The location known as Seeley’s is part of Lot 32 in the Fourth Concession of Elizabethtown. From time to time this lot has been subdivided, there being several small parcels of land around the corner known as Seeley’s Corner. The total number of conveyances at the Registry Office of this one lot is the unusually large number of 170.
A patent from the Crown was granted for the East half of the lot, 100 acres, on May 21, 1803 to Samuel Booth and for the west half, 100 acres, on the 24th of May 1803 to John McVey. On December 8th, 1819, Peet Seelee [sic] became owner of part of this lot for a consideration of 104£, 12s, 6p. The lot became further subdivided by the will of Trueman Seelee, Henry Mott subsequently became the owner of part and also John Coleman. In 1842 Henry Booth and John Booth each became owner off part. These farms are today (1945) owned by Frank Cornell, Robert Mustard and Alvin Gardiner.
In a conveyance dated 1841 a sale was made of part to Nathan Kerr, described as seventeen acres, more or less, north of Sawmill Road. This is the road that runs directly in front of Seeley’s School. In 1852 Henry Booth sold part of the south half, known as Seelee Mill Pond, 51 rods long and the water privilege and right of way to one Richard Coleman Jr.
Other small parcels were sold to different parties and became the site of houses and other buildings close to the Mill Pond. John Booth became owner of part in 1858 and Thomas Booth became owner of another part in 1860. In 1864, Alexander Stewart purchased from Thomas Booth 86 acres, 80 aces being south of the road and 6 acres north of the road. The title of this part has since remained in the Stewart family. The conveyance to Richard Coleman Jr. Was followed by others including the land in Lot 33 known as Lees Pond and water rights and privileges, all of which were related to the establishment and development of the mill, which afterwards became the property of James Cummings.
In the early days use was made of all the streams and small waterways for the operation of the mill and this in time lead to the establishment of a number of small buildings in the vicinity. The outlines of an old dam may be seen leading from Seeley’s Corners to the bridge crossing the creek and at this point there was a water flume which conducted the water to the factory or mill on the south side of the bridge. This factory was from time operated for different purposes. One mill made hubs and spokes for wheels. The operation of these small mills became unprofitable yet they served the pioneers well. A butter and cheese factory stood near the bridge. The products of these factories were shipped via Seeley’s Station (since removed). It was from this cheese factory that North Star Farm derived the name.
In 1848 the first school at Seeley’s was built. It was located where an apple tree now stands on the east corner. It is reported that a resident of Seeley’s quarrelled with the trustee’s of the old school over the hiring of a teacher. He then hired a teacher himself and sent his children to attend classes in an upper room of a tavern. The foundation of this tavern can be seen directly across the road from Stewart’s house.
It is reported that Mr. J.W. Stewart paid the School Section $50. and drew the brick himself to have the new school on the present site rather than the old one.
Map of 1861-62Seeley’s School c1910believed to be the Howard Willows Family on the Seeley’s Bridge in 1917
Inez and Lemonine Sturgeon on the Seeley’s Bridge 1917
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years – 1925 to 1926. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Tin Cap – Feb 27th, 1925
Mrs. Leonard Elliott, Brockville, spent a few days last week visiting her aunt, Mrs. George Boyd.
Fred Wright, Miss Mollie O’Donnell and Miss Myrtle Lyons visited on Tuesday at William O’Donnell’s.
Mrs. Anson Gilroy was called to Hamilton last week by the death of her father, Aquila Hanson.
Mr. and Mrs. B.S. Johnston, Brockville, are visiting the form parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Johnston.
Roy Locke, Brockville is moving his household effects into his new home recently purchased from S. Barker.
Reeve Reuben Davis is in Toronto this week.
Tin Cap, Jan 25th, 1926
Harold Rowsome, recently of the Recorder and Times staff, Brockville, and a former resident of the Tincap, left last week for Ottawa where he has accepted a position in the Civil Service.
Mrs. Robert Marks is visiting in Smiths Falls
Basil Reed is visiting in Bishop’s Mills.
Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Davis celebrated their 40th anniversary of their wedding last week by entertaining a number of friends. Telephone messages and congratulations were received from many distant friends to wish them many more years of happy married life.
W.W. Anderson, Ottawa, visited at Jonas Gilroy’s last week.
Miss Matilda Anderson has been quite ill at her home here.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years – 1925 to 1930. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
New Dublin – Feb 23, 1925
Dr. T.R. Whaley and Mrs. Whaley of Alsask, Sask., and Mr. and Mrs. W. Whaley of Charleston, visited their mother, Mrs. M.J. Whaley and their sister Mrs. A.A. Orr, last week. Dr. Whaley spent several days with his mother during his short visit in the east. He is a surgeon in his private hospital in Alsask and has only a limited time at his disposal from his work as a specialist in his line.
New Dublin – March 1st , 1928
The Women’s Institute met in the Township Hall this afternoon, a good gathering and some visitors being present. After the usual opening and the minutes of the last meeting there was a general discussion re the proposed pipe fence to finish the inclosing of the cemetery on the west side of the road. Considerable material has been purchased and plans are being made to proceed with the work in early spring. A short report of Parliamentry proceedings was given by the chairman of that department, also local history was discussed also several interesting anecdotes related, dealing with modes of life and work and thought of the people in pioneer days. Mrs. W.M. Nash spoke at some length on the Nash, Davis, McConkey and Barry families as pioneers and was asked to get data concerning those names and present them at the April meeting. Two new books were added to the birthday library. Mrs. H.A. Flood gave a very interesting reading on “The Back Woods Folk” in Scotch dialect. Meeting closed in the usual way to meet again on the first Thursday afternoon in April.
Mr. and Mrs. George Roantree and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Johnston of Morton visited at J.E. Johnstons last week.
Miss Dehlia Freeman of Frankville is spending some time with her friends Mr. and Mrs. John E. Johnston.
Miss Beatrice Healey has returned from several days visit with her relatives Mr. and Mrd. H.Woods and family at Chantry.
Wm. J. Bolton spent Tuesday in Brockville accompanied by his nephew C. Hall of Greenbush.
John B. Harton who has been seriously ill with rheumatism for several weeks is slowly improving in health.
Joseph Astlford has been ill of heart affection but is improving.
Master Harold Toppin is still quite ill, but hopes are held for his ultimate recovery. He is much missed at school and play by his young associates. Mrs. R. Toppin is enjoying very good health after her serious illness.
Mrs. Mort Rowsome is ill, in care of Dr. A.I. Armstrong.
Much sympathy is extended to Mrs. R. Willey in the death of her mother Mrs. A.O. Tait of Spencerville, which took place at the General Hospital in Brockville last week.
New Dublin – Aug 28th, 1928
The Women’s Institute will hold the September meeting on the first Thursday afternoon of the month. It will be grandmother’s day and all members and ladies of the locality are invited to be present and enjoy a good programme followed by luncheon. The meeting will open at 2 p.m.
The party held in the Township Hall on Friday evening provided an enjoyable occasion for a large number of young people from the surrounding district.
W.H Davis has returned from the General Hospital, Brockville, and is improving in health following an operation for appendicitis.
Miss Gladys Bolton R.N., accompanied her sister Evelyn home from the Brockville General Hospital, where she underwent an operation for appendicitis. Miss Gladys returned to Toronto where she will continue to practise her profession.
The school here will re-open on Sept. 4 with Miss B. Maud of Addison again in charge.
Several from this vicinity attended the Ottawa Exhibition last week.
Miss Eva Horton and G. Fox of Syracuse, N.Y. are visiting relatives and friends here and in Brockville.
Mrs. Lewis Blanchard has been spending a few days with her parents W.H. and Mrs. Davis.
W.R. Johnston went on the Harvestors Excursion to the Canadian West last week.
Miss Edna Jones of Syracuse N.Y., visited the Misses Ethel and Shirley Rowsome over the weekend.
Mrs. R.N. Willey is spending a few days with her sister at Watertown, N.Y.
Miss Celena Menut of Binghampton, N.Y., is visiting her aunt and uncle Miss E.M. and H.R. Horton
Rev. Townsend of Westport conducted the services in the United Church here on Sunday.
Miss Shirley Rowesome visited friends in Brockville last week.
New Dublin – Feb 11, 1929
The play “Mary’s Castle in the Air” put on by the Manhard Y.P.A. in the Orange Hall on Wednesday evening was much enjoyed by a large audience.
The Women’s Institute met in the municipal hall on Thursday afternoon, the president Mrs. H.A. Frood in the chair and other officers present. On account of the prevalent illness in this locality the meeting for January was not held. Much correspondence was read by the secretary and considered by the meeting. Acknowledgements of Christmas remembrances were received from several recipients and a donation of five dollars from one so remembered.
Miss Beatrice Healy and Miss Shirley Rowsome were appointed a committee to prepare for a musical contest to be held before April 20. A household Science Course is to be asked for in the early part of June. At the close of the business session an interesting programme was put on by Mrs. R.N. Willey and Miss Norine Healey. The roll-call answered by “your favourite author.”
A paper on health was read by Mrs. Willey and Miss Norine Healey took charge of a humorous play “The House of Nuts.”
Mrs. T.E. Healey told a very amusing story and Miss Norine Healey gave several vocal selections accompanied by her ukulele which were very much enjoyed and applauded. Six new books were added to the birthday library.
The March meeting will be held on the first Thursday afternoon of the month, the programme in charge of Mesdames Thos Steel and Ed. Healey.
The history of the old mill near Bellamy and of the B.J.Horton farm will be read at the meeting. Roll call will be answered by, “Your favourite poet and a quotation from him.”
The annual vestry meeting of St. John Anglican Church will be held in the Township Hall on Friday evening, Feb 15. Light supper will be served at the close of the business session.
Mrs. Hiram Woods of Chantry is visiting her twin sister, Mrs. Fred Healey this week.
W.E. Earl is seriously ill of pleurisy in charge of Dr. A.I. Armstrong of North Augusta.
Miss Beatrice Healey has returned home from Toronto where she spent several months as stenographer in an Insurance Office
The Young People’s Guild of the United Church held a driving party to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mort Nash on Friday evening, Feb 8. It was Miss Verna Healey’s anniversary of her birthday and a social evening was spent in games and music. Light lunch was served at the close.
Earnest J. Kendrick is busy in the neighbourhood with his sawing machine.
New Dublin Jan 2, 1930
The concert presented by the Sunday School and public school on Monday night was well attended considering inclement weather. Rev. Mr. Barbour acted as chairman in his usual able manner. The songs, recitations and playetts given by the children were all well rendered.
A pageant “Christmas Everywhere” was one of the most picturesque and interesting numbers imaginable, the different nationalities being well represented by members of the community. “Indian Huntresses,” a drill, was very beautifully done, the members all being in white and silver with bows and arrows, the same huntresses sang and Indian Lullaby around the campfire.
A three act play “Sniffling Hiram” provoked peals of laughter from the audience as did also a lesser dialogue “The Fliver family”. Instrumental music was given by Miss Beatrice Healey, the accompanist of the evening and Miss Shirley Rousome and James Barrigar. The whole programme was one of unusual merit and would be worth reproducing to a larger audience. Miss Florence McBratney, the teacher, and others in the program are to be congratulated on the success of the evening’s entertainment.
Edward Webster, a pupil of St.Alban’s School of Brockville, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. J.S.Webster, stood head of his form for the Michaelmas term just ended, making 88 percent average on all subjects. Edward is 13 years of age and in a class composed of 13 boys from Kingston, Brockville, Toronto, Montreal, Gananoque and one from New Dublin.
Miss Florence McBratney is spending the holidays with her parents in Brockville.
Mr. and Mrs. Elmer F. Griebe and two children and Niel Frood of Syracuse, N.Y. spent the holidays with relatives here.
Mrs. Elizabeth Orr of Brockville is visiting Mrs. Charles Burgess for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Willey and daughters spent Christmas with friends at Lyn.
On Tuesday evening about thirty friends gathered at the Municipal Hall for a social evening in honour of Mr and Mts. Elmer Grube, Niel Frood and Harold McDougal who have been absent from the community for ore than two years. Games and dancing were enjoyed till midnight when lunch was served and the company dispersed having spent a very enjoyable evening.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years- 1912-1942. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Lyn, Sep 4, 1912
Killed on Track – While walking from Brockville to his home above Lyn, between twelve and one o’clock on Thursday afternoon, Nathan Purvis, a well known farmer, met his death on te tracks of the B.W.& N.W. Railway, at a point near Lyn Junction. An engine was a special freight train from Lyn to Brockville with D. Carty on the look-out. When nearing the place described he observed on the track what seemed to be a bundle of paper. As te train had almost reached the object and too late to give the signal Carty discovered that it was a man, who was run over and terribly mutilated. The body was sufficiently intact to permit identification by the train crew.
Lyn– June 27, 1925
Lyn Women’s Institute Holds Opening Meeting- membership comprises 41 residents of the village
The first regular meeting of the Lyn branch of the Women’s Institute was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Institute rooms. The president Mrs Stuart Booth, presided. After the singing of the Institute ode the roll call was responded to by the payment of fees, at the close of which the sectary reported a paid up membership of 41. Mrs. George McNish gave a splendid paper on “The value of co-operation”. Miss Julia Stafford collected suggestions for the yearly programmes from all present. Mrs. Helen Paul gave an interesting talk on the “Origin, Growth and Objects of Women’s Institutes,” which was followed by the nominations for the standing committees for the year. Refreshments were then served from a daintily decorated tea table, presided over by Ms. John Square and Mrs. Mazie Shipman. The social half hour was much enjoyed by all. The next meeting of the Institute will take place on the third Monday in July at 7:30 p.m.
Miss Bessie Billings has gone to New York to visit Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Bryson.
Miss Catherine Neilson is spending the summer at Ivy Lea.
Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Imerson and Omar Emerson motored to Delta on Sunday to visit friends. Mrs. Imerson is staying there for a few days.
Mrs. D. Leeder and baby, of Cartage, N.Y., were guests of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Imerson last week for the Davis-Howard wedding.
In spite of the threatening weather the social held by the Anglican Church on the rectory grounds last Friday evening was quite a success. While the crowd was not so large as usual everyone seemed t enjoy themselves. Rev. L.E. Davis, Brockville, acted as chairman and a very interesting programme was given.
Miss Jean McFadyen, Kingston, is visiting Rev. and Mrs. W.F. McCree.
Miss Mary Cumming, Toronto, is home for the holidays.
Lyn, Sep 24, 1925
Women’s Institute of Lyn Increases its Membership- Seventy-Seven now on roll of the organization
The regular September meeting of the Ly branch of the Women’s Institute was held on Monday afternoon in the Institute rooms with the president, Mrs. Stuart Booth in the hair. There was a very large attendance of the members who had as their guests the older ladies of the community. Ten new members joined, making a total of 77 on the roll. “The First Recollections” given in response to the roll call, created much amusement. The treasurer, Mrs. J. Bolin, gave a splendid report showing a good balance on hand. Miss. J. Hamilton reported on the probability of having a class in basketry during the coming month. It was decided also to hold a sale at Thanksgiving time. During the programme antiques of china, pewter, linen and trinketry, all well over a hundred years old and carrying besides much of local interest, were on display. Mrs. John Square gave again by request a paper on the “Early History of Lyn.” Two splendid papers, one in favour of “Consolidated Schools” was read by Mrs. Wilson Burnham and one on “Christian Stewardship” read by Mrs. Herb Robins were much appreciated. An interesting summary of current events for the month was given by Mrs. Walace Gardiner in the absence of Miss. J. Taylor. Of interest to all was the very realistic demonstration, given by Mrs. M. Shipman and Mrs. R. Steacy, of the processes through which flax is passed in the preparation of home made linen. A vote of choice of the delegate from this branch to the annual astern Ontario convention in Ottawa was taken and resulted in the appointment of Mrs. Helen Paul, with Mrs. Joseph Bolin as alternate. Tea was then poured at a daintily spread tea table by Mrs. John McCready and Mrs. Norman Lee. The splendid programme and happy social hour following reflect much credit on Miss Julis Stafford, who with group three ladies was responsible for the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held in the evening on the third Monday in October.
Miss Bessie B. Billings has gone to St. John, N.B. where she will teach in a select girls’ school.
Misses Gladys Latimer and Mary Brown have gone to Ottawa to attend the Normal School.
Dr. and Mrs. F.M. Judson have been spending a few days at C.M. Taylor’s cottage, Lily Bay.
Miss Margaret McNish has returned from visiting relatives in Toronto and Weston.
Dr. Lloyd Hannah, Moosejaw, Sask. Who has been ill, is here on an extended visit to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Hannah.
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Miller and family and father Norton Miller, of Prescott, spent the weekend with Mrs. John Stead.
Miss Taylor, who has been visiting relatives in England will spend a few days with Rev. and Mrs. W.T. McCree, on her way across Canada to her home in New Zealand.
Allan G. Cumming has returned to Boston, Mass., after having spent some weeks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.C Cumming.
Mrs. James A. Davidson, who s visiting her cousin, Ms. R.F. Tennant, was taken seriously ill on Wednesday, but is reported better at this writing.
Mrs. James Sheridan, Brockville, spent the weekend with Mrs. Williamson.
Mr. and Mrs. Muirhead, Brockville, were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Square.
Miss Georgina Pergeau, Gananoque, has returned from visiting her sister Mrs. Moris Lee, in Detroit, and is spending a few days with her mother, Mrs. George Pergau. Little Miss Betty Lee accompanied her home.
Last Friday evening Rev. and Mrs. A.E. Smart entertained the members of the A.Y.P.A. at the rectory.
The annual harvest Thanksgiving festival services of the Anglican Church will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 27, at 3 o’clock.
Miss May Stafford and friends are spending this week with Mrs. William Stafford and family.
L.A. Glassford, Toledo, Ohio, is spending a holiday in the village with Mrs. Glassford and Miss Widdis.
The Misses Agnes and Estella Bulloch are closing their home here next week and will go to Montreal to spend the winter.
Lyn, Jan 25th, 1926
On Sunday evening last a delightful song service was held in the United church and was thoroughly enjoyed by the large congregation present. Six well known hymns were sung by the congregation, who seemed to enter into the spirit of them, “Onward Christian Soldiers”, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, “I Need The every hour”, “I hear thy Welcome Voice”, “I am Thine, O Lord”, “Oh for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”’ and the closing hymn, “O Vanada”.
The choir under the efficient leadership of Stuart Booth, excelled itself. The following anthems were given in a manner that would have done credit to any city choir; “Sing, O Daughter of Zion”, “Guide Me, O Thu Grat ehovah”, and “Seek Ye the Lord”.
Miss Fern Robinson rendered a solo entitled “Hear Me Cry”, and Casper Booth gave “The Holy City”. Mrs. M. Cornell, Miss Fern Robinson and J.Bushfield contributed solos in the anthems. The accompanists were Mrs. Stuart Booth, Mill Louise Booth and Miss Margaret Booth. At the close of the service many expressions of appreciation were heard. It is the intention of the organist and choir to hold similar song service once each month during the winter. The minister, Rev. F.G. Robinson, conducted the service.
Lyn– April 11th , 1927
Miss Margaret McNish is visiting Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Moffatt and Miss Mary McNish at Weston, Ont.
Sidney G. Easton is home from Lethbridge, Alberta to spend Easter with his father E.H. Easton and his sister, Miss. W.R. Easton.
Dr. and Mrs. E.J. Bracken and the Missess Elinor, Jean and Lois Bracken motored from Gananoque on Sunday to spend the day with relatives and friends.
Mrs. R.G. Stewart spent the weekend with Mr. and Mrs. Thompson Weeks at Poole’s Resort.
James W. Cumming is home from Detroit, Mich.
Mrs. G.W. Judson will leave this week to spend Easter with friends in Ottawa.
The Misses Vera Armstrong and Helen Purvis have purchased Essex coaches from R.G. Stewart, the local automobile dealer.
Mrs. G.C. Cumming has returned from visiting relatives and friends in Toronto and Windsor.
The condition of the Rev. E. Teskey does not improve the way his many friends would wish.
Master Murray Billings will leave this week to spend Easter in Toroto with his sister, Miss Bessie Billings.
Miss Ruth MacNish, R.N., is home from New Rochelle, NY to care for her sister, Mrs. William Robinson, who still remains quite ill.
On Wednesday afternoon last a number of members of the Women’s Institute met in the Institute rooms and tendered Mrs. G.W. Judson and Dr. and Mrs. F.M. Judson a shower of preserved fruit, pickles, etc., as well as other useful articles as they were unfortunate to lose all of such things in the fire which destroyed their home recently. Mrs. Maurice Brown read a short address to which Mrs. G.W. Judson replied very fittingly. Refreshments were served by the committee in charge.
The regular meeting of the Women’s Institute will be held on Wednesday evening April 20, with Mrs. Maurice Brown as Convenor.
Lyn– July 23rd, 1948
CountyFarmers to Meet Tuesday at Lyn Farm
An evening meeting for farmers will be held on the farm of H.H. McNish, Lyn, Tuesday evening, July 27th at seven o’clock in the evening, under the supervision of the Experimental Farm Ottawa. J.R. Ostler, Leeds County agricultural representative, informed The Reporter yesterday.
He starter the newer and up to date work of the Experimental Farms and Illustration Stations would be outlined and it is expected speakers from Ottawa will be present for the occasion. Mr. McNich’s farm is the illustration station for this area.
The grain varieties are now nearly ripe and ready for observation as well as other crops and experiments going on. Leeds County Crop Improvement Association is co-operating with the Experimental Farm, Ottawa, in this programme.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years- 1927. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Lillies, April 16th , 1927
Albert Gardiner is a patient at the General hospital. All are hoping to see him home soon.
Morton Charlton’s auction sale was well attended on Wednesday last.
The farmers are commencing to work on the land.
Miss Florence Booth had her tonsils removed recently at the General hospital, Brockville. All are pleased to learn that she is convalescing rapidly at her home here.
David Lawson purchased a valuable horse from Charles McNish recently.
Dr. and Mrs. F.M. Judson, Lyn, paid the Vickery family a short visit one day last week.
The Misses Mabel and Lois Marshall are guests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Marshall.
Mr. and Mrs. H. Dunster and family, Lyn, spent a day last week at A.H. Hendry’s.
The Misses Gladys Louise, Florence and Margaret Booth are holidaying at their home here.
Mrs. H. Darling spent a day last week with her daughter, Mrs. Morton Charlston.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years- 1924 to 1928. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Jellyby –Nov 17th, 1924
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Johnston, Greenbush spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. William Rowsome.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Freeman attended the funeral on Sunday of their uncle, John Freeman, New Dublin.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Kennedy, Howard, Arthur and Kenneth Clark on Sunday visited the latter’s mother Mrs. Hiram Clarke, Ottawa, who is ill.
Miss M. Alguire spent the weekend at her home in Athens.
Mrs. James Henry Berry has returned home after having spent some time with her mother, Mrs. Condy, Smiths Falls, who is ill.
Miss Delia Freeman, Frankville, is spending a few days at the home of her nephew, Charles Freeman.
Jellyby, Feb 23rd, 1925
A large number from here attended the auction sale held at Wellington Davis’ on Thursday.
Jonas Baldwin, Merrickville, spent a few days last week visiting his daughter, Mrs. Gordon Kennedy.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Johnston were Sunday visitors of friends here.
Miss Keitha Gray was the guest of her friend, Miss Viola Deval, on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Watts, Plum Hollow, spent Sunday as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Symington.
Master Alton Freeman spent the week-end with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Davis,
Mr. and Mrs. James Glazier, of Brockville, visited Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. James C. Ferguson and daughter were recent visitors at R. Cavanaugh’s.
Visitors in the home of Gordon Kennedy on Thursday last were Mr. and Mrs. M. Baker and daughter Fern, Mr. and Mrs. H Knowles and Miss Elva and J.W. Baldwin all of Merrickville.
Jellyby – Jan 25th, 1926
Howard Clarke was an Athens visitor on Monday last.
Miss Della Davis, Bellamys, spent last week visiting Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Giffin
H.Rowsome, J. Jelly and R. Davis attended the swine marketing course last week at the Canadian Packing plant, Peterborough.
Mr. and Mrs. S. Foxton spent last Saturday at Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Davis’, Bellamys.
Mrs. John Symington, Greenbush, spent Sunday at Mr. and Mrs. Roy Symington’s.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Freeman and Miss Delia Freeman spent Sunday as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Davis, Bellamys.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sunderland spent Saturday with the former’s mother, Mrs. John Edwards.
Mrs. J.H. Davis is on the sick list. Her friends are hoping for a speedy recovery.
Mrs. A.J. Smith was a Brockville visitor on Saturday.
Miss Lyla Moore is suffering from a severe cold.
Jellyby, Feb 21st ,1928
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. George Rowntree, Morton, and Mr. and Mrs.J.E.Johnston, New Dublin, and Miss Delia Freeman, Frankville, were guests on Friday of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Freeman.
Hiram Clark, Campbell’s Bay, is spending a couple of days with his sons here.
Miss T. Hinton was a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. C. Freeman.
Miss Marion Clark, Greenbush, spent the week-end at the home of her brother, Arthur Clarke.
Mr. and Mrs. Carles Freeman and son Alton, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Bellamy’s.
Mrs. Harvy Knowles and little daughter, Elva, spent a couple of days last week with relatives in Merrickville.
Mr. and Mrs. Brock Moore spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. George Riley, Yule.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years- 1902 to 1930. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Greenbush, Sep 10, 1902
The Ladies Aide of Greenbush Church are holding a harvest social on Friday evening next in aid of the church.
Greenbush– June 29, 1925
Robert Wallace and family spent Sunday with friends in Brockville.
Miss Ada Davis is having a public school picnic today before her departure for her home in Kinburn to spend the summer vacation.
The frequent rains are preventing the proper cultivation of the corn crop. The grain and hay crop are looking well.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Forsythe were visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfrid Locke, Brinston’s Corers on Tuesday of last week, and on Monday at E.J. Suffel’s, Delta.
Mrs. George Burke of Brockville, visited her brother, Henry Paterson last week.
Dr. Arthur Tinkless of Watertown, N.Y., called on his brother and aged mother, Mrs. Margaret Loverin, on Saturday last.
Miss Muriel Earl, of Lyndhurst, is visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hewitt.
Greenbush, Dec 5, 1927
The United Church here is holding Missionary Anniversary services on Sunday and Monday Dec. 11th and 12th. Rev. R.B. Ammond, a Missionary in China for more than a score of years will speak at Addison at 11am and at Greenbush Church on Monday evening the subject being “The present Crisis in China”. Offerings for Missions will be taken at all the services.
Members of the Greenbush SS. Are busy preparing for the annual S.S. Concert to be held in the church on the evening of the 23rd.
Miss Mabel Smith of Ottawa, who has been spending some time here following an operation, returned on Saturday to resume her duties as teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis K. Blanchard and family who spent summer at Franktown returned to their home here to spent the Winter. Shortly after their return the oldest son, Harold was taken ill of Typhoid fever and is still critically ill.
Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Loverin visited at Maynard last week and while there Mr. Loverin accompanied Mr. Percy Fretwell and Mrd. Obt. Seeley and attended the Royal Winter Fair.
Mr. A. Root left last week on a trip to Los Angles, Cal. Where he intends to spend the winter with his son Wilson E. Root.
The Greenbush Mission Circle held its annual meeting at the home of Miss Reba Olds, on Saturday Dec. 3rd where the following officers were elected:
President- Nina Wallace; Vice President- Florence Connel; Rec. Sec.- Kathleen Little; Cor. Sec.- Bella Twa; Treasurer- Maxine Loverin; Organist- Reba Olds. After the meeting the hostess served light refreshments.
Mrs. E. Kendrick of New Dublin is a guest at the home of her brother Mr. Fred Olds.
Mr. Kenneth Hall has gone to Detroit.
Miss Viola Duval spent Sunday at her home here.
Greenbush, March 1st , 1928
Mr. George Evans is still very critically ill at his home here. His daughter, Mrs. Gertie Ducoln of Alexandria Bay, NY is in constant attendance at his bedside.
The Greenbush Mission Circle held a social evening on the 24 inst. At the home of Miss Florence Connell, having their parents, the members of the Tuxis square and their parents as guests. An interesting programme of games, contests and music was carried out, followed by refreshments. A vote of thanks was tendered Mr. and Mrs. Connel for the use of their comfortable home thus enabling the young people to have such an enjoyable time.
Miss Florence Dunlop of Ottawa was a recent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Gifford, while here she favoured the Ladies Aid by giving one of her lectures entitled “Our Sister Dominions” which was listened to with much pleasure and profit by all present. During the evening Miss Marjorie Wallace gave a pleasing recitation and Mrs. Lloyd Brown rendered a comic reading in good style. Mrs. Williams of Addison gave two pleasing solos and the male choir gave a splendid selection. Rev. Jas. Leach very ably filled the chair.
Miss Evelyn Kilborn is in Ottawa a nurse in training at the Civic Hospital.
Several from here took in the hockey match in Brockville last night.
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Suzerini of New York are guests at the home of the latter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Brayton.
The many friends of Mrs. Geo. Taplin regret to hear of her serious illness. Miss Merkley of Williamsburg is the nurse in attendance.
The box social held in the school house on Friday evening last under the auspices of the Ladies Aid was well attended and added over fifty dollars to the Treasury of that society. A good programme was given by local talent assisted by Mr. Jas. Watson of Eaton, Sask who is visiting here who rendered two solos in good style, At the close of the programme the boxes which were creations of art as well as receptacles of good things were auctioned by B.W. Lovern. Rev. Jas. Leach occupied the chair.
Greenbush – July 11, 1928
Farmers have begun their haying and report a fair crop.
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Fenlong of Evans’ Mills, N.Y., were recent visitors at Dormon Fenlong’s.
Mrs. B.W. Loverin spent the weekend at Newington, the guest of her son Arnold and his family.
Margery Wallace and Gordon Little were successful in recent entrance examinations. Congratulations
Miss Bessie White underwent a serious operation in the Brockville General Hospital on Thursday last. Her sister Wilma is with her as special nurse.
Mr. and Mrs. E. Smith spent several days in Ottawa last week, the guests of her daughter, Muriel, when a farewell dinner was given by Mrs. Earl Scrivens in Honour of Sergeant-Major Harold Kerr and Mrs. Kerr on the occasion of their departure for Mayo in the Yukon Territory where Sgt.-Major Kerr will have charge of the Government Radio Station. Mrs. Kerr was formerly Miss Eileen Weaver R.N., of New York City. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr will visit relatives at Winnipeg and Vancouver en route for the North West.
Greenbush – Aug 21, 1928
Miss Mabel Smith of Ottawa, who is spending her holidays with relatives, has gone to New York City to visit her brother Dr. M.T. Smith.
Mr. and Mrs. W.T. Robinson of Rochester are here on a motor trip; they are accompanied by their friends Mr. and Mrs. J. Waldron and their son.
Mr. Joseph Peterson is visiting his daughter Mrs. A. Blanchard.
Mrs. Maurice Shaver of Ottawa was a recent visitor in the home of her sister, Mrs. E.N. Smith.
Mr. Herbert Olds with his daughter and grandson of Eric, Penn., are spending a couple of weeks with his father Mr. Morton Olds.
Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Tackaberry and Mr. and Mrs. John Deval and Miss Gretta motored to Dunrobin to visit friends recently.
Mrs. D. Fenlong arrived home last week from Merrickville where she had been visiting her daughter, Mrs. P. Morrow.
Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Lovern spent the weekend with friends at Elgin.
Mr. Bert Forsythe of Ottawa was a recent visitor in our village.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward wain of Moose Jaw, Sask., who are spending the summer with relatives at Morrisburg, called on friends here last week. Mrs. Swain was formerly Miss Lucy Loverin.
Greenbush – August 29th, 1928
Miss Evelyn Kilborn went to Ottawa on Tuesday to resume her training in the Civic Hospital which has been interrupted by illness.
Rev. Townsend, Westport, occupied the pulpit of the United Church here on Sunday last and gave an inspiring sermon on the subject. “The Evil Eye”.
Mr. Harry Sterling of Oshawa is spending his holidays with his Uncle and Aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Miller.
Miss Opal McVeigh, nurse in training at the Kingston General Hospital with a party of friends motored here on Sunday to visit her parents.
Mrs. And Mr. E. Smith and Miss Marguerite Kerr spent a few days in Ottawa last week and on their return were accompanied by Miss Muriel Kerr.
Miss Jessie Loverin spend last week with her friend, Mrs. Frank Frood at Dunrobin and also attended the Ottawa Fair.
Mrs. Hamilton Maird of North Collins, N.Y., with her children and grandchildren to the number of eleven persons are camping on Mr. Geo. Langdon’s lawn. While on their motor trip they intend to visit other places of interest.
The mission circle girls conducted a pleasant social evening on Mr. Jas. Gibson’s lawn on Saturday, Aug. 25th. Weiner’s, ice cream, cake and coffee were served to those wishing them and an impromptu programme was given. Among those taking part were Mrs. Ena Lawton and Mr. Claire Baird of North Collins, N.Y., and Mr. Robert Gregg, of Greenbush. Mrs. M. Moore and Mrs. E. Gifford were the accompanists for the evening. The Ladies Aid is holding a social evening at the same place on the evening of Sat., Sept. 1st.
Miss Mabel Smith returned to-day from New York where she has been visiting her brother, Dr. M.G. Smith and other relatives.
Greenbush – January 7th, 1929
Many of our citizens have suffered and are still suffering from the ravages of la grippe.
Miss Evelyn Kilborn started her duties as teacher at Toledo on Thursday last but her school has been ordered closed on account of sickness.
Mrs. Morris Loverin is in Kingston with her mother, Mrs. George Olds, who is very ill.
During the holidays Miss Mabel Smith visited her sister, Ms. Geo. Edwards in London.
Many family reunions were held on Christmas day. At Mr. Leonard Kendrick’s in addition to his own family were |Mr. and Mrs. E. Smith; Miss Marguerite Kerr; Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Gifford and family; Miss S.A. Smith; Mr. and Mrs. W.H White and son Archer; Mrs. S. Pritchard and Dr. Clare Pritchard of Athens; the Misses Muriel Kerr, Mabel Smith and Bessie White of Ottawa; Mr. Leslie Kerr of Baltimore, Maryland; Miss Wilma White, R.N., Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pritchard and Dr. M.T. and Mrs. Smith and son Edward of New York City.
The guests at B.W. Loverin’s at the family reunion were Arnold Loverin and family of Newington; Mr. and Mrs. Percy Fretwell and children and Mr. John Harrison of Prescott; Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Judson, Mrs. Bertha Judson and Mrs. Avis Daniels of Athens; Mr. and Mrs. John M. Percival and Miss Melba and Mr. Carl Percival of Addison.
On New Year’s Day there was a gathering of the Johnston family at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kerr when all the members of the family from far and near were present except Mrs. David Johnston and her son Gerald, who were detained in Smiths Falls through illness.
Greenbush – Jan 28th, 1929
Mr. J. Hewitt had the misfortune to have his horse which he had driven to Brockville one day last week take sick, so he had to leave it there in the care of a veterinary who reports that it is improving.
Mrs. D. Fenlong, in company with her son Roy visited at the home of her daughter at Merrickville over the week-end.
The Mission Circle met on Saturday, the 21st inst. At the home of Mrs. B.W. Loverin where an interesting program was given by all the members, at the close of which all took part in a contest provided by Reba Olds. The hostess served refreshments.
The Annual congregational meeting of the Greenbush United Church was held in the church hall on the evening of Thursday Jan 24th with a good representation of different families present. The officers and teachers for Sunday School were elected, the Ladie’s [sic] Aid reorganized and a new finance board appointed. Plans were made to meet any deficiency in balancing the books for 1928. At the close refreshments were served.
Mr. Gordon Moore of Francis, Sask. Is visiting his brother Morton and other relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Ford Earl of Lyndhurst were visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hewitt on Thursday of last week.
Greenbush, Aug 18, 1930
Miss Alice Hudson of Glen Elbe is visiting her cousin Pearl Hall
Many residents here was the big dirigible R-100 both on its western trip Sunday night and going east on Monday afternoon.
After a weeks holiday spent with relatives here and at Charleston Lake, Dr. Morley Smith left yesterday for his hoe in New York accompanied by Mrs.Smith.
Miss Muriel Kerr of Ottawa is visiting relatives here.
Miss Sadie Twa, R.N., who has been engaged as special nurse on a case in Brockville spent Sunday at home.
Miss Wilma White, R.N., of New York City, who has been touring Europe, arrived home on Tuesday last and is spending some time in the parental home. While in Bavaria, she visited Aberammergan, the scene of the famous Passion Play, staged by the people of that town, and has consented to give a talk on this and other incidents of her trip for the benefit of the Woman’s Missionary Society at their meeting in the church on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 20th inst.
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Campbell and two children of Montreal, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. White on the 10th inst, and Mr. and Mrs. Doughty with their son and daughter of Toronto were there on the 17th inst.
Miss Irma Olds, R.N., of Erie, Penn., who is spending her vacation here, is spending a few days with relatives in Brockville.
The Greenbush congregation will hold their 97th anniversary of the building of the church on the second Sunday of October, when Rev. Mr.Semple, of Smith’s Falls, will preach at the morning service and also give an address in the church Monday evening. The evening service on Sunday will be in charge of the Rev. M.I. Robinson of Athens.
The funeral of the late George D. Langdon was held at the home of his son Louis, on Monday last and was largely attended. The pastor, Rev. R. Barbour officiated. Among those from a distance aere Mr and Mrs W. Clow and Andrew Clow of Alexandria Bay, NY; Mr and Mrs George Clow, and Mr and Mrs Blake Dickey and family of Yonge’s Mills; Mr and Mrs James Eligh, Mrs Annie Eligh, Mrs Elton Eligh and Mr and Mrs Ogle of Sherwood Springs; Mr and Mrs Charles Buell and son Harry and Euret Clow of Brockville; Mr and Mrs W. White and son Visitor of Caintown; Mr and Mrs Lorne Brown of Glen Buell; Mr and Mrs W. Clow, Tincap; Mrs H. Willows, Seeley’s; and Mrs Gordon McLean, Athens. Interment was made in Glen Elbe cemetery.
The service in the United Church on the 17th inst. Was in charge of the pastor Rev. R. Barbour, with Rev. Mr. Gray, a home missionary from western Canada and a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, as a special speaker. He reminded us of our very large responsibility to the home mission work as no country in the world has so large a home missionary territory. A pleasing duet was given by Mrs. E. Smith and Mrs. C. Hall.
Last week Mr and Mrs .H.Tackaberry accompanied by Mr and Mrs Geo. Taplin of Addison motored to Gore’s Landing to visit the Rev. James Leach and family.
Mr and Mrs Williard Fretwell of Prescott accompanied by Mr and Mrs Percy Fretwell of Maynard spent last Friday with friends here and at Charleston Lake.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the year 1905. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Glossville, Dec 6, 1905
Mr. Willie Good spent Sunday at Maitland.
Miss Maggie Johnston is home after spending a coupe of months in Brockville
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson of Kemptville spent last Sunday the guests of Mr. and Mrs. James Love.
Miss Hazel Breakell spent Sunday with her parents at Brockville.
Miss Edith Church spent Sunday here.
Miss Keitha Brown of Athens spent a week with Miss Eva Brown.
The Athens Reporter- excerpts have been taken from this newspaper for the years- 1905 to 1930. The original newspapers are in the archives of the Heritage House Museum, Athens, Ontario
Glen Buell, Nov 27, 1905
Albert Hayes is erecting a new barn for Mr. Richard White and will soon have it completed.
Miss Ella Davis was the guest of friends in Smith’s Falls for a few days.
Miss Elsie Betz has returned home from a visit with friends in Uncle Sam’s domain.
Mr and Mrs John Andersen is having an addition built to his house.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnie Stewart were calling on friends in the Glen one day last week.
A number from around here attended the party at Mr. John Grey’s. All reported a good time.
Mr. Nath Stewart had the misfortune to lose a valuable young horse last week.
Glen Buell – Sept 26th, 1925
Under the auspices of the Anglican church at Addison, a surprise party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Baxter Thursday evening in the honour of Mr. and Mrs. William Baxter. A hand-some oak writing-desk was presented to the young couple after which refreshments were served. Dancing was indulged in, until a late hour.
On Friday evening a shower was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Watson Percival in honour of Mr, and Mrs. Alan Stewart. The young couple were recipients of many handsome and useful articles.
Miss Kathleen Forth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Forth, left on Saturday for Ottawa where she will attend the normal school.
Miss Naomi Baxter left Sunday for Ottawa to attend the Normal school.
Miss Nellie Newton left on Sunday for California after having spent the summer visiting her brothers, Arthur and Ernest Reynolds.
E.M. Westlake and son Byron left for Toronto on Wednesday where the latter is to enter the University as a student in the faculty of Arts.
Mr. and Mrs. .Horsefield, Frankville, were the guests of the latter’s parents Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Brown.
Master Roy Armstrong, who has been spending the summer with his aunt, Mrs. Joseph Anderson, returned to Niagara Falls on Saturday.
Mrs. Leach and daughter, Smiths Falls, were the guests of the former’s mother, Mrs. Brock Davis, last Sunday.
Glen Buell April 6, 1926
Byron Westlake left this afternoon to resume his studies at Victoria University, Toronto, after having sent the holiday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Westlake.
The many friends of Mrs. Burton Baxter are sorry to know that she is very ill and all hope for a speedy recovery.
Miss N. Baxter, of the Normal School, Ottawa, is spending her Easter vacation with her parents.
Miss Kathleen Forth, of the Ottawa Normal School, is spending her holiday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Forth.
Rev Dr. F.W.A. Meyer of Brockville ably filled the pulpit on Easter Sunday owing to the serious illness of the pastor, Rev.F.G. Robinson.
The many friends of Mrs. Lorne Brown are pleased to know that she is improving after her recent illness.
Miss Gertrude Forth is home from Toronto to spend her holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Forth.
Glen Buell Farmer Loses House and Barn, Oct 23, 1930
About six o’clock this Thursday afternoon fire was discovered up stairs in the home of Mr. Burton Baxter, Glen Buell, caused from the chimney.
Help was summoned but by the time neighbours arrived the garage, barn and stable were all ablaze.
The cattle and horses were saved, but the contents of the house, the machinery and this season’s crop were all destroyed.
Mr. Baxter’s farm is 7 miles east of Athens, just south of the Athens-Brockville highway.
A year ago on another farm owned by Mr. Baxter, his barn and season’s crop were destroyed.
It was not learned whether or not any insurance was carried.
Are these two places forgotten hamlets or just names of railroad crossings on a map ? We have been unable to find out any information on either place.
As the map shows Bellamys did have a station on the Brockville and Ottawa Railway, Clark’s Crossing did not. The only information we could find was this one line comment from Edna’s Scrapbook:
A well know resident William Lamb aged 55 years, was killed by a train at Clark’s Crossing on August 24, 1865.
Excerpts from:
The Athen’s Reporter from Jan 31, 1889 to Dec 31, 1889
Clark’s Crossing
Jan 8, 1889
Miss. Viola Wiltse is spending a few days with friends at Clark’s Crossing.
If anyone has information regarding these two locations we would appreciate hearing from you.
Clarks Crossing on map of 1861-62Bellamys on a map of 1861-62
This forgotten community lies just east of Jellby, on the Jellby – North Augusta Road. The area is reached via the Greenbush Road to Greenbush, Rocksprings Road through its junction with the Jellby Road. Landmarks to look for are John Jelly’s old homestead and ¾ of a mile beyond that, Bill Jelly’s old home which is located at the exact centre of what was once White’s Corners.
The second cheese factory burned down around 1940, the old shingle mill vanished in decay over the years and the only reminder of what was White’s Corners is the former home of Bill Jelly. The cheese factory was known as The Orchard Valley Cheese Factory and was located across from what was Bill Jelly’s house. The Orchard Valley cheese factory was owned by Jim White and J. Cardwell Ferguson was the last operator when the factory burned down. In the 1930’s cheese was selling around 13¢ a pound
Few in the area recall the settlement that once flourished just east of Jellby, but the old Shiloh Church which served the settlers still rises majestically on Shiloh Road.
Originally four families of Whites settled in the area. They located east of where the Ottawa- Brockville CPR line was to run in later years and at their back door was the Augusta Township Line. They settled on the ninth and tenth concessions of Elizabethtown.
Joseph White was the first to settle, followed by his brothers Eli, Henry and George. On February 24, 1824, Joseph White fresh from his native Ireland, bought 100 acres of land on the west half of Lot No. 3 on the Tenth Concession , paying pioneer farmer Enoch Knowlton 100 pound sterling for the land.
Joseph White died February 20, 1835. The White’s are buried in the Bolton Cemetery.
The old Bolton School once stool on the property of Henry White. The school once stood near the Bolton Cemetery on Lot 5 of the Tenth Concession in Elizabethtown. There was also another school, Bell’s School, in the area that served the children’s educational needs. Bell’s school was located close to the Bell’s Cemetery.
The Bolton Cemetery was sometimes referred to as Whitehurst, from the name of a nearby railway crossing. Old maps show the crossing as Whitehurst and more modern maps call it Bell’s Crossing from the Bell families living around there. There was a post office nearby supplying the Jellyby area (Recorder and Tines, Darling Collection Book 3)
2- James White’s Cheese Factory at the corner of Jellyby Rd and Shilo Road
White’s Corners*
as written by a descendant of John White
Lucy (Kilborn) White, was the wife of John White who died about 1817/18 at the age of 50 years.
After her husband’s death she and her sons moved to the northeast part of Elizabethtown in an area that borders on Augusta Township. Here they established a small village once known as “White’s Corners”. Lucy’s sons Eli and Henry settled on Lot 9 of the 9th Concession of Elizabethtown not far from the village of Jellby. In her later years Lucy lived with her son Joseph who had acquired land on Lot 10 of the 3rd Concession of Elizabethtown.
Lucy White lived into her eighties and when she died on March 15th, 1857 she was buried on Lot 5 of the 10th Concession. She lies next to her son Joseph. Her stone reads “Lucy, wife of John White died (dates missing) age 84 years.
James White, the eldest son of Henry R.S. White and Sarah Berry, took over the family farm on the 9th Concession of Elizabethtown from his widowed mother probably when he was in his early twenties. The home lot on the 9th Concession was variously referred to as Whitehurst or Orchard Valley. It was here that James White constructed a cheese factory that became an important supplier of this product for the surrounding district.
According to Wilma White, a granddaughter of James White, “The Orchard Valley Cheese Factory was situated in a grove of apple trees on the corner of Shiloh and Jellyby Roads”. This corner was called appropriately. “Whites Corners. The original cheese factory burned down around the turn of the century (1900) and James White replaced it with another factory he purchased in a nearby community he called Roebuck. Unfortunately this factory also burned down in 1940, but this was long after the property had passed into the hands of the Jelly family.
“John Jelly recalls White’s Corners chiefly because of his son Bill Jelly who occupied the last home owned by the Whites here. His house was once the property of James White and at the rear doorstep lies a tombstone which once adorned the grave of Henry White in Bolton Cemetery.
The railway crossing a mile north of John Jelly’s farm is known as Bell’s Crossing, but more than 100 years ago it was called Whitehurst. There was a post office there supplying the Jellyby area” (Harry Painting “John Jelly recalls Paltry $37 Cheese Cheques” Brockville Recorder and Times March 27, 1981)
*Excerpts on White’s Corners are from the book “A White Family Odyssey 1635-1997, Massachusetts to British Columbia, Canada” by Robert White
Jellyby or Jellby- In researching this hamlet we have come across both spellings, and a sentence by someone that they never knew which was the correct spelling as Jellby was used by the old timers in the area.
3-W.H. Whites at Whites Corners was his first farm which he later sold when he moved to Greenbush
5-James and Annie White
4-Anna Pearson White
6-James White’s Gingerbread Clock manufactured in Connecticut in the possession of his descendant Robert White
7-Jim White’s Home at Whites Corners c19809-Sarah Ann (Warren) White 18698-Thomas White 1869
The stone home that sits on the south west corner of the intersection at Addison, was built by a Mr. Lewis as a dwelling, but legend says that it was once an inn, a hotel, and later a general store. In the palmy days of the stagecoaches, it was a stagecoach station. Stables at the rear catered to the stage horses and provided shelter for the steeds used by horseback wayfarers, who stopped at the inn.
The house was strategically located at an intersection of country roads. From Brockville, the old Perth trail ran past the front door and veranda. The Greenbush- Addison- Athens road crossed the Perth Road at the intersection. In the pioneer days these were mere dirt roads, rutted in spring and fall, sometimes impassable because of the mud the spring and fall rains created.
Two United Empire Loyalists built most of the old stone houses still standing in this area. They were John Ketchum Jr. and Ira Lewis. Mr. Lewis was a refugee from the American Revolutionary War, who volunteered to fight for the British and Canadian Forces in the War of 1812. For his service to the Crown, Mr. Lewis gained a share of a special $50,000.00 fund set up by the Government of Upper Canada for 1812 veterans.
He married Phoebe, daughter of the founder of Lyn, Abel Coleman and they settled in Addison. Mr. Lewis then built the stone building on the corner in Addison.
Mr. Lewis also built an ashery near the house and ran a flourishing business. At one time he employed eight workers, working day and night producing potash, soda and lye for soap making. He shipped his products to Brockville and from there they were taken overseas for sale in Britain and the European continent.
John Ketchum was a United Empire Loyalist from Connecticut who fled the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War and reached Canada a few years before 1798 but did not reach this area until 1800. Mr. Ketchum built two of the Blanchard stone houses south of Addison.
For the first half of the 19th century, there were a couple of grist mills operating here. In 1873 one of the mills was replaced by a cheese factory, producing Addison cheese for 70 years until it closed in 1942. The factory was then turned into a feed mill and store.
Though a small village, Addison at one time, boasted its own newspaper. Bethuel Loverin, descendant of Greenbush area pioneers, farmed southwest of Addison. He was secretary of the Unionville Agricultural Fair and in addition to farming, he sold farm machinery.
In 1880 Mr. Loverin made a trip to Northern New York State and returned with a small printing press. He set up the machine in a room of his farm dwelling, and began turning out notices for sales and other advertising material. Then he decided to print a newspaper, and the “Addison Reporter” was born.
At first the Addison Reporter was a one page weekly. As he began to gather news, Mr. Loverin expanded the newspaper, but he soon realized that Athens, still known as Farmersville in the 1880’s, was ripe for a newspaper. He moved his operation to Farmersville and the “Athens Reporter” came into existence May 22, 1884.
In its heyday, Addison boasted two hotels, a stagecoach station, post office, two grist mills, a cheese factory, livery stable, shoemaker’s shop, barber shop, lumber business, livestock market, a newspaper, a millinery shop, dry goods store and two grocery stores.
Village Schools
The village’s first school was housed in an unused room of the Taplin Blacksmith Shop. Pioneer Thomas Taplin, who fled from Vermont after the American Revolutionary War, was the first school teacher.
In the 1820’s a log school was erected to replace the one room educational centre in the smithy. This building gave way to a stone school which served Addison for 90 years.
Charles O. Stowell, who married the two daughters of John Ketchum, was born in Massachusetts February 17, 1797. Educated in the United States he came to Canada as a young man with a teaching certificate. In 1832 he took a teaching job at the old Addison school about 200 yards south of the old Perth Trail. This pioneer log school was later torn down and the school moved into the Methodist Church. When the Methodists build a new stone church on the other side of the road, now the Addison United Church, the old house of worship became a permanent school. This school served the community for 90 years until it became unfit for school purposes. It ended its days as a stable on the Scott Farm, where it eventually gave way to decay and collapsed.
A wooden frame school replaced the stone structure and in the late 1960’s it was closed. The Addison School was listed as S.S.no. 21 (for additional photos of the school go to our post on “One Room School Houses in Elizabethtown)
(Recorder & Times c1980, Darling Scrapbook No.3 pages 1-9)
Addison School notice the boy without shoesAddison School House taken in 2016Addison School, Notice the Turnstile for a gate
Cyrenus Stowell
Cyrenus Stowell Home in Addison, taken from Leavitt History pub 1879
“Oliver O. Stowell was born in Massachusetts, February 19th, 1797. He came to Canada and began teaching at Lewis’ Corners about 47 years ago. At that time Ira Lewis Esq. was keeping a hotel at the Corners. After teaching about four years, Mr. Stowell devoted his attention to farming, settling on Lot No. 36 in the 8th Concession of Elizabethtown. He married Harriet Ketchum, who died in 1843; he subsequently married Abigail, a sister of his first wife. His son Cyrenus Stowell is a successful agriculturist, his farm being a model of neatness and order, in fact second to none in the wealthy Township of Elizabethtown. He has two children, Charles Mason and Edward Norman.”
(History of Leeds and Grenville by Thad. Leavitt pub 1879)
Coleman Lewis and the Lewis Family
At an early age, Ira Lewis ran away from home in Connecticut. At the time of his departure, he was a boy without money, and had no settled idea as to his destination. When he set out on his travels, he found a horse shoe, which he sold for 12 ½ ¢. He invested the money in a boys’ lottery and fortunately drew the highest prize of $1.00. With this ‘mine of wealth’, he journeyed to Ogdensburg, N.Y., a distance of 200 miles. After remaining in Ogdensburg a few years he proceeded to Brockville and from there to Lyn, where he opened a shoe shop (having learned the trade in Ogdensburg). While a resident of Lyn, he married Phoebe Coleman. Not being contented with the village, he removed to Brockville, but soon returned again to Lyn where he resided until 1824. During the year 1824 he purchased land at the point where the present village of Addison is located. After moving to that place, he for many years, operated a shoe shop, a farm and inn. During the War of 1812, he entered the British service, and subsequently received a pension for his patriotic conduct.
Coleman Lewis Home, taken from Leavitt History pub 1879
“Mr. Lewis’ eldest son, Wellington, married Cordelia Wilson. Coleman married Melinda Taplin; he is one of the most successful merchants in the County of Leeds, having conducted the mercantile business in Phillipsville and Addison, where he resides, carrying on a general store and a large farm. Two of his sons are also engaged in commercial pursuits: Levi S. at Newboro, and Charles H. at Brockville. Mr. Lewis’ residence is an elegant brick structure, a view of which is given in this work. Sarah Lewis married Mr. Adams of Oxford, Ira Jr. married Julia Dwight a grand-daughter of President Dwight of Yale College, Ira being a graduate of that University and a barrister. He practices his profession at Goderich, Ontario. William H. married Angelina Gates; Mary Louisa married Alfred Nelson of the Canadian Land Company, Toronto. We learned from Ira Lewis Sr. that the first house built in Farmersville was a log tavern which was kept by a man named Dickson.”
(History of Leeds and Grenville by Thad. Leavitt pub 1879)
Lewis Corners
Addison the corners in detail from a map of 1861-62
The original farm belonging to John Ketchum stretched from the present school site north to what is now Highway 29.
Where the road leading to the Ketchum farm intersected the old Perth Road (Hwy 29), the small settlement was known as Lewis Corners. The Lewis family had settled at the crossroads in 1784, built up a hamlet, and opened an inn and hotel, which is now used as a private dwelling.
(Recorder and Times; Darling Collection Book No.3)
Anglican Church – The land for this church was purchased from Levi Munroe in 1915 for $20.00. The cornerstone was laid in August, 1916 and completed in December of the same year.
“The church was a crenulated castle as a split from the Irish church at Redan, three miles north, which was considered too ‘high church’ because it put a cross on its steeple” (Elizabethtown: The Last of the Royal Townships, by Alvyn Austin pub 2009)
Anglican Church c1958Methodist Church Built in 1881Anglican ChurchInterior of Anglican Church
Bethuel Loverin [1]
At one time Addison boasted a newspaper, which was a small sheet of paper, double about the size of a window pane. Bethuel Loverin owned the printing press, which was operated on his farm, situated next to the Stowells. He hired two printers, Lewis and Luther Murphy, twin brothers. Later the press was moved to Farmersville and in the passing of the ‘Addison Reporter’ we find the origins of the ‘Athens Reporter’.
In his early life Mr.Loverin followed farming for a time, and was secretary of the Unionville Fair for many years, travelling about the country as a machine agent, and installing Lodges of the Good Templars throughout the counties of Leeds and Grenville, and in New York State. He had always been greatly interested in printing, and in 1880 he bought a small press and started printing sale bills, fair notices etc. at his farm near Addison.
Potash [1]
While some farmers converted the ashes into potash themselves, it was more usual to sell the ashes to a potash factory.
At the Lewis ashery in Addison, “from eight to ten men were employed day and night, manufacturing the collected ashes into potash, soda and lye.”
The Telephone [1]
In 1878, the first telephone exchange in Canada was opened in Hamilton and in 1880, the Bell Telephone Company of Canada was organized. The telephone came soon after to Brockville as it was on the main line from Toronto to Montreal.
Brockville got its first telephone exchange in March, 1881 but only twelve subscribers out of a population of 7,000 were bold enough to have telephones installed.
It is no exaggeration to say that the people of those days were incredulous when they heard of the marvel of the telephone. That they would be able to speak to neighbours and friends who were out of sight and beyond ordinary hearing distance, seemed unbelievable. Indeed early users of the telephone used to shout into the instrument, thinking it would enable the other person to hear better.
When a demonstration of the long distance telephone service was held in Prescott, a farmer participated. He was amazed to hear voices speaking from Brockville, eleven miles away. On his return home he told a neighbour about the ‘miracle’, but the neighbour refused to believe it. “Utterly impossible and a complete fabrication”, he protested.
Addsion Rural Telephone Company, established in 1908, was purchased by Bell in 1964.
[1] Leeds and Grenville, their first two hundred years by Ruth McKenzie
Milk delivery to Addison General StoreQuinns General StoreHowe bros of Addison the house is on the east side of the road LtoR Levi, Carman, Harold and FredHowe Family Gathering on their front porchFlorida House Hotel, AddisonCalamity Janes in AddisonFlemming House Hwy 29 AddisonIra Lewis Hotel operated in 1830 (Photo Alvyn Austin)Welcome to Addison, woman unknownOrange Lodge Building (Photo Alvyn Austin)Methodist Church, AddisonRev. R.H. Whiteside pastor Addison United Church 1933-35
Patterson’s Hardware Store at Addison c1975
Addison Savings Bank Advertisement in “The Athens Reporter” 1892Advertisement from The Athen’s Reporter c1889
Some Postcards from Addison -ca 1890-1900
Palace Cheese Factory, Addison, ONT
Public School, Addison, ONT
Selina St & Ashwood Hall Addison, ONT 1900 (looking East towards Greenbush)
Methodist Church & Parsonage, Addison, ONT Aug 189?
“Edna’s Scrapbook”
is a paperback book written by Edna B. Chant and was published in 1998. Edna Chant was a reported with the “Athens Reporter” for 23 years and she is the author of four books.
Her book, which is made up of news clippings from various sources, from which we have taken excerpts, gives us a glimpse into life in our area for over a hundred year period ending with stories from 1975.
While her book covers many areas of Leeds and Grenville we have only focused on the area within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.
Her book, which is made up of news clippings from various sources, from which we have taken excerpts, gives us a glimpse into life in our area for over a hundred year period ending with stories from 1975.
While her book covers many areas of Leeds and Grenville we have only focused on the area within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.
Addison
On August 3, 1890, two Addison men had a horse race to settle a bet and after the race, the winning horse seemed to be breathing heavily. It was decided to let off a little blood to relieve tension, but they could not get the bleeding stopped and the horse bled to death.
The barns and sheds of Horace Booth near Addison were burned on July 15, 1891 of unknown causes. No insurance was carried.
Two young men from Addison had reason to visit some lady friends at Forthton on January 22, 1895 and they tied their horse and cutter in John Forth’s shed. When they started home, they noticed that the horse was having great difficulty in travelling and pulling the cutter. When they got out to investigate they saw they had been making a track like a steamboat, and they found they had one of Mr.Forth’s pig troughs firmly wedged between the runners. It was all they could do to dislodge it, but finally were on their way home, the horse travelling on wings of light.
On April 26, 1895 an Addison man Chancey Botsford, was fatally injured when he fell from the platform of a moving train and had his right leg and his left foot cut off. He only lived a few minutes.
For some weeks a demented woman has been haunting Addison area and Redan. She stays in the swamp but comes out to farmhouses for food. One farmer caught her milking his cow, and she told him she was on her way to Ottawa. It is not know who she is or where she came from. On May 15, 1898, a group of men banned together to try to catch her, and take her to the insane asylum for treatment and care, but she ran deep into the swamp and eluded them.
The home of Philander Brown at Addison was burned on April 18, 1898 Neighbours were able to carry out most of the furniture.
An aged Addison man had no home, and had been going from farm to farm begging. A group of men got together and built him a small shack. But that didn’t solve the food problem On Nov 20th a meeting was called to discuss the problem. One farmer agreed to give him room and board for the winter for $40. A canvass was made of the village and $16. was collected. One farmer gave the huge sum of ten cents. It is hoped the remaining $24. can be collected.
A tramp was found in a barn at Addison on December 19, 1900. He was in a very sad condition. Both feet were frozen solid and he was taken to hospital where one foot had to be amputated, and all toes were removed from the other foot. He told police his name was Ryan and he gave his address as Montreal.
The beautiful home of Edward Duffield ¾ of a mile north of Addison was burned on January 20, 1907. It was a large frame house and one of the finest in the country and formerly occupied by Cyrenus Stowell of Brockville. Neighbours were able to carry out some of the furniture.
On March 28, 1908 fire destroyed the home of Frank Wiltse at Addison. Nothing was saved except for a few chairs. Overheated stove pipes were the cause.
James W. Brown of Addison age 79 years, died on February 13, 1920. He was going to his barn and slipped on ice and fell injuring his hip and was unable to rise. He was found four hours later by his son Malcome of Athens. Death was due to pneumonia. Ten children survive.
An Addison woman had an odd accident. She was hanging out cloths and took hold of the wire clothesline, and then found she could not let go. Her family and several neighbours offered advice but nothing helped. The line was then cut on each side of her hand which was then soaked in hot water. After several minutes her fingers opened.
The barns of W.H. Murphy of Addison were burned on July 20, 1917 after being struck by lightning. Volunteers were able to save the house, but one side was badly scorched.
Joseph Greenham 57 of Addison was drowned in a water tank May 3, 1921
Derk Vandermear, 7, was killed by a car near Addison on June 28, 1951
The barns of Asa Peterson at Addison were destroyed by fire June 27, 1953
On February 22, 1956 Nancy Ann Moore, 19, of Lyn District and Gerald Walker of Addison district were found dead in a car.
The home of Stanley Madigan of Addison was burned on June 8, 1958
On February 14, 1963 the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Djkes of Addison area was burned. The couple were visiting neighbours for the evening and when they returned home at 10:45 pm they saw a light in the window. When they opened the door they were met by flames. Mrs. Djkes ran back to the neighbours to call the fire department, but couldn’t get through. Mr. Djkes and his neighbour, Mr. Gringhuis tried to fight the fire with snow, but the flames gained the upper hand. They got all the cattle out of the nearby barn and by using snow were able to save it.
At the end of 1964, one of the few remaining telephone companies in eastern Ontario went out of existence when the Addison Rural Independent Telephone Co. was purchased by the Bell Telephone Company.
Theodore Martin Vanasseldonk, 16, of RR 1 Addison was fatally wounded in a hunting accident on the family farm.
Mrs. Anna Merkx, 62, of Addison was killed on 401 Highway.
Few people today have ever heard of Browntown, but 100 to 150 years ago, this village of the Browns was a bustling,
industrious community, with mills, houses, a black smithy, stores, hard working ambitious people and a fringe of prospering farmers with huge herds of cows.
Prickly ash cover the slopes and only the ubiquitous lilac and ancient apple trees show where once the residences of the Browns stood.
Once lordly Brown’s Creek, which had enough power to run a sawmill and a carding mill and was deep enough to drown a man, is reduced to a trickle, at points only a couple of inches wide. The creek, further to the west, expands enough to become today’s Elbe Creek, which flows through Glen Elbe.
Browntown, now completely surrounded by private property, lies a couple of miles east of Addison. It is reached via the Rocksprings Road, branching south off of No. 29 Highway. Half a mile down the road, a lane turning right, down to the Stanley Hall farmhouse, points the way to Browntown.
At the Hall Farmhouse, one must trudge half a mile through waist-deep grass and shoulder high weeds to reach Brown’s Creek. Browntown once sprawled up and down the creek, and high on a knoll to the south, rests the old Browntown Cemetery.
Browntown was a thriving community in the horse and buggy days. It had its own road, part of which consisted of the granite rocks of the Pre-Cambrian shield. Flat sections of the rock which formed this road, still exist on the higher ground.
The road itself has long been cut off by fences. Overgrown with brush, its route can still be traced through the fields but no wagon has raised the dust of its ancient ruts for 70 years or more.
The only traces of the buildings which once formed Browntown, are a few rotting timbers in what was presumably the basement of a dwelling, and the sagging cover of an old well. Not even the foundations can be found.
Maps made in 1861 show a number of buildings there, including at least three Brown dwellings.
Browntown Cemetery lies in the middle of Andras Adolf’s pasture. A rusting wire fence surrounds the small enclosure, and entry is made via an iron gate hanging on squeaking hinges. The fence keeps the cattle out, but the elements have sadly battered the headstones. Only four stones remain standing. The others lie in fragments on the graves. Genealogists of the Leeds and Grenville branch of the Ontario Genealogy Society have painstakingly pieced the stones together to record the graves for posterity, but some stones are broken and lie beneath the surface.
Founder of Browntown was United Empire Loyalist Nathaniel Brown, a British soldier who fought under General Burgoyne in the 1777 battles of Saratoga and Tinconderoga. At the end of the war, Brown and his family made their way from Bennington, VT. to Canada. For his services, Brown was granted 200 acres of land and he chose the wilderness area of Elizabethtown, 15 miles north of Brockville. His farm became the nucleus of the future community of Browntown.
Born in 1850, Brown was in his 50th year when he settled here in 1800. Nathaniel and his wife Mary, had nine children. They were James, born Oct 22,1779 and died March 12, 1859; Nancy (1780-1855) who married Jonathon Fulford, ancestor of the Fulford family of Brockville; Samuel; Michael; Anna; Philip, who married Polly Parish the daughter of Farmersville pioneer William Parish UE; Hanna; Nathaniel Jr. and Phoebe.
Nathaniel’s property was described as Lot 35 in the Ninth Concession of Elizabethtown. His son James subsequently developed the adjoining Lot 34 as well as Lot 35 in the Seventh Concession. In 1837, Nathaniel’s property passed to James. (Recorder and Times c1980, Darling Scrapbook 3 p31)
Lorren Brown and his 1st wife Edith Miner c1880’s(l-r) Bertha Amella Brown, Lorren Brown and son Charlie, the last of the Browns
Entrance to Browntown Cemetery c1980Nona Ashley and grave of Sarah Brown c1980
Lorren Brown’s old homestead near Addison c1980
Jack knife made at the Browntown Blacksmith Shop photo by W.BlanchardJack Knife made at the Browntown Blacksmith Shop Photo by W.Blanchard
Entrance to Browntown Cemetery photo by E.Seabrooke taken 2016Only Tombstone left standing in the Cemetery Photo by E.Seabrooke taken 2016 age 9 yrs & 7 mo.
Excerpts from:
The Athen’s Reporter from Jan 31, 1889 to Dec 31, 1889
Browntown
Jan 8, 1889
There was quite a commotion in the quiet village of Browntown the other evening, it being the annual ice cream social at the residence of Mr. Franklin Wiltse, composed of the elite of the village and suburbs.
Jan 29, 1889
Wood sawing is the order of the day in this section. The McLean Brothers have given Browntown quite a siege. They are up to the mark every time
Saturday March 16th, 1889
Mr. A. Church of Browntown, has purchased the celebrated horse, ‘Donnybrook’, from Mr. Albert McVeigh, and intends running Her Majesty’s mail for this season
Monday April 8th 1889
On Saturday last the wife of Mr. Lorren Brown, of Browntown, became the mother of a pair of twin girls. Unfortunately one of them died, but the mother and the other one are doing well.
Mr. A. Church, of Browntown, has been engaged for the last few days drilling a well for Mr. George Patterson, of this place. When at the depth of 90 feet a stream was struck sufficient to drive a mill.
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Tuesday Dec. 4, 1894 issue-
Glossville– Friday, Nov. 30-
Mr. and Mrs. G. Booth of Browntown are visiting friends in Carleton Place.
For many years, this community, a couple of miles north of Brockville, was served by a tiny store at the southeast corner of the main intersection in Fairfield East. Operated by Fred Bain and his wife, the store, though small, sold everything the community needed. Bain Road which runs east past the store was named for the this couple.
Legend says that during the War of 1812, a pot of gold was buried on the Nathan Clark farm, south of here. Indians told the settlers of the incident but neglected to say who buried the gold or why. In the late 1800’s many gold hunters came to the Clark farm seeking the gold, and the diggings can still be spotted here and there on the 200 acre homestead. No one ever found any trace of the gold.
Five generations of Clarks have lived in the fine old frame Clarke Homestead on the North Augusta Road in the Southern Section of this community. The Clark story began June 16, 1749 when Nathan Clark was born in East Dorset, Vermont. Nathan married Sarah Gifford on March 23, 1775 and since they supported the British forces in the American Revolution they were forced to flee to Canada.
About 1865, a wooden frame school was built west of the McDougall farm and around 1900 the third Fairfield East School was erected. The school was phased out during the school consolidation of the 1960’s.
In the dim, distant past of this peaceful farming community on the Fifth Concession of Elizabethtown, two maiden ladies, sisters, named Pucker, lived along the road now know as North Augusta Road. They gave their name to the area and for a long time ‘Pucker Street’ was the centre of the community. It remained Pucker Street until 1857, when the Brockville and Ottawa Railway was completed. The railway put up a small station near the McDougall farm and demanded a new name for the community.
Pioneers J.W. Hough and Albert Johns were given the task of coming up with a name suitable to the railway. These two gentlemen deliberated long, and finally, because of the beauty of the area, decided that it should be called “Fair Field”, subsequently shortened to “Fairfield”. So the station became known as Fairfield and this particular area became Fairfield East, to distinguish it from a settlement west of the tracks. That settlement has long since vanished and today there is no trace of Fairfield West.
The original trail from Brockville to North Augusta was a mere path through the woods. Later this path developed into a stage road and stage coaches appeared, running from Brockville to North Augusta. The stage driver had a loud horn beside him, and as he passed every farmhouse, he would blow a long blast on the horn. His passengers would come running and climb aboard. North Augusta Road was once a toll road and a toll gate was set up at the “Long Swamp”, south of the community. The fees were one cent per single horse and two cents for a team. The toll house, once operated by Charlie Fox, was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt. Tolls passed out of existence before the outbreak of the First Great War.
With the arrival of the railroad in 1857, Fairfield East secured a post office. The first office was set up on the west side of the railway tracks with Alden Johns as Postmaster, who was also the community grocer. Mail was delivered and picked up three times a week.
Fairfield East revolved around the church with the Presbyterian Church erected in 1865. It was used until the early 1920’s and then abandoned. The Fairfield East Women’s Institute subsequently bought the building and property and tore the church down to make way for a hall. (Recorder & Times c1980- Darling Collection Book 3)
Down on the Blain Road, a quarter of a mile east of the North Augusta Road, passing through this community stands half a wall of an ancient stone home. This is all that remains of a pioneer residence believed to have been erected more that 180 years ago.
Known years ago as the Kelly place, from a family of Kelly’s who lived here from the early days, the property passed through several hands before disaster struck 50 years ago. The house caught fire one hot July day and was burned out before bucket brigades could quell the flames. Then because the tottering walls posed a menace to the community children, farmers dynamited the walls and brought them tumbling down. Now only the west wall, with one empty window gaping, stands forlornly over the ruins. (Recorder and Times, Darling Collection Bk 7)
The Vouts of Fairfield East
Down through the ages the name Robert Vout has appeared in almost every generation. These Huguenots of old France were among the early settlers of this area. One branch of the family settled near this farming community, making a significant contribution to the social and agricultural life of Augusta and Elizabethtown Townships.
Robert Vout was born in Hoveton, St. Peter’s in the Hundred of Tunstead Norfolk in 1825. He wed Tabitha, better know as Bertha Rose a native of Scottow, Norfolk, born in 1829. The marriage took place in 1840, a few years before they migrated to Canada.
Robert and Bertha came to this country with three, possibly four children, taking several weeks to cross the Atlantic. Robert and Bertha settled on a farm in the Sixth Concession of Augusta. The road later became known as Slab Street. Some 16 years after arriving here, Robert was able to pay $1,100 for a 100 acre homestead, a choice bit of farmland developed by another pioneer, Terence O’Reilly.
Robert Vout died on July 19, 1907, 55 years after arriving and Bertha lived another six years, dying on June 15, 1913 at the age of 84. Both lie in the Vout family plot in the Bissell Cemetery. (Recorder and Times, Darling Collection Bk 7)
J.W. Hough
The late J.W.Hough was born in London, England and settled in Canada at an early date. The sole surviving member of the original family is Mr. George Hough of Augusta, his farm at Fairfield being one of the finest and best cultivated in Leeds County. (History of Leeds and Grenville by Thad. Leavitt pub 1879)
J.W. Hough Home from Leavitt’s History pub. 1879
Early map c1800
Fred Bain at his store in Fairfield EastRobert and Tabitha Rose Vout abt 1860The Vout’s and Bain’s in 1930
Women’s Institute Hall4 H Homemaking Club abt 1968- Sharon (Spicer) Barton
Map of 1861-62Walter Slack Home built around 1830Clarke Home built in 1804
FairfieldEast Mail Route
by Edna (Phillips) Spicer
Fred and Gertie Bain lived on a farm on the 6th concession of Elizabethtown east of the Manhard Church with her parents, Jack and Jane Vout. The Bain’s had a car at this time and Fred drove it.
As a child I lived next door. My Grandmother, Sarah Phelps lived with us. The Bain’s got the Fairfield east mail route sometime around the early 1930’s. They bought a new car at this time, and Gertie Bain did the driving. In the winter time when the roads were bad, Fred delivered the mail with the horse and cutter.
The Post Office at this time was at the John’s home on the 5th Concession, near the railroad, Mr. Johns was the Post Master. He took the mail to the train and returned with the mail for the mail carrier who delivered it the next day.
In 1937 the post office was moved to the home of Mrs. Jesse Manhard. (the corner of County Road 6 and the now Bain Road). Mr. Manhard was Post Master for 12 years. He died suddenly in early July 1949.
Bain’s took over the Post Office, Feb 11th, 1952, with Mrs. Bain as Post Mistress. The Bain’s moved from the farm to the Manhard house Feb. 29th, 1952.
A few years later while still living in the Manhard house, the post office was now closed. Mrs. Bain then went to the Post Office in Brockville picked up the mail and the Recorder and Times Newspaper which was delivered there. Mrs. Bain then delivered the mail the same day on the Fairfield East mail route. At this time the Fairfield East mail route became R.R.#5, Brockville. The post office was never located at Bain’s Store.
Jack Vout and my grandmother were brother and sister. The picture of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vout were parents of Jack and Sarah, and my Great Grand parents.
“Edna’s Scrapbook”
is a paperback book written by Edna B. Chant and was published in 1998. Edna Chant was a reported with the “Athens Reporter” for 23 years and she is the author of four books.
Her book, which is made up of news clippings from various sources, from which we have taken excerpts, gives us a glimpse into life in our area for over a hundred year period ending with stories from 1975.
While her book covers many areas of Leeds and Grenville we have only focused on the area within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.
Fairfield East
On December 2, 1859 three men were killed on the railroad at Fairfield East when their handcar was struck by an express train. Sam Wiley and William Dixon died immediately and Thomas Cook died within the hour.
Sam Walker’s cheese factory at Fairfield East located on the old Hough farm was burned on Christmas Day 1917.
On July 18, 1952 William Wallace McDougal of Fairfield East was killed in a car accident.
On January 10, 1963 a Fairfield East farmer, who had lived in the area for over 40 years, Charles Harry Williams aged 69, was struck and killed by a train on a level crossing five miles north of Brockville.
A large barn owned by M. Goldfinger and son Joseph at Fairfield East was burned on September 7, 1967. Lost were 3,000 bales of hay, 60 tons of oats as well as some calves and machinery. Firemen from North Augusta and Elizabethtown were able to save the house and two other barns. The fire could be seen a long distance and cars were bumper to bumper along the road.
This fine old farming community, a mile east of Row’s corners, grew around the homestead of the early pioneers of Grenville County and Augusta Township. Settlers were farming here in the 1790’s. A Methodist congregation was thriving here in 1830 (though they had no church).
The community derived its’ name from the Biblical ‘Bethel of the Holy Land’. Just as the prophet Jacob called his old home town Bethel, so did the pioneer settlers of this area.
Bethel United Church stands in the centre of this community as a tribute toits early settlers . The first Methodist services were held in the home of pioneer William Dalton, who threw their home open to church services for more than 40 years, until the congregation built the present church in 1878. Sunday services were also held in the nearby Read’s School.
Bethel United Church July 2016
There was a Temperance Hall in Bethel that was built in 1855 on the Third Concession Road. It was demolished in 1928 after deterioration proved too much for repairs.
Bethel was a hotbed of Masonic activity since 1783, and boasted as being one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in Ontario – “St. James Lodge No. 74”.
Masonic Hall July 2016
Read’s Public School, a log structure, was built in 1831 and served for nearly 50 years until a stone building was erected in 1880 on the same plot of land. The land had originally been donated by UEL Pioneer Guy Carleton Read (1785-1849). The Read family gave their name to the school and the nearby Read’s Cemetery, which dates back to 1800.
The original log school was also used by Methodist circuit riders for church services.
Among the early teachers were Jehiel Collins, in the early 1800’s; William Garvey around 1820; John Walker 1854; Tom Henderson 1855; Catherine Wright 1858 and many others.
Bethel is located on County Road 26 east of Row’s Corners at Bethel Road intersection
(Recorder and Times, Darling Scrapbook Collection Book 3 pgs 17-29)
Read’s School 100 Anniversary 1981
Read’s School Class of 1921Read’s School Class c1900
Ed Hough’s House in Bethel
Bethel United Church looking eastMasonic Lodge 100th Anniversary 1957Bethel Masonic Lodge 100 Anniversary 1957Bethel Sunday School Picnic 1914Rev. William Philip, Pastor Bethel 1877-1880Maggie Manhard, nee RobertsonLandon Family in 1913Wallace Byers and Billy Simpson
Lamb’s Pond was the original name of this settlement, the name being taken from a mile long body of water on the Lamb Homestead.
Nicholas Burns was born in Dublin, Ireland and as a lad of 19, migrated to Canada in 1820. He settled at Lamb’s Pond in Elizabethtown Township and when a community was developed there he was instrumental in renaming the hamlet “New Dublin”, obviously in honour of his own birthplace. Burns did not remain long in New Dublin, for history records that he established his permanent home on Gosford Road, east of the community known as Gosford, about 1822.
When the municipal form of government came to the townships and villages of Leeds and Grenville Counties in 1850, New Dublin was chosen as the township seat. Jacob A. Brown, the area’s first school inspector, was named as the first clerk of the township and he was succeeded some 20 years later by his son Nicholas.
New Dublin had a mill that was set up around 1840 and was operated for years by Byron Cadwell. At the same time, it is probable that the Eyres had a grist mill on their homestead east of New Dublin. Cadwell’s mill was taken down in the 1890’s by Ira Mallory, who used it as a saw mill and cheese box factory until 1923, when he closed it. Orville Brundige ran the mill with steam power for several years, but it was abandoned around 1960. It was subsequently demolished and nothing remains of the old factory. The village also boasted a tannery, cheese plant and other small industries that turned out various products.
In 1830 Christ Church was opened and this house of worship served the community for 64 years, until the present St. John the Evangelist was dedicated on the same site. The first church was built as an outpost of St. Peters in Brockville, since many of the residents of the area attended St. Peter’s and required a house of worship of their own. The church was built with tall Grecian pillars and when the building was torn down in 1893 to
St.John the Evangelist- July 2016 (photo #3)
make way for St. John the Evangelist, the front pillars were rescued. They were moved, and graced the front porch of the Webster homestead at Bellamy’s.
St. John the Evangelist – July 2016 (photo #2)
St. John the Evangelist c1900 (photo #4)
The congregation took the step of demolishing the old church because it was too small and in a bad state of repair. It was decided that renovations would be too costly and a new church was erected. On July 6, 1893, the cornerstone of the new church was laid with the appropriate ceremonies. The land for this church was donated by John Burns Sr. and John Burns Jr.
Original Church at New Dublin (photo #5)
Families of New Dublin
The names of the Rowsome, Bolton, Moore, Eyre, Bissonette and Horton families dominated the early history of this area.
William Henry Horton (photo #11)Joseph and Georgina Bissonnett (photo #9)Healey and Horton Wedding 1903 (photo #10)
Bolton Home 1900 to the left if Henry and Sarah Bolton seated in the buggy is William Bolton (photo #12)
Thomas and Jane Eyre emigrated from County Wexford, Ireland in 1817 and settled just east of New Dublin. With them came their sons, Henry b.1801; Thomas b.1803; and William b.1809. The Eyre’s had three more children after they arrived here, John, Samson and Thomasiana. The original Eyre homestead stands near the Bellamy’s crossing of the CPR line between Brockville and Smiths Falls. The house was build by Thomas Eyre, from stone that was quarried from a field a short distance away. (Recorder and Times, Darling Collection Book 3)
Bolton Family c 1880 (Photo courtesy of Barton J. Breen) (photo #13)
There is an inscription on the back of this photo that reads: “From left to right standing Joshua Bolton and his wife Caroline Mott, William Henry Bolton. Seated: L-R George Milward Bolton and Mabel Bolton nee Blanchard, George Bolton born 1821. George is the son of Henry “Harry” Bolton who was the blacksmith at Greenbuch. George died on May 3, 1901 and Mabel died May 14, 1902. Both are buried at the New Dublin Cemetery.” Note- Caroline Mott does not match historical records for the wife of either Joshua Bolton or Will Heney Bolton, (comments by Barton J.Breen)
“By the 1880’s, New Dublin was a busy industrial village, with a grist mill and sawmill nearby and roads in all directions. Accordingly, in a spirit of civic pride, the village had a building boom. This was when the infrastructure was built, four stone buildings, all in miniature: a new Anglican church and a Methodist Chapel, a school, and the crowning glory, the Township Hall. About the same time, in an effort to clean up New Dublin, a general store replaced the tavern where Ogle Gowan used to drink with the lads. Nevertheless, the backbone of New Dublin remain the Irish settlement of John Burns and Nicholas Horton.”(Elizabethtown: The Last of the Royal Townships by Alvyn Austin pub 2009)
Elizabethtown-Kitley Township Office – July 2016 (photo #14)
Methodist Church- July 2016 (photo #15)Methodist Church – July 2016 (photo #16)
New Dublin School Class – date unknown (photo #17)
New Dublin School Class of 1937-38 Class of 1937-38 (L-R) Back Row: Alan Wilkins, Ray Bennett, Doreen Cole, ? Goodfellow, Doria Cole, Mr. Davidson (Teacher), ?,?. Middle Row: Lois Walker, Helen Barrigar, Dorothy Pritt, Lois King, Jean King, Shirley Hawkins, Mona Imerson, Donald Walker Front Row: Arthur Goodfellow, Bob Stewart, Bobby Imerson, Carl King, Vernon Bennett (photo #18)
New Dublin School Class of 1896 (photo #19)
New Dublin School- SS#15 (photo #20)
Workers at Ira Mallory Sawmill c1920’s (photo #21)
Yarn Spinning Bee (photo #22)
New Dublin General Store (photo #23)Robert Earl’s Home taken from Leavitt’s History of Leeds and Grenville pub 1879 (photo #24)John Earl’s Home at New Dublin taken from Leavitt’s History of Leeds and Grenville pub 1879 (photo #25)
Dublin’s Corners Map from 1861-61 (photo #26)
New Dublin Post Card c1910 (photo #27)
“Edna’s Scrapbook”
is a paperback book written by Edna B. Chant and was published in 1998. Edna Chant was a reported with the “Athens Reporter” for 23 years and she is the author of four books.
Her book, which is made up of news clippings from various sources, from which we have taken excerpts, gives us a glimpse into life in our area for over a hundred year period ending with stories from 1975.
While her book covers many areas of Leeds and Grenville we have only focused on the area within Elizabethtown-Kitley Township.
New Dublin
Robert Bolton, aged 20 years, of New Dublin, was drowned in the St. Lawrence River on July 31, 1895. He and a friend, Leslie Row, took a canoe, and started out for a paddle but the wind came up and they decided to turn back. However, as they attempted to turn the canoe capsized and both were thrown into the water. Both could swim a little but they clung to the boat, calling for help. A Mr. Stevens heard their cries and went out in his boat to help them. Just as he reached them, Bolton slipped beneath the surface and did not reappear. Row was rescued and they spent an hour looking for Boulton. His body was not found until August 6th, a mile away at Morristown, NY.
The following article was written on May 12, 1985 by Stanley W. Cadwell of Solvay, NY in his 90th year:
“The first man to settle at New Dublin was named Lamb and as there was a small body of water nearby, the settlement became known as Lamb’s Pond. Not long after this several Irish Immigrants moved in and the hamlet was named “New Dublin”. The store at the four corners was owned by a man named Sheppard Rowsome, who also ran the post office in the store. Directly across the road was the home of a Mr. Barry. The house between that and the old school, which was built in 1890, was the home of a stone mason, Aaeron Sherman. Between there and Glen Buell were settlers named Bolton, Walker and Davis. These people were farmers. At the four corners lived a man named Kendrick. He raised bees and sold honey. On the same road was the blacksmith shop, owned and operated by Len Orr. At the foot of the hill on the same side of the road lived the father and mother of Len Orr. Directly across the road lived a family named Sheridan. My father, Byron Cadwell, and my mother lived in Athens and were married in 1872. Dad and his father operated a carriage shop where they made wagons, sleighs and some furniture. At that time, there was a sawmill for sale in New Dublin and dad purchased it in 1886 and they moved to New Dublin. He bought a piece of land across from the mill, where he built a home in 1887. I wish to say at this point that there was probably no better constructed house anywhere. Dad used to say if there was anything worth doing, it was worth doing right. And at that time he fully expected to spend the rest of his life there. He used only the best materials, and even then realized the importance of insulation, as he filled the walls from foundation to the eaves with the course sawdust from the mill. My mother used to say it was the warmest in winter and the coolest in summer of any house she had ever known. He guilt an addition to include a grist mill, and he also made cheese boxes and shingles. All this was done before I was born. The youngest of four children, I was born September 24th, 1896 and attended the old school. In 1903 my father was badly injured when a truckload of lumber fell on him at the mill. This made it impossible for him to carry on the business and in 1904 he sold it to Ira Mallory of Brockville. We then moved to Brockville where we lived for four years, and then moved to our present address in New York State.”
It is quite unusual to have a wedding at two o’clock in the morning, nut it happened in April 1907. Miss. McConkey of New Dublin was to marry Mr. Justus of Chesterville at her father’s home at seven o’clock in the evening. It started to snow about four o’clock and soon turned into a real old fashioned blizzard. The guests began to arrive and Rev. Cannon Grout who only had to come from Lyn, also got there although the roads were rapidly filling in. However the groom didn’t come. But the bride didn’t loose faith and said he would come. Games were played and every effort made to make the waiting plesant and at midnight the wedding supper was served. Then about 1:30 am the groom arrived very cold and tired but ready for the ceremony which was held as soon as hot drinks and warm kisses had revived him.
On February 27, 1911 J.H. Rowsome’s store and outbuildings burned at New Dublin.
A very unusual occurrence took place at the home of William Rowley of New Dublin on October 21, 1913. His aged mother Mrs. Solomon Rowley had been ill with heart trouble, and his youngest child Margaret, aged eight months, had also been ill for several days. On Tuesday, October 21st, they both died in the same room at the same minute of the same hour.
On September 2, 1948 Ivan Stewart of New Dublin drowned at Cornwall.
On February 21, 1966 an early morning fire destroyed a home in New Dublin and claimed the life of seven year old Frederick Donald Meilleur.
Arner Brundige, 62, of New Dublin was killed in a truck crash on October 10, 1974.
Clifford Crummy, 43, was killed by a train at New Dublin on December 23, 1975.
An obscure fort which figured in the Crimean War 1854-56, gave this community its name.
One of the stumbling blocks to the British assault on the Russian Black Sea port of Sevastopol, was the Redan, a fort in the centre of the bastion’s defences. British troops made two terrific attacks on the Redan, only to be beaten back with terrible losses. However, artillery pounding, and heavy shelling from off-shore cruisers, softened up the defences, and in 1856 the British mounted a final assault and took Redan. The story of Redan was widely told in that year of 1856 when the good fathers of this community met in a school house to choose a name.
The old community of Redan is reached via Hwy 29, turning east at Addison onto the Addison-Greenbush Road. A couple of miles east of Addison, an old dirt and gravel road leads north directly into the heart of this old community. The old Anglican Church stands out as a landmark as the centre of Redan. The Elizabethtown-Kitley township line runs just north of this community.
Redan was settled in the years 1840-1860 by Irish Immigrants. The original inhabitants were the Youngs, the Marshalls, Burnetts, Pritchards, Motts, Richards and Wilsons. The old Richards’ homestead here was originally part of a clergy reserve. In 1854 the government released all clergy reserve land to the public and the Richards family took a 100 acre plot in the centre of this community.
Redan School was located a short distance from the Mott homestead. The original schoolhouse was a log structure located near the junction of the Rocksprings and Redan Roads. The site is now covered by a swamp. There was a cheese factory in Redan located just north of the school. The factory burned down around 1940 and was never rebuilt. Redan did not have a mill and local farmers took their grain to Addison or Greenbush for grinding.
All Saints Church served this community faithfully for 77 years until a dwindling congregation and lack of funds forced the Anglican Church to close it down in 1970. The church was built in 1892-93 by Anglicans who were strong supporters of Sir John A. Macdonald. Some say that the church was intended as a memorial to the statesman who died in 1891. (Recorder and Times, Darling Collection Book 3)
All Saints Church, 10290 Redan Rd. July 2016All Saints ChurchElmina Totten Mott and her sister Mrs. Anna SteacyAll Saints Church
Pepper Cemetery
Pepper Cemetery, Redan Rd, July 2016
The Athens Reporter and County of Leeds Advertiser
Excerpts have been taken from this paper referencing the following hamlet for the years 1889, 1894 and 1895
Redan– March 18, 1889
On Friday last, while Mr. Wolf was sawing wood with his machine at Mr. John Pritchard’s near Redan, the heavy fly wheel of the machine burst, sending large fragments flying with terrific force in all directions. One piece, weighing 19 pounds, was thrown a distance of 60 rods. One spoke cut off a man’s boot and then penetrated a block of wood two inches. Another spoke was hurled to a great height, and in descending almost grazed a man, while a flying fragment cut the pants off another man. There were several other narrow escapes, and considering that the wheel burst in the midst of eight horses and nine men, it was wonderful that not even an injury was inflicted.
Tuesday Sep 10, 1895 issue
A sad gloom was cast over the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wellington Barrington of the Redan on Saturday evening last by the death of their little baby boy aged five months.
Tuesday Oct 1, 1895 issue
Redan, Saturday Sept. 7 –
Mr. F.L. Moore and family have moved into the residence formerly occupied by Mr. M. Banford. It has been remodelled and refurnished and is now one of the prettiest in the district.
Ditching has been the topic in this district for some time. Mr. Richard Stafford appealed against the award of Mr. Bryce J. Saunders, C.E, of the Township of Elizabethtown. The appeal came before His Hon. Judge Reynolds at the town hall in New Dublin. The Judge did not see to agree with Mr. Saunders in his award in regard to Mr, Stafford and decided to keep him (Mr. Stafford) our altogether. Both sides were ably defended by two of our most eminent and learned lawyers. Despite the effort of Mr. Lewis, lawyer, his honor thought fit to set a part of the award aside, and owing to the conflicting testimony of some of the parties, and the great difficulty there was in ??? some of them to tell the truth, he could come to no other conclusion. We trust after this matter is settled our neighbors will live in peace and harmony and that the name of Redan will not ??? a blush on the checks of ?? and honestly disposed residents of this district.
Mr. Geo. Churchill and aunt Miss Elizabeth Scott have moved into the residence late vacated by Mr. F.L. Moore.
When Elizabethtown was settled by United Empire Loyalist after the American Revolution, not everyone settled along the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Some were given lots in the untamed, forested wilderness in the rear of Elizabethtown, far from the river. They had to make their way with their families and belongings along Indian paths and streams to reach their new homesteads.
Their first homes were small and made from logs cut down on the land that they were granted. Families and friends settled together and from these groups of homes future hamlets would arise. Some are still there today while others have vanished and left behind only stories of their once thriving communities.
Some of the names of these old hamlets have changed over time. Those names once reflected the first settlers to the area.
We will be exploring the origins of these hamlets in words and photos. If anyone reading these articles has information or photos that they would like to share we would appreciate hearing from you. Together we can enrich our history.
We will be exploring the origins of these hamlets in words and photos. If anyone reading these articles has information or photos that they would like to share we would appreciate hearing from you. Together we can enrich our history.