Sketches of the Settlement and Early History

of Guelph and Townships in the County of Wellington

Guelph Mercury newspaper for Thursday June 28th 1866.

Township of Puslinch

This Township—the frontier township of Wellington---is composed of about 60,000 acres of land, and is now in a forward state of improvement. The quality and characteristics of Puslinch are somewhat peculiar. We have within its bounds almost every variety of soil to be found in the province---the level plains, the rolling belts of fertile land between swamps, and the stony hills with a fair share of pine stumps. The Township may be properly divided in three equal portions, differing from each other in quality and appearance. The upper portion may be ranked as a good farming country, differing little from the adjoining Township of Guelph. The middle portion becomes more rough, intersected by hills and swamps, and is very stony. The lower portion differs from the middle as regards the timber. A large quantity of excellent pine grew on this section, the stumps of which make it difficult to cultivate and improve. But notwithstanding the somewhat unpromising appearance and rugged nature of the soil, it is as a general thing of a productive character, and if our Puslinch farmers have not been so fortunate in their location as some of their neighbours, yet by their indomitable perseverance and industry, they have in most cases secured to themselves comfortable and substantial homes in the land of their adoption; and either in regard to personal wealth, intelligence, or moral standing, will compare very favourably with the other townships of our county.

We find the following notice of Puslinch in “Smith’s Canada”:--- Puslinch is remarkable for two lakes situated near the western boundary of the township. The larger of the two contains an area of 648 acres and near the centre is an island, a little over six acres in extent. On this island, the German Catholic priest who officiates in the neighbourhood, is erecting a small church and habitation, with the intention of bringing the island into cultivation; with a little expenditure of labour and taste, it may be a beautiful spot. It once had a resident who cleared away the timber from a portion of it; it is now partially covered with wild raspberry bushes, while the wild grape hangs in graceful festoons from tree to tree. There are two other islands in the lake, they are of diminutive size, but being clothed with clumps of trees, add considerably to the beauty of the scenery.

The smaller lake appears to contain about twenty acres, and is said to be the deeper of the two. A belt of dry land, about a furlong in width, separates the two lakes, and they have no visible communication; neither have they apparently any source of supply except from springs in their beds, notwithstanding which they are always full to the brim. The larger lake discharges its surplus waters by a small stream into the Speed, but the smaller has no apparent means of either supply or discharge. Many places in these lakes are said to be very deep , and the bottom consists of soft mud. Some time since, a settler was drowned in the smaller lake by the capsizing of a boat, and although a diligent search was made for his body, it was never recovered.

These lakes are said to afford good angling, and bass weighing six pounds and a half have been taken in them; they are also frequented by large flocks of wild fowl. The banks of the lakes are dry and their neighbourhood is said to be particularly healthy.

In 1829, Puslinch contained about 126 inhabitants, and in 1845, 13,140 acres were under cultivation; in 1850 the population had increased to 3,361, 16,054 acres were under cultivation; and 75,000 bushels of wheat, 61,000 bushels of oats, 12,000 bushels of peas, 49,000 bushels of potatoes, 52,000 bushels of turnips, 32,000 pounds of maple sugar, 15,000 pounds of wool, and 19,000 pounds of butter, were produced from the crop of 1849.

As was already indicated in the early part of these sketches, the first settlement of Puslinch is of a more recent date than that of Guelph. In the spring of 1828, the late David Gibson, P.L.S., surveyed and laid out what is now called the Brock Road, but what at that time was called the “Abouker Road”. This road was opened up by the late Absalom Shade, of Galt, during the same season. That portion of the township known as the “Old Survey” only was surveyed during the year 1827; and the balance of the township was surveyed by Mr. Gibson in 1831.

The first lot of land sold in Puslinch was sold to William Carroll on the first of January 1829; and as it is somewhat remarkable, we may mention that this lot was the first “Clergy Reserve” lot of land sold in the province. The lot is that which is now occupied by Mr. John Carter, and is situated about 4 miles from Guelph on the Brock Road. Other lots were sold on the same day to John Clare and Patrick Carroll; and on the following day, Humphrey Lowarch---the first actual settler in Puslinch—purchased his land. This person, (generally known as “the Welshman”) was the first resident in the Township, and the lot on which he first settled is that now owned by Mr. Graham---about five miles from town. In order that our friends in Puslinch may know the names and dates of a few of the first sales in Puslinch, we have given a short list of such---selected by a friend from the books of the Crown Lands Department.

Name of Purchaser	Part	Lot	Concession	Date of Sale
Wm. Carroll	R1/2 (rear half)	9	7	Jan 1, 1829
Patrick Carroll	R1/2	10	7	Jan 1, 1829.
John Clare	F1/2 (front half)	10	8	Jan 1, 1829.
Humphry Lowarch	R1/2	13	7	Jan. 2, 1829.
Humphry Lowarch	F1/2	13	8	Jan 2, 1829.
Thomas Keenan	Fpt (front, part)	2	8	Oct. 3, 1829.
Corns. Sullivan	Fpt	7	8	Oct. 8, 1829.
Michael O’Neil	R1/2	2	7	Oct. 13, 1829.
Thomas Dunn	F1/2	11	8	Nov. 18, 1829.
Owen Bready	R1/2	3	7	Dec. 5, 1829.
Duncan McLaren	F1/2	9	8	Feb. 2, 1830.
Simon Eustace	R1/2	11	7	Feb. 19, 1830.
James Crooks		1	8	May 29, 1830.
Thomas Rourke	F1/2	8	8	June 15, 1830.
George Woltzer	F1/2	5	8	Aug. 17, 1830.
John Mitchell	R1/2	21	7	Aug. 26, 1830.
John Foster	F1/2	1	7	Sept. 8, 1830.
Edward Gilmore	R1/2	10	8	Sept. 8, 1830.

In addition to the names given above, we may give the following as among the earliest settlers:---James Kidd, Wm. Harrison, Charles Armstrong, Daniel McFarlane, Richard Ellis, John Hammersley, Esq., John Black, Esq., Patrick Mahon, Peter McBeth, the Messrs. Beaver, the father of the present Reeve---Mr. Leslie, James Flynn, Duncan McFarlane, et cetera.

In the summer of the year 1831, the settlement known as “The Plains” was commenced. This may be said to be the first attempt at forming a settlement in the township away from the Brock Road. Messrs. Thomas and John Arkell, F. W. Stone, Oulton, Hewer, Willoughby, Dory and others were the pioneers in this settlement. In the forming of this settlement, called Farnham Plains, the outlines of a village were laid out, but as its founder, Mr. John Arkell, shortly afterwards returned to England, the village idea was dropped and the lots, with the exception of that now occupied by the church, are principally used for farming purposes. This settlement is now one of the most prosperous in the county and Mr. Arkell, who is in every way entitled to the title of Father of the settlement, may well look back with pride and satisfaction at the result of his early trials and difficulties.

The Scotch settlement, as it was called, lying to the south of Aberfoyle, was also commenced in 1831. The late Peter McNaughton and his family were among the pioneers of this settlement. The Messrs. McKenzie, McFarlane, Marshall, Stewart... (incomplete)

…early settlements of the township is that known as the Badenoch settlement. In the summer of 1832, Peter grant, Esq., and the late Donald McLean made the first start in this neighbourhood. They were followed during the next season by Mr. John Clark and his family, the late Peter McLean and family, and several others who are still leading farmers in the section.

The early history of Puslinch would be sadly deficient without an outline of the early history of Rowland Wingfield, Esq., a gentleman already alluded to in these sketches. Mr. Wingfield was the son of a clergyman, a native of the Welsh borders. Possessed of considerable means, and of very sanguine expectations, he came to Canada in 1831 and by the advice of D. Gibson, who had just completed the survey of Puslinch, he selected a block of 800 acres in the west corner of the township. After overhauling his new estate, as he called it, placing substantial stone monuments, lettered with his initials, at its different bounds, letting out large contracts of clearing &c., he returned to England. In 1833, he returned to Canada, bringing with him, one of the best importations of agricultural stock ever brought to the country. The Durham cattle were particularly admired by every good judge of such animals, and indeed they laid the foundation and established the character of the cattle in this county ever afterwards. The Southdown sheep and Berkshire pigs were also very good and did much to improve those branches of stock in the locality. Shortly after Mr. Wingfield’s return to Canada, he became involved in a parliamentary contest which ended in financial ruin to him. He was afterwards compelled to sell his estate and the whole of his splendid stock to John Howitt, Esquire and ultimately left the county almost penniless. Although there is nothing in Mr. Wingfield’s history more remarkable than what may be frequently seen in the everyday life of our country, yet we feel that the claims which he undoubtedly established against our county as the first importer of improved livestock, entitles him to more than a passing notice in these sketches. There can be no doubt but that he and he alone deserves the credit of laying the foundation of the high character which the county of Wellington has ever since obtained for its superior agricultural stock. And while the farmers of Wellington, and indeed of Canada, have been largely benefited by Mr. Wingfield’s efforts in this direction, it is sad to think that he himself has never realized any benefit from his early enterprise.

The first tavern opened in Puslinch was kept by James Flynn, and is lately known as McMeekin’s tavern. This being the most central “public” in the township, the public meetings were generally held there. The old fashioned town meetings were quite an institution and deserve a passing notice. The business of the day generally commenced by appointing John Cockburn, Esq., an old and faithful servant of the township, to the chair, and Alexander Smith, Esq., clerk or secretary. The chairman formed his “base of operations” on the swing beam of Mac’s barn, and the clerk perched beside him. Then, the hullabaloo commenced, the contention being as to who should be the pathmaster for a certain beat, and whether bulls and boars should or should not be free commoners. As a curiosity, in its way, we give the following extract, word for word, from the township book of that period: “As regards bulls going at large or being subject to fines, the meeting being so confused, the chairman could not call order, so it was allowed that they (the bulls, we suppose) should abide by the provincial statute.”

Sketches of the Settlement and Early History

Of Guelph and Townships in the County of Wellington

Guelph Mercury newspaper for Thursday July 5th 1866.

Township of Puslinch

Part II

Among the first township officials who acted as assessors, collectors, et cetera, we may name Thomas Arkell, Esq., John Black, Esq., Charles McWilliams, Duncan McLaren &c. At the first election for township commissioners, held in 1836, we find Mr. Cockburn presiding, and Charles Armstrong, clerk. Thomas Todd, John Linderman, and Patrick Doyle were the commissioners elected. In 1837, John Hammersley succeeded Mr. Armstrong as clerk and James Stirton succeeded Mr. Doyle as commissioner. In 1838, Messrs. Todd, Grant and Jarmy were appointed commissioners. In 1839, the law was changed in regard to rural municipalities and the head officials were denominated Town Wardens. James Stirton, John McFarlane, and John Roach were the first wardens appointed and they were afterwards succeeded by Messrs. Caulfield, McNaughton and others. Old Richard Ellis acted as assessor and collector for many years and was much respected throughout the township.

In 1842, the first district councillors were chosen; John Higgison and Alex. Nichol were selected to fill that office. The first school commissioners chosen were Messrs. John Cockburn, Peter Grant, Charles Armstrong, Patrick Doyle, John Kirkland, Thomas Arkell, and James Stirton. In the following years, E. F. Heath, Esq., Rev. Wm. Meldrum, and Messrs. Hewer, McMasters, and McCallum acted as school commissioners. In 1844, Wm. Leslie, Esq., and Robert W. Kerr, Esq. were elected district councillors and Alex. Smith was appointed township clerk, the duties of which office he long afterwards performed with credit to himself and satisfaction to the township. In 1845, the township of Puslinch, which had hitherto formed part of the District of Gore, was annexed to the county of Wellington. On the 6^th of May of that year, a public meeting of the inhabitants of Puslinch was called by the Warden of Wellington, to choose two fit and proper persons to represent the township in the District Council of Wellington. Wm. Leslie, Esq. and John Higgison, Esq. were elected by a majority of votes. At the township meeting of 1848, John Cockburn and Thomas Ellis, Esqs. were elected district councillors and continued to serve the township in that capacity until the change in the municipal law establishing township councils in 1850.

The first township council of Puslinch was composed of the following gentlemen: John Cockburn, Thomas Ellis, David Stirton, Wm. Leslie, and James McRobbie. The first reeves elected were Messrs. Cockburn and Ellis. John Hammersley, Esq., was the first treasurer of the township, an office which he held for many years with credit. E. F. Heath, Esq., is the oldest magistrate in the township, and indeed stands, if we mistake not, senior J. P. (Justice of the Peace) in the county.

As much of the back country depended in a great measure upon Puslinch for a supply of lumber, saw mills were early called into operation. The first sawmill erected in the township was that known as McLaren’s in 1833 and Linderman’s very soon followed. Graham, Arkell, Neeve, Gibson, Mickle, McLean & Clark, Fraser, and others are entitled to notice among our Puslinch lumber manufacturers.

The grist mill of George McLean, Esq., of Aberfoyle is the only establishment of the kind in Puslinch, and is doubtless a great convenience to the settlers.

When a new township like Puslinch is entirely settled by people direct from the old country, one can easily imagine that there would be no want of interesting adventure and hairbreadth escapes, with not infrequently a large mixture of the humorous and ludicrous in the escapades.

The following may be given as a fair representation of many such, and which some of the old settlers will still remember. Paddy F--- had a cousin named Tommy C----, who had just arrived from the “old sod”. Paddy was most anxious to convince his friend that this country actually overflowed with all kinds of delicious game, and that he had only to accompany him to the adjoining swamp to have ocular evidence of this fact. Well, one morning bright and early, Paddy shouldered his old rusty fowling piece and told Tommy to come along and he would show him some beautiful fowling. They were followed by an old trusty friend of the canine race called “Fly”. They soon reached a cedar swamp where the huge timber had all been blown down by a windfall. Fly commenced to give tongue as Paddy said, and begorra, he was sure she had a pheasant. The two men scrambled along a fallen cedar, Paddy foremost of course, when on looking over the root of the tree he discovered a huge black bear and her two young cubs lying in a very comfortable nest. “Oh, by jabbers Tommy”, says Paddy, “there’s a den of wolves under the tree”, and making a spring at the nearest sapling, our brave Paddy was soon out of reach of the common enemy. Not so however, with poor Tommy. He having very ideas as to the extent of the danger, and having no experience of bush life, more cautiously made an attempt to mount a sapling which grew nearly over where the bear was lying. But being a much heavier and clumsier man than his partner, he made very slow work in mounting, and when he had attained the height of some ten feet, the limbs of the sapling gave way under his feet, and down he came, bringing with him a cloud of cedar brush right above the bear. Bruin, accustomed to all sorts of danger and attack, had never, however, been charged in this extraordinary way. She bolted from her lair, in great fright, and left Tommy master of the position. “Oh murder!”, said Paddy, carefully lowering himself from his perch, “Take the young wolves up in your arms Tommy, sure we’ll get money for them, (meaning the bounty). “Never say the second word” says Tommy. Suiting the action to the word, he picked up the cubs, and Paddy, now being safely landed on terra firma, led the way to the nearest clearing. Away they went, and Bruin, hearing the lamentation of her offspring, followed in a raging fury. Then ensued a spectacle that would have amused the greatest stoic living. Tommy running with the cubs, Paddy holding the gun at the bear, but quite innocent of the intention of shooting her, and faithful Fly taking up the rear, and constantly compelling Bruin to defend her base. Indeed, if it had not been for the faithful dog, Paddy and his shooting iron would have soon been disposed of, but the constant attacks of the dog on the bear relieved the men, and they ultimately reached the clearing, retaining the cubs in their possession.

A gem of a footnote is provided by historian B. Woolsey:

Paddy F. was Patrick Foster of lot 1 R 7.

Tommy C. was Thomas Civil, the Woolseys’ great-grandmother’s uncle.

Wow!

Getting lost in the woods was quite a common occurrence in those days, and many good stories are told in connection with those mishaps. The following is given by an old settler. Poor Jamie E---, like many of his neighbours, ran short of grub. He travelled out to Preston, about twelve miles, purchased a barrel of flour, carried it home on his back at three journeys, and went back the fourth time for the empty barrel. On reaching the intricate bush road, poor Jamie got lost, with his barrel on his head. Night came on, and Jamie took up his quarters by the side of a large tree. When morning came, he mounted the barrel again and wandered on, but whether it was that his headpiece confused the little sense that he got credit for, or the difficulty of travelling with such a load hindered him from making headway, it is difficult to say. However, Jamie was found by some neighbour, after he had spent two days and two nights in the woods, totally exhausted, and when questioned as to the folly of carrying such a worthless affair under such circumstances, he replied, “And sure, would you have me to leave it in the woods, after bringing it all the way from Mr. Arb’s mill?”

The opening or macadamizing of the Brock Road in 1849 was instrumental in advancing the interests of Puslinch very much. Not only did this work improve the value of the farms immediately adjoining the road but it was also the means of creating a local trade of a considerable extent in the several villages along the road and thereby adding additional wealth to the Township and at the same time increasing the comforts of the settlers. The villages of Morriston and Aberfoyle are situated in this township, and are the seat of a very considerable local trade. R. B. Morison Esq. was the founder of the former village and the late George Schatz may be said to be entitled to the same honour in regard to the latter.

Puslinch contains within its bounds six Post Offices and the order of their establishment may be given as follows, Puslinch, Aberfoyle, Morriston, Crieff, Arkell, and Killean. There are twelve school sections in the township, with quite a number of churches of the several denominations.

Sketches of the Settlement and Early History

of Guelph and Townships in the County of Wellington

Guelph Mercury newspaper for July 12th 1866.

Township of Puslinch

Part III

Wm. Leslie Esquire, late Warden of the county, has, at our request, kindly contributed the following:

In March 1832, my father and family removed from Toronto to Puslinch, which was then very thinly settled. He intended to settle upon the lands he received from the government, he being a half-pay officer in the British service. In the following May, as there was no post office nearer than Dundas, Guelph, or Galt, a letter for my father happened to go to Galt in place of Dundas, which was then our post office, at a distance of fifteen miles. He determined to go to Galt after the letter and I was to accompany him, and being then a lad of fourteen years of age, I thought it a good pleasure trip to foot it to the town of Galt. There was no road here direct to Galt without going around by Guelph, and through Waterloo, a distance of 26 miles.

My father, having learned that if he could manage to get across by what is now the first concession, he would reach the town in about 11 miles. So he determined to make the attempt at all hazards, although there was not a tree cut nor a track for that distance and our only guide was the surveyor’s blaze. So off we started full of the hope of reaching the great town of Galt long before night. However, as man is doomed to disappointment, so were we, for after a long day’s tramp and a good deal of difficulty in keeping the blaze, we found ourselves at sundown yet in the thick woods. After getting over somewhere in the neighbourhood of the lake, we came upon a path almost running parallel with the line that we were following, and thought we would surely soon reach Galt, as there were signs of some human beings near. But we had not proceeded farther than about a mile, when to our astonishment, we reached that large sheet of water, the Puslinch Lake. What was to be done, it being almost dark, was a matter for serious consideration. We were in the middle of a dense wood, it was almost dark, no road, nothing to eat, and no person to consult or advise with, this was not a very pleasant situation. However, we concluded to retrace our steps over the same path until we found the blaze again.

I may here state that this path we afterwards learned was made by the people of Beverly to fish at the lake, it being a much older settled township than Puslinch. After finding the blaze on the line that we should have followed, it was then quite dark, and we went over one lot, feeling the underbrush that had been cut by the surveying party when they were surveying the line, for it was very thick just in that vicinity. Being both very tired and hungry, and finding it useless to proceed any further in the dark, my father suggested the idea of making a fire, but in those days there was no means of getting a light but by the steel and tinder box, and we had none with us. The great question was how to make a fire. Having a fowling piece with us, we made several unsuccessful attempts until my father suggested the idea of my stuffing down my handkerchief into the gun and firing it off. As soon as we did so, the noise discovered our whereabouts to the ravenous wolves, who were no doubt upon our track, and they set up in all directions around us, a succession of the most horrible screams I ever heard. Time then for reflection was gone, so we each took to the first sapling tree that we could reach, dropped the gun and up we went. Thinking I was not quite out of reach, and being greatly terrified, I climbed to the top of the sapling and bent it over to a tree of about ten inches in diameter. The wolves having abated for a short time, I requested my father to come down from where he was and come up into the tree with me, which he did and we took lodging for the night at an elevation of 70 or 80 feet from terra firma. It was by no means a comfortable sleeping apartment and was made still more unpleasant by an occasional roar from the ravenous animals which had treed us, and which devoured some partridge which we had shot and left at the foot of the tree, where if we had been, we certainly should have shared the same fate.

Just at daybreak in the morning, the wolves started on a terrible chase at a distance we supposed of about a half a mile and all in an instant ceased howling. My father said now is our time to leave as whatever they were chasing, they have caught, so down we came from our perilous position and found ourselves in Galt for breakfast at about 9 o’clock, to which I can assure you, we did ample justice, not having eaten anything for twenty-four hours. Such, Mr. Editor, is one of the many incidents that I could relate of the early settlement of Puslinch Township.

The following are a few facts about the first mail accommodation via Brock Road, now called the Guelph and Dundas Road. Mr. William Leslie received the appointment of postmaster of Puslinch on September 9th 1847 but the office was not opened until the 6th of January 1850. Mr. Jos. Grant acted as deputy postmaster for Mr. Leslie. This was the first mail from Dundas to Puslinch, and was only carried from the first to the latter place. On the 19th of July 1850, a through mail was established from Hamilton to Guelph by this route. The Puslinch post office was the first established office from Dundas to Guelph.

Sketches of the Settlement and Early History

Of Guelph and Townships in the County of Wellington

Guelph Mercury newspaper for Thursday July 19th 1866.

Township of Puslinch

Part IV

In giving the history of Puslinch, it would not do to omit some references to the flourishing villages of Morriston and Aberfoyle. A friend has sent us the following sketch of the rise and progress of Morriston.

In 1844, Mr. Donald Campbell kept a small store and shoe shop in the log house now owned by Mr. Bernard Brown. Mr. James McIntosh carried on the tailoring business on the adjoining property, and Mr. John McEdward, the blacksmithing, on the next. With these exceptions, there were no other houses in the place, and to a stranger, it appeared at a distance like a large seaport town, with so many tall dead pine trees in and around it. If he had been accustomed to city or town life, it was a dismal sight, more especially on a cloudy day or after a thunderstorm.

In the spring of 1847, R. B. Morison opened a store in the end of the blacksmith shop already referred to. Shortly after this, the work of making the Guelph and Dundas road commenced. The road at that time was in a deplorable condition, so much so that it was with difficulty a team could make a journey from Guelph to Hamilton with 2000 lbs. of goods in four days, especially in the spring and fall when goods were most required.

We think that it was in 1848 that the large immigration of people from the highlands of Scotland took place, many of whom settled in Puslinch. A great many died on the road, and if we mistake not, some of them were buried on the property now owned by Mr. John Marshall. During the time the Brock Road was being made, business was pretty good, but not what it would have been if the men had got their pay in current funds. Their wages were from 75 cents to 87.5 cents per day, and this was paid in county notes, payable at 3, 5, 7, and 10 years. In consequence, they had to be sold at a discount of from 20 to 50 percent. Hamilton was then the best market for country produce and Saturday being then, as now, the best market day, the rest of the Sabbath was not infrequently broken in upon by the people returning home.

The Free Church was then on the “Old Kirk Lot”, and the people met in the old log building, which is still standing. The Reverend Mr. Meldrum was the pastor, but from various causes it was with difficulty that his stipend could be raised. When the late Reverend Alexander McLean came amongst us, he very soon made a great reformation in the customs and habits of the people. He has passed from our midst but a more sterling and true-hearted man never lived, and I hope that it will be many a day ere we forget his earnest and sincere labours. The present generation owes him much, but I forbear enumerating the customs which he was instrumental in abolishing, and the reformations he effected. Peace to his ashes; his reward is in Heaven.

The old log church has been a serious bone of contention, and no small amount of unchristian spirit has been displayed. Although we believe the lot and its privileges have, by law, gone out of the hands of those for whom it was originally intended, we live in hope that the true spirit of Christianity will yet prevail amongst a people believing the same doctrine.

In the early part of our history, the people were like one family (with the exception of our Dutch neighbours, who to this day with few exceptions keep by themselves). I am sorry to say that as people became more affluent, the sociability that then existed has been on the wane. Let us hope that it may be again renewed in a more enduring manner.

In 1849, Mr. Morison built the frame store on the east side of the road, shortly after which the village received its name. The post office was opened in 1851. In 1853 or 1854, Mr. Archibald Little opened the first hotel, which is still known as the “Morriston Hotel”, now kept by Mr. Tyrrell. Mr. Ochs built the frame part of it. To him, the village owes much, he being the first to survey village lots, and dispose of them at reasonable prices. Other property holders followed suit, but wishing to make a fortune by the sale of lots, they retarded the progress of the village and lost their aim.

In 1856, Messrs. McLean and Clark erected their sawmill, and shortly after, those fine Grist and Oatmeal Mills which were known as Puslinch Mills, the whole of which were consumed by fire in 1861 and I am sorry to say were never rebuilt. This village has suffered much by fire. In 1860, the large store house of Mr. Morison, and the stone part of the Morriston Hotel were destroyed and it was only with great exertion that all the buildings on both sides of the street were saved. These have all been replaced by more commodious and substantial buildings. The large and handsome store of Mr. Morison deserves special mention. Its dimensions are equal to that of many first class stores in cities and is an enduring monument of the industry and perseverance of its proprietor who has done so much to advance the interests of the village. Last year, the planning mill and machine shop of Mr. Peter Clark, as also the premises occupied by Mr. A. Gillies, as blacksmith and wagon shops, were destroyed by fire. These are now all replaced by better buildings.

In 1857, a good fire engine was procured at a cost of about $300.00 when the Victoria Fire Company was formed, which is still in existence. The inhabitants of the village and neighbourhood have on several occasions been greatly benefited by the Fire Company and I think it would be well if the company was better supported. The amount of two or three dollars from each property holder would do a great amount of good in keeping up their equipments, and encouraging them. The man who thinks himself the most secure may be the first to require their services.

The town hall was built in 1857-1858. It was commenced by promise-to-pay subscriptions. A Building Committee was appointed which let the contracts and had to borrow the means at a high rate of interest to pay the contractors. The consequence was that the available promises-to-pay were insufficient. The Committee had to foot the bill, and very few of those who constituted the committee were honest enough to assist the rest. The hall, in this way, cost more than would have put up two such buildings.

As fire has done good by putting our energies to the test, and obliging us to put up better buildings, so have hard times done good in weeding out those who were indolent and unworthy of credit or support, and the village may now be said to be in a prosperous condition. With all its adversities, it still flourishes and perhaps is doing as large a business as any other village of its size in the county. The population for the last five years has not increased, but its future prospects are good. If we could get rid of all the houses licensed to sell spiritous liquors, but two, we would be better off. Perhaps the high price of whiskey and the determination of the township council to increase the rate of licenses, will have the desired effect.

The village of Aberfoyle, though not so large as Morriston, is still a prosperous place. The late George Shatz settled on the farm, a part of which afterwards formed the village, in 1843, and the same year put up a sawmill. Mr. Shatz got part of his farm surveyed as village lots, and soon sold a number of them. The lumber business in connection with the sawmill was carried on for a number of years and (incomplete) …… around were supplied with building material. Mr. Shatz put up a foundry in 1848, but it was discontinued after a year, there not being sufficient business to make it pay. The machinery was sold and the building turned into a tannery in 1850. Quite an extensive business was done but it was unfortunately burned down. The same water privilege is now in the hands of Mr. George McLean, and his large oatmeal and grist mills, situated in the village, have given it a fresh start in its career of progress. Besides the post office, kept by Mr. Falconbridge, it has two stores, two hotels, two blacksmith and wagon shops etcetera. The village, we believe, was originally called Shatzville, after its founder. It was named Aberfoyle in 1854.

John Cockburn was the reeve of the township from 1850 to 1855, inclusively. The deputy reeves during that period were 1850 and 1851, Thomas Ellis, 1852, James McRobbie, and 1854 and 1855, David Stirton. Mr. Stirton was reeve in 1856, 1857, and 1858. John Black was deputy reeve the first two years and Alex. McLean, the last one. From that time until now, Mr. William Leslie has filled the office of reeve, a long period of eight years. Samuel Taylor was deputy in 1859, John Cockburn in 1860, Samuel Taylor again in 1861 and 1862, and John Clark jr. has been deputy for the last four years. In 1856, the assessment was $867,892, and last year it was $894,689. In 1829, Puslinch contained but 126 inhabitants, in 1837 it had risen to 1139, again in 1841 to 1860 inhabitants, and when the last census was taken, it had risen to 4701.

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