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Perth Courier - Comings and Goings

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

  c-spencer3@northwestern.edu

Perth Courier, Jan. 7, 1898

Althorpe—Mr. Galvin of Renfrew is spending some time here with his sister Mrs. Harrington.

Wemyss—Messrs Kerry & Gamble have sold their store and business to Mr. McFarlane of McDonald’s Corners.  We are loathe to part with our old neighbors for they are particularly fine gentlemen.

Lanark Links:  George James of Winnipeg is visiting his brother John James of this village.

Lanark Links:  William McIlraith of Minnesota returned to this part to visit the home of his childhood.  His son accompanied him and he will no doubt receive a warm welcome at his father’s, Charles McIlraith, and also from other friends in this vicinity.

Lanark Links:  A thrill of excitement passed through our village when the news spread that our usually quiet grocer John Manahan had admitted a partner into his business on Tuesday evening.  He was married to Annie Graham of Lanark township.  May their wedded life be a happy one.

Mrs. G.L. Kahala of Minneapolis, Minnesota (daughter of James Kearns, once of Glen Tay) is visiting at her brother-in-law, John Doyle of town.

M. Stanley has bought from John McNee, Carleton Place, that fine lot on Wilson and North Streets opposite his shop and will erect a large carriage works on the site this season.

Thursday afternoon last the snow on the tin roof of George Thornton’s store on Wilson Street came down like an avalanche and so frightened the horses in front that the team, throwing the driver off the rig, started at break neck speed down the street.  When at Code’s factory, they turned to the left and sped towards the C.P.R. station which they reached at breakneck pace.  They then turned on the track and continued their wide career eastward.  They got safely over in some mysterious way, two of the gridiron crossings but at the third, at Flannery’s, one of the horses being fagged out by the exertion, failed to make the leap and went down head first into the pit and the other of course had to follow.  The express from the east was expected any minute and now making a royal tug of war go get the beasts out of the death trap, the driver having followed it at his best speed.  The danger signal was put up to stop the train and ropes, tackle and men were borrowed from the car shops and after cutting through the culvert timber the horses were pulled out by man’s strength.  The strangest part of the episode was that neither horse nor sleigh was hurt in the least.

Hugh Devlin has sold his farm on the 5th Concession Drummond to William Acheson of Perth for $4,700.  The purchaser has removed to his new property and Mr. Devlin has come to live in town temporarily in Mr. Acheson’s dwelling.

Mr. and Mrs. William Hicks had a family reunion on New Year’s Day when their eight children—four sons and four daughters, were all there to complete the family circle.  It was a happy family gathering.

The Kingston Whig of December 31 says:  “Last evening an old person named Mrs. Katherine Kelly arrived on the K & P train from Sharbot Lake.  She is 85 years old if she is a day and is without a home.  She used to live in Lanark County near Perth but last summer she was shipped to Kingston for the authorities to take care of.  Not feeling so disposed, they sent her back and since then it is hard to say how she has managed to exist.  She reared a large family but she says they are all dead and now in her old age she is being battered about from pillar to post without a place to lay her head or a soul to give her care or comfort.  It seems to be nobody’s business to look after her and she is shipped from one place to another; her only offense being old age and friendlessness.  It is true cruelty to accord her such treatment.  It would be a blessing and an act of charity to put her in some charitable institution according to her desires instead of giving the poor old woman the cold shoulder and adding to her misery.  She is bright and cheerful amid all her desolation.  Chief Horsey sent her to a hotel last night paying for her supper, lodging and breakfast showing himself a kind hearted official touched by a case worthy of his or any person’s compassion.  She was sent down to Brockville this afternoon.”

Perth Courier, Jan. 14, 1898

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements—Christopher Donaldson, Lot 26, 12th Concession Bathurst.  Mr. Donaldson has retired from farming and everything must be sold.

The most unique horse runaway of the season came off here on Saturday and for an hour or so was the sensation of the town.  A couple of young men named Heddlestone of North Elmsley who had been loading up rather heavily, drove down the street in a single cutter and drove into the Allan House yard.  Without getting out they began showing off their driving by circling around and around the yard.  The third round, conducted like the others, at a speeding pace, ended in a clean up set and a lick against the hotel bus in the passage compelled the driver to let go his hold on the reins.  The excited horse ran out of the roadway across Gore Street and made straight for the middle window of the Wright block nearly opposite.  Without pausing an instant in its mad career the animal dashed directly through the window and into Mr. Wright’s furrier shop and pranced around the confined space among stands and counters, a highly excited, nervous and bleeding equine.  The cutter had struck against the sides of the window and the traces breaking, feed it from the horse and left it standing across the side wall outside.  The window sash was broken away and large panes of glass broken into bits which were plentifully scattered on the floors and goods inside.  The startled and astonished inmates of the store grabbed the horse and with some difficulty backed it out the door, where the young men owning it took charge.  Blood besprinkled the floor and the sidewalk, the poor horse being cut more or less by the glass when fleeing through the window and one of he young men was also cut about the head when he was tumbled out of the cutter against the bus.  The store was speedily filled by a curious crowd of both townspeople and farmers and we doubt if turkey fair day or the holiday cheap cash sales saw any shop as well filled at any time.  The damages will amount to a whole window to be replaced and some injured goods.  The open window was boarded up in the meantime, the glass swept up and Messrs. Wright were ready for business again as soon as the excitement had died out.  We hope this will be a lesson to the young men and all others who do not take care of themselves in town.

Dalhousie Lake:  Donald McFarlane left on Tuesday for his new home at Bathurst Station where he has gone to engage in mercantile business.

Perth Courier, Jan. 21, 1898

The new owner of the old Patterson Hotel property, Messrs Richard and George Smith intend converting the edifice into a double tenement and when finished the once popular inn will become a comfortable and respectable tenement house.  The alterations will convert it into a cottage roof building and the slope of the gables is now being taken down so that all the outside walls will be alike.  The roof of course will be entirely new and the walls repaired and painted.  The interior will be entirely renewed, a verandah built along the front and everything made neat and up to date.  When one of the workmen, Michael Mulholland, was tearing down the west gable, he found a common toilet comb embedded in the wall in a good state of preservation.  It was made of horn with a polished metal back.  It is therefore a very old article.  The lot on which this building stands was patented by the Crown in 1836(?) and deeded to Nadab Eastman and William McGloughlin in 1836.  It came into the possession of the late John Doran, Sr., the same year.  Mr. Doran was a carpenter and he erected the hotel property on it about as soon as he got it and it remained in the possession of the Doran family until a few years ago.  A Mr. Cross kept the first hotel in it and after him William Matheson, the well remembered bailiff.  The late James Patterson came into possession about 1850 and he retired from it about 18??.  It was then known and long before, as the St. George’s Hotel.  Mr. Patterson previous to his coming here was proprietor of the British American Hotel at Kingston and he came to Perth a most popular and successful landlord but when he left here he and his family drifted away out of sight and on one knows what became of his two sons who grew up under the shadow of the hotel.   This hotel in old times did a large business and was the leading house of its kind north of Brockville.  Before 1866 no less than 8 sittings of courts were here in Perth yearly and the dockets were generally large and contests keen.  These brought therefore a large number of people to Perth often and they stayed long.  The united counties council sitting three times a year here also brought its crowds to the county buildings and as the hotel was not only convenient to the court house but was a popular house, it had a great run and paid well.  But when the Renfrew reeves came here no more and the sittings of the count lessened the glory of this fine hostelry lessened and its business went to the hotels more centrally suited for mercantile and other trades.  The Pattersons left it and the building became a tenement house and latterly there being no one to look after it, it deteriorated into a half ruin.  It was bought a few years ago by the late J.M.O. Cromwell but he did not carry out his original intention of repairing it for a residence and it became more of a ruin than ever.  Time has, however, brought a kindly fate for the old house.  Next to the site of the hotel the late Hon. William Morris erected a small log house and when the late Rev. William Bell reached here in 1817 he found Mr. Morris keeping a flourishing store in it.

The Pakenham correspondent of the Gazette has the following reference to Peter Comrie, then visiting W. H. Blair of that township.  Mr. Comrie is well known in Balderson, North Sherbrooke and the Scotch Line where he taught or visited for many years.  “W.H. Blair of Pakenham Township had as his guest last week a somewhat remarkable old gentleman in the person of Peter Comrie of Carleton Place who although in his 80th year thinks nothing of a 15 mile walk a day when the roads are in good order.  Mr. Comrie is a veteran school teacher.  He taught 7 years in the land of brown heather and shaggy woods and 33 years in schools throughout Lanark and Renfrew.  He came to Canada nearly sixty years ago and has been a resident of these parts ever since.  The venerable gentleman receives a pension—or superannuation allowance rather—to the yearly salary he received in the early days of Lanark County.  He relates interesting stories of the time when he grew rich on a salary of “$140 a year and board”.  At other times he “whipped the cat” as they used to express it—that is he taught for so much per year and part of his salary was taken in board with the parents of his pupils, the length of his stay being determined by the number of children who wee pupils.  But that day is past and he has many brighter stories to tell as well.”

Alex Murphy has sold his farm part of Lot 26(?), 6th Concession Bathurst, 53 acres to Hugh Devlin late of Drummond for $2,000 and has bought a house in town near the R.C. Separate school from M. McCarthy where he intends residing when he leaves his farm.

William Grey, of Lacombe, near Edmunton, N.W.T., brother-in-law of James Shaw of Drummond was killed by a threshing machine falling on him.  He was a son of W.B. Grey of Carleton Place and his wife was a Miss Legerwood of Pakenham, related to a family of that name in Drummond.  She, with three small children, survives him.

Ferguson’s Falls—Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Morris attended the funeral of her grandmother Mrs. Jas. Pryce in Carleton on Sunday.

Ferguson’s Falls—We are sorry to chronicle the death of the twin children of Edward Haley, which occurred on Friday morning last.

Watson’s Corners—Mrs. A. Davidson spent a week with her daughter Mrs. King of Balderson.

Galbraith—John Hogg, Jr., is on the sick list at present…..Miss Laura Thompson who has been ill for some time, is recovering again…..it is rumored that Alex McKay’s little daughter has diphtheria at present but we hope she will recover…..Miss Mary Affleck who had her arm broken is almost well again.

Clydesville—William McIlraith and his son George of Minnesota who are visiting his many friends hereabouts with his sister Maggie of this place, spent part of the week with his cousin George McIlraith of Tatlock, Darling.

Amos M. Lyle and his sister Mrs. Will White and two children of Lyleton, Manitoba are home to spend the winter.  Mr. Lyle left there about twelve years ago.

Mr. M. Rosamund of Almonte left on Monday to join the C.P.R. surveying staff in Rossland, B.C.  He will be in the Crow’s Nest Pass for some time and expects to be away for a year.  Gazette.

Robert Bullock of Reston, Manitoba, after visiting at his brother-in-law, Robert Duncan, Watson’s Corners for some weeks, left for his home on Tuesday.  His wife who is a sister of Mr. Duncan, accompanied him on the trip.  It is 13 years since they left Lanark Township for Manitoba.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Campbell of Grand Forks, North Dakota are visiting friends in Perth and Drummond.  They are both natives of Drummond and left here 25 years ago for the west.  Mr. Campbell has both farmed and speculated and has prospered in both.  Mrs. Campbell is a daughter of the late Henry Richards of Drummond.  They will remain hee for a few weeks before returning.

Perth Courier, Jan. 28, 1898

Mayor Jamieson of Napanee (photo accompanies article)

The mayor-elect of Napanee is an old resident of Perth.  Thomas Jamieson is a brother of Judge Jamieson of Guelph, Rev. Archibald Jamieson of Dakota, Mrs. B.L. (or R.L.) Corry of North Gower and cousin of Robert Jamieson of this town.  He owned a harness shop here for many years and during his sojourn in the town filled the office of town chancellor for more than one term.  He was first married to a Miss Allan of Balderson sister of James Allan of that place; after her death he married Miss Steacy of Drummond, sister of Thomas Steacy, near the town. The new mayor has prospered since he made Napanee his home of which his many friends here are very glad.  The Napanee Beaver publishes his biography:  “Thomas Jamieson, Esq., who assumed the duties of mayor of Napanee on Monday last has been one of our well known, active and successful businessmen for the past 25 years.  Although of Irish parentage, he is a thorough Canadian both by birth and by sympathies.  His parents when quite young married people, moved from the north of Ireland with their children and over 80 years ago were among the early settlers on a farm in Lanark County (Bathurst) near Perth where our present mayor was born and spent all his early days.  The youngest of the sons is Judge Jamieson, now of Guelph, Wellington County who for years was a well known member of our Dominion House of Commons and leader there of the Prohibition movement.  Mayor Jamieson is now in his 70th year having been born in 1828.  Before coming to Napanee in 1873 he was for years a resident of Perth where he was for a time a member of the town council.  He began a bakery and confectionary business here 25 years ago and by his diligence became prosperous in his business and has since done well in building up the business interests of the town and has become one of our considerable property holders and tax payers.  He is a member of the eastern(?) Methodist Church and has always taken a lively interest in the Sunday school and the various societies and movements in connection with its work.  H e has been a life long Temperance man.”

Farm For Sale:  Apply to Mrs. F.J. Spalding or William Spalding, Scotch Line.  Farm of the late Francis Spalding, West ½ of Lot 20, 1st Concession Bathurst, 100 acres, in a good state of cultivation, well watered by Grant’s Creek, and there is  a good sugar bush.  The dwelling house is a comfortable solid boarded house and there are other out buildings in good state of repair.  The farm is within three miles on the Scotch Line Road and is within a half mile of a school.

It is 12 years since James O’Brien, eldest son of the late John O’Brien, of Caroline Village, left Perth and during that time no word reached his parents of his where abouts.  Although efforts were made to obtain information at different times, nothing was learned.  A short time ago an item was placed in the Missing Friends column of the Montreal Star in the hope of finding him and on Wednesday last came the reward.  A letter was received by his mother from a lady named Mrs. H.C. Porter of Cleveland, Oswego County, New York with whose husband Mr. O’Brien has been working for the last three years.  Mr. Porter who is a farmer, is away from home on business by Mr. O’Brien is expected home as soon as someone is secured to relieve him of his duties.

The following nurses in training in Kingston General Hospital have passed their final exams:  Miss M. Affleck of Middleville, and Miss Corbett of Smith’s Falls.

Dr. R.V. Fowler of Havelock is in town today to make arrangements to locate in Perth. The doctor is well and favorable known here as a former teacher in the Collegiate Institute and if his arrangements are complete we welcome him back to town.

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  John Knowles, Lot 6, 1st Concession Lanark.

William Cain has bought from William Roberts that house and lot on the corner of North and Lewis Streets for $1,300.

The beautiful residence of Mrs. William Mcn. Shaw, corner of Drummond and Foster Streets, has been sold to Thomas Campbell of North Dakota who will take possession shortly and make material alterations on the premises.  Mr. Campbell is a wealthy man and we are glad to see such a fine property pass into the hands of one competent to keep it up in its accustomed order and condition.  As we mentioned last week Mr. Campbell is a former resident of Drummond. 

John L. Charles of this town left on Wednesday morning for the Klondike taking with him ten or twelve dogs including some St. Bernards and a complete outfit procured at Ottawa.  He was accompanied by his cousin John A. Charles of Bathurst.  The first Mr. Charles is an old South African miner and because of this he will have an advantage on most of the gold seekers in the Canadian Yukon.

Mrs. J.J. Lally, wife of J.J. Lally of the Post Office Department, formerly of Perth, died in that city on Monday.  She left three motherless children.

Perth Courier, Feb. 4, 1898

The Bell homestead which has been so handsomely altered and fitted up as a residence for James Armour, Registrar, was built by the late Rev. William Bell in 1832(?) and was at the early period one of the finest structures in the town.  Among the solid fixings of the house was a brick oven built in the western corner of the basement for turning out family bread and other kind of baking.  Mr. Armour in the alternations that befell the old place last fall considerately let this old oven remain as he found it; relic of the past; and probably it will be one of the curiosities of ancient architecture in house building long after any one now living has any use for the building.

Dalhousie—Mr. Alex Munro’s son James of McDonald’s Corners will leave here for the Klondike about the latter end of February and we hear William Donald is talking of going also.  We hope Bill will change his mind before that time.

Travelers should always carry a bottle of Dr. Fawke’s Extract of Wild Strawberry.  The change of food and water to which those who travel are subject is an unpleasant and discomforting  experience and can also be dangerous.  A bottle of Dr. Fawke’s Extract of Wild Strawberry in your grip is a guarantee of safety. It is a reliable remedy for cramps, colic, diarrhea  or dysentery, with forty years of success to its credit.  Always insist on the genuine as many of the imitators can be highly dangerous.

William McGarry of Elmbrook Farm, Drummond will hold an auction sale of thoroughbred short horn stock on Thursday, Feb. 21.  Mr. McGarry is well known as one of the best stock raisers in the Province and anything he offers may be relied on as thoroughbred.

Perth Courier, Feb. 18, 1898

We regret to say that Thomas Wilson, boot and shoe merchant, Lanark, has made an assignment for the benefit of his creditors.

John Watson of this town has been in the General Hospital of Montreal for two weeks for treatment for fistuls.  He has undergone a successful surgery.

Thomas Campbell of Grand Forks has made another purchase in town that of the lot of Mrs. Archibald Campbell with the frame buildings on Foster Street nearly opposite his recent purchase from Mrs. McN. Shaw.

Mrs. Peter McTavish and her little daughter Bessie have returned from a very pleasant visit with her sister Mrs. Harry Jackson of Smith’s Falls.

Mrs. William Couch has returned to her home at Swan Lake after a very pleasant visit with her brothers Peter R. and Duncan McTavish of North Elmsley.  She was accompanied by her daughter Tillie and her nephew Peter A. McTavish, son of the late Donald McTavish.

Perth Courier, Feb. 25, 1898

On Friday morning word was received here that James Allen, car repairer on the C.P.R. at Smith’s Falls, was killed that morning.  He was at work between two freight cars in the yard but having neglected to leave the customary signal that he was in that dangerous position the cars were pushed together and he was crushed between the bumpers.  The injuries were fatal and he died from them in three and a half hours.  Deceased was born in Perth and lived here until a young man.  He learned the trade of carpenter with Duncan Kippen but went to Smith’s Falls many years ago.  He was a cousin of Andrew Lister of this town.  He was about 50 years of age. He leaves a wife and large family.

Harper:  Some from here attended the funeral of John Charles of Perth.  Mr. Charles was a resident of this place at one time being the owner of William J. Wilson’s farm.

Harper: A little visitor has come to stay at William S. Keays—it’s a boy.

The house and lot near the eastern end of Wilson Street belonging to Mrs. McEwen have been sold to Mrs. McDonald for $575.

We regret to say that Thomas H. Kirk, grocer, has been compelled to make an assignment.  The keen competition in the grocery line in town is no doubt responsible.

Perth Courier, March 4, 1898

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Estate of the late Francis J. Spalding, Lot 20, 1st Concession Bathurst.

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Estate of the late James Donald, Lot 7, 7th Concession Dalhousie.

Miss S. Hirsch of Montreal is visiting her cousin Mrs. J.H. Mendels of Harvey Street.

Mrs. James Cunningham of Harper left for Cartwright, Manitoba on Wednesday to visit her daughters.

Mr. R.H. Bryce of Winnipeg, merchant, was in town on Saturday visiting his mother-in-law Mrs. George Kerr on his way to Montreal.

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Lot 3(?)5(?), 11th Concession Dalhousie, Highland Line.  George Ennis

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  Lot 1, 10th Concession, Dalhousie, Bathurst Line, James Ferguson

James Spalding, Jr., leaves for the Klondike this morning going by way of Peace River.  Thomas Barry (or Burry) may also go on behalf of a syndicate along with a young man named Perkins from S. Sherbrooke.

Perth Courier, March 11, 1898

Among the graduates of the Toronto Society for Trained Nurses and who received their diplomas last week are Miss Affleck, of Middleville and Miss Corbett of Smith’s Falls.

Perth Courier, March 18, 1898

Scotch Line:  Miss E. Ennis of Fallbrook visited her sister Mrs. George Wilson, Jr., last week.

Spring is here and now is the time to use disinfectants.  Special care should be taken this spring to disinfect everything thoroughly.  Suitable disinfectants include:  sulphur, chloride of lime, iodoform, Gillette’s Lye and carbolic acid/  F.L. Hall, Chemist and Druggist.

James Frew of Dalhousie has been committed to the Perth gaol for trial by Messrs. McLean and McGuire of Lanark charged with stealing a quantity of flour and feed from W.C. Caldwell’s mill in Lanark.

Frank James, son of Thomas James of Drummond, left home on Friday to seek his fortune in the Canadian northwest.  He will probably try Manitoba first.

William Craig of this town, accompanied by his brother Alexander, has gone to the Kootenay silver mining district to try his luck in seeking precious metals there.  They left on Monday.

March 25, 1898

During the past few days our town and this vicinity have suffered from an exodus to Manitoba and British Columbia.  Yesterday Mrs. J.F. Perkins of this place and her daughter May and her sons William, Charles, and John left for the Dauphin District of Manitoba.  The other members of the family will remain here until July or August. Thomas Playfair has rented his carriage shop to John Leslie and left yesterday for Manitoba.  John Wright, son of William Wright of this place has gone to Pilot Mound.  John C. Watt, who for some years has been employed in W.C. Caldwell’s flour mill, has left for Vancouver, B.C. and Messrs. John H. McFarlane, and John Knowles of Drummond have also started for the Pacific Coast. L Era, March 16.

There has been a great exodus from Ontario during the past few days but fortunately it is not to another country but to another province.  Smith’s Falls and vicinity have suffered in consequence of the loss of a few of its best braun and brain.  Among them are Amos Lyle, Robert Foster, Alexander Graham, Ernest Lyle, Jame sMinish, R. Stotts, Rus Ballantyne, who have all gone to Manitoba.  Dan Condie, Frank Good, Fred Simmons, Russell Percy, Bernard O’Reilly, John Shields, Jr., have all gone to Vancouver.  Smith’s Falls Records.

On Thursday evening of last week John F. Thompson, of Bathurst, farmer, was taking home to his farm house a wagon load of flour from the stone house of George Thornton after a stay in town of that afternoon.  He was seen by one or two men afterwards on his way up Wilson Street and his appearance did not indicate to them that he was sufficiently alert to meet any possible danger on the road.  He had reached the track of the CPR railway on his way home when by the evidence of the engineer of the “Klondike” train from Toronto  at the inquest afterwards held the wagon seems to have stopped directly on the track.  This train was something more than half an hour late, the day had merged into twilight and was at the time making a run into Perth coming at the customary rate of 35 miles per hour.  The whistle had been duly blown before reaching both the toll gate and the Wilson Street crossing and the engine bell had been rung continuously between these two crossings but all these failed to protect life in this case.  In the dusk of the evening the vehicle was not observed until the engine was within 100 feet of the crossing and though the power was at once reversed and the air brakes applied the locomotive dashed with terrific force into the wagon of Mr. Thompson being right in the heart of the collision.  The wagon was smashed into pieces, the flour strewn all over the trick and the right of way and the cab was filled with its dust.  Mr. Thompson himself was carried forward many yards and finally hurled into the ditch on the left hand side about half way to the car wheel factory and when found was lying on his face with his skull smashed.  His death must have been immediate.  The train was stopped within about its own length.  The wagon was found scattered her and there but neither horses or driver could be found and after searching for some time the train was taken into the station and the accident reported there.  It seems that the horses were clear of the track when the wagon was struck and being freed from the vehicle by the force of the blow they ran homeward at top speed which they reached safely.  The noise that was made alerted some of the neighbors that an accident had happened and Robert Blair and James Wilson living near by went down to the crossing with the result Mr. Thompson’s body was found by them further away than the train had reached.  The erratic movement of the train had drawn other parties to the scene of the tragedy and it was not long before a crowd had gathered.  The coroner, Dr. Dwyre, was summoned and the body removed to a town building to await the inquest.  The jury came to the verdict that “John F. Thomson came to his death accidentally by being run into by the C.P.R. express train on the evening of March 17”.  Living on the border of the town, everyone knew Mr. Thompson.  All over the county, he was known as a drover and was a general favorite of all with no enemies.  He was a good natured and sociable man to a fault, his very sociability and easy good temperament neutralized by natural shrewdness and fine abilities.  His aged mother who lived with him on the well known Thompson homestead, 3rd Line, has the public sympathy.  He leaves a widow and large family, some of whom are married, in these parts.  He also has several brothers and sisters, two brothers living in Ottawa attended the funeral, which took place to Elmwood Cemetery on Saturday, the Rev. Dr. Currie officiating.

The annual entertainment of our Ireland patron saint was held under the auspices of the Separate School Board on the evening of Thursday of last week.  The roads through the country were very bad and this with the lamentable accident which occurred just before the concern opening prevented the usual packed house, though the hall was comfortably full in the face of these obstacles.  The chair was filled by the mayor, J.A. Allan, who opened the entertainment by his accustomed grace and aptness of speech, emphasizing his remarks that St. Patrick was too great and too good of a man to belong to one denomination or to one country exclusively but that the whole world and Christianity were his country and religion.  The curtain was then raised.  The Harmonic Band was on the stage and played with their old skill a grand Irish fantasia which was followed by a grand chorus of a whole bevy of little lassies who sang their pretty glee in perfect time and tune.  A row of juvenile make believe mommas next appeared going through a series of evolutions carrying dolls dressed in the latest Parisian baby gowns and sang a musical lullaby “Rock A Bye Baby” going through the motions of baby rocking with grace and expertness.  C.J. Downey, the skilled band leader, played a clarinet solo in exquisite style and then fully 100 girls, dressed in white, forming a beautiful living stage picture, sang “Fairy Bells Ringing”. Four of them rang silver bells to give a realistic turn to the chorus.  It was announced at this stage that owing to a delay in the train, the orator of the evening, F.L. Latchford of Ottawa, would be late in arriving and he was timed to come on the scene at this sate of the performance, the blank was very well filled indeed by the song dear to Irish hearts, “Killarney”, by Miss Connolly and another “The Girl of Your Heart is Waiting” by Miss Edith Lee whose fine voice was in good condition for this emergency.  The band again played a selection when the chairman read a telegraph from Mr. Latchford at Carleton Place which told the audience that the train was too late to enable him to get to Perth in time to take any part in the concert.  This was a disappointment, truly, but it could not be helped.  The entertainment was then brought to a close by the performance of an operetta “The Flower Girl” by 16 girls, the junior members of St. John’s choir, Miss Lee, Miss Farrell, and Miss Leonard taking the leading parts.  The young ladies, dressed in white, wearing brilliant scarlet sashes and carrying handsome bouquets, distinguished themselves by skillful acting and beautiful singing, one of their choicest songs was “Good Morning”, being very fine.  The drill and training of the performers throughout the program an especially that of the young children were very creditable to the lady teachers in the separate school  The whole of the accompaniments were played by Miss Morrison

Skinner’s Balsam of Aniseed is King of La Grippe. Cures it at once.

Farm to be let by auction:  The farm known as the O’Connor farm, east half of Lot 11, 4th Concession Drummond.

Farm for Sale:  Lot 10, 5th Concession Bathurst, 194 acres.  The farm is in a good state of cultivation and is well fenced and well watered and a large amount of beaver meadow which makes it suitable for stock raising.  There are about 40 acres of bush with hard and soft wood.  John Doyle, Wemyss

Farm for Sale:  Owing to the death of the late John F. Thompson, it has become necessary to sell his farm of 200 acres.  Lot 26, 2nd Concession Bathurst. This is a most desirable farm being situated within one mile of Perth on the banks of the River Tay and dwelling, outbuildings, fencing, etc., are all in first class condition and the soil is excellent.  Elizabeth Thompson

Auction Sale Farm and Farm Stock and Implements—Messrs. J. & R. Menzies, Lot 18, 6th Concession Bathurst.

Bad Blood Will Out

It cannot help but come to the surface in the form of ulcers, sores, boils, pimples and rashes of one kind or another.  Especially this is so in the spring.  At this time of the year the blood needs to purify; the system needs cleansing.  Nothing else will do it with such perfect success as Burdock Blood Bitters

Farm For Sale:  33 ½ acres, part of Lot 1, 3rd Concession Drummond.  The farm is situated just outside of the town of Perth.  The house is new, a 2 story frame; the farm is well fenced and watered there being a good well at the door and a never failing creek runs through it.  The soil is a clay loam.  William B. Gamble

Perth Courier, April 1, 1898

Narrows Lock—Thomas Kane has moved onto the farm recently purchased from Eugene McCaffrey about one mile west of here on the famous banks of Duck Creek on the upper Rideau.

Clydesville:  During all of last week that grand gift of nature, the sugar maple, kept up a constant drip so that those engaged in saving the sweets had very little rest.  Lanterns might be seen flitting about in every direction and no doubt some of the boys realize by this time that “sittin up” alone in the sugar bush is by no means as sociable as “sittin up” in company by the cozy fire or in some one’s parlor.  However, the rain came on Sunday to the rescue and we think the season is about over…..Owing to the change of season and unavoidable exposure to dampness for a short time Mrs. A. Roberts was seized rather suddenly on Tuesday night with a severe attack of lumbago and rheumatism with other complaints, suffering intensely for a few days.  She is now able to be around a little and we hope in a few days she may be able to receive some benefit from old Sol’s rays…..Young people’s amusement—watching the taffy pot…..We are sorry to see Mr. C.A. McIlraith is not well this week but he is improving at the time of this writing…..Miss Nellie Gallinger has returned home from Arnprior where she spent a couple months with friends…..William Robinson, assessor, is finishing up his travels for the year.

Robert McCulloch son of Christopher McCulloch of Lanark is slowly recovering from an almost fatal illness.

Mrs. Carrie Glass (nee Mair) and her two children left Almonte by Monday’s train for their home at Lacombe, Alberta, after visiting for a few months with their Lanark County friends.

A dispatch to the Whig from Lavant dated March 30 says:  A sad accident occurred yesterday afternoon on Buckshot Creek, a tributary of the Mississippi River caused by a dam breaking away and sweeping men and logs through it.  John Mullen of McDonald’s Corners was drowned.  His body has not yet been recovered.  Three men are badly injured and are named J.C. Wilson, Alexander McDugall and the foreman H. McKinson whose recovery is doubtful.

Auction Sale Farm Stock—Mr. John A. Dodds, Lot 20, 2nd Concession Bathurst (Glen Tay)

Town Property for Sale:  Lot 8 facing South Street, one acre; Lot 8 facing Robinson Street, one acre; Lot 7, facing Robinson Street, one acre; Lot 8 facing Halton Street, one acre.  On the lot facing South Street is a good frame house.  The land is enclosed by a new fence.  The property is suitable for gardening purposes.  Miss Kate McLaren

To make good butter one must have good milk and this comes from healthy cows.  The blood must be kept clean and pure and the digestion good to ensure this result.  There is nothing so good for this purpose as Dick’s Blood Purifier.  This preparation is specifically made for milch cows and possesses real merit and power to do what it claims.  Give regularly with good foot and it will convert a mere hide and bones structure into a profitable member of the herd.

Mather Graves Worm Exterminator does not require the help of any purgative medicine to complete the cure.  Give it a trial and be convinced.

Farm For Sale:  Christopher Donaldson  East half of Lot 26, Concession 12, Bathurst, 82 ½ acres, well watered by a never failing well and creek which runs through it. The dwelling house is 20 x 30 feet and in good condition.  There is a good stone cistern and cellar.  There is also a lime kiln on the place.

James Brownlee of southern Minnesota is visiting his brother William Brownlee of Dalhousie and David Brownlee of Bathurst.  He is their elder brother and left Dalhousie for the west 44 years ago. This is his second visit back to his place of birth.

David Morreau of Almonte who has been of unsound mind during the past two weeks, has been brought to the Perth gaol.  

Perth Courier, April 8, 1898

The Historical and Antiquarian Society of Perth gave an open meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Allan (Market Square) on Thursday evening last when most interesting papers were read by Miss Jessie Henderson and J.A. Stewart, the subjects being respectively the early settlement of the town and vicinity, the early church and clergy, and the early municipal institutions.  The three papers showed a great deal of research by those who got them up and contain a mass of information of great value to the town.  It has been suggested that these be printed in a pamphlet form not only for the public but in order to have important facts contained in them preserved as a permanent public record of those old times which become more interesting as time goes on.  Perhaps the town council would take the matter in hand.

Return of Convictions for the Period Ending March 8

Disturbing Meeting of Religious Worship

Joseph Foster, complainant James Scott, fine $1

Allowing Persons In Bar During Prohibited Hours

Walter McIlquham, fined $20

Jas. E. Rathwell, fined $20

Disorderly:

Walton B. Stewart, fined $4

John Boone, fined #1

Fast Driving on the Street

William McGuire, fined 44

Robert Cowie, fined $2

Assault:

Thomas Lee, fined $2

Michael Lee, fined $1

John Murphy, fined $8.50

Vagrancy:

Isaac Malone, four months in gaol

Henry Russell, George Martin, John Kelly, Hynes McDonald, John Gilligan, W. Baker, all thirty days in gaol

Damage to Property:

John Boone, fined $1

Insulting Language:

Jas. O’Donohoe, fined $1

Drunk and Disorderly:

James Twohey, fined $11

James O”Meara, fined $11

Jos. Bissonette, fined $2

Thomas Saunders, fined $4

Breach of Early Closing Bylaw:

James Murray, fined #3.25

Perth Courier, April 15, 1898

Elm Grove:  John Gallagher is going to move his house this summer to the old site near the town line…..James Hagarty is going to put up a large horse stable this summer…..W.G. Cherrie is going to build a good log house…..Michael Lally of this place was married at Brockville in Monday of this week.  His bride was Miss Russell, formerly of Drummond…..Miss M.A. Tully returned to Toronto today…..I believe a Mr. Blanchard of New Boyne is our cheese maker this year…..J. Tully was engaged for the Old Ferry Road Factory with Alfred Dowset as a helper.  North Burgess, April 13

Middleville:  Mrs. McIlraith of Balderson and Mrs. Moir of Almonte visited their parents Mr. and Mrs. Croft…..Will Sommerville is the happy father of a bouncing baby boy.

Althorpe:  T. Harrington and D. McCarthy went to Westport on Wednesday to attend the burial of the late Mr. Harrington, his body having been placed in the Westport vault fo the winter months.

From the Era:  John Sutherland has effected another important transfer of real estate this week with the sale of Michael Tierney’s farm of 200 acres, 12th Concession Lanark to Messrs Enoch and Elisha Giles of Ramsay.  We are informed that the price received for this property was in the neighborhood of $3,500.

From the Era:  E.G. Cooper of Lanark has most successfully passed his third year exam in Queen’s University Medical College, taking honors in several of his classes.

Ferguson’s Falls:  A number attended the funeral of the late Mrs. John Williams of Boyd’s Settlement on Sunday.

Harper:  The Literary Society of Balderson held their last meeting for this season on Tuesday evening of last week.  Some from here attended and reported a nice time…..At the time of this writing, the weather is very spring like but scarcely any rain has visited us, consequently the roads are in splendid condition for both buggies and bicycles….Our cheese factory looks a great deal better since it has been overhauled and painted…..A great crowd attended the sale of J. Menzies on Tuesday, the 4th .  Rumor says John intends going west in a short time…..The sap run this year was great so sugar and syrup are very plentiful…..the taffy parties wee numerous but very enjoyable…..Jas. Cameron who ran the saw mill here this winter has got a hasher and is doing a flourishing business…..our teacher Mr. E. Anderson and Mr. E. Wilson, teacher in the 4th Line School, wheeled to Almonte last week where they attended the Teachers’ Assocaiton.

Miss Manahan, daughter of James Manahan, Lanark Village, has passed her final exam as a trained nurse at Medicine Hat, N.W.T., obtaining a 82.5% of the marks required which entitled her to $25 and a silver medal for efficiency.  Miss Manahan will settle at Moose Jaw, N.W.T.

William Moffatt, M.A., of this town, who graduated in medicine at Queen’s University, Kingston, this term, with the distinguished honor of delivering the valedictory address at the convocation exercised last week.  His sister, Miss Edna and father Jas. Moffatt, were present.  C.P. Herald.

Perth Courier, April 22, 1898

G.W. Warren of this town left for Moose Jaw, N.W.T. on Tuesday in the vicinity of which he has taken up land.  He says Moose Jaw is in the center of a good wheat growing district.

Blacksmith Shop for Sale

The subscriber offers for sale his blacksmith business together with the shop, the dwelling house and one half acre of land attached, in the village of Bolingbroke.  The business will be sold with or without the tools.  No other blacksmith shop in the place.  Thomas B. Norris

George Thornton has put among his stock of musical instruments that peculiar and latest mechanical devise called the “gramophone”.  It repeats loud enough to be heard over any hall or room anything said or played which has been marked on its disks.  It is quite a wonderful invention.

The wooden part of Robert Thompson’s building at the corner of Drummond and Craig Streets which nearly went up in fire and smoke a week ago, is one of the oldest in town.  It was built in 1817 or 1818 by the late Lt. John Watson of the Glengarry Fencibles whose remains lie interred in the old Presbyterian burying grounds near by.  The builder was the commissioned officer appointed by the government on behalf of the original Perth settlers and he built this house of oak (since clapboarded) for a dwelling, store and office.  He was afterwards appointed country treasurer and he removed to another building.  Col. Taylor occupied this place afterwards and kept the post office in it and it passed from one owner to another until Mr. Thompson, the present owner, bought it and has held it since.  The old building has always been kept in good condition and never better than of later years and no one looking at it could tell that its history dated back tot eh second year of the settlement or 81 years ago.

William Davies has sold his house and lot on Gore Street nearly opposite Young’s Hotel for $1,700 to James Bailey who will put it and the grounds in good shape.  Mr. W.R. McRae, grocer, has made an offer for the Bailey property in which his grocery store is situated, with the dwelling along side but no transfer has so far been effected.

Mrs. W. H. Albery of New York was in town last week visiting her mother Mrs. Ireton of Drummond.

The widow of Judge Burritt of the County of Perth died last Saturday at Stratford age the age of 80.  The father of the deceased was a half pay officer named Bog who was one of the earliest settlers in Perth.  Deceased was born in 1818.

2nd Line Bathurst:  Miss Lizzie Fournier and George Dowdall visited their uncle Augustus Fournier of Bathurst.  Thomas Fournier is lying very ill at present but we all hope to see him around again.  Thomas is greatly missed among the neighbors for he wore a smile for all.

Middleville:  Edward Reid, wife and family, have returned from Manitoba after an absence of 18 years. He intends locating on a farm near Campbell’s Bay……We regret to announce the serious illness of Peter Reid, Sr. at present writing our aged and respected citizen is in a precarious position.

Galbraith:  Wolland Thompson has gone with Dan Munro, Jr., to try his luck in the fertile prairie province of Manitoba.  Dan Munro, Sr., talks of going out later……Miss Jennie Penman who was attending the wedding of her cousin, Miss Jennie Bulloch and Daniel Baird, of Hopetown and also was visiting friends at Brightside and Lammermore, and she has returned.

Perth Courier, April 29, 1898

The maple sugar and sugar products this spring in Dalhousie, we are informed, are bountiful.  William Brownlee made 300 gallons of syrup and 200 pounds of sugar.  Of this, he sold about 200 gallons in Perth, 40 in Toronto, and 30 to a customer in Sarnia.  He will have about 1,000 trees, principally young, second growth, ready for next season.  James Duncan (Lakeside) and Dougald McDougall, North Sherbrooke, made nearly the same quantity; and Messrs. Henry B. and William Purdon also manufactured large quantities of both.  There is a beautiful sugar bush, numbering about 1,000 trees, spreading a fine second growth on the farm which belonged to the late James Donald, now owned by his son-in-law John Sergeant.  It is said that the peculiar soil on this farm is about the best in the township and for maple sap, both in flavor and color of the product.

We learn that Thomas Campbell who lately left here for Grand Forks, Dakota to superintend putting in the crop on his big farm has sown 1,500 acres of wheat. This was put in at the rate of 100 acres a day—15 days altogether.  Mr. Campbell does everything by method and doubtless using the most improved machinery made.  It was a great work.

The graduation list of Queen’s University, Kingston, was made public on Saturday.  The following from this neighborhood received the degree of B.A.—W.M. Ewart, Smith’s Falls, H.B. Munro, Almonte, G.F. Weatherhead, Brockville.

Perth Courier, May 6, 1898

Elphin—John Nisbet, who had an apoplectic stroke, is not much better…..R.B. Wilson and E. Geddes who have been on the sick list all winter, are not much improved…….Charles Glen has purchased the old McQuat farm from D.C. Ennis who is going to Alberta.

Watson’s Corners—Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Reid, Mrs. J. Barr and Miss Jennie Reid attended the marriage of Lizzie Gibson to Finlay Gunn of Hopetown at Lammermore on Wednesday last……A little daughter of D. Forbes was buried on Saturday.  She was ill for a couple of weeks with erysipelas.  The funeral was very large.

Middleville:  We regret to hear that no hope is entertained for John Robertson.  He is 85 years of age…..Dr. Tom Patterson of Clayton was in our midst on Sunday.  We congratulate our young friend on his success and wish him great prosperity in his chosen profession.  We believe he intends to hang out his shingle in Lanark Village and to visit Middleville once a week.

Harper:  Miss Kate Nagle has gone to Vancouver, taking along her two little nephews who are sons of Mrs. P. Shirley.  Mr. Shirley went to B.C. some years ago and has prospered and his sons have gone to visit him.

L.V. Croft of Middleville passed his exam in honor chemistry and mineralogy at Queen’s University.  J.C. Caldwell of Watson’s Corners was successful in taking his junior Latin, Sr. English and Jr. History classes. F. Warren of Balderson took a good standing in his classes.

Dr. Margaret O’Hara of Port Elmsley who has been engaged in missionary work in Indore, central India, for several years, returned to her home there on Monday last.

Miss Elizabeth Lee, trained nurse at Jersey City, New Jersey, arrived here on Monday on a visit to her father, Edward Lee of Bathurst.

Auction Sale Farm Stock and Implements:  David Ennis, Lot 5, 11th Concession Dalhousie

The Carleton Place Herald says:  “Mr. J.H. Saunders is removing his family to Perth where he has secured a position in the C.P.R. shops”.  Mr. Morrison, the new superintendent of the Glen Tay woolen mills also arrived from the same town.  Our two new butchers, Messrs. West(?) Wilson and James Greig, have likewise gone from there to do business in Perth.

Perth Courier, May 13, 1898

Elphin—Thomas Nisbet, James Nisbet and Mrs. James Lee have just arrived from Minnesota to see their brother John Nisbet who has been laid up by an apoplectic stroke.  John is not any better (see follow up article in May 20 issue for correction on this item)……We are sorry to have to announce the death of Ebeneezer Geddes who passed away last Monday in his 62nd year.

James Ward of Renfrew was in Perth Wednesday attending the funeral of his niece Mrs. George Dowdall.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Campbell and family returned from Grand Forks, Dakota on Saturday and are preparing to occupy their new home Victoria Hall.

Middleville:  James Rennie was called to Ottawa last week to attend the funeral of his aunt Miss Holdbrook who died suddenly of inflammation of the bowels.

Farm For Sale:  H.J. Chaplin, Manion post office—100 acres, 3rd Concession Bathurst near Glen Tay. The Tay River funs along the rear of the farm.  On the farm is a new brick residence, a young orchard, good well and well fenced.  The whole farm is in cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Allan of Balderson celebrated their Golden Wedding on April 26(?).  Fifty years ago they were married at Perth by Rev. Michael Harris, rector of Perth, after which they took up their residence at Balderson where they have lived ever since.  They have six children, four of whom are in the U.S., 34 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  Mrs. Allan is a sister of James Patterson, bailiff of Perth.

Perth Courier, May 13, 1898

D.R. Noonan has sold the dwelling on Drummond Street near the Herriott Street corner which he recently bought from the Henderson estate to Miss Malone.  William butler has disposed of his three lots in Wellandville, Drummond town line, to Joseph Darbison for $230.  G.E. Armstrong has acquired four lots in Wellandville on Drummond Street from J.R. Rogers and has fenced them in.  the track of 25 acres in this quarter, so long in commons, is now nearly all enclosed by fences and quite an area built on.

Elphin:  John Nisbet is no better.  It was his sister Mrs. Jas Gilmour of Minnesota who came to see him—not Mrs. Jas. Lee……Mrs. John Hannah of Idaho has been visiting friends here for about ten days.  She goes back this week and will take her father, Adam Craig of Mississippi Station with her……Simon Clement and Jane Bain were duly made one.

As we go to press we learn that an old man named James Cooper who lives on Craig Street was found drowned in the river opposite to the car shops about 1:00.  As the old man was addicted to drink it is inferred that he fell into the river while under the influence of liquor.  He was of a harmless disposition.

We are glad to state that Peter Reid, Sr., who at one time was in a very low state, is much improved.

The home of George Taylor is brightened by a new arrival—a little daughter—last week.

Lammermore—Wedding bells are ringing very loudly.  Miss Lizzie Gibson to Mr. F.(?) or P.(?) Gunn of Hopetown; and her sister Jennet R. Gibson to Mr. A.J. McDougall of Poland…..The measles are around here.  We are sorry to record the death of William Nairn, eldest son of Archibald Nairn, who died on Monday morning.  Quite a number from here attended the funeral.  The boy was 15 years of age.  His death was caused by measles.

Perth Courier, May 27, 1898

Middleville:  William Croft, Esq., J.P., received a letter last week from Rev. Joseph Andrew of Cartwright, Man., which gave an interesting account of the death of his friend Richard Stead, formerly of this place.

Mrs. Phillips who has been visiting with her daughter Mrs. A.E. Cunningham, leaves this week to visit friends in Toronto.

Elphin—Mrs. Josh. Wait is going out to her husband this week.  She will be accompanied by her sister Mrs. Thomas Crawford as far as Renfrew.  Mr. Josh. Wait has been mining in Sandon, B.C., for some time……John Nisbet is betting better very slowly.

Watson’s Corners:  Mrs. James Barr will leave today to join her husband who went out there a couple months ago.  (transciber’s note, not sure where “there” is)……A number of persons from our village and from Lammermoor attended the marriage of Teresa Duncan of McDonald’s Corners and Mr. Parsons of Ottawa last Wednesday.

Man of the Day

Under this heading the Globe of Monday contains the following biography of a former resident of Perth—“Professor John Hughes Farmer, who at Hamilton the other day was elected president of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec, is well known in Toronto.  He was born in Perth in 1858(?) and was educated at the public and high schools there and at Toronto University.  In 1878 he graduated taking the gold medal in classics and for some years her was a high school teacher.  In 1879 or 1880 he was classical master in London Collegiate Institute of which he was principal from 1888-89.  He then spent two years in Louisville, Kentucky in study under John A. Broaders and in travel in Europe and returned to Canada and was appointed to his present position as Professor of New Testament and Greek at McMaster University.  He is Vice Chairman of the Baptist Foreign Missionary Board of Ontario and Quebec.”

The late John Dowdall, one of Almonte’s most popular young men, but who, becoming deranged in mind, was committed to the Kingston Asylum, died there last week and his remains taken to Almonte for burial.

Perth Courier, June 10, 1898

Among the promotions of the U.S. Regular Army we notice that 1st Lt. H.J. Gallagher has received the rank of major.  Major Gallagher is a nephew of Mrs. G.A. Consitt of this town and grandson of Edward Lee of the 2nd Line Bathurst.

Watson’s Corners:  Mrs. Dan Kirkham and her children are visiting at her father’s Mr. J. Jackson.

Perth Courier, June 24, 1898

Erastus Jackson of Newmarket, Ontario, ex-warden of York County, was in town on Friday and Saturday calling on his daughter Mrs. Joseph Flammerfelt.

Farm for Sale:  Christopher Donaldson—East half of Lot 26(?), 12th Concession Bathurst, 83 acres.  Well watered by a never failing well and a creek which runs through the farm.  Farm buildings are all in first class condition.  Dwelling house is 20 x 30 feet in good condition in which there is a stone cistern and cellar.  There is also a lime kiln on the place with a capacity of about 800 bushes.  Will sell cheap and on easy terms.

The story of the “elderly Scotsman” Benjamin Forbes being found dead on the road between Almonte and Carleton Place was disproved on Monday last when Mr. Forbes in the flesh walked into our sanctum and demanded to know if there were any corns to be cured in the office.  He says he has no idea how the story originated that such a healthy man as he was dead and buried.

Posted: 15 December, 2005.