and
researchers
Llewella and Dorothy MacIntyre
Wednesday evening, October 20th 1869.
Mr. John McAinish
of Puslinch, near Hespeler, left at our office the other day some of the
largest beets we have seen this season.
Had Mr. McAinish taken them to the County Show he would have been
certain of a prize for they are the best beets we have seen this year.
Friday, 23rd of May 1873.
We regret to learn that on the night of Friday, the 23rd,
the shingle factory of Mr. Robert Forbes, in the lower end of Puslinch, was
totally destroyed by fire. Besides the
machinery in the factory, about 200 bundles of shingles and a large quantity of
barrel headings, which were in the building, were also destroyed. In fact,
there was nothing saved - planer, rounding machine, jointer, shingle machine -
all were destroyed. There was a small
insurance but the amount will nothing like cover the loss. The origin of the fire is unknown and is
supposed to have started in the engine-house.
The workmen had only left the factory a short time before and when they
closed up everything appeared to be in the usual way.
Thursday, 10th of November 1881.
Gilbert McCaig of lot 17, 3rd concession of Puslinch, has
purchased from C. M. Baum of Newtown, Vermillion County, Illinois, the imported
Clydesdale stallion, Joe the Banker, 15 hands high, raising 7 years old,
imported by the late R. Armstrong of Markham, near Toronto.
PUSLINCH FARMS BOUGHT AND SOLD
Tuesday, 30th of December 1881.
Mr. James McLaren has sold to Mr. Duncan McKenzie the rear half of lot 26,
concession 10 and lots 25 and 26, concession 11, making 169 acres in all, in
Puslinch, for $7000.
HOUSE BURNED
Monday, March 30th 1885.
A large frame house, rented by Mr. James Towel, on the Brock Road near
Clair’s Corners, was burned to the ground.
The origin of the fire is somewhat singular. The family were in the
house about noon, when all at once the flames burst through the floor from the
cellar, and in a moment the whole house was in a blaze, and they had to flee
before much of the furniture could be saved.
Mr. Towel’s loss will be heavy, as he had no insurance. Mr. Cook, the owner of the house had it
insured.
GOLDFINCHES ARE PESTS
July 3rd 1886.
Mr. Solomon Goodings, who resides in Puslinch, says that his wheat
fields are infested with canary birds, which are doing great damage to his
wheat.
Wednesday, 24th of April 1889.
Some time ago the residents in and around Corwhin sent a petition to
the C.P.R. authorities in Montreal asking for a platform at that station on the
Guelph Junction. This week the section
men erected a platform 82 feet long by 6 feet wide and the work was completed
today (Wednesday). Mr. Charles Campbell,
storekeeper, is having a sidewalk run from the station to his store, a few
yards distance. The platform will be a
great convenience and those who were instrumental in getting up the petition
are loud in their praise of the promptness of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
ANDREW ELLIOTT, PUMP-MAKER
Morriston, December 23rd 1889.
Andrew Elliott, pump-maker, has been busy putting in pumps for Mrs.
Fuhry and Lot Singular.
BADENOCH BLACKSMITH SHOP CLOSES
Thursday, 23rd of January, 1890.
Mr. Thomas Weir, Badenoch, has closed the blacksmith shop there and
removed to Campbellville. Mr. Weir did
a good trade at the corner, but was induced by his Campbellville friends to
remove. There is no fear but that he
will soon have a larger trade there, and we heartily wish him success.
A WEDDING IN MORRISTON
Thursday, 2nd of October, 1890.
On Thursday last the village was in an intense state of excitement, the
occasion being the marriage of Mr. D. L. Holtzman to Miss Charlotte
Harbottle. The wedding drive consisted
of a large number of rigs containing the bride and groom and invited guests. As it passed through the village the bells
clamoured, horns blew and the blacksmith’s anvils poured forth such a volley of
powder thunder as was never heard before.
The ground shook with the reports in the evening. The guests were invited to a grand spread
and the village boys serenaded them in great style, showing their hearty
approval.
ENUMERATION WEEK AT MORRISTON POST OFFICE
March 24th 1891.
Last week was enumeration week at the post office. It was a poor average week: 200 letters, 86 post cards and 19 newspapers
were mailed. Postage amounted to $6.53.
COMMUNION AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES
Morriston. March 24th 1891.
The first week in April communion will be held in the Scotch
church. Sermons will be preached in
Gaelic and English. Services will be
held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, here and at Crieff.
“A” BATTERY OF THE MILITIA GOES TO CAMP
June 1891.
“A” Battery, in charge of Major Nicoll, left for camp this (Tuesday)
morning. The camp will be held in the
Exhibition grounds, Guelph.
BARN BURNT IN PUSLINCH
Wednesday, January 27th 1892.
This morning about six o’clock the barn of Mr. Ed. Swartzenberger on
the 9th concession, Puslinch, 1 1/2 miles from Aberfoyle, was
totally destroyed by fire, together with all the contents. Mr. Swartzenberger was engaged in feeding
the stock and, it being early in the morning, had a lantern in his hand. A pugnacious ram took a tilt at the lantern
and knocked it out of his hand, setting fire to the straw. The flames spread so rapidly that Mr.
Swartzenberger had not time to save anything and horses, cattle and grain were
entirely destroyed, entailing a heavy loss, as it was not insured. The barn was valued at about $800, and owned
by Mr. Swartzenberger, who had it fairly well insured in the London & Middlesex
Mutual.
HORRIBLE DEATH
August 19th 1892.
A mechanic by the name of Coveney, who worked at what is called the
quarry between Schaw and Galt, was killed about midnight Friday by a train
running over him. He was literally cut
to pieces. The deceased had been in
this village (Morriston) in the afternoon and imbibed pretty freely. It is supposed that he was overcome by
liquor and laid down on the track to sleep.
Coroner Dr. Herod of Guelph held an inquest on Saturday.
OATS HARVEST 1895
Tuesday, 20th of August 1895.
Mr. David Hume of the 10th concession of Puslinch finished
harvesting on Thursday. He reports the
harvest bountiful. His oats will be
about 35 pounds to the bushel.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Aberfoyle Correspondence.
Wednesday 21st of August 1895.
At the appointed time Saturday afternoon the Worthingtons and Blacks
arrived at the ball grounds. Owing to
the fine shower of rain which fell the game was postponed for some time, but it
was of benefit to the players, making the air much cooler. Crowds witnessed the interesting game from 5
o’clock till dark.
Score:
Blacks 22
After the ball, crowds repaired to the home of Mr. J. Worthington where
a sumptuous repast was served on the lawn.
Upwards of 50 partook of their hospitality. The brilliant illumination of the fireworks later in the evening
was very fine. Mr. J. Worthington was
made the recipient of a handsome armchair from his sons and daughters.
MESSRS. LAING AND BLAIR, THRESHERS
Arkell. Wednesday, 21st of
August 1895.
Messrs. Laing and Blair are doing some big threshing around. One day last week on the farm of James Petty
they threshed one hundred and thirty bushels of oats in half an hour. Who can beat this?
August 27th, 1895
The return match with the Stairs’ Mills B.B.C. of Nassagaweya will be
played in this village on Saturday next.
Game 3PM sharp. The Morriston
Stars expect to wax them in great style.
No admission will be charged on grounds but lemonade will have to be
paid for by non-players.
Morriston, 27th August 1895.
There has been much talk lately of quick threshing of big
quantities. But if any thresher can
beat this, let him come on with it. At
Peter Beaver’s farm last week, David Black, with a traction engine, threshed
200 bushels of wheat, over 200 bushels of barley and 600 bushels of oats in
half a day. He threshed 350 bushels of
oats in one hour.
HUCKSTERS
Morriston, August 27th 1895.
Night and day load upon load of covered wagons pass through on their
way to Guelph with fruit and vegetables from Hamilton and vicinity. They go in strings of 4 and 5 at a
time. It is said that over 25 loads
have gone up since Sunday and this (Tuesday) afternoon. There must have been some Sunday labour done
as a string of them appeared on the return trip about 9AM Monday.
ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS ON PARADE
Morriston, August 27th 1895.
On Sunday a large cariole load of Ancient Order of Foresters passed through
the village from Hamilton to take part in the Sunday service and Monday
demonstration in Guelph. Before passing
through, they alighted and formed in procession. They looked very neat in their bright wide green sashes,
ornamented with a silver capped horn, every inch of them Sherwoods of the
Forest. They also passed through on
their way down about 2 AM Tuesday and awakened the village with their blasts.
MAY RECOVER
Puslinch Lake, Thursday, April 16, 1896.
Mr. Samuel Clemens Sr. is improving and, although in his 83rd
year, it is supposed he may recover.
Aberfoyle News Wednesday, 14th of July, 1897.
A large number attended the barn-raising at Mr. Alex. Smith’s last
Friday afternoon. The work was done
rapidly and skilfully. In the evening
the young people had a lively time till well on to morning, tripping the light
fantastic. A literal old time
merry-making was spent.
FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA
March 10th 1898.
The following party left for British Columbia via C.P.R. last Friday
morning - Peter McKenzie, Dan Clark, son of Malcolm Clark, Badenoch, John
MacDonald, ? McDiarmid of Aberfoyle, J. Little of Nassagaweya and Miss Minerva
Bond. Miss Bond, on her arrival at
Victoria, is to be wedded to Angus Clark, son of Malcolm Clark, Badenoch, who
has been at Victoria for over a year past, having secured a good situation as
registering clerk of the Dominion House.
COURT PUSLINCH, I. O. FORESTERS
December 26th 1898.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing term at the last
meeting of Court Puslinch, I. O. Foresters:
Brother A. Purnell, C. R.
Brother C. Rotharmel, V.C.R.
Brother R. Maddaugh, P.C.R.
Brother James Leith, R. Secretary (acclamation)
Brother Wesley Binkley, F. Secretary (acclamation)
Brother William Winer, Treasurer (acclamation)
Brother Charles Quillman, Chaplain
Brother John Quillman, S.W.
Brother John Leith, J.W.
Brother Hugh Campbell, S.B.
Brother James Elliot, J.B.
Brother A. Purnell, C.D.H.C.R. (Acclamation)
Brother Dr. J. Alex Howitt, Physician
Delegate to High Court: Brother Wesley Binkley
Auditors: Brothers N. Q. MacEachern, A. Campbell and John Leith
December 26th 1898.
A very amusing incident occurred on Christmas Day (Sunday). As a large green sleigh loaded with folks
returning from Duff’s Church service was passing through the village, the
tongue, whiffletrees, etc. came detached from the body of the sleigh, the
result being that the sleigh with its occupants (who were mostly women) left
the track and stopped directly in front of the bar-room door of the Morriston
House.
DAMAGE BY HAIL AND LIGHTENING
Morriston, July 29th 1902.
The weather has been very bad during the last week and crops are
suffering the consequences but the worst is that hail storm last Thursday
evening which did considerable damage along its course on the front of the 7th
concession and partly on the 1st concession, all green crops having
been cut down and the wheat threshed out by the hail. Mr. Meldrum’s barn was struck by lightening on Sabbath last but
the damage will be easily made up.
TRAVELLING TO A SICK RELATIVE
Monday, 17th of April 1903.
Word was received on Saturday and Mr. Kenneth McKenzie of the 10th
concession, Puslinch left yesterday (Sunday) for Monida, Montana to be present
at the sick bed of a relative who was lying seriously ill.
April 1903.
While John Fyfe of Puslinch was engaged in cultivating a field, his
spirited team became frightened and ran away.
While endeavouring to stop them, Mr. Fyfe was struck on the right leg by
one of the wheels of the cultivator and a compound fracture of both bones about
six inches above the ankle was the result.
VISITING HOME
March 21st 1905.
Mr. Joseph Smith of Great Falls, Montana, who has been visiting his
mother, brothers and sisters in this vicinity for two months returned west last
night.
GOING WEST
Arkell, June 11th 1905.
Mr. George Lamb left last Saturday for the West with a car load of
stock. Mr. Lamb intends settling in the
West and to remove his family there next fall.
Arkell, June 11th 1905.
Most of the men from this vicinity assisted at the raising of Mr. Wakefield’s
barn near Corwhin last Friday. It was
raised by hand.
INJURED WHILE MOVING STUMPING MACHINE
Saturday, January 12th 1907.
Angus McPherson met with a painful accident last week while moving a
stumping machine. He slipped and fell,
breaking several ribs.
Friday, 15th of February 1907.
Further particulars regarding the man who was frozen near Morriston are
that Mr. Charles Patton, Puslinch, on going to his stable, heard cries for help
an, locating the sound, he found an old man, perhaps 80 years of age, lying on
the ground, badly frozen, with a large scalp wound. He took him to his home and summoned Dr. King. The man is still lying at Mr. Patton’s
house. It is supposed that he strayed
from the House of Providence at Dundas.
FAMILY REUNION
January 1st 1908.
A pleasant family reunion was held New Year’s Day at “Pine Hill Farm”
in Crieff, the residence of Mr. Ronald MacPherson, Mrs. T. H. Ellis and
daughter of Marlett, Michigan and Mrs. R. Clark and daughter of Berkley, being
home for the occasion. A quite uncommon
feature of the gathering was the presence of three pairs of twins of different
ages.
BOX SOCIAL
April 5th 1909.
The Morriston baseball team purpose holding a box social in Huether’s
hall next Thursday evening.
VISITING FROM VANCOUVER
Arkell, April 6th 1909.
Mrs. John Phillips of Vancouver is home on a visit to her brother,
Robert McFarlane and other relatives in this vicinity.
DR. DEANS, DENTIST
At Morriston on Thursday, April 15th 1909.
Bad teeth means bad stomach.
Get them out and be free from indigestion.
SHIPPING APPLES
Schaw Station, Sept 13th 1909.
There is quite a stir around Schaw Station these days. Carey Brothers, who have bought most of the
apples in this vicinity, are shipping.
HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Aberfoyle, December 28th 1909.
Mr. E. Marshall, eldest son of Mr. G. W. Marshall, arrived on Christmas
morning to spend a holiday with his home people. Mr. Marshall left home 21 years ago. This is his first visit home since he left, having been in
different parts of the west. He is now
settled in Pilot Mound, Manitoba.
THE TELEPHONE COMES TO BADENOCH
March 11th 1913.
The Bell Telephone gang is wiring through Badenoch.
PUTTING IN THEIR ICE
Morriston. Feb. 28th - Mar.
6th, 1916.
C. A. Binkley and H. A. Stewart are putting in their ice this week.
ENLISTED FOR THE GREAT WAR
Morriston, April 4th 1916.
Mr. T. Ayres Jr. has enlisted with the 64th Battery, Guelph,
for overseas service.
ASQUITH HAS SENT WORDS OF SYMPATHY
Morriston. Wednesday, August
23, 1916.
Mr. and Mrs. John Martin are in receipt of the following communication
of sympathy from Premier Asquith: “The King commands me to assure you of the
true sympathy of His Majesty and the Queen in your sorrow. Your son, Private Alex, 58th
Battalion, fell on the 13th of June.”
MORRISTON SOLDIER GIVES UP HIS LIFE
Morriston, Saturday, April 14th 1917.
News of Death of Walter Penrice Casts Gloom Over Community
Mr. John Penrice received word last week that his son, Walter, had paid
the supreme sacrifice for his country.
Walter was a private in the 120th battalion of Hamilton that
went overseas last summer. Walter was
twenty-eight years of age, of splendid physique and a man of sterling
qualities. The parents and other
members of the family have the sympathy of the community.
KILLED IN ACTION IN THE GREAT WAR
October 18th 1918.
Word has been received in this city this morning, that Private James
Clark, son of Mr. James Clark, 9th concession, Puslinch, had been
killed in action and that Private William Ames of Morriston had been severely
wounded in the back.
CHARLES MALTBY SR. BUYS A FARM
Aberfoyle Thursday 9th of January 1919.
Mr. Charles Maltby Sr. has purchased the Amos farm from Mr. Thomas
Towns, who has removed to Sombra.
12 YEAR OLD PIONEER
1943
Mrs. Catherine Ritchie was born at the family farm on the 10th
concession of Puslinch, between Aberfoyle and Corwhin. She is a daughter of the late John Black who
homesteaded the farm when he was twelve years old, with the aid of an older
brother, who settled nearby. “My father
and his brother had to pack all their supplies in,” Mrs. Ritchie said, “ and
they often carried flour and food on their backs from Hamilton.” As a child, she often heard them talk of
being treed by wolves on the way home.
“The first winter after my father built his log cabin, he shared it with
a cow.”
MARRIED 51 YEARS
1943
Married at the manse, Duff’s Church by Rev. Robertson on March 8, 1874,
Mrs. Catherine Ritchie spent her honeymoon working on her parent’s farm, while
Mr. George Ritchie went back to work to provide a home. Mr. Ritchie remembers with a chuckle that he
had 75 cents in his pocket at the time.
CONGRATULATIONS
Morriston News, May 9th 1944.
Congratulations to Private Arthur Pylack (overseas) and Mrs. Pylack on
the arrival of a baby daughter.
100 YEARS OLD
January 15th 1951.
One of the few in Canada who have reached the century mark, Mrs.
William Harrison was born in Puslinch Township on January 15, 1851. Janet Carter was the only daughter of six
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carter who emigrated to this country from
Berwick, Scotland in 1847.