Perth Courier - Comings and Goings
supplied by Christine M. Spencer of Northwestern University, Evanston, Il., USA.
Drowned—A melancholy case of drowning occurred here Monday night. A man by the name of Richard Armstrong in wandering about the locks in this vicinity of the railroad bridge missed his footing fell into the river. His coat and cap floating in the water the next morning led to the discovery of the body in the sluice. The coroner’s inquest was held and a verdict rendered according to the facts. The deceased was a man who was addicted to strong drink and it is believed he was under the influence of liquor when he was so suddenly overtaken by death.
Acknowledgement—The directors of the South Lanark Agricultural Society wish to thank Mr. D. S. McKinnon (‘Mac’) for the donation of his premium money, acquired at the last show fair to be used in paying of the liabilities of the Association. This is very good and considerate of Mac and should be used as an example to be followed by as many others as possible in the use of their premium money.
Gone West—Mr. M. S. McDowell, for many
years Assistant Teacher in the Perth Grammar and High Schools, left town yesterday with his
family to take up residence in the
Legal—We observe that Mr. P.C. McNec,
formerly of
Donation Party—On Tuesday evening last, a number of the congregation of Knox Church, Perth, by a mutual arrangement amongst themselves, took the manse of the pastor, Rev. William Burns, by storm and very much surprised that gentleman and his family by taking summary possession of the house and getting up a tea for the whole party with provisions brought by themselves. At the same time, the study of the gentleman was appropriated for the reception of a large amount of material comforts of various types brought by the surprise party to cheer their pastor’s heart during the coming holidays. After spending a most pleasant and mutually agreeable time, the company gave up possession again to the legal occupants and Mr. Burns, at the close, tendering them his warmest thanks for their kindness and forethought.
Sudden Death in
Coming Back Again—We understand Mr. Robert
Scott, formerly of
Mr. Geo. Mitchell’s
Farewell Supper—On Wed. evening, a number of friends of H. H. Ross, Esq., late principal of the high school, Perth, entertained that gentleman at an oyster supper, got up at Hicks’ Hotel, in the best style of that popular house. The chair was filled by H. L. Slack, Esq., Public School Inspector, who presided with his bon accord. The usual loyal and sentimental toasts were proposed and responded to in the most hearty and enthusiastic manner. The gentlemanly bearing of Mr. Ross has won him a host of friends during his stay in this town.
Card of Thanks—For a horse killed by lightening
last summer, Mr. Robert Smith of
Home Again—Mr. John Lister, who had for
some time been engaged as an overseer of a section of the
A Christmas Gift—Mr. George Corry, axe-maker, has very kindly and thoughtfully brought along a Christmas present, which as a mechanic and a first rate one too, does him credit. The souvenir is a small one hand axe for cutting kindling wood or other light work, and is made from the best steel, beautifully wrought and finished. It is a splendid piece of workmanship and stamps Mr. Corry as one of the best axe-makers in this county.
Mr. Francis T. Frost—One of the best, pleasantest and most effective of our local speakers is Mr. Francis T. Frost of Smith’s Falls. Well-posted in the political and current events of the day, gentlemanly in his address, and logical in his reasoning, Mr. Frost makes terrible havoc with his opponents’ slap-dash oratory—their wild and bitter tirades against the Reform Party and their leaders—their false statements and their petty policy of slander and fault-finding. On the whole, Mr. Frost has won golden opinions in the course of his political battles this end of the Riding.
Presentation—After the usual special service at Knox Church Session House, Perth on New Year morning, a committee of ladies connected with the congregation and on its behalf presented Mr. Duncan McDonald with a hair-bottomed arm chair and handsome chromo picture, frames; and Mr. Alex Dodds with an elegant silver butter-cooler and appendage in recognition of their valuable and gratuitous service as preconters (?) for so long a time past, -- both gentlemen having declined anything in the way of salaries. The presentations were accepted in the same spirit as they were made and much mutual good feeling prevailed during the interesting little occasion.
A Warm Gift—On Thursday evening, 24th
Dec., the Rev. John Stewart, pastor of the
Complimentary Supper—A complimentary supper was given on New Year’s Eve by Messrs. G. & J. Templeton, to the men in their employ. The table was filled with the choicest of refreshments and very many pleasant remarks were made, both by the firm and by the workers—Mr. Geo. Templeton, on behalf of the firm, thanking the men for their devotedness in the past year and happening, at the same time, that he might have the pleasure of seeing all present in as good a cheer on the same day in 1876. One of the workmen, on behalf of the others, responded, thanking the firm for the kind manner in which they were treated, and expressed their sincere wishes for the future success of the firm. Wishing each other a “happy new year” the party dispersed.
Fire in Smith’s Falls—A fire occurred in
Smith’s Falls on the night of the 25th inst., about
Veterinarian Surgeon—Mr. J. Rathwell, a graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College, has established an office at Hicks’ Hotel, where his services may be had by those having horses or cattle suffering diseases peculiar to their kind. The town for some time back has been badly in need of a surgeon of this character and Mr. Rathwell, from his recommendations, is amply qualified to give satisfaction.
Surprise and Presentation—On the evening of the 28th ult., the ladies connected with the Congregational Church in Lanark Village visited the parsonage and presented the pastor’s wife, (Mrs. Rev. John Brown), with a fine sewing machine—Osborn improved—as a token of their esteem and good wishes.
Orange Lodge—At the Annual Meeting of the County
Orange Lodge of South Riding of Lanark, held at Perth on the 2nd inst., the
following officers were elected for the current year: Bro.
R. Lewis, County Master; Bro. Thomas Hands, Co. D. Master; Bro. S. M. Barnes,
Co. Chaplain; Bro. John Ferguson, Co. Secretary; Bro. H. D. Chalmers, Co.
Treasurer; Bro. L. McCallum, Co. Director Ceremonies; Bro. A. E. Mills, Co.
Lecturer; Bro. W. H. Kerfoot, Co. Proxy. The next annual
Smith’s Falls—Changed Hands—The Ketchum property on Water Street has been purchased by Mr. Allan Templeton, of this place, at the sum of $4,500, and the tannery is to be worked in the future at its fullest capacity.
Smith’s Falls—Another Fire—About 7:00 on Wednesday morning, smoke and flames were observed down the river in the vicinity of Bourke’s Brewery and the fire alarm was rung. Proceeding to this spot we found the dwelling house of Mr. Michael Brady, on the river bank near the bridge at Sly’s, in a mass of flames. Mr. Brady informed us that he saw the fire just after it had caught from the flue, and that a pail of water would have put it out. He seized a pail which happened to contain some water and was running upstairs with it but in his excitement he stumbled on the stairs and spilled that water. By the time he ran to the river a few yards off and filled his bucket and returned the fire had got such headway that he saw there was no possibility of saving the house. With such rapidity did the flames spread that only a little of the furniture could be got out. The house was insured in the Provincial for $300.
We are glad to announce that the town council, on Wednesday night, by an almost unanimous vote, re-appointed Mr. George Corry to the office of Chief Constable and License Inspector for the ensuing year at the same salary as last year, $400. Mr. Corry is an efficient officer and we are glad the council was ready to recognize his merit as it is deserved.
Minerals—Mr. James McLean, Dalhousie, has left with us an assortment of sample of ores found on his property on the 10th Concession. They comprise phosphates and quartz with a slight sprinkling, we are told, of silver and gold. Geologists tell us that Dalhousie is rich in minerals of one kind and another and no doubt if a careful survey of Mr. McLean’s property were to be made, a wealth of mineral deposits would be discovered.
Moving Uptown—Mr. J. F. Bradley,
photographer, has leased part of the ground on Gore Street, north of Hick’s Hotel, now
covered with the hotel’s shed and will at once proceed to remove the shed and erect a
first class photograph gallery in their place, his calculation being to have the gallery
ready in the early Spring. Mr. Bradley is one of
the best artists in central
Dalhousie Man A Victim—A few weeks ago, a paragraph appeared in the Courier, to the effect that a man named Gardiner, of Petrolia, Ont., had been robbed of some hundreds of dollars by a number of masked men who entered his home at night and that the robbers had made good their escape. We have since learned from Mr. James Donald, that the victim is no other than Mr. W. L. Gardiner, formerly of Dalhousie, grandson of the late Mr. John Leckie of the 9th Line. Mr. Gardiner was well known in Dalhousie and much respected as an honest man and a good neighbor.
Wrist Broken—A few days since, Mr. Michael Lappin, livery proprietor, was thrown out of the sleigh he was driving and sustained a fracture of the arm at the wrist. The wound was dressed and he is doing well.
Sprained Ankle—Mr. H. L. Slack, Esq., Inspector of Public Schools, has been confined to his house by a sprained ankle—the result of a horse running away. We are glad to see he is now able to be out again although he is walking with a great difficult
Auction Sale of Farm Stock, Etc., - Mr. William McLanaghan being concluded to give up farming and move into town, will have an auction sale of his farm stock, implements, wagons, harness, machinery, etc., on Monday, March 15.
Hicks ‘Bus—The handsome new ‘bus belonging to the Hicks’ Hotel has been elegantly painted and lettered by Mr. Charles Steever and the interior decorated with oil paintings and business cards of Perth businessmen. It is as neat a thing of the kind as you see anywhere.
Auction Sale—A sale of farm property of Mr. John Ward, Lot 22, 9th Line Bathurst, will take place, Mr. Ward having decided to remove to the County of Bruce and will offer for sale on Tuesday, March 23, the whole of his farm stock, machinery, implements, household furniture, etc. together with a very large lot. The property comprises some very find bloodstock.
A Long Term—On Monday last, 8th March, was the 25th anniversary of Mr. James Bell’s occupancy of the office of Registrar of Perth, he having entered it in March of 1850. We trust he may live to celebrate another quarter of a century’s tenure in this position.
New Finishing and Machine Shop—Mr. John Dettrick, having leased a part of the premises in connection with Mr. Robert Lillie’s foundry, has purchased a lathe and other appliances of a finishing shop and will thus supply a want badly felt in Perth. Mr. Dettrick is a skilled craftsman and will give satisfaction.
The Wimbledon Team—Our young friend, Mr. Charles N. Bell of Winnipeg, son of Jas. Bell, Esq., barrister, Perth, has been selected as one of the two to represent Manitoba at the Grand Rifle Match at Wimbledon, England, this summer. His colleague is one Scarrow, who made four more points than Charlie at the competition of the Association although he came out 14 points behind the latter in the aggregate matches.
New Building—Another find building is to be
erected in town this summer. It is a 2 story
brick or stone edifice to be commenced shortly on the vacant lot on
Halliday, the Alleged Murderer, Arrested—On Friday
last the arrest or capture of J. Halliday of Montague on the charge of murdering an
old man by the name of Pearson, formerly of this neighborhood, was affected near
Irish Creek through the instrumentality of Jared Church of Wolford.
Mr. Church had previously telegraphed to the Reeve of Smith’s Falls that Halliday
was then in the vicinity after a prolonged stay in “parts unknown”, but Mr. Gould,
having been out of town, the telegram was dispatched by his brother John to Mr. Gilroy, the
constable. The latter telegraphed to Mr. Church
to detain Halliday as he held a warrant for his
arrest; at the same time sending a force hither to complete this arrest.
The man sent in not being able to find Halliday, who, it was intimated, had gone to
the house of his brother George; public feeling was some relieved by Mr. Church himself
appearing shortly after with the prisoner Halliday in charge having very probably effected a
capture singly and on his own responsibility. Halliday
was placed in the lockup until the following Monday when he was examined by Messrs. Peter
Clark and J. H. Gould, J.P., in the presence of the County Attorney E. G. Malloch, and
committed for trial on the 30th inst. to be tried for the wilful murder of
Pearson. He was brought up to
Livery—Change of Address—The ownership of H. J. Duffield’s livery has been transferred to Jno. F. Thompson, who intends on keeping it in first class condition and equal to the best in town.
Death of a Nonagenarian—On Saturday last there
died in the Perth jail an old man named Michael Kennedy who had attained the
respectable age of 90 years and over. He came
from the
Fitting Up—Mr. William Lawson, harness maker, two doors east of the Courier office, has this Spring gone into the business of improving the interior of his shop and has now a very handsome showroom. A glass case from floor to ceiling extends all along the east side of his front shop, forming a splendid receptacle for finished work and stock. His front window has also been filled up to match. Mr. Lawson, in the meantime, got up a large stock of trunks, valises, etc.
Real Estate Sale—The property in the east Ward belonging to the estate of the late John Walker, mason, and comprising a frame dwelling and lot, was on Tuesday last knocked down at public auction to Mr. Causland Bothwell for the respectable sum of $730, cash.
Halliday Gets Ten Years in the Penitentiary—The
Queen Versus Halliday-Murder-The prisoner John Halliday was charged with the murder
of Henry Pearson, in the
The case was opened by the Crown Prosecutor, Alex Gibbs, Esq., in a lucid address to the jury, detailing the circumstances of the alleged crime, and the nature of the evidence to be introduced. He detailed the different degrees of crime constituting murder and manslaughter and stated to the jury that should they consider the prisoner impelled by malice in committing the offence, they could bring in a verdict of manslaughter but if malice were proven they must bring in the higher verdict of murder.
Edward O’Brien, Esq., as junior Barrister, was appointed by His Lordship to conduct the defence of the prisoner.
(Transcriber’s Note: Long details of witnesses called, only two transcribed here)
John Lane Sworn: Resided in Montague in October last; lived near the prisoner; knew the deceased Henry Pearson. Saw him about the 3rd Oct.; came on Sat. 4th Oct. to my place. Think he came to live with prisoner in July last. Live further away from Smith’s Falls than the prisoner and when I was going to Smith’s Falls saw him going before me to Smith’s Falls; saw him going into Mrs. Crowley’s; did not observe anything unusually wrong with him; he was about 70 years old. During the day witness drove him in the wagon to Dr. Atcheson’s and afterwards saw him in Smith’s Falls asking where Mr. J.H. Gould lived. Pointed place out to him and did not see him until evening in his (witnesses) own home; deceased said John Halliday had scalded him and he wished to stay all night; saw he was scalded about the arms and legs. Deceased died on the 18th Oct. Dr. McKenzie was attending him. During this time the prisoner thought all through he would not get better and detailed his circumstances of the injuries, particularly on Sunday he died, both before and after he made his dying deposition before Peter Clark, J.P.
Child who testified for the Defence:
David Halliday: Witness is a child 11 years old, son of the prisoner. Remembers the morning after the Fair at Smith’s Falls; and remembers John Giff coming to the house with two parcels of whiskey and he gave some to father and some to Pearson. The latter got up when Giff came; remember Pearson getting up; was putting on his pants and fell on the hot stove; upsetting water on him; some of which fell on his side. Father went to Smith’s Falls for bread and meat. Pearson went out—don’t know where; did not know he was staying at Lane’s until that evening, and then I went over there to ask Pearson back to father’s. Father had pulled him off the stove, catching him by the shirt to do so.
Presentation to Ex-Mayor Millar:
On Saturday evening last, subscribers to the “Millar Testimonial Fund” met in the
town council chambers with a view of presenting a beautiful piece of silver to Jas. M.
Millar, Esq., late mayor of
Personal—Mr. A. S. Malloch, merchant,
For Manitoba—Messrs. Hugh and John Gardner,
sons of Robert Gardner of Dalhousie, started from the Perth railway station on
Wednesday afternoon last for Manitoba, with the idea of making that place their future home.
Mr. Gardner himself intends going there, at the opening of the navigation, after a
residence in the
Painful Accident—We regret to state that on Wed.
evening Mr. Wm. Meighen of the firm A. Meighen and Brothers fell from the veranda of
his house on
St. James’ Rectory—The contract for the erection
of a rectory house for St. James Church has been awarded to Messrs. Andrew and Allan
Lister. The cost of the house, which is to
be of white brick, exclusive of fence, stable, etc., is to be $3,515.
It is to be built on the site given by the government in the rear of the church.
The design, which is significantly characteristic, is by Mr. K. Arnoldi, architect of
Knox Church Social—Another of the Knox Church Socials was held at the house of Mr. John Riddell on Tuesday evening last and a very pleasant time spent by those gathered there. Over $14 was received at the door.
New
Mr. Lewis’ Concert—An amateur concert by the class of Mr. N. H. Lewis, teacher of vocal music, will be given in the town hall on Friday evening the 16th inst. The performance will comprise over 100 trained voices and the entertainment will consist of choruses, duets, solos, quartets, glees, anthems, etc. It is expected the performance will be in all respects an excellent one and the public should liberally patronize it.
Leg Broken—On Saturday evening last, Mr. Robert Lewis, carpenter, was assisting in carrying a barrow of wood into McLaren’s Distillery when he stumbled and fell, his leg striking the barrow, was broken at the ankle. Dr. Rugg was called in to reduce the fracture and dress the wound and under his care Mr. Lewis is doing well.
Halliday Shipped Off—On Friday morning last, the
prisoner Halliday left for the penitentiary at
Barbering in Lanark—Mr. K. Love, barber, of
For the Welland Canal—Mr. John Lister left town last week to resume his duties as overseer on the Welland Canal enlargements; the ice being sufficiently cleared away to resume at least a portion of the work there.
Visiting Home—Mr. Archibald Jamison, who left here some three or four years ago for the States, and who is now engaged in gospel ministries in Yankton, Dakota Territory, is in town just now visiting old home and friends. He looks well and hearty.
Not Going to Move—Mr. William Cryderman, although he has disposed of his lot and building north of Hicks’ Hotel, will not remove his business there from—having leased the premises from Mr. F.A. Hall, the new owner, for a period of one year.
For
Auction
Great Fire at Clayton—About 4 in the morning last Wed., a fire broke out in the stables at the rear of Ahearn’s Hotel. Owing to a high wind which was blowing at the time, the flames spread rapidly, enwrapping the entire outbuildings and then communicating to the hotel adjoining, speedily enveloped it also, barely allowing the inmates to escape with their lives. From the hotel the flames spread to the lumber yard of D. Drummond, Esq., completely consuming the lumber piles. Herculean attempts were made by the inhabitants to save Mr. Drummond’s shingle and saw mills but all attempts were ineffectual and soon the mills were engulfed in the fiery element. The carding mill of T. Blair, Esq., adjoining the saw mill, then became ignited and was quickly a smouldering mass of ruins. At this stage of the fire, desperate attempts were made by energetic citizens to save Mr. Drummond’s grist mill and confine the fire to the carding mill, which attempts were, fortunately, effectual. Mr. Ahern’s loss is about $2,500, insured in the Farmer’s Mutual for $1,500; Mr. Drummond’s loss is about $6,000, no insurance. Mr. Blair’s loss will be covered by $1,000, no insurance.
Canada Life—The weekly budget for the Canada Life
Assurance Co., shows a new business of $52,500 for eastern Ontario last week.
The Canada Life is giving ample demonstration that it stands at the head of all
companies doing business in
Hymeneal—For the last few days our office has
suffered a severe temporary loss by the absence of its foreman Mr. Andrew May who on
Wednesday last stepped down and out of bachelordom and into matrimony; the young lady who is
destined to make his life happy is Miss Mary Lafferty, daughter of Mr. Jas.
Lafferty of
Removed—Dr. Howden has removed his
residence and office to the building on
Fitting Up—Mr. William Doran is making various external improvements and additions to his new domicile in Caroline Village, which will greatly improve its looks and convenience. Mr. M. Stanley is fixing up part of the extensive building known as “Farmer’s Foundry” as a private residence for himself.
Sale of Town Lots—That portion of Mrs. Nichols’ property on North St., immediately below Mr. R. Matheson’s tenant house, has been laid out into five town lots and will be sold by public auction on Thursday, 13th May to the highest bidders. These are fine locations for residences.
Change of Hands—The neat cottage on the corner of Drummond and D’Arcy Streets, occupied by Mr. F. B. Allan, has been purchased by Mrs. Dr. Nichol from Mr. R. Stewart for $1,500.
Gone To Ottawa—Mr. Timothy Enright, tailor, has removed from this place to Ottawa, having accepted the position of cutter in Egleson’s tailoring establishment there at a salary of $1,200 per annum. We are all sorry here to lose Tim, for he was one of the best cutters in the district.
North Elmsley Reeveship—The nomination of candidates to fill the Reeveship in this township for the remainder of 1875 took place at Port Elmsley on Monday last where the following were duly nominated: Messrs. Wm. John McLean, George McDougal, John Prettie, and James Manion. May the best man win. The election takes place next Saturday (tomorrow).
Tree Planting—We observe that a goodly number of
trees are being put in along our streets this Spring. A
fine row of hard and soft maples now ornament the street in front of the establishment of Mr.
Jno. G. Campbell and a number of the same kind of trees have been planted in the
Lamp Cooking Apparatus—We have just seen a loaf of bread that has been cooked by the lamp-cooking apparatus manufactured by Mr. William Walsh of this place. The bread is of the best quality, beautifully and evenly cooked, and is eminently adapted for summer, as it throws out little or no heat. Besides, it takes up little or no room and requires no chimney, stove-pipe or anything of the kind. The cost for it is so trifling as to make it not of consideration.
Pastoral—The Rev. gentleman alluded to in the
following paragraph as having been inducted into the pastoral charge of the South Bruce
congregation is a native of this county and a near relative of Messrs. John and William
Scott of the 3rd line Bathurst: “On
Wed., 26th ult., the Rev. John Scott, late of St. Andrew’s Church,
London, was inducted to the pastoral charge of the South Bruce congregation.
The Rev. J. Straith,
Provincial Exhibition Judges:
Mr. John G. Campbell of this town has been appointed one of the judges of the
“horses for farming purposes” at the next Provincial Exhibition to be held at
Co-Partnership—Messrs. Shaw and Matheson have admitted Mr. John McMaster into their firm, which will hereafter carry the name “Shaw, Matheson, and McMaster”. Mr. McMaster has been long head clerk in this establishment and a favorite with the public and his connection with the business under the new arrangement will add to its already high standing with the public.
North Elmsley Election—No very great amount of interest was taken in the North Elmsley Reeveship election which took place last Saturday. Only 40 votes were polled which were divided up as follows: George McDougal, 25; W. J. McLean, 15. The two other candidates appeared to have retired before the polls opened.
Detterick’s Header and Nut Machine—Mr. John Detterick is building a series of machines to be used in the manufacture of carriage bolts and nuts and already has the “header” well nigh completed. These machines are marvels of strength and ingenuity and under John’s capable manipulation will turn out both nuts and bolts equal to any in the market.
Off For British Columbia—A party of 7 persons
comprising Peter McVicar and his son William McVicar; Thomas McNaughton
with his mother and adopted sister, of Drummond; Peter Stewart, Lanark Township; and Miss
Hartney of Pakenham, left from the Perth station on Wed. morning last 26th
inst., en route for British Columbia via San Francisco.
Seeley furnished them with through tickets to that point over the Grand Trunk, the
Central Pacific and their connections. This
makes the second party that has left this neighborhood for
New Building—Mr. Archibald Campbell is erecting this summer a building intended for a residence on the vacant lot corner of Drummond and Foster Streets. It will be frame with brick outside, and well furnished.
News From Manitoba—By a private letter, we learn
that Mr. Jas. Laurie, late of
Fire at Fosters—We learn by telegraph that the saw mill of Mr. Adam Foster, situated behind the railway track between Smith’s Falls and Franktown, was destroyed by fire last Wednesday night, with all its contents. The boiler and engine, which were located in a separate building, survived. This is the second time Mr. Foster has been burned out at this place.
Exports for Manitoba: Mr. James Harvey of Fallbrook, leaves this week for Winnipeg, Manitoba, taking with him a few buggies, a hearse, and two horses to be put to use as livery in that city. Mr. Harvey intends on locating in that city.
Posted: 18 April, 2003