with distinction and to the satisfaction
of his constituents — the last year as Chairman of No. 1 Committee.
Francis Walden.
Francis Walden, cheese contractor for the Birr Cheese Manufactory,
was born in Biddulph Township, Middlesex County, Canada, Septem-
ber 14, 1862, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Westman)
Walden, natives respectively of Middlesex County, Canada, and County
Queens, Ireland. The paternal grandparents were born in Ireland,
and after coming to Canada located in London Township, this county,
where they followed the lives of agi-iculturists. The grandfather was
a soldier in the Kebellion of 1837. Benjamin Walden has always
been a farmer, and is now residing on the old homestead. He became
the father of these children, nine of whom are living — Ann, Hannah,
Frank, Cornehus, Elizabeth, Jane, Harriet, James, Charles, and Ethel.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1035
Francis Walden was educated in the District schools, and was engaged
in tilling the soil until the spring of 1887, when he began handling
cheese, and in May, 1888, took charge of the Birr Cheese Factory, and
is the present manager of the business. He turns out about 600 lbs.
of cheese daily, which finds a ready sale in London. Mr. Walden is a
young man of push and enterprise, possessing good business qualifi-
cations, and his future success is assured. In November, 1887, he
was married to Miss Ann, a daughter of John Goulding. They are
members of the Church of England, and he is Conservative in his
political views.
Lieutenant-Colonel John Walker.
lieutenant-Colonel John Walker was born at Inverary, Argyle-
shire, Scotland, on the 24th of January, 1832, his parents being John
and Mary (McHardy) Walker. The grandfather was an officer of the
Breadalbane Feucibles, from which the famous " Black Watch," or
Forty-second Highlanders, was formed. John Walker was educated
in Stirling Academy, Scotland, and in 1854 joined the Queen's Own
Yeoman Cavahy at Glasgow, Scotland, and continued with that regi-
ment until the organization of the volunteer force in Great Britain,
being appointed Captain of the Grenadier Company, 19th Lanarkshire
Eegiment of Scotland. In 1864 he immigrated to Canada and organized
a militia company at Bothwell, County of Kent, in 1866, and on the
breaking out of the Fenian troubles went to the front. He was subse-
quently transferred as Captain to the 7th Fusiliers, London, becoming
commander of that regiment in 1877, and retiring from the service in
1884, retaining his rank. Under his command his regiment became a
model in discipline, and elicited unstinted praise from the successive
Generals in command of the forces. He accompanied Colonel Pea-
cock's force in the Fort Erie Fenian Campaign of 1866, and was put
in command of the Windsor frontier force during the threatened
Fenian troubles in 1870. He was Vice-President of the first Canada
Pacific Railroad Company, of which Sir Hugh Allan was President ;
and a Director in the London, Ontario, Savings and Loan Company,
and the Equitable Loan Company ; President of the School of Art and
Design ; Vice-President of the London, Huron & Bruce Kailway Com-
pany ; Director of the Canada Chemical Company ; Director of the Im-
perial Oil Company ; President of the Mechanics' Institute ; Director of
the Sovereign Fire Insurance Company ; President of the St. Andrew's
Society ; Director of the City Gas Company and Loudon Life Insur-
ance Company ; one of the founders of the Protestant Orphan's Home ;
and is connected with many other charitable institutions of the city.
In 1865 he purchased, for a number of Scotch capitalists, the large
tract of oil-producing lands owned by the Hon. George Browu (now
deceased; in Bothwell, and for some years resided on the property,
1036 HISTORY OF THE
can-ying ou operations for the company. He subsequently removed
to London, where he erected chemical works and an oil refinery, and
here has since resided, with the exception of short periods which were
spent at Montreal and Winnipeg. Mr. Walker was selected bj' his
friends in Scotland to come to Canada to take charge of the Bothwell
property, with the view to cultivating the lands and developing the oil
springs with which the land abounded. The region at this period was
in a very rough condition, owing to an influx of laborers from the
United States during the Civil War, but the presence of Mr. Walker,
and his firmness and energy, had a pacifying eflect, and he was
appointed magistrate there. He has always had an aversion to politi-
cal warfare, and it was circumstances rather than choice that forced
him, in 1874, to take to a field which had for him little fascination.
At the election for the House of Commons in that year, he represented
the Liberal interest in opposition to Hon. John Carling, now Minister
of Agi'icnlture in the Dominion of Canada, and defeated him by a
majority of over seventy votes. The election was contested in the
Courts, and Colonel Walker was unseated, being defeated also in the
renewed contest. He has, however, contmued to be a prominent and
influential supporter of the Liberal party. He has been twice married
— the first time in 1856, to Janet, daughter of John Machattie, Mana-
ger of the Canon Iron Company, of Leith, Scotland ; she died in 1863,
and he was again man'ied, to Laura, daughter of Jacob Hespeler, of
Waterloo County, Canada. In 1886 he was appointed Kegistrar of
the County of Middlesex, which oftice he now occupies.
DOCTOR John Walker.
Dr. John Walker, a successful practitioner of Glencoe, was born in
the Township of Mosa, August 20, 1854, and his parents, Mitchell and
and Hamet (Swartz) Walker, are well known among the residents of
that township. Dr. John Walker leceived a thorough education in the
Wardsville High School and Hamilton Collegiate Institute, and in 1878
entered the Trinity Medical College of Toronto, graduating therefrom
in 1881, having matriculated in medicine in 1877. Immediately
following his graduation he located at Shedden, in Elgin County,
where he remained for three years. In 1884 he came to Glencoe and
established himself in the practice of his pi'ofession, at which he has
been very successful, having built up a lucrative practice. He is a
member of the Ontario Medical Association, and in 1888 he was
elected a member of the Municipal Council of Glencoe. He is a mem-
ber of the I. 0. 0. F., physician of the same, and is also physician of
the A. O. U. W., and holds the position of Chief Ranger of I. 0. F.
In 1878 he married Miss Catherine Lounsbury, a daughter of the Rev.
E. LounsbuiT, who was for many years a pastor of the IMethodist
Episcopal Church. This union resulted in the birth of three children
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1037
— two sons and a daughter. Dr. and Mrs. Walker are worthy mem-
bers of the Methodist Church, and have the respect of all who know
them.
William Walker.
Among the important industries of Middlesex County,
worthy of especial mention, is the brick manufactory belonging to the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He was born in County
Antrim, Ireland, in February, 1845, and is a son of John and Margaret
(Moore) Walker, natives of County Down, Ireland. The father was a
farmer by occupation, and died in his native land in 185G. William
Walker bade farewell to his native land when about nineteen years of
age and took passage to America, landing in New York City, and after-
wards came to London, Canada, not knowing a soul in the city. While
strolling about the streets, he met Mr. Wade, a brick manufacturer, and
hired out to him, remaining in his employ for about eight months.
The following four years were spent in chopping wood in the forests
during the winter months, and working in the brickyard during the
summer seasons. In 1872 he started a brickyard of his own, which
he has since continued to manage quite successfully. He furnished
all the face brick for the Military School, and over a million brick for
the Masonic Temple, and about the same amount for the High School,
of Waterloo street. He employs from twelve to sixteen men through-
out the summer, and does a paying business. He owns two valuable
farms in the county, both of which he manages in connection with his
brickyard. He was married in 1877 to Miss Sarah I. Stevenson, by
whom he has two children living — John S. and Mary. Mr. and Mrs.
Walker are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member
of the Masonic fraternity.
William be H. Washington.
William de H. Washington, United States Consul at London, is no
doubt the youngest representative of the United States in the consular
service. He received his present appointment in 1885 from Presi-
dent Cleveland, wholly without the assistance of friends of influ-
ence with the administration, and entirely upon his own personal
application and merit. He stands among the leading young men of
the " Great Eepublic " now in political life, and has an extremely pro-
mising career opening before him. He was born in Hanover County,
Virginia, June 29, 1863, and is a son of Lewis and Ella (Bassett)
Washington, and grandson of William Augustine Washington, eldest
brother of Gen. George Washington, first President of the United
States. Lewis Washington, father of Wilham de H. Washington, was
1038 HISTORY OF THE
the first man captured by John Brown, and held as a hostage during
his historic insurrection. He died in 1871, leaving his widow and his
son, Wilham de H. The latter was educated in his native State, and
when sixteen years of age began life for himself as a civil engineer,
but two years later accepted a position as purchasing agent in the
export lumber business. After filling this position for some time he
went to New York City and began directing liis attention and time to
mechanical inventions, and thus became connected with the Atlantic
and Pacific Ship Canal Company, and was thus engaged when he
received his appointment as Consul to London, Out.
William Watcher.
William Watcher is a representative farmer of Middlesex County,
and was born in England in 1841, his father, Eobert Watcher, having
been a well-to-do miller of Devonshire, England. The latter was a man
well versed in the affairs of his day, and, knowing the advantages
oHered to young men in Canada by the British Government, he
assisted three of his sons to come to this country, where the success
which attended their labors amply repaid him for his efforts. Richard,
the eldest brother, came first, and settled in Dorchester Township on
the Sixth Concession, and began running a blacksmith shop, which
occupation he followed for about ten years. About this time the
father sent his other sons, George coming in 1S5.3 and settling in
Dorchester Township. William came out the following year, when
quite young, and was followed by his brother John the next year.
William received a common school education in England, and the first
three years of his life in Canada were spent in the service of Lewis
Simpson. He then purchased land on the Third Concession, and was
afterwards married to Abigail Vincent, a daughter of Michael and
Sarah Vincent, by whom he became the father of nine children —
William H., George F., Florence E., Richard M., Mary A., Ehzabeth,
Almeda, Emma and Eric L. Mr. Watcher is Independent in politics,
but has liberal views ; and has been Deputy-Reeve one year, and a
Municipal Councilman for three years. He has ever been interested
in the advancement of the schools, and has held the office of School
Trustee, but in addition to this is interested iu all enterprises which
t«nd to benefit the county.
George Watson.
George Watson is a retired architect and builder. In wi-iting a his-
tory of the County of Middlesex and the City of London it is essential
that the name of Mr. Watson should be given a jilace among its pages,
as he is one of the pioneer citizens, and has by his many admirable
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1039
traits of character won an enviable reputation wherever he is known.
He was born on the estate of Sir Harry Vane Tempest, afterward the
Marquis of Londonderry, in the County of Durham, England, January
14, 1812, his father, George Watson, being born on the same estate,
and his mother at Plymouth, England. George Watson was reared in
his native county, and served a regular apprenticeship at the carpen-
ter's trade, and after coming to Canada in 183.3, settled in London and
actively pursued his calling until 1855. He was then engaged in
business with Samuel Peters, and during the Rebellion of 1837 served
in the volunteer corps. He was a member and Secretary of the first
Eire Engine Company in London, and did the first corporation work
done in the city. In 1833 he wedded Miss Margaret Tolson, who
was born in England, and by her became the father of five sons and
two daughters : — George lost his life in the American war ; Hannah
is in St. Louis ; Richard in St. Louis ; Lsabella is the wife of James
Gammock, a prominent jeweler of Port Huron ; John is in London ;
and James in Montana. William died in London. Mr. Watson is
an honorable and upright man, and commands the respect and esteem
of all.
Peter J. Watt.
Peter J. Watt, grocer and wine merchant. One of the most recent
acquisitions to the mercantile interests of London is the house of
P. J. Watt, yet he himself is no stranger to the citizens of the place, as
for years he has made it his home, and as a commercial traveller, sell-
ing goods for a wholesale grocery house of Hamilton, he is well and
favorably known to the trade. His long experience in this line en-
ables him to embark in business under favorable auspices. P. J.
Watt is a native of Scotland, and was born October 17, 1852. His
father, Peter Watt, and his mother, whose maiden name was Miss
Margaret Jamieson, were both of Scotch birth. Peter J. Watt spent
his boyhood in assisting on the farm, and in getting a good practical
education. When seventeen years of age he immigrated to Canada, and
accepted a position in a gi'ocery house for sixteen years. He sold goods
on the road, and it is safe to predict that the reputation he secured in
this capacity will be substantial in his present position. His natur-
ally kind and obliging disposition, and the habits of close attention to
business, will secure for him a liberal patronage. His place of business,
131 Dundas street, is one of the old landmarks of the city, having been
occupied by what is known as the New York Store for many years.
Under the present management the building has been remodeled and
renovated, and is stocked with the best goods in that respective line to
be had, and sold at prices as low as can be afforded. Mr. Watt was
married in 1877 to Miss Margaret J. Inkson, of Hamilton. They have
a family of two children, Jack and Margie. Mr. Watt is a member of
the Masonic Order.
3040 HISTOEY OF THE
Benjamin Watterworth.
Benjamin Watterworth, a prominent and representative farmer of
Mosa Township, is a native of Middlesex County (what is now Elgin
County), born in Southwold Township, March 8, 1824. His parents,
William and Ann (Siddall) Watterworth, were natives of Yorkshire
and London, England, respectively. In 1821 they immigrated to Canada,
settled in Southwold, where they remained until 1833, when they re-
moved to Middlesex County, settling in Mosa Township on the Long-
woods Eoad, where they passed the remainder of their days. The
father was born in 1785, and died August, 1841. He was a physician
by profession. The mother was born in 1792 and died 1868.
William Watterworth served in the Eoyal Navy as surgeon, and was
surgeon on board Nelson's flag ship at the battle of Trafalgar, where
Nelson was killed. Benjamin Watterworth is the second son and
fifth child in a family of ten children — six sons and four daughters.
When seventeen years of age his father died, and he remained with
his widowed mother, assisting her in the support of the family left de-
pendent upon her, until his mamage, and received such educational
advantages common to the boys of that period. In October, 1846, he
married Miss Sarah Lumley, a native of Elgin County, Canada, and a
daughter of Eufus and Christina (Griffin) Lumley, both natives of
Nova Scotia. Following their marriage they located on their farm,
which Mr. Watterworth had previously purchased, and on which they
still reside. Mr. Watterworth has taken an active part in the political
affairs, and has served the Township of JMosa as Assessor, Collector and
Eeeve, and for sixteen years in the Municipal Council of the Town-
ship. In 188S he was appointed Township Clerk, which office he still
holds. He also has been prominently connected with the Mosa Agri-
cultural Society, in which he has held nearly every official position,
and is at present Secretary. He is a Eeformer in politics, and he and
wife are members of the M. E. Church, by which they are held in high
esteem. In 18S6, Mr. Watterworth was elected Warden of the
County. To Mr. and Mrs. Watterworth have been born nine children
— seven sons and two daughters.
James E. Wetherell, B.A.
James E. Wetherell, B. A., Principal of the Strathroy Collegiate
Institue, was born in Port Dalhousie, September 20, 1851, and is the
son of James S. and Sarah J. (Hilts) Wetherell. The father was born
in the northern part of the County of York, Canada, May 22, 1821,
and the mother (a sister of the Kev. Joseph H. Hilts, a prominent
M. E. clergyman, and author of an attractive little volume entitled
"Experiences of a Backwoods Preacher") was born in 1827. They
now reside at Winnipeg. James E. Wetherell is the second in a family
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1041
of thirteen children, eight now living. When he was two years of age
his parents removed to Newmarket, County York, and here were the
scenes of his early boyhood. After attending the public schools in
1868, he entered the Newmarket High School, and in 1869, 70, 71
and 72, was a pupil and also a teacher, being engaged in teaching two
or three hours each day. Among his teachers at the Newmarket
school were : W. W. Anderson, now principal of Hopkins' Academy, at
Oakland, Cal., and William E. Nason, a medalist of Toronto University.
In 1872, ilr. Wetherell entered Toronto University, winning the first
general proficiency scholarship, and a scholarship in classics. For six
months in the years 1872 and 73, Mr. Wetherell was assistant master
in the Weston High School, under John Somerville, B. A. During
his second, third and fourth years in college, he won the classical
prize and a University scholarship each year, and graduated in 1877,
receiving the first silver medal. The same year he was also awarded
the first prize for being the best public speaker in the University.
In 1877 he began teaching, and for two years was a professor of
Latin in the Canadian Literary Institute at Woodstock. From 1879
to 188-4, he was principal of the St. Marys Collegiate Institute, at a
salary of SI, 200 per annum. In January, 1884, he became head mas-
ter of the Strathroy Collegiate Institute, which position he now holds,
at a salary of $1,500 per annum. He is one of the best educators in
Canada ; is a recognized linguist, and in 1887 was appointed by the
Minister of Education to edit Scott's " Lay of the Last Minstrel." He
was married August 15, 1878, to Miss Rebecca R. Nason, who was
born in Weston, Canada, July 26, 1852, daughter of William and
Jane (Williamson) Nason, natives of London, England, born in 1819
and 1816, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Wetherell have been bom
three children — Joseph E. (born 1879), Arthur N. (born 1881), and
Alice (born 1883). Mr. Wetherell is Independent in his political
views ; is an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, and is a close
student and a popular man.
Jacob Weyler.
Prominent among the well-known and representative citizens of
Delaware Township who deserve special notice is the gentleman of
whom this brief notice is given. He was born in Wiirtemberg, Ger-
many, November 6, 1810, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Ober-
gefel) Weyler, both of whom were natives of Germany, and there
passed their entire lives. The father was a shoemaker by occupation.
Jacob Weyler remained with his parents until grown, and in 1831 he
left the parental roof, crossed the Channel to England and located in
London, where he worked in a sugar refining establishment for some
time. In 1845 he went to Cairo, Egypt, where he engaged in the
refinery for Ibrahim Pasha. After remaining in Egypt for three years
10-42 HISTOEY OF THE
he immigrated to America, and landed at Quebec, September 14, 1848.
He immediately proceeded to Middlesex County and purchased the
place where he now lives in Delaware Township. His farm consists
of 150 acres of fine land, on the Third Concession. Mr. Weyler was
married in 1841 to Miss Rebecca Pittmau, a native of England, born
in Somersetshire, and to them were born two children, both daughters,
only one of whom is now living. Mrs. Weyler died November, 1876,
at the age of sixty-eight years. In 1 853, Mr. Weyler was elected a
member of the Township Council, and was re-elected a number of
times, serving in all about twelve years. In 1856 he was elected to
the office of Reeve of the Township of Delaware, and served in that
capacity eight years. He has also served for more than twenty years
as magistrate. He is one of the few remaining old settlers who were
witnesses of the gradual growth and development of the country, and
who can relate many startling incidents connected with early settle-
ment. Mr. Weyler is widely known and enjoys the respect and
esteem of all who know him. He is Liberal in his political views, and
is a member of the Methodist Church.
Martin Weyler.
Martin Weyler, one of the old settlers and influential citizens of
Delaware Township, was born in Wiirtemberg, Germany, October 27,
1822, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Obergefel) Weyler. The
father was a native of Germany, was a shoemaker by trade, and passed
all his life in his native country. In the year 1857, Martin Weyler
left the land of his birth and crossed the ocean to America, landing at
New York. He at once proceeded to Canada, and located in Dela-
ware Township, where he has an excellent farm of 175 acres. He is
engaged in farming and stock raising, and has been quite successful in
this occupation. July 4, 1848, he manied Miss Mary B. Glunz, a
native of Wiirtemberg. Germany, born in the year 1829, and the result
of this union was the birth of ten children — four sons and six daugh-
ters six, now hving — one son and five daughters. Mr. Weyler is
Liberal in his political views, and is a worthy and consistent member
of the Lutheran Church.
Robert White.
Robert White, a prominent citizen of I'arkhill, and general mer-
chant, was born in Huntingdon County, near Montreal, in 1852, and is
the youngest child of two (a son and daughter) born to William and
Katheriue (Brecken) White. The father was born in Haddington,
Scotland, and in 1831 left his native country and came to Huntingdon
County, Canada, where he became a prominent citizen for over thirty
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1043
years. He served as a member of the Council in the Township in
which he lived, and he also served as Warden of the county for many
years. In 1834 he was married in Montreal to the mother of our
subject, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and when quite young
accompanied her parents to New York. Eobert White attained his
growth while living under the parental roof, receiving a limited educa-
tion. He afterwards engaged in agricultural pursuits, and, coming to
Parkhill in 1881, along with Peter Lindsay, they established the firm
of Lindsay & White. In the month of November, 1888, the firm was
dissolved, and since then the business has been carried on by Robert
White. He is a public-spirited man, and it is due to his energy and
enterprise that Parkhill was incorporated as a town in 1 887. In that
year he was elected Eeeve of Parkhill, which position he held for two
years with satisfaction to all, refusing renomination in 1889 on account
of his large and increasing business, which requires all his attention.
In 1875 he was united in wedlock to Miss Maggie Lindsay, who was
born near Montreal, Canada. This marriage has resulted in the birth
of three sons and one daughter. Mr. and Mrs. White both belong to the
Presbyterian Church, in which the former is an Elder. He is a
highly respected citizen, and in 1885-6 was a member of the Village
Council.
W. T. T. Williams.
W. T. T. Williams, Chief of Police of the City of London, was born
in Cornwall, England, March 13, 1843, and is a son of Richard and
Martha (Trounce) Williams, who were also natives of England, the
former being a Chief Officer of the Coast Guard Service. W. T. T.
Williams is the eldest of five children, and his early life was spent
in attending school. He subsequently spent three years as a member
of the Life Guards, and from this became connected with the Hamp-
shire Constabulary Force, and held the position of District Sergeant,
and from here went to the A division of London, and became a
member of the Metropolitan Force, where he also held the position of
Sergeant. In 1872 he came to Canada, and settled in Toronto, where
he joined the Toronto Police Force, and also served as Constable one
and a-half years, being afterwards promoted to Sergeant. In 1876 he
received very high testimonials from Chief Justice Harrison for the
part he took in suppressing the Catholic riots, and in 1877 was trans-
ferred to London as Chief of Police of that city. He has filled this
position very efficiently, and to the entire satisfaction of all, and it is
doubtful if there is a city in Canada under better police regulation, or
has a more skillfully managed force. Throughout his career as a
servant of the people he has proved a brave and faithful officer, and he
has the satisfaction of knowing that his services are fully appreciated
by his fellow townsmen. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss
1044 mSTOEY OF THE
Charlotte, a daughter of James Bamister, a prominent Veterinary
Surgeon of England, now retired. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have a
family of five children, whose names are as follows : Eichard J.,
Eosa, Mabel, Edith, and Norman Trounce.
William Willis.
William Willis is a large lumber dealer of London, Ontario. In
mentioning the prominent men of the City of London, this work
would be incomplete without a short history of Mr. Willis, whose
connection with the affairs of the country dates hack to 1820. His
father was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and he was there
married to Miss Elizabeth Lindsey, and engaged in farming. About
1820 he became a resident of Canada, and settled on the south half of
Lot 14, of the 14th Concession, and there resided until his death in
1851. Only two of his nine children are living — James and William.
The latter was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1819, and was
reared on a farm in Middlesex County. In 1849 he engaged in the
lumber business in London, which has received his attention up to the
present time, and although he never had any aspirations for public
notoriety, yet he is well known throughout the county for his many
admirable, as well as social qualities, and commands the respect and
esteem of all who know him. Mr. Willis was married on the 15th of
November, 1848, to Miss Sarah Keruohan, who was born in London
Township, Middlesex County, Ontario, and by her has a family of six
children— Elizabeth (wife of Eobert L. Peddie), Arthur, Martha J.
(wife of Ohver Price), William D., Louisa, and John E. Mr. Willis
is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Eoyal Arch Chapter, and gives
his support to all worthy movements.
Isaac Willsie.
Isaac Willsie is a descendant of a German family that settled in
Dutchess County, N. Y., prior to the Eevolutionary War, and during
that conflict were Loyalists, and afterwards came to Canada. Thomas
Willsie (the father of Isaac), and his father, William, came to Canada,
and here the former afterwards married Miss Hannah Manning, a
daughter of Jacob Manning, by whom he has eight children — Jacob,
Susanna, Eebecca, Isaac, Mercy, Gabriel, John and William Thomas.
They settled in Odelltown, where the father died when about forty
years of age, his son Thomas being born on the day of his death. He
was an upright and honorable citizen, and was a worthy member of
the Methodist Church. Isaac Willsie, son of the above, was born in
Odelltown in 1805, was reared to a farm hfc, and received no educa-
tional advantages in his youth, but throughout his long and useful
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1045
career has proved himself to be a man of intelligence and sound judg-
ment. In 1832 he was wedded to Elizabeth, a daughter of Warren
and Nancy (Fleming) Johnson, and their union has been blessed in
the birth of eight children — Nancy A., Easwell, Ehoda, Matilda,
Hannah, Lorinda, Mary and Charlotte. Two years after their marriage
they left Odelltown, and after a long and tedious journey of one month
they settled on a farm on the Fifth Concession of Westminster, on
which he resided for fifty years. In 1884: he sold his farm and settled
in the Village of Belmont, where he now resides. His was one of
the pioneer famihes of Westminster Township. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Willsie were members of the Methodist Church, in which he has been
a class leader for many years. On July 1, 1871, Mrs. Willsie died,
since which lime the daughters Matilda and Hannah have kept house
for their father. Mr. Willsie has always been very industrious, and
by his labors has accumulated a handsome property, which he can now
enjoy during his dechning years.
William T. Willsie.
William T. Willsie is a son of Thomas Willsie (a short history of
whom is given in the sketch of Isaac Willsie), and was born March
14, 1815, on the same day his father died. He was reared to a farm
life but received but little early education, and in 1845 moved to
Westminster Township. During the Canadian Rebellion of 1837 he
served as Sergeant, and participated in the two battles at Odelltown,
being the owner of a farm of fifty acres near that place. He cleared his
farm, to which he afterwards added twenty-five acres, which became in
time one of the best farms of its size in the county. April 24, 1841,
he married Annie, daughter of John and Sarah Force, by whom he
became the father of three children — George, Hannah and Elvira. Mr.
Willsie has always been noted for his strict integrity, and is honored
and esteemed by his friends and acquaintances for his many sterling
qualities, and for the interest he has always manifested in enterprises
which tend to benefit the county.
Doctor J. G. Wilson.
Doctor J. G. Wilson, proprietor of the Electropathic Institute of
London, Ont., was born in the County of Huntingdon, Canada, in
1843, being the youngest of a family of nine children born to Paul and
Hannah Wilson, who were natives of England. The Doctor's early
life was spent at home on the farm, and in attending the primary
schools, where he received excellent instruction. He subsequently
entered the Normal School of Toronto, from which institution he re-
ceived a certificate to teach, and this occupation received his attention
1046 HISTORY OF THE
for six years. He then embarked in the hardware business, which
occupation he followed for four years, and as he had in the meantime
become deeply interested in the use of electricity in the treatment of
diseases, he determined to prepare himself for the practice of this special
mode of treatment, and accordingly entered the Electropathic College
of Philadelphia, Penn., from which institution he received a diploma at
the end of two terms. He also graduated from the Hygieo-Therapeutic
College of New Jersey and the Electropathic School of Ontario, and in
addition to his training in these colleges he has devoted years to the
study of the different systems of medicine, closely observing their
effect in his private practice, as well as in hospitals, dispensaries and
other institutions. He has thus become eminently fitted for the re-
sponsible position he is at present filling.
The Institute, of which he is the head, is situated at 320 Dundas
St., and embraces the following departments : — The electric surgery
and the electric baths, the Turkish bath department, embracing the
hot room, massage and showering room, and having connected with it
the resting room, the gymnasium and a bedroom for the sick patients,
and, lastly, the MoHere bath department, which is used for the special
treatment of chronic diseases, and is acknowledged by all who are
versed in medical lore to be a most effective remedial agent. The
Institute is a health resort, and its commodious grounds are liberally
patronized by those who wish to try the healing art. Dr. Wilson and
his colleagues are gentlemanly and obliging, and devote their time and
attention to their patients.
Nicholas Wilson.
Mr. Nicholas Wilson, of the Collegiate Institute. It is hut stating
the general sentiments of the community in which Mr. Wilson has
resided for forty- six years, to say that no one man within the limits of
the Coimty of iliddlesex has done as much for the educational growth,
or as given as much of his time and personal attention to the upbuild-
ing and development of school facilities in London as he. He was
born in County Wicklow, Ireland, IMarch 30, 1827, and is a son of
John Wilson, who was a native of the same county, and a clerk
of Sessions Court of that county. The mother, whose name was
Catherine Meath, was also a native of the " Emerald Isle," her father
being a prominent miller. In 1842 the family immigrated to Canada,
and three years later, when Nicholas was under eighteen years of age,
he began teaching school, an occupation which has received his atten-
tion for forty-two years. His experience is without parallel in West-
ern Ontario, and it is a noteworthy fact that the most of his time has
been spent in pedagoguing in the city where he was raised to maturity,
thus refuting the old proverb that " a prophet is not without honor.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1047
excepting in his own country." Not only has he established himself
firmly in the estimation of all as a thorough instructor, but he has also
shown his entire fitness for the responsible duties which he is now
discharging, and has ever shown himself to be an indefatigable and
tireless worker. On May 24, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah O'Brien, a native of Wicklow, Irelaud, who came with her par-
ents to Ontario in 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of the
following children : — William, Edward (the latter in the post-office
department at Ottawa), Nicholas (a prominent business man of Lon-
don), Thomas, Harry (a medical student), Kate (now Mrs. Winnett),
and Annie. Four children are deceased— Ellen, John, James and
Eobert.
S. W. Wilson.
S. W. Wilson is a teacher of piano, organ, voice culture and har-
mony, London, Ontario. In the pirogressive age in which we live,
musical art has steadily kept pace with commercial advancement, and
the higher we are in educational progress, the more we appreciate this
accomplishment. Hence it is fit and proper that music, fostered as it
has been since the early ages, should, in a comprehensive work of this
kind, be represented. To attain a high standard in this art requires
intelligence, study and practice, as well as a large outlay of time and
money, before one is thoroughly prepared for the position of instructor
of music, and all these requirements are combined in an unusual
degree in Mr. Wilson. He was born in Quebec, August 6, 1858, and
is the son of Eichard Wilson, a Methodist minister, a native of York-
shire, England, and who immigrated to Canada in about 1830. The
maiden name of the mother was Fidelia Jones. She was born in St.
Albans, Vermont.,
S. W. Wilson, subject of this sketch, in early life manifested a
great interest in music, and since fourteen years of age sang in
church choirs. After making a choice of the profession as a calling, he
availed himself of the best instructors and attended the New England
Conservatory of Music in Boston, and after finishing his course he
returned to Canada and settled in Toronto, where he filled two posi-
tions as organist in churches there. In 1887 he was called as organist
to St. Andrew's Church in London, and now holds that position. He alsO'
gives instruction on the piano, organ and in voice culture and har-
mony. As an instructor, Mr. Wilson has attained a high and well-
merited position. As an organist he is always refined and artistic, his
work being characterized by intelligence and musicianship. He has
recently received an appointment in Hellmuth College as teacher of
the organ, etc. In 1884 he married Mary E. Hambly, daughter of G.
C. Hambly, of Toronto.
1048 HISTORY OF THE
Dr. John D. Wilson.
The short sketch which here appears is that of one of the reliable
and deservedly successful physicians of London, and of one whose
experience has proven him to be well qualified for the profession
which he has chosen as his calling through life. He was born in
Morpeth, in the County of Kent, Ontario, on the 5th of June, 1858,
being a son of William Wilson, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, and
came to Canada about the year 1838, his wife, whose maiden name
was Matilda Delmage, being also a native of Dublin. The boyhood
days of Dr. John D. Wilson were spent in his native .county, and he
then changed his place of residence to London, where he attended the
public schools previous to commencing his medical studies. Having
formed a taste for medicine, lie entered Trinity College, Toronto, and
applied himself diligently and energetically to his studies imtil his
graduation, which occurred in 1882. He soon after entered upon the
practice of his profession in London, and subsequently became asso-
ciated with Dr. Fraser, with whom he remained connected until 1888,
when he went to California, where he remained one year, and returned
in the spring of 1889, and has once more resumed the practice of
medicine in London. Gifted by nature with a love for his calling, his
labors in its practice have given him well deserved prominence among
his medical brethren, for he has not rested contented with the learning
acquired in preparatory study, but has continually availed himself of
the best opportunities for reaching a higher plane of learning in this
direction, being a close student. He avails himself of all the latest
and best works relating to his profession, and keeps thoroughly apace
with the progi'ess of this science. He was married in 1887 to Miss
Flora, a daughter of M. C. Cameron, Esq., of Goderich, Ontario.
J. M. Wilson.
J. M. Wilson, Clerk of the Market, was born in County Wicklow
Ireland, January 19, 1840, and is the son of John Wilson, who was al.so
a native of the same county in Ireland, and was clerk of one of the
courts in the Old Country. The mother, whose maiden name was
Miss Catherine Meath, was also born in County Wicklow, Ireland, and
her father was a prominent miller of that county. Of the thirteen
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, J. M. is the tenth, and five are
now living. The last-named came with his parents to this country in
1842, and was reared in the cabinet business; but later entered the
employ of the Great Western R. 11., where he remained for twenty
years. In 1864 he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Allen, a
native of Delaware Township, this county, and the daughter of Henry
Allen, who was a successful farmer of that townsliip, and an old settler
of the same. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are the parents of six living
OOUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1049
children, Fannie, John, Ettie, Frederick, Josie and Kate. They lost
one child, a daughter named Caroline. In 1S82, Mr. Wilson was
appointed Clerk of the Market, and has remained in that capacity
under different administrations ever since. He has served for fourteen
years as a member of the Board of Education, and has served as chair-
man of the same. He is one of the county's prominent and enter-
prising men.
Dr. J. E. Wilson.
Dr. J. H. Wilson, veterinary surgeon, of London, has been a resi-
dent of Middlesex County for many years, his residence dating back
to a period which only a few can remember, and when London was in
its infancy and its inhabitants very few. His father, William Wilson,
was bom in Fifeshire, Scotland, and came to Canada in 1818 in com-
pany with several families who settled in this county. At that period
they were obliged to go nearly to Byron in order to cross the river, and
then the water was so high that husbands were obliged to carry their
wives on their shoulders in crossing. Mr. Wilson was obliged to
return to Dundas on foot to procure an iron wedge for splitting rails,
the nearest blacksmith being at that point. His wife was a Miss
Margaret Beattie, of Eoxburgshire, Scotland, by whom he became the
father of five sons and two daughters. Dr. Wilson is their third son
and child, and was reared on his father's farm in Middlesex County.
He followed the occupation of agriculture for many years, and then
adopted his present profession, for which he had a natiu'al aptitude,
and entered the Veterinary College of Toronto, where his career was of
vast credit to himself and an honor to his instructors. Since 1868 his
attention has been wholly given to his profession, and he had earned
the reputation of being a skillful and able practitioner and one in
whom implicit reliance can be placed. He has been President of the
Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, and is now enjoying a satis-
factory practice, wliich years of close application and industry have
awarded him. His acquaintance throughout the county is almost
imlimited, and those who know him best enjoy the friendship of a
worthy man. He is a Past blaster in the Masonic Order, and is also
a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was married
in 1859 to Miss Margaret O'Brien, who was born in Middlesex County,
and is a daughter of William O'Brien, who came from Ireland to this
country. They have four children — William J., John H., Maria and
Maggie. The doctor has been a member of the City Council, and has
served two terms as one of the School Board.
John Wilson.
John Wilson was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1806, and there
received a good education, and was reared on his father's farm. After
1050 HISTORY OF THE
reaching manhood he was married to Miss Amelia, a daughter of John
and Isabella Harley, and three children blessed their union — Isabella,
Jeanette and Margaret. Mr. Wilson had inherited a small farm from
his father, on which he lived until 1844, when he sold out and immi-
grated to Canada, purchasing his present farm of 100 acres, and has
become one of the prominent men of the county. He was one of the
founders of the Westminster Fire Insurance Compan)', one of the most
reliable institutions of the kind in the county, and he became its first
president, which position he held for many years. He has always
taken an active interest in the cause of temperance, being president of
the first society founded in Westminster Township, and for forty- eight
years has been a total abstainer. He also gives his assistance to all
educational enterprises, and on first coming to the county was engaged
in teaching school, but gave up this work to engage in agriculture,
since which time he has frequently filled the office of school trustee.
He is an elder in the Presbyterian Church, a teacher in the Sunday
school, and has been president of the East Middlesex Bible Society.
He is now 82 years of age, but retains his mental, as well as his physi-
cal faculties, to a remarkable degree. His daughter, Margaret, married
William Laidlow, and resides near the old home, being the mother of
four sons — Walter, John, Albert and Robert. His daughter, Isabella,
is single, and making her home with him. His parents, Andrew and
Jeanette (Hatton) Wilson, were natives of Perthshire, Scotland, and
were members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children are —
Ellen, Jeanette, Margaret and John. The father died in Scotland, at
the age of sixty-two years.
George Wilson.
George Wilson, Clerk of the Fifth Division Courts of Middlesex,
was born in Toronto, Canada, November 22, 1839, and is the son of
Andrew and Isabel (Bain) Wilson, both natives of Scotland. After
coming to Canada they were married iu Toronto, January, 1839, and
in 1847 they removed to London, and in June of the same year they
removed to Wardsville, and from thence to Glencoe in 1875. Andrew
Wilson was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Courts, and afterwards be-
came Clerk of the Fifth Division. He also held the otfice of Township
Clerk of Mosa Township for nearly thirty-four years, and has also held
other positions of trust. He now resides in Glencoe, and is in the
seventy-ninth year of his age.
George Wilson remained with his parents until grown, and learned
the cabinet-maker's trade of his father. He received a thorough educa-
tion, and after removing with his parents to Wardsville, he became a
teacher in the public schools of that place, holding the position for
three and a-half years. In 1867 he was appointed first Clerk and then
Treasurer of the Village of Wardsville, and after removing to Glencoe,
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1051
in 1S77, he soon after received the appointment of Deputy Clerk of
the Courts, his father being then Clerk. November 14t]i of the last-
mentioned 3'ear, Mr. Wilson wedded Miss Elizabeth, daughter of the late
John Young, of Wardsville. In ISSO, at the resignation of his father,
he received the appointment of Clerk, and still holds that position. In
1883 he established a furniture business in Glencoe, which he still
conducts. Mr. Wilson is Liberal in politics, and he and wife are
members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1886 he was appointed
Justice of the Peace of Middlesex.
W. H. WINNETT.
W. H. Winnett, lumber dealer, was born in the County of Middle-
sex, December 11, 1848, son of John Winnett, who was born in Ire-
land, and who immigrated to Canada in 1847, settling iu this county.
The maiden name of the mother was Susanna Gordon, also of Irish
birth. Their family consisted of twelve children, W. H. Winnett
being the tenth child. His father was a lumber dealer, and W. H.,
after leaving school, commenced his business experience under the
training of his father. In 1870 he was admitted as a partner, and the
relation continued until 1874, when W. H. succeeded to the business.
The father died in 1881, but the mother is still living. In January
1888, Mr. Winnett was elected as an alderman to represent the Third
Ward in the City Council, and filled the position in an able and efficient
manner. He was married in 1875 to Miss Mary P. Bradley, a most
estimable lady, who was born in the County of Wentworth, Canada.
She died in 1882, leaving one son, Albert W In his religious pre-
ferences, Mr. Winnett is a member of the Methodist Church, and a
liberal contributor to the same. He is one of the honest, upright
citizens of the county, and his word is as good as his bond.
R. Shaw Wood.
K. Shaw Wood of Woodholme, Township of London, County of
Middlesex, Ontario, was born in Bermuda, and married Isabella, only
child of the Rev. Robert Shaw, of Barnet, Vermont, sometime
rector of the Episcopal Church at Cold Spring, on Hudson. They
have four children. He is the representative of the Bermuda Woods,
descended from Captain Thomas Wood, H. M. C, of Codshall,
Somerset, England, a member of the Company of " Adventurers," who
early in 1600 made numerous voyages iu his ship " Hope Well " to
the "Plantations," and afterwards in 1630 settled in Bermuda at Bosco
Manor. The family, true to their designation of " Adventurers," in
each generation engaging in war or commerce, as best suited the
occasion ; at one time ravaging the Spanish Main ; or their vessels in
1052 HISTOKY OF THE
commission against the privateers of the United States, France and
Spain ; at another exchanging the products of this part of the world for
the wines of Spain and Portngal from their establishments in Quebec,
Newfoundland and several of the West India Islands. In 1861, Mr.
Wood, having large interests in the United States which suffered from
the Civil War then raging, came to Canada to watch events, and has
Benjamin Wool.
Benjamin Wood was born on Concession 9, Lot 7, February 25,
1824, being a son of Daniel and Louisa (Sanburn) Wood. The father
was born in Long Point, near Niagara, his family originally being
residents of England. The grandfather was born in England, and
immigrated to the United States over one hundred years ago, where
he spent the remainder of his days. He had a brother who was a sea
captain, and sailed between Boston and the West India Islands.
While on his way back to Boston on one of his voyages, the vessel
was boarded by pirates, who murdered the captain, first mate, and
some of the crew. The second mate escaped, and succeeded in cap-
tui-ing the })irates in the hatchway, and took them to Boston, where
they were tried, sentenced to be hanged, and executed. The captain
was supposed to be worth about $1,500,000, and his money was
deposited in the banks of Boston. His heirs have tried several times
to secure this money, but have always failed, as it is supposed that the
jury was bribed. Daniel Wood came to Middlesex County in 1818,
and helped to erect the first log cabin in London. He was a cooper
by trade, and was offered his choice of lots in London if he would
build a cooper shop. This he did, and worked at his trade for a num-
ber of years ; then bought some property known as the " Old Tom
Wisby Farm," on which he lived for a number of years; then pur-
chased a farm on Concession 10, Lot 8, and lived there until his death
in 1847. His widow, who is hale and hearty, is eighty-four years old,
and resides in Michigan. She became the mother of thirteen children,
ten of whom are living — Benjamin, Mary (wife of Nelson Kimballj,
John, Daniel, Warren, George, Laura (wife of William Burgess),
Phoebe (wife of Archibald Carmichael), Sarah (wife of Jonn McKenzie),
and Elacum.
The father was drafted in the Rebellion of 1837, but sold a valuable
horse for S40, and paid a substitute $30 to take his place. Benjamin
Wood was raised on a fann and learned the cooper's trade under his
father, and in 1 846 purchased the place where he now lives, which
was tlien heavily covered with timber, and by industry and good
management has succeeded in making his farm one of the mo.st
valuable in the county. For twenty years after locating on this farm
he worked at his trade in connection with farming, and a few years
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1055
ago built a cheese factory on his farm, which he managed alone for a
number of years. He then sold out to a stock company, of which he
has been President since its organization. He is one of the prominent
men of London Township, and has taken a deep interest in all enter-
prises tending to benefit the community in which he resides. In 1846
he was married to Catherine, a daughter of William and Esther
(Williams) Burgess. Their union has resulted in the birth of ten
children, seven of whom are living — Essie (wife of William Johnson),
Louisa (wife of William Weir), William, Melissa, Emily and Delphenia.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood are members of the Baptist Church.
Thomas Woodburne.
Thomas Woodburne, Principal of the Princess Avenue school, Lon-
don Cit)', was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, September 1, 1839,
son of William and Margaret (Gilbert) Woodburne, both natives of
same place as subject. Thomas Woodburne was reared at his birth-
place until eighteen years of age, and then immigrated with his parents
to Canada, settled in the County of Middlesex, where the father fol-
lowed farming. Thomas assisted his father on the farm, and received
limited educational advantages, but beiug a great reader, he spent all
his leisure hours in the perusal of books, and thus prepared himself
for the occupation of teaching. After attending school for thirteen
months he passed examination, and received a certificate to teach
school, which he commenced in 1870. He subsequently passed au
examination, and received a Provincial certificate (December, 1873),
entitling him to teach in any public school in the province. In 1880,
Mr. Woodburne was chosen to his present position, which he has now
filled for nine years with ability, and to the satisfaction of all concerned.
He was married, October, 18tJ8, to Miss Annie E. Cathro, who was
born in the County of Middlesex, and who became the mother of four
children — Leila, Clarence, Arthur and Stewart. Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
burne are members of the Baptist Church. Not only has Mr Wood-
burne established himself firmly in the estimation of aU as a thorough
instructor, but to a large degree has manifested his utmost fitness for
the responsible duty he is now discharging. It is a noticeable fact that
into his efforts he has thrown his whole soul, and as a result he has
succeeded wonderfully in elevating the standard of education in the
school and vicinity. He is at this time President of the Teachers'
Association, and is one of the prominent educators of the county.
Samuel Woods, M.A.
Samuel Woods, M. A., Principal of the Collegiate Institute, Lon-
don, Ontario, was born in the County of Tyrone, Ireland, on the 14th
day of October, 1841, being the youngest son of William and Martha
1054 HISTORY OF THE
(Henderson) Woods, who were old Covenanter stock, and were among
the Protestant immigrants from Scotland who settled Ulster. Samuel
Woods was educated at the Loudon (Ontario) Grammar School and at
University College, Toronto, where a gold medal in Classics was
awarded him in 1862. Among his classmates were — Prof. J. London,
the late Principal Buchan, Dr. James A. McLellan, Rev. Dr. Gibson,
of London, England, and James Fisher, Esq., of Winnipeg. Excellent
school and college editions of portions of Demosthenes, Virgil, Horace,
and Cifisar have been published b}' him, and have been standard classics
in our institutions of learning for some time. Mv. Woods was a mem-
ber of the University Eifle Company, first formed during the Trent
excitement, and he subsequently took a certificate at the Kingston
Military School. From 1862 to 1877 he was Rector of the Kingston
Collegiate Institute, and won for this institution a provincial reputation
in the Department of Classics. After this he was engaged in business
for a few years, and then, without solicitation, was unanimously
appointed Principal of the Lake Forest Academy of Illinois, which
position he held a number of years, resigning in June, 1883. He was
then, at the earnest solicitation of the Board of Managers of the Ottawa
Ladies' College, induced to accept the Principalship, and in this excel-
lent institution he carried out tho.se ideas of education which he had so
long held and advocated, and which obtained for the college an envi-
able reputation.
Mr. Woods was the originator, and for many years a Director, of
the Ontario BuOding and Saving Society, of Kingston, and was one of
the original Directors of the Kingston Street Railway Company, and
re-organized the present very successful Kingston Mechanics' Institute,
of which he was President. Of this institution he is now one of the
three life members, the others being the Right Honorable Sir John A.
Macdonald, K.C.B., and John Carruthers. He was also the originator,
and for four years the President, of the Irish Protestant Benevolent
Society of Kingston, and has been a member of the Senate of the Uni-
versity of Toronto since 1876. In the Masonic Order he is P.D.D.G.M.,
having held that position in 1876 in the St. Lawrence District, and is a
charter member of Minden Lodge, Kingston, and was a member of the
ancient St. John's, but is now demitted. In religious views, Mr. Wood
is a Presbyterian, and in his political views has always been a Liberal-
Conservative, but seldom takes an active part in any contest. He is a
man of strong, original mind, firm convictions, and untiring energy,
and since 1887 has been filling his present po.sition, and has proved to
be the right man in tlie right place. In March, i860, he married
Elizabeth, tlie third daughter of William Ford, of Kingston ; she died
in October, 1884.
Dr. Solon Woolyerton, L.D.S.
Dr. S. Woolverton, L.D.S., 210 Dundas street, is justly regarded as
one of the leading dentists of this portion of Ontario, and as he is close
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1055
student of that science and has a natural aptitude for his profession,
he has risen to prominence in that calling. His great grandfather,
Jonathan Woolverton, was born in New Jersey, and came to Canada
about 1798 and settled in what is now Lincoln County, and although
a Eeformer and surrounded by a large number of U. E. Loyalists, pur-
chased land of the Crown and engaged in tilling the soil. His only
son, Dennis Woolverton, came to Canada M'ith his father when a child,
and followed the occupation of farming until his death. He was a
man of recognized worth wherever he was known, and, like his father
before him, was a Reformer. He was elected as a member of the old
Niagara district, and satin the bodies of 1835 and '36 He was a man
of keen discernment, and fully understood the temperaments of the
leaders of that time. He was twice manied — first to Miss Mary
Nixon, and the fruits of their marriage were six children — three sons
and three daughters — and after her death man'ied Mary Richardson,
whose maiden name was Nelles. She was the mother of the world-
i-enowned elocutionist, William Locke Richardson. Mr. Woolverton
died at the advanced age of eighty-five years.
His eldest son, the late Dr. Jonathan Woolverton, was born at
Grimsby, Ontario, in 1811, and was educated in Dundas and Toronto,
under the guidance of Dr. John Rolph, Professor in Rolph's College,
also known as Victoria University. He afterwards entered the
University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, taking a thorough medi-
cal course, and was graduated from that institution, and immediately
entered upon the active practice of his profession at his birthplace,
continuing thus engaged until his death in 1883. He was married to
Miss Eraeliue Bergman, of Philadelphia, Pa., and at the time of his
death left five sons, whose names are as follows : — Theron (who is a
graduate of Harvard College, and is at the present time a surgeon in
the United States navy, and has charge of the Navy Yard at Wash-
ington, D. C. ; he has passed examination for promotion to the position
of Surgeon of Admiralship) ; Edgar Judson (who resides on the old
homestead) ; Algernon (a physician residing at Hamilton) ; Solon ; and
Delos. The latter is in the agency office Canadian Bank of Com-
merce, New York, U. S. The mother died iu 1873.
Solon Woolverton, the fourth son, was born at Grimsby, Ontario,
March 31, 1845, and there received his primary education, supple-
mented by an attendance of one term at the Baptist College at Wood-
stock, and afterwards at the Toronto Normal School. He then spent
some time in teaching school, and at the same time was preparing him-
self for the practice of medicine, and afterwards attended lectures at
Rolph's College and the University of Pennsylvania, the latter the
Alma Mater of his father. After completing his second course he
formed a preference for Dentistry, and decided to turn his attention to
this science. He thereupon entered the Royal College of Dental
Surgery of Toronto, from which institution he was graduated in 1871.
He then practiced his profession at Grimsby for ten years, and in 1881
66
1056 HISTORY OF THE
changed his place of residence to London, where he has secured a large
practice, and enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him.
The Doctor is a naturalist of more than ordinary ability, and takes
special interest in geology, and has one of the best private collections
in Ontario, embracing minerals, Indian relics, old coins, shells, reptiles,
and a small collection of birds and animals. He is a member of the
I. O. 0. F. ; Canadian Order of Foresters ; The Royal Arcanum and
the Grand Army Fraternity. In 1873 he was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Walker, who was born in Grimsby, by whom he has a family of
three daughters and one son. The diary of Colonel Wilcox (who was
killed at Lundy's Lane), from 1799 to the time of his death, is in the
possession of the Woolverton family.
William H. Wortman.
William H. Wortman, of the firm of Wortman & Ward Manufac-
turing Company, is a native of Mercer County, Penn., born February
8, 1842. His parents, William and Mary (Melick) Wortman, were
both natives of Pennsylvania, and the father was a farmer by occu-
pation. William H. Wortman, subject of this sketch, was reared on a
farm, and after the breaking out of the Piebellion he enlisted in the de-
fence of his country in the 74th Illinois Infantry, and served nearly
three years. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Stone
Eiver, Chickamauga, Missionary Eidge, Peachtree Creek, and was all
through the Atlanta campaign. When peace was declared Mr. Wort-
man returned to his home, and afterwards settled in Jasper County,
Mo., where he lived for six years engaged in agricultural pursuits. In
1879 he came to London, engaged in manufacturing, and in 1883 his
brotlier-in-law, Mr. Ward, became associated with him, and remained
initil 1886, when the present firm was formed. They manufacture
Church's hay forks, house and well pumps, wind-mills, disk harrows,
feed grinders and revolving barrel churns. The development of this
business has been all that could be anticipated, and it is due entirely to
quality and merits of goods manufactured, and the energy, push and
enterprise of the firm to perform all they promise. Their trade may
be said to extend from ocean to ocean, from Halifax to British
Columbia. The departments are under the supervision of skilled and
competent heads. Mr. Wortman has been twice married — first in
1868 to ]Miss Martha Morse, a native of New England. She died in
1874, leaving one child. Mr. Wortman selected for his second wife
Miss Annie Percival, of London.
Richard Wright.
Eichard Wright, a prominent and honored citizen of Middlesex
County, Ontario, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, as were his
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1057
ancestors for several centuries. He was reared in his native county
and received fair educational advantages in bis youth, and in early life
became connected with the Postal Service, with which he was associ-
ated until his removal to Canada. He settled in IMiddlesex County,
and here has since made liis home. He was engaged in teaching school
for several years, and later embarked in the Insurance business, and
while pursuing this avocation his acquaintance was extended over a
large area. He had unrestricted control of companies in the Province
and did a successful business until 1880, when he became connected
with the Post Office Department, and still retains this connection.
Politically he is a Conservative, and has rendered his party efficient
service, and is on terms of intimacy with leaders of the party. The
Government has no more loyal citizen than he. He is a member of
the Masonic Order and served as Secretary of his Lodge, and on relin-
quishing this position was the recipient of a gold pen and an address
by the Lodge for the faithful manner in which he had performed the
duties of this position. As a member of the Orange Association he
has been an active worker, and held the office of Secretary of both
County and District organizations. It was largely through his efforts
that the great gathering of Orangemen on the 12th of July, 1878,
occurred, which was the largest gathering of any kind ever held in
London. All the coiTespondence with other bodies, as well as arrange-
ments for transportations, were conducted by liim, and as an expression
of the appreciation of his services on this occasion lie was presented
with a gold medal and an illuminated address, richly framed.
He was married to Miss Piachel Blackmore, a niece of Colonel
Blackmore, of Her Majesty's 8th Regiment, and also a niece of Captain
Blackmore, of Her Majesty's 5th Dragoon Guards. Another uncle,
Commodore Blackmore, was with Nelson in the naval service, and
participated in many of the battles in which Nelson was engaged.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright have one son, who is holding an important
position on the railway mail service, and who accepted his appoint-
ment from the hands of Sir John A. Macdonald, as a tribute of respect
to his father, the subject of this memoir. Mr. Wright's brother, the
late Thomas D. Wright, was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, at
the age of eighteen years, and received a gold medal for classical exam-
ination, and first honors in Science. He studied law, and became a
partner of Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, of New York, and was married
to Miss Helen, a daughter of Hon. John A. Collier, of Binghampton,
New York. He died in 1864, leaving, besides his wife, three cliildren.
Since the above was written, Mrs. Wright died, Jlay 15, 1889.
She was a most estimable lady, holding a very high and dear place
in the hearts of a large circle of acquaintances by her womanly graces,
and particularly in the hearts of her relatives, who feel most keenly
their great loss. Her funeral was largely attended. The following
gentlemen acted as pall bearers : — E. W. Barker, Esq., Post-office In-
spector ; Colonel Fisher, Deputy Post-office Inspector ; R Mawhinney,
1058 fflSTORY OF THE
Esq., Chief Railway Mail Clerk ; R. J. C. Dawson, Esq., Postmaster ;
J. D. Sharman, Esq., Deputy Postmaster ; John Hunter, Esq. and
R. F. Matthews, Esq., of the Post-oflflce Department. The funeral
services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Hill, of St. John's EngHsh
Church, a warm friend of the family. The deceased lady was the
fourth daughter of the late Maunsal Blackmore, Esq.. of Gray Park,
County of Kilkenny, Ireland.
James Wright.
The following outline, briefly narrated, is a sketch of the career of
James Wright, a man of recognized worth wherever known, whose
present substantial position in life has reached entirely through his own
perseverance, and the facts connected with his operations and their
results, truly show what a person of determination and courage can
accompHsh. Mr. Wright is a native of Scotland, born in 1832. His
parents, John and Janet (Lawrie) Wright, were both natives of Scot-
land, and the father died when James Wright was but three years of
age, by over exertion in saving the life of a companion from drowning.
James was reared in his native country, and received a liberal educa-
tion in the Normal School, of Glasgow, receiving from that institution
a certificate entitling him to teach school. He engaged in this calling,
and continued thus employed for several years. In 1858 he immigrated
to Canada, purchased 200 acres of land, which is now considered among
the finest farming lands in the country, and engaged in agricultural
pursuits. This calling, however, was not congenial to his temperament,
and having used his means in purchasing the land, he resumed his
calling as teacher. He taught for three months in the public school,
and the succeeding five or six years taught in a Grammar School in the
the city of London.
In 1864, Mr. Wright engaged in the hardware business in the same
location he now occupies, and for twenty-five years he has been
numbered among the leading business men of London. No firm has
attained a more enviable reputation for honorable dealing, and the
stock carried embraces a complete line of everything necessary for a
first-class store. They have the largest stock of iron and heavy hard-
ware, as well as all wood- work connected with carriage manufacturing,
in London. This business, which was at first established on a small
scale, has been steadily increasing as necessities demanded and
means justified, and illustrates the possibihty in the country of men of
character and determination, ability and industry, to succeed. A most
striking example is afforded in the life and career of Mr. Wright as a
public-spirited citizen, and as a business man his position is known to
all. From his first settlement here he has taken an active part in
everything tending to the substantial growth of the city ; and, while
firm in his convictions and of decided opinions, his career has been
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1059
such as to meet the approval of all good-thinking men. By his
honesty and fair dealing, he has built up a business which in magni-
tude and returns is unequalled in this line in the city. In educational
matters Mr. Wright has always taken a deep interest, and for twenty
years served as a member of the School Board. He was married to
Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph Hayes, an early settler of the
county.
JOEN Wright.
John Wright, butcher and meat dealer, of London, Out., is a native
of Devonshire, England, born 1840. His father, John Wright, and
his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Norton, were both natives
of Devonshire, and the father was a boot and shoemaker by occupa-
tion. John Wright, jr., was the second in a family of nine children
born to his parents, and remained in his native country until sixteen
years of age. He early commenced working at the butchery business,
and in 1856 came to London, Ont., where he followed this business,
working for other parties for a few years, and then, in 1861, he com-
menced business for himself. He is one of the oldest meat dealers in
London, having been in business for twenty-eight years, and his
extensive patronage has given him a well-deserved reputation for the
thorough reliable quality of his meats kept in stock. In his line of
business he is thoroughly experienced, being a good judge of stock,
and does all that can be done to accommodate and meet the wants of
his many patrons. The great care with which he attends to all orders,
and the promptness with which his patrons are served, accounts to a
great extent for the length of time he has served them. IMr. Wright
came here without means, and what he has accumulated is the result
of his own industry, economy, and fair dealing. Mr. Wright has been
twice married, first in 1875 to Miss Mary Ann Hutton, a native of
Canada, who died in 1881, leaving five children — William J., Emma,
Walter and Edward ; one, Mary J., died in 1888. Mr. Wright chose
for his second wife Miss Emma Hillson, to whom he was married in
1885. She was a native of Devonshire, England. Mr. Wright is a
member of the following Orders : — Masonic, Oddfellow, and the An-
cient Order of United Workmen.
William Wyatt.
The life of this gentleman is a striking illustration of what a young
man can do without means or influence but with a determination to
succeed in whatever business he may undertake, and he now occupies
an enviable position among the business men of London. He was
born in Hull, Province of Quebec, December 26, 1839, and is a son of
1060 HISTORY OF THE
George aud Mary (Stokes) Wyatt who were born in England and
Ireland, respectively. The former was a shoemaker by trade, and in
1836 came to Canada, where he spent the remainder of his days. He
was the father of five children, William being the second son and child.
The latter came with his parents to London in 1841, and was here
reared and educated, subsequently serving an apprenticeship at his
present business. In 1868 he began the battle of life on his own
account, aud his enterprises have been attended with substantial re-
sults, his reputation as an honorable and successful business man being
of the very best. In 1881 he was selected as a suitable person to
represent the old Seventh Ward in the City Council, being afterwards
elected to represent the First Ward. He is now filling the duties of
the oftice, and his influence has ever been wielded on the side of right
and in the interests of the City of London. He has been twee
maiTied, first to Miss Tibbs', of England, who died in 1865, leaving
three children — William Frederick, George Henry and Mary R. ; and
the second time to Miss E. Scarrow, by whom he has two children —
Wilham and Beatrice. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity,
both of the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is a Past Grand in the
I. 0. 0. F.
William Yates.
Wilham Yates is a member of the firm of Yates & Gibson, proprie-
tors of the London Machine Tool Company. He was born in Liver-
pool, England, in 1847, of Irish parentage, his father and mother,
William and Jane (Magee) Yates, both being born in the " Emerald
Isle." The father was a carpenter and builder by occupation, and in
1854 immigrated to Canada and settled in Londo!i, where he continued
to make his home until his death in 1875, leaving, besides his widow,
who still survives him, eight children, five of whom are now residing
in London. William Yates, our subject, received his education in the
schools of London, and after attaining a suitable age, having a natural
taste for mechanics, began working at the machinist's trade with D.
Bruce, and served a thorough apprenticeship at the calling. Few men
ever selected a calling for which they were more naturally adapted, or
one in which they took deeper interest, for it may be said of Mr. Yates
that he is a natural inventor. In 1877 he began business for himself
in the " Forest City," by Imilding engines ; but in 1882 he and Mr.
Gibson established the London Machine Tool Company, and are now
engaged in manufacturing all descri])tions of iron working tools for
machinists, boiler-makers and blacksmiths, after the most approved
designs. In addition to their iron working tools, they manufacture a
full line of tools for brass workers, and the reputation they have
secured throughout the Dominion for the superiority of their manu-
factures is higlily comphmentary to their skill as workmen, and their
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1061
work compares most favorably with that of any of the leading Ameri-
can houses. They have been awarded medals and diplomas wherever
they have exhibited, and their establishment has contributed largely to
the reputation London enjoys as a manufacturing centre and dis-
tributing point. They have two buildings located on York street, one
40x120 feet, and the other ,36x120 feet, in which some fifty hands
are given employment. Mr. Yates is recognized as one of the leading
citizens of London, and has always taken a deep interest in educa-
tional matters, and in 18S9 was elected to represent his ward in the
School Board. He is one of the Directors of the East JNIiddlesex
Agricultural Society, and was a delegate to the Western Fair Board.
He is a Trustee of the Wellington Street Methodist Church, a Steward
of the same, aud is Superintendent of the Sabbath School. In 1876
he was maraied to Miss Annie Martindale, a native of Pittsburg, by
whom he has a family of six children.
Nicholas F. Yeo.
Nicholas F. Yeo, dealer in crockery, glassware, lamp-goods, etc.,
London. This house was established about ten years ago, and the
premises comprise a three-story building, which is fully stocked with
a choice variety of china, silver-ware, cutlery, crockery, fancy goods,
chandeliers and lamp-goods, stone and earthenware, all of good material
and many of chaste design and execution. This house imports direct
from manufacturers in England, France, Germany, the United States
and other foreign countries, while the stock embraces every article
known to the trade, and the sale of this indispensable article of mer-
chandise constitutes no unimportant element of the mercantile interests
of the " Forest City." Mr. Yeo also keeps a full set of goods to supply
socials, parties, etc., while a specialty is made of coal oil and good teas,
cotlees, cocoa, etc., (and a present given with every pound) at legiti-
mate prices.
Mr. Yeo is a native of Devonshire, England, born June 18, 1840.
His father, John Yeo, and his mother, whose maiden name was Eliza-
beth Reed, were both natives of the same place. In 1847, when the
subject of this sketch was seven years of age, the family immigrated to
Canada, and settled on a farm in the Township of Dorchester, County
of ^Middlesex. Being in limited circumstances, the parents went to
work with a will to provide a home for their family. Hard work and
exposure incident to settlers in a new country, as this was at that time,
led to the death of the father in 1848, and a few weeks later his wife
also died, a victim to the same. They left a family of seven children.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm in the County of
Oxford, and followed agricultural pursuits until 1866, when he came
to London, and commenced working at the cooper's trade. In 1876 he
engaged in his present business, at first on a small scale, but has added
1062 HISTORY OF THK
to his stock from time to time as his business increased, until it has
advanced to its present proportions. The trait of character that aided
him so materially in his earlier struggles has served him well in his
efforts to establish for himself an independent and successful business.
He ha^ within a comparatively short time built up a trade which older
houses might well envy. In addition to his crockery, Mr. Yeo canies
a large amount of choice teas, coffees, cocoa, chocolate, etc., which, like
his other stock that he imports, he buys for cash and sells only for cash.
No man enjoys a better reputation for honor and honesty than Mr. Yeo.
He was married in 1862 to Miss Rebecca Clark, a native of Bucking-
hamshire, England, and two children, Emma and Arthur, are the result
of this union. Mr. and Mrs. Yeo, with their children, are members of
the Baptist Church. j\Ir. Yeo is also a member of the Sous of
England.
Orlando Hallman Ziegler, L.B.S.
Orlando Hallman Ziegler, L. D. S., dentist, of London, Canada, was
born in Berhn, County of Waterloo, Canada, and is the son of Enoch
and Hannah (Hallman) Ziegler, natives of Canada and Bucks County,
Penn., respectively. Enoch Ziegler was a carriage-maker by occupation,
and was a man universally respected. He was the father of fourteen
children, Orlando H. being the fifth son in the family. He was reared
in Berlin, received a good practical education and commenced the study
of dentistry in Berlin. He also attended the Dental College in
Toronto, and graduated from that institution in the class of 1882. He
then practiced his profession in Berlin from March until June, 1883,
when he removed to Parkhill, Middlesex County, and in 1888 came to
London, and here he has since remained actively engaged in his dental
practice. In 1884 he chose for his companion in life iliss Lottie
Shoults, who was born in the County of Middlesex. One child, Otto
Ewart, is the result of this iniion. Mr. Ziegler is a first-class dentist,
and is rapidly rising in his profession. He is a member of the I. 0.
of Foresters.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1063
Sketches Held for Delayed Revision Until Too
Late for Alphabetical Insertion.
Joseph Andrews.
Joseph Andrews was born in Manchester, England, April 11, 1834.
His father, James Andrews, was a native of the same place and a
carpenter by trade, the maiden name of his mother was Ann Vesta,
also of English birth. The subject of this sketch after attaining a suit-
able age commenced an apprenticeship at the pork-butchering business,
and he served seven years and became thoroughly familiar with all its
details. In 1861 he immigrated to America and settled in New York,
entering the employ of Charles Taylor, a large packer, who subse-
quently sent him to Hamilton as foreman of a large establishment.
In 1867 he came to Loudon and engaged in business on his own
account. In this enterprise he was very successful and built up a
large trade, and had established himself on a substantial basis, to see it
all swept away by the flood of 1883.
He was the first to put a steamer in the Eiver Thames at this point,
and the advent of the steamer City of London was an important era in
the history of the city. This steamer was superseded by the Enterprise,
with a carrying capacity of 300 persons. In 1881, Mr. Andrews sold
out and resumed his former business, and at the present time confines
it largely to the manufacture of bologna and sausage, and in which he
has secured an enviable reputation, not only in the city, but the sur-
rounding country. His premises in London West are well equipped,
where his facilities for conducting his business are extensive and
ample. He is a man whose career has been a series of triumphs over
difficulties, and would have discouraged less hopeful natures. He is
in all respects a self-made man, relying on his own strong arm and
indomitable will. He set out in the world to succeed, and he has by
frugality and untiring industry raised himself to a position which ought
to merit the crown of well-earned success. j\Ir. Andrews was married
in 1860 to Miss Mary Ann Lobley, of Lincolnshire, England. They
have a family of two children — Henrietta Cecelia and Joseph F.
Atkins & Manness.
Atkins & Manness are prominent cigar manufacturers of London.
They are among the cigar manufacturers of London who have made
1064 mSTORY OF THE
themselves successful in their chosen calling, because of the quality
and general excellence of their product. William Atkins, the senior
member of the firm, is a native of England, and was born July 22,
1844. His parents, Moses and Mary (Rice) Atkins, were both of
English birtb, and came to Canada with their family in 1855. The
subject of this sketch was the youngest of a family of three children.
He commenced in early life working at cigar making, and, in 1866,
owing to the death of his employer, Mr. Kohl, he became interested
in the business as a partner, and at the present time he has been manu-
facturing cigars in London more years than any one now in the busi-
ness, and is the Nestor of the trade. In 1886 he formed a partner-
ship with Samuel ]\Ianness, and no firm in the city is more thoroughly
familiar with all the details of the business. Both are practical men
in their calling, and masters of their trade, and give their personal
attention to the management of the manufacturing department, and to
the sales. They make a specialty of high grade goods, and the quality
of stock used is unsurpassed in the Dominion, and their goods cona-
mand ready sales wherever known. Of the seven or eight different
brands manufactured, " The Bad Boy," a registered brand, is made a
specialty, and it is a strong candidate for popular favor. They com-
mand a large city trade, as well as a good business in Western Ontario
and with other manufacturers, and have rendered credit unto them-
selves by the part they have contributed in sustaining the reputation
that London enjoys, of being the second largest cigar manufacturing
centre in the Dominion.
Mr. Atkins was married in 1868 to Miss Mary Jane Donnelley, a
native of England, and they have a family of four interesting children
— Edwin E., Effie, Fannie and Clarence. Mr. Atkins is a member
of the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Oddfellows and the
Independent Order of Foresters.
Samuel Manness was born on the Isle of Jersey, May 4, 1859, and
his father, Frederick Manness, was a native of Havre, France. His
mother's maiden name was Jane Berry. They came to Canada in
1872, and here Samuel Manness served a regular apprenticeship at the
cigar trade, and, previous to becoming associated with Mr. Atkins, held
the position of foreman in large establishments. He was married
December 25, 1879, to Miss Teresa Duncan, a native of Dorchester,
County of jMiddlesex. They have a family of two children — William
Ernest and Charles D. Mr. Manness is a member of the Ancient
Order or Foresters and of the Sons of England.
D. J. Batzneh.
D. J. Batzner, Chief Clerk and A.ssistant Superintendent of the
tirand Trunk Railway, was born in Indiana, on the IGth of November,
1859, his parents being John M., and Mame (Metzger) Batzner, who
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1065
were born iu Indiana and Germany respectively, the latter coming to
America in her youth. D. J. Batzner came with his parents to
Canada in 1862, and here he has since resided with the exception of
about two years, which were spent in Indiana attending school. He
learned telegraphy when quite young, and had charge of an otfice when
only seventeen years of age. In 1877 he became connected with the
Grand Trunk Railway, working in the Car Dispatcher's Office for one
year, and has held his present position for eight years. He also at
intervals assists in the former office. He is a young man of push and
energy, very competent, and often in the absence of the Assistant
Superintendent performs his duties. September 9, 1885, he was
married to Miss Bessie Graydon, who was born in the " Emerald Isle,"
and their union has resulted in the birth of one child, Graydon.
John Cooper.
John Cooper, photographer, of London, Ontario, and the Nestor of
this art in London, is the son of John and Mary (McLaughlin) Cooper.
The father was born in Wicklow County, Ireland, July 12, 1806, and
in 1829 he immigrated to Canada and settled in the Township of Cavan,
near Millbrook. He married Miss Mary McLaughlin in about 1831.
Her father's house was a noted resort for the early Methodist preachers,
and here the celebrated Gideon Onsley, an historic character of the early
founders of this denomination, always found a warm welcome, as well as
a resting place. In about 1834, Mr. Cooper changed his place of resi-
dence to London, and, with John Hazlewood and Ambrose ilcMannus,
formed a partnership in the carpentry and millwrighting business.
Among their first contracts was a house for Curate Cronyn, afterwards
Bishop of the Diocese, on the present site of Hellmuth College. In
1835, Mr. Cooper placed his family in a boat especially constructed
for him, and went down the Thames Eiver to the lliver St. Clair, and
thence up the River Ruscome, where he purchased a homestead
and there resided for four years. He then returned to London, soon
after the close of the Rebellion, and continued to reside here until his
death in 1873. The mother died one year later. Eleven children
were born to their union — Fannie (who married Abel Hine), John,
Jane (now Mrs. Richard Box, of St. Marys), Mary Ann and Joseph
(both deceased ; the latter was a musician of note, and made a trip
to England for the benefit of his health, and while there he organized
a musical company and gave two entertainments at Windsor Castle),
William A. (an artist in Chicago, who has attained to well-merited
prominence in his profession), Charles, Kate (now Mrs. J. Gibson),
Arthur (living in Petrolea, and an artist of no small note) and Rebecca
(who died in infancy).
John Cooper was born May 27, 1834, and has been reared and
educated iu London, Ontario. In early life he followed the occupation
1066 HISTORY OF THE
of contractor and builder, and afterwards turned his attention to
daguerreotype business, and naturally, as improvements were made in
this art, became a photographer and one of the pioneers in the business.
He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary W. Wilkie, of Windsor, but a
native of New York, and four children were born to this union — Eva
(wife of R. E. Simpson), John Wesley (in Toronto) and Ida. One
daughter, Fannie, the eldest, fell a victim to the Victoria disaster, and
died" at the age of nineteen years and six months. As an artist, Mr.
Cooper's long residence and success is a greater recommendation than
any word of praise we could write. As a citizen, in every walk of
life his career has been above criticism or reproach, a man of unbending
honor and honesty, broad and practical, charitable and generous in his
feelings, dignified in his manhood, he is one who is universally respected.
Frank Cooper.
Frank Cooper, photographer, has his business situated at 169, 171
and 173 Dundas street, London, Canada. To produce pleasing and
satisfactory pictures requires skill, refined taste and appreciation of
light and shade. All these requisites are found in the establishment
of Mr. Frank Cooper. As a photographer this gentleman has gained
a wide and well merited reputation for the excellent finish of his pic-
tures. His studio is tastefully and elegantly finished, and is replete
with everything necessary or convenient for the efficient practice of
the art, or for the comfort of visitors. This estabhshment dates its
inception back to nearly nineteen years, since when his business has
enjoyed a steadily increasing reputation. Mr. Cooper takes all sizes of
photographs, but makes a specialty of family groups and children,
attending personally to the operation. The gallery is one of the largest
and best appointed in Canada, and has long enjoyed a national repu-
tation for artistic photography. The operating rooms are 55x25 feet
in dimensions, while there are separate reception rooms for ladies and
gentlemen, the whole estabhshment being in every way efficiently
equipped with everything needful or useful for the effective perform-
ance of the best class of work. The workshops are of the same dimen-
sions as the operating rooms, with employment for seven regular hands.
Mr. Cooper, who was born December 21, 1845, and is of Irish descent.
His parents, John and Mary (McLaughlin) Cooper, were both natives
of Ireland, and are alluded to in the sketch of John Cooper, which
precedes this. When quite young, Frank Cooper began learning the
photographer's art with his brother John, and when twenty-one years
of age be began business for himself, and has now for many years
been prominently identified with the commercial interests of London,
where he has established a business second to none in his line, and of
which he may well feel a justifiable pride. He was married to Miss
Emily Riddle in 1878, a native of St. Catherines, Ont., and to them
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1067
have been bom three children — William ' C. P., Frankie L. and Flor-
ence E. G. In addition to photography, Mr. Cooper does crayon work
and water-color.
Feilip Cook.
Philip Cook was born in the County of Cavan, Ireland, in 1833, and
his parents, Owen and Mary (O'Piiley) Cook, were both natives of the
" Emerald Isle." The father was a shoemaker by trade, and immigrat-
ed to the United States in 1832. He first settled in New York, but,
later, removed his family to Niagara District, Ontario, where they
remained for many years. His son, Philip Cook, came to London in
1849, served a regular apprenticeship at the shoemaker's business,
and in 1864 commenced business oa his own account, at first on a
small scale, but gradually increasing his stock until his business has
assumed its present prosperous condition. His indomitable will and
perseverance, which aided him so materially in his early struggles,
served him well in the eflbrt to establish for himself an independent
and successful business. Always strictly attentive to business, even to
its most closest details, urbane and considerate, and in all his relations
with the public scrupulously exact in the fulfilment of all promises to
his customers, he has built up a trade, which, in the magnitude of its
transactions and value of returns, any house might well envy. In
1886, Mr. Cook retired from the active management of the business,
which now devolves upon his son Joseph. Mr. Cook was married in
1861 to Miss Ann O'Byrne, also a native of Ireland, and their family
circle consists of seven children — Joseph, Maggie (wife of C. A. Fitz-
gerald, of New York), Mary E., Jane, Ellen, Philip and Edward.
Joseph Cook, who succeeds his father in business, was born in London,
February 18, 1862, and has been reared and educated in this city.
His business training has been under the supervision of his father,
and, as a natural result, which is highly complimentary to his busi-
ness management, it has not retrograded in his hands.
William E. Davis.
There is no name in London more familiar to the old residents of
this city than the name that heads this sketch. His father, Henry
Davis, at the time of his death, in 1883, was perhaps the oldest active
bu.siness man, in point of residence, in the city. He was a native of
Saratoga County, New York, and was born in 1804. He learned the
trade of jeweler in liis youth, and for years made his home at Niagara.
In 1827 he came to London, and in 1831 commenced business on his
own account, and for fifty-two years conducted a successful business.
He married Miss Ann Jane McSpadden, a Canadian by bhth, and to
1068 HISTORY OF THE
tbeni were born seven children, five of whom are still living — "VV. H.,
Joseph W. (in Toronto), George C, (Jlara (now Mrs. Robert D. Miller),
and Mary J. Those deceased are Henry and Elijah.
William H., the eldest son and child, was born in London, Sept. 24,
1837, and was reared and educated in London. He early learned the
jeweler's trade under the instruction of his father, and became familiar
with all the details of this occupation. He subsequently became
associated with his father as partner, and at his death succeeded to the
trade, which he has since conducted under the original firm name,
it being the oldest established business in London. As heretofore
stated, the business was established in 1831, and the house is recog-
nized as one of the most rehable in the Province. The stock carried
embraces a full line of the finest jewelry, which is sold out at as low a
margain as can be afforded, and all goods are warranted as represented.
Their store is one of the best appointed in this line in the city, and no
merchant in London has a higher standing for probity and honor than-
Mr. Davis. To his business he gives his personal supervision, and has
succeeded in not only holding the trade of the old firm, but has
gradually received the magnitude of the business. j\Ir. Davis was
married in 1863 to Miss Eliza Green, a native of London, Canada.
He is a member of the Masonic Order.
Benjamin Watson Greer.
A truth that must be everywhere acknowledged is that keen per
ception, sound judgment and a determined will, supported by persever-
ing and continuous effort will result in success in whatever occupation
one may be engaged, and their possession is sure to accomplish the
aims hoped for. The career of Benjamin W. Greer, especially so far as
his connection with the mercantile interest of London is concerned,
bears out the truth of this statement, for at this time he is the senior
partner in one of the leading houses in bis line in the Province. Mr.
Greer was born in the County Galway, Ireland, August 15, 1843. His
father, Wilham, was also a native of Ireland, as was his mother, whose
maiden name was Clarinda Allt, who was of Irish birth. By this
marriage there were six sons and one daughter. The family emigrated
to Canada in 1847, and settled first in London, and then removed to
Warwick, where they remained only a short time, then returned to
County of Middlesex and settled in London Township, where he lived
until the death of his father in 1851. The mother is still living, at the
advanced age of eighty-five years, and finds a pleasant home in the
family of her son, the subject of this sketch, and notwithstanding her
years her mind is clear, her memory unimpaired, her eye is not dim or
her natural force abated, and she bids fair to see many years of useful-
ness. The subject of this sketch in early life commenced an appren-
ticeship at the carriage-making trade, but afterwards abandoned it and
learned the painting and paper-hanging trade.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1069
In 1864 he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and for about a year
worked at his trade, and then accepted a position to travel for a fire
insurance company, and remained thus employed for nearly one year ;
then went to Cincinnati, where he remained until 1S71, when, owing
to the death of a brother, he returned home. While here he made
arrangements to go into business with W. Noble, and, under the firm
name of Noble & Greer, conducted business for six and a-half years,
and then sold out. Six months later the firm of Greer, Wigmore &
McPherson was formed, and at the expiration of three years Messrs.
Greer and Wigmore purchased their partner's interest, and have since
conducted the business under this name. The reputation which this
house enjoys is second to no similar establishment in this section, and
the growth and magnitude of the business is due to superior business
ability and fair and honorable dealings, and they have drawn around
them a trade most complimentary to their standing as business men
and citizens. In 1879, Mr. Greer was selected as a suitable person to
represent his ward (No. 4) in the City Council, and in 1887 he was
again elected, this time by acclamation. Mr. Greer was married in
1872 to Miss Jane Forsythe, a native of Canada. They have one
daughter, Ethel May. Mr. Greer is a Past Master of St. John's (209)
Masonic Lodge ; Past First Principal of St. John's Chapter, No. 3, and
a Knight Templar, being connected with Richard Creur de Lion Com-
mandery. He is a Past Chief Pianger of the Independent Order of
Foresters, and Past Deputy Supreme Chief Ranger ; also Auditor for
the past two years of the Independent Order of Foresters.
John Hayman.
John Hayman, builder, of London, Ont., was born in Devonshire,
England, June, lcS44, and is the son of William and Susan (Banks)
Hayman. He remained under the parental roof until sixteen years of
age, engaged in different occupations, and then went to London, where
he Hved with an uncle, who was a contractor, and there finished his
trade. In 1868 he came to London, Ont., where he has since resided,
and where he has followed his caUing with satisfactory results. He
built Union block, Monroe building, and Gas Works of Londou East.
He was a member of the Council of London East at the time of
amalgamation. He has been married twice, his first wife being Miss
Leah Martin, whom he married in 1869. She was born in Devon-
shire, England, and died in 1876, leaving three children — Harold John,
E. G. and Charles Francis. Mr. Hayman's second marriage was to
Miss Emily Martin, a native of Devonshire, England, and to this union
six children were born — Vitalis, Alfred Hone, Edward Clarence, W^il-
liam Henry, Aquilla May, and Ha E. L. The following are some of
the buildings erected by Mr. Hayman : — George Bii-rell's building.
1070 HISTORY OF THE
Hicks' block, Town Hall, Storage block, McCormick's dwelling, and
numerous others. Mr. Hayman is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., St.
George's Society, and is an enterprising business man.
George W. Eeately.
George W. Heately, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of
Delaware Township, was born in that Township, Middlesex County,
Canada, August 6, 1855, and is a descendant of an old family. He is
the SOD of John and Harriet (Parkins) Heately. The father was born
in North Ireland about the year 1826, and when about eighteen years
of age immigrated with his parents to Canada. They located near the
city of Hamilton in 1844, and about 1855 John Heately came to
Delaware Township, where he purchased the farm upon which his son
George W. is now residing. He soon after located in this Township,
and here married Miss Harriet Parkins, who bore him ten children, six
now living. He died at his home in Delaware Township in 1881.
The mother is still living, and makes her home with her son George
W. She is fifty-two years of age. George remained with his parents,
and at the death of his father assumed control of the place, which he
has since carried on. The family worship at the M. E. Church.
George Heately, like his fether, in his political views, is a supporter of
the Liberal principles, and is a member of the School Board.
William Jacobs.
William Jacobs, plasterer, is a native of the Province of Quebec,
and was born on the 6th day of January, 1842. His father, Louis
Jacobs, was of French birth. The maiden name of his mother was
]Mii-iam Dion. The subject of this brief sketch was reared in his
native place, and served a five years' apprenticeship at the plastering
trade, becoming thoroughly familiar with all the details of this calling.
In 186'J he came to London, where he has since been identified with
its interest. In 1871) he commenced taking contracts on his own
account, and he has ]iroven himself an honorable, competent and
thoroughly reliable workman, and as a master of his trade, no man
stands higher, and he is securing a liberal share of public patronage.
He was married February' 6, 1884, to Miss Betsie Ann Hearthorn, a
native of the United States. They have one adopted daughter, Laura.
Mr. Jacobs is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the
Merchants' Exchange. He is in all respects a .self-made man. Relying
on his strong arm and indomitable will, he set out in the world to suc-
ceed, and has by frugality and untiring industry raised himself to a
position which ought to merit the crown of well-earned success.
COUNIT OF MIDDLESEX. 1071
William Jones.
In almost every circumstance it is acknowledged that a person is
better fitted to follow the occupation with wliich he has been familiar
in early life than to engage in an occupation learned in later years.
This truth is borne out by the career of Mr. Jones, who, from child-
hood, has been familiar with the details of carpentering. For the
past eighteen years he has been engaged in business on his own
responsibility, and the success that has attended his efforts is fully
corroborated by the position he occupies both in business and social
circles. He was born in Devonshire, England, on the 29th of April,
1849, his parents, Thomas and Mary (Hill) Jones, both being natives
of the same place. The father was a carpenter and builder by occu-
pation, and his family consisted of nine children.
William Jones is their eldest child, and at an early day began
learning the cai-penter's trade under the instruction of his father, and
after obtaining his majority became impressed with the idea that there
were better opportunities for a young man to succeed in life in
America. He came to Ontario in 1870, at once found employment,
and in February of the following year formed a partnership with Mr.
Tamblin, which has continued up to the present time, and no con-
tractors of London are better or more favorably known. In June,
1888, Mr. Jones was selected as a suitable person to represent his
Ward in the City Council, and he was elected by the largest majority
ever given to any Alderman elected in the City of London. His
ofticial career has been above criticism, and he is a man of unswerving
honor and unimpeachable honesty. In 1873 he was married to Miss
Jeanette Wilkinson, a native of London Township. They have the
following family : — Thomas, WilUe, Ethel Maud, Frank L., Edith E. ,
Mabel Edna and Harry Chester.
Edward N. King.
Edward N. King, freight agent at London for the Grand Trunk
Eailway, was born in Guelph, Ontario, March 31, 1843. His parents
were born in England, and came to Guelph about the year 1836. The
father, Walter King (still alive), participated in the Eebellion of 1837,
on the Niagara frontier. Edward N. King was brought up in Guelph,
and made it his home until he was seventeen years of age, and
received good educational advantages at the Grammar School, an
institution which turned out some fine scholars, who in some instances
obtained medals at Trinity College, Dublin. His business experience
was commenced in the telegraph and express service, and after thorough
preparation was appointed agent at Wyoming in April, 1863, at that
time the great centre for shipping crude and refined oils. Those were
the days of flowing wells, and excitement ran high, as many Londoners
1072 HISTORY OF THE
will easily remember, especially the Wyoming and Oil Springs plank
road and its attendant annoyances. He was appointed relieving agent
on the Great Western Railway in June, 1866, and passed various
grades of promotion, namely, agent at various times at Fort Erie,
Princeton, Paris, Gait ; freight agent at London twice ; soliciting agent
and city agent at Hamilton. In April, 1883, he was called to his
present position — that of freight agent at Loudon. He is agreeable
and accommodating in all his relations with the public, and commands
the respect and esteem of all who know him. He was married in
1871 to Miss Emily Ward, of Wyoming, and has one son and two
daughters.
Fbank Kirchmer.
Frank Kirchmer, Manager of Grand Opera House, London, Ontario,
is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and he was born November 18, 1849.
His father, Peter Kirchmer, and his mother, whose maiden name was
Mary Mehlheimer, were both of German birth. The subject of this
sketch was reared in Dayton, Ohio, until eighteen years of age. He
learned the harness-making trade in youth and followed this calling in
diBerent parts of the Southern States for some years, and in 1873
he came to London and for a time worked at his trade, but sub-
sequently entered the employ of Mr. Manville, who, in addition to
conducting an auction and commission business, did a large bill post-
ing business.
In 1883, Mr. Kirchmer succeeded to the bill posting business, and
for years he has practically controlled that occupation in London, having
secured all the desirable spaces and bill boards of the city. It is a
business for which he has a natural aptitude, as it requires a decided
art in posting to make a popular medium for attracting public atten-
tion. The thorough and expeditious manner in which he executes all
contracts have won for him an enviable reputation as an expert in
his calling. In addition to this business in which he has been so
successful, he has recently been appointed j\Ianager of the Grand
Opera House, a position his experience for the past few years has made
him well fitted to occupy, and we have no hesitation in predicting
success in this new departure, combining as he does both the manage-
ment and advertisement of attractions. Mr. Kirchmer was married
April 2U, 1869, to Miss Maggie Gaurd, of Dayton, Ohio. They have a
family of five children — Susie, Florence, Johnnie, Charlie and Freddie.
Mr. K. is a member of the Eoyal Arcanum, and belongs to the Ancient
Order of Foresters.
George G. Magee.
A history of the business men of the City of London which failed to
include a sketch of the life of this esteemed pioneer citizen, a man
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1073
whose long residence here, and whose many admirable traits of charac-
ter have won for him an enviable reputation and the respect and
esteem of all, would be incomplete. His career is an excellent ex-
ample of what the New World can do for a man who sets before him-
self a high ideal of life, and who has the ambition and steadfast pur-
pose to rise to a prominent position. In Mr. Magee's case a laudable
ambition has not been thwarted by circumstances which in tlie Old
World so often prove a check to advancement. He was born in the
County of Tyrone, Ireland, December 6, 1813, and is a sou of
Jonathan Magee and Elizabeth (Guy) Magee, who were also natives of
that county. George G. was the eldest of eight children, who grew to
maturity and was reared on a farm.
In early life he immigrated to the United States, and settled first in
Massachusetts, and from there went to Philadelphia, but owing to the
depressed condition of financial affairs and the discouraging condition
of business he soon changed his residence to London, Ontario, and for
over four years worked as a clerk — three years with one firm and
fifteen months with another. In March, 1847, he embarked in business
for himself, and was identified with the mercantile interests of the
place until 1862, when he retired. One of the cardinal points in his
business transactions was to make the interests of his patrons identical
with his own, and the competency which he now enjoys is the result
of his industry, integrity, and close application to business, even to its
most trivial details. In 1855 and 1856 he was elected as Alderman to
represent his Ward in the City Council, and was honored with the
position of C!hairmaii of the Board of Finance, in which position he
made a faithful and efficient public servant. Being a man of domestic
habits and taste, he has held himself aloof as much as possible from
politics, but has given much assistance to others. In 1841 he was
married to Miss Mary Ann Magee, who was born in Ireland, and by
her is the father of the following children: — Guy, a journalist ; Jona-
than, a farmer ; Alfred, a farmer ; and Emma C, at home.
James Magee.
James Magee, barrister, was born in Liverpool, England, in 1846 ;
came to London, Ontario, in 1856 ; studied law, and was called to the
Bar in 1867, and now has a large practice.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN.
Alexander McQueen is Head Master of London South schools. It
is but giving expression to the general sentiments of the people to state
that no man has done more for the educational growth and prosperity
of the City of London than Mr. McQueen. He was born in the County
1074 HISTORY OF THE
of Halton, November 3, 1847. His parents, William and Elizabeth
McQueen, being also born in the County of Halton ; the former's birth
occurring on the same farm on which his son, Alexander, was born.
During his early hfe he was engaged in husbandry, but later in life
turned his attention to the lumber business. Four sons and one daugh-
ter constituted his family. Alexander, the eldest, being taken by his
parents to County Kent in 1850, was there reared to manhood. He
availed himself of the best educational advantages of the vicinity,
and his early days were divided between attending school and assisting
his father in the lumber business. He applied himself assiduously to
his studies to prepare himself for the occupation of teaching, and
entered upon his profes.sional career in 1867. From that time until
1877, he was engaged in teaching in the country, and in Delaware,
and at the latter date, entered upon the duties of his present position,
and the ability with which he has discharged his work, clearly shows
that he is the right man in the right place. He has always entered
heart and soul into his work, and as a result, has succeeded even beyond
his expectations. Mr. McQueen is Past-Master in the Masonic order,
also a Eoyal Arch Mason, and is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.
Dr. J. M. Piper.
Among the successful and rising physicians of London may be
mentioned Dr. Piper, whose labors in the practice of this science have
given him well-deserved prominence among professional men. He is
the son of William Piper, of Devonshire, England, who came to
Middlesex County in 1838, and there followed agricultural pursuits.
The mother's maiden name was Miss Ann Mill. They were the
parents of eight children. Dr. J. M. Piper being the sixth child. He
was born in the County of Middlesex in 1855, was reared on a farm until
eighteen years of age, and received his education in the High School.
He then attended the Toronto School of Medicine, graduated in 1880,
also attended the Bellevue Medical Hospital College, New York, and
although a comparatively young man, his career thus far has been both
honorable and deserving of substantial results. His practice is a large
one, for to his natural qualifications as a physician he brings a mind
well stored with the knowledge of medical learning and experience
which others might well desire. He is a close student, and avails
himself of all the latest and most popular works on medicine, and
keeps himself thoroughly apace with the progress of this science. He
was married in 1880 to iliss Jennie Boddy, who was born in the
County of York. The doctor is a member of the Masonic Order,
connected with St. John's, No. 20, is a member of the Independent
Order of Foresters, Canadian Order of Foresters, Ancient Order of
Foresters and St. George's Society.
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX. 1075
W. J. Reid & Co.
W. J. Eeid & Co. are prominent importers of crockery and glass-
ware, decorators of china, etc.. Crystal Hall, Dundas street, London.
Permanent success in any calling in life is dependent upon natural
causes, and no one can hope to succeed unless he has merit. They
have made themselves eminently successful in their business, which
statement is amply corroborated by those with whom they have
business relations and by the general public. The business was first
established by Nathaniel Reid when London was yet in its infancy,
and for over forty years he has been identified with the city's interests.
Although he is now fast approaching his four-score years, his eyes are
still bright and his mental vigor unimpaired, and no business transac-
tion of any importance is consummated without consulting him. He
was born in Manchester, England, in 1811, and in 1840 immigrated to
the New World, landing first in New York with a stock of goods, which
he sold to advantage. Two years later he became a resident of London,
and up to the present date has been in business continuously more
years than any other individual in the city. In 1858 the business,
which was a general one, was changed to crockery, and it has grown
steadily and surely until it is now second to no similar establishment
in the Dominion. Their building is four stories high, the top flat
being used for American and Canadian glassware, and the third for
granite ware of every description. The china decorating department
occupies the second flat, and here artists are employed painting flowers
and fancy patterns on china, the work being very finely executed.
Two kilns are used for burning in the patterns, the establishment
giving employment to sixty hands, and five travellers are kept on the
road. They have a resident buyer in both England and the continent,
and W. J. Reid makes it convenient to visit the leading pottery manu-
factories of Europe annually. Their goods are imported from all parts
of the world, and consist of Coalport China, Crown Derby, Bohemian
and Venetian glassware. Royal Worcester, Minton, Wedgwood, Royal
Dresden, and Copeland's dinner, tea, breakfast and dessert sets.
Besides this they have a fine collection of bronze, terra cotta and Ijisque
figures, and deal in all classes of crockery and glassware. W. J. Reid
has been the active manager for a number of years, and the reputation
the house enjoys, and the trade they have drawn around them, speak
eloquently in their favor. He was born and reared in the City of
London, and began his business experience under the supervision of
his father, and no man in London has taken a greater interest in
advancing the city's interests than he. He is President of the Board
of Trade, and also of the London Branch of the Michigan Central Rail-
road, and has served several years as President of the Commercial
Travellers' Association.
1076 fflSTOEY OF THE
Thomas Sumner.
Thomas Sumner was born in the Township of Westminster, in the
County of Middlesex, September 21, 1840. His father, Samuel Sum-
ner, was a native of Vermont, and came to Canada in 1819. He
married Keziah Carter, a native of Lower Canada ; by this marriage
there were ten children. The father was a farmer, and at the same
time he took great interest in military matters, and held the position
of Captain in the militia. He was a prominent Mason, and a member
of old ilt. Moriah Lodge, the first in the county. In connection with
other duties, he held the office of constable in Westminster Township.
He died in September, 1877. Thomas Sumner, the eldest son and
second child, has been reared in this county, his early life having been
spent upon a farm ; he afterwards commeuced working at the carpen-
ter's trade, and was engaged in bridge building for many years. While
following this calling, he commenced working for the Water Commis-
sioners, and in September, 1885, he was appointed caretaker of the
grounds, etc. In this position he has proven himself a very competent
man. Mr. Sumner was man-ied in 1865 to Miss Hannah Emmons, of
Westminster Township. They have four children — Hannah, Edith,
Bertie and Chester. He is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs
to St. John's, 20y.
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