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HomeMy WebLinkAbout784"The following has been transcribed from a series of articles written for The Pickering News beginning with the December 1881 issue. The first article from the series is missing. That issue of the Pickering News is not included in our collection. The articles have been copied verbatim. Spelling, grammar and punctuation is not the fault of the transcriber. PICKERING Early Settlement - Sketches &c. (continued) November 18, 1881, page 2. Continuing our remarks of last week under this head, and which brought us to the year 1825—we turn back for a moment. Caleb and Henry Powell came in 1810 and settled on No. 10 broken front. Their descendants still live on the place. Mr. J.B. Powell the well known Whitby merchant of the Dominion Warehouse is a son of Caleb Powell. When Mr. Ebenezer Birrell, the well known and highly respected squire of Greenwood settled in 1834, there were few settlers back of the 6th Concession and even this line was but partially opened. The leading roads were the front or Kingston road, running through the centre of the township northwards to Brock. The leading me then on the front road were Squire Gailbraith a P.L.S. and Squire Leys, who kept the only post office for years, Mr Leys died in 1858, deservedly regretted. There was also a Mr. Smith, J.P. near Duffin’s Creek and with the late Mr. Donald McKay , and occasionally Sqire Fothergill, from Toronto and Dr. Boyes from Whitby, these gentlemen formed the Commissioners of the Court of Requests. The Court sat in Squire Ley’s schoolhouse. The house belonging to the Posts was the only brick house then in Pickering and was kept as an inn. Mr. Ballard at Rouge Hill also kept a house of public entertainment at that place and there was a little wayside public house occassionaly kept at Dunbarton. Mr. Leys was then the only storekeeper in Pickering. His home was a great place of resort. Along the Brock Road, Elder Barclay, Jas. Sharrard, and Joshua Wixon lived on the 9th concession where he and the other had old cleared farms. The latter was the only person in Pickering who had a grist mill; it was built about a mile east of where Claremont now stands. About this time Mr. Fothergill commenced building a mill on Duffin’s Creek near the present line of the Grand Trunk Railway, but it did not continue long in operation. Jas. Demorest built a saw mill on lot 12 in the 6th concession which was an immencse benefit to that portion of the township. A Mr. Sicelly had also a sawmill and a grist mill on lot 15 in the 5th, which much about that time he sold to Mr. Howell who erected a distillery and built a store and with his sons, carried on a considerable business. Mr. Henry Howell, the only surviving son, remains in the town of Whitby. Mr Crawford had afterwards a saw mill on the 4th concession and John Palmer one on the west branch of the creek, about lot 21 in the 2nd concession. The closest settlement eastward was rear of the 5th concession where were located Messers Mackie, John Clarke and Isaac Campbell (a brother to Mr. Calvin Campbell). Beyond this there was no open road. Captain Macauley having considerable wild in that quarter gave 50 acres to have the sideline between 10 and 11 in the 6th and 7th and south" "half of the 8th concession opened. Not withstanding the want of roads, the lands in this quarter were mostly settled upon, or bought up and settled within a few years. Most of the next settlers were immigrants – a fair mixture of English, Irish and Scotch. About this time Samuel and Joseph Jones, with their large families settled on the 7th concession and have left their descendants comfortable homes. Messers Waddell, Hickingbottom , Gordon and James I. Davidson settled at this date. John Miller settled in Pickering in 1835. He came out in 19334 from Scotland bringing sheep and pigs to his uncle George of Markham. In 1839 his father, William Miller and family followed, locating on the old homestead, Lot 25, 2nd concession. The Millers afterwards commerced the importation of thorough-bred stock for which they had become famous and for which the many stock breeders of a Pickering have made the township famous. It then took 3 days to go to Toronto and return from Mr. Miller’s. A by-law in the township provided in 1835 “ Any dog found two miles from its master should be shot.” The meeting this year was held at Alex’r Thompson’s tavern, where the meetings continued to be held during many subsequent years. In 1836 John Clercke appears as Township clerk. The Commissioners appointed were John A. Haight, Isaac Campbell, and Jos. Wilson. The Names of Linton, Logan, Bentley, Agnew, O’Connor, Heaney, Carpenter, Michell, Sullivan, Gibson, Burns, Beaman Stickney, McKittrick, Gilchrist, appear on the list. The commissioners met several times a year, and gave judgement in a good many areas, fining parties for road obstruction and non-performance of Statue Labor. In 1837 it was resolved that the township on every concession be divided and that every division appoint it own overseers. This does not appear to have worked well, for at the next meeting of the Commissioners it is resolved “that it have no effect”. Mr Birrell was elected one of the Commissioners in 1839; Jno. Sharrard, Town Clerk. The name of Peter Matthews, which had hitherto appeared year after year very prominently in the list of officers, disappears this year. He was hanged with Lount for taking part in the rebellion. The names of Greig, Burkholder, Collins, O’Leary, Ballantyne, Anson, appeared in 1839. Jno. Wilson was appointed Clerk in 1840 and in 1841 the township had a librarian. Mr. Thompson the tavern keeper to take charge of the books. (vis: journals of the House of Assembly) presented by the sitting member, Mr. Small, to the township. The first district councilors were elected in 1842. They were Alexander Campbell and Mr. H. Michell. To be continued. Part 3. December 2, 1881 The early record of sheep-marks, entered in the “Pickering Town Book” has some interest. The record begins 17th March, 1811. The first name in the record is that of Thomas Hubbard, (he was then Township clerk.) The next is “James Lamoree” ,(evidently a corruption of the French Lamoreux.) Next" "was Andrew Lasson (Lawson). And then follow Thomas Matthews, John Major, Peter Matthews, Joshua Wixson—all recorded in the month of March, 1811. The marks and signs are given in little diagrams opposite each name. In April, 1815, Joseph Wixon has a new mark recorded, and his is the only name that appears in that year. 1816, April 5, William Watson has his marks recorded—the only entry for the year. No entry appears in 1817, and in 1818 only one, under the date of October 20th – John McWain. Two names are entered in 1820: February 15 – Amos Wixon; May 12th Samuel Monger. In 1821, we find the following: Andrew Hubbard, David Patterson, Jacob Crawford, David Crawford, Nodiah Woodruff, William Smith, “Esqr”, John Matthews, James W. Sharrard, E. George Barclay, John Stotts, William Matthews, Samuel Eves, Nicholas Brown, George Post, Joseph Webster, John A. Haight, Joshua Sharrard, James William Sharrard, Evens Florin, “Ase” Wilson, Abraham Losie, Joseph Plumg, Thomas C. Sharrard. The names are given in the order in which they appear and the original orthography adhered to. The spelling of the names, it will be borne in mind, is not that of the parties themselves, but as written down by the clerk, at the time, who does not appear to be always accurate in his spelling of proper names. As an instance, the name McCausland, which had been always thus written by Mr. William McCausland’s ancestors, is incorrectly put down as McCauslin. Dunbarton The village of Dunbarton derived its name as well as its origins from its first proprietor and projector, the late William Dunbar Esq. Half a century ago he with his household, settled on the lot of land he had bought, and on which he lived to the day of his death, in 1869. Then the now well cleared and cultured farms were but large woods and little clearings. The roads too, were then in keeping with the character of the country, and even on the Kingston Road, though long opened and largely traveled, being the leading thoroughfare of the country, broken wagons and crippled stages were at certain seasons, neither few nor far between, while the Rouge Hill was ever a terror to travelers, “both far and near”. Of the first settlers, that is, those who were the men and women of the day, along the front road from the Rouge to Duffin’s Creek, not more than one solitary individual that we know of now remains, and while in not a few cases their decendants still retain the properties, yet many of the farms have changed hands, and several of them oftener than once, the purchaser almost without exception, being old county people. From the Rouge to Duffin’s Creek, only five of the first houses now remain, and these are occupied by Messers McConochie, Grant, Morrison, Woodruff, Bush and the occupant of the old Woodruff house. Of the first owners of the land in that range, only two, Messrs. Alison and Haney remain, the former only, however being a resident. Somewhere about thirty years ago, the village and the adjoining harbour both had their inception , and in both Mr. Dunbar ever took an active interest, being in the latter not o nly a large shareholder but superintendent of the work. But its history deserves another paper. The village plot ran when laid out and from that day to this, both the housed and the householders have maintained a high degree of respectability . To the credit alike of" "its originator and its inhabitants intoxicating liquors were never manufacture, and only for a little time sold within its bound, and those who did so, soon had to shut up shop. Three stores now, and for a long time past, have readily and reasonably supplied the wants of the community. In one of them is the Post Office, with its mails twice each day. On the establishment of the Post Office the inhabitants agreed to call it Dunbarton, in honor of its originator, the name first got and ever retained. In its wagon and blacksmith shops any kind of work in keeping with the craft can be gotten done satisfactory alike in needs and performance, while in its saddlers shop harness of all kinds is got up at once stylish and substantial. Its carpenter, too, has done himself no little credit by what he has undertaken and accomplished. Prominent as it ever aught to be, stands the church, a commodius and substantial brick building belonging to the Presbyterians, while in the outskirts is the goodly brick school house. Thus the spiritual and the intellectual are wisely cared for while our worthy doctor successfully ministers to the ailments of the body. For a considerable time a tannery did good service in the village, but the removal of the railway station did much to injure the village and incommode the surrounding community. A daily stage, however, in part supplies the lack and lessens the inconvenience. The situation is pleasant, having the beautiful bay with it harbour, in front, and the wide stretching lake beyond. The locality is healthy, the surrounding country fertile, while its inhabitants alike in enterprise and intelligence will favorably compare with those of any other community. Part 4. December 9, 1881, page 2. Taking up the record of the parties who registered sheep marks in “The Town Book”, From 1821- where we stopped last week, we proceed to give the following continuation: 1822 – Joseph Mumell, John Smith, Wm. Peak, Samuel Major, Asa Mathews, Joseph Mathews, Albert Smith, Asa Wixson, Joseph Press, Asher Wilson. 1823 – Timothy Rogers, David Clock, George Anderson, John Udell, Joseph Brown, Abraham Wurtz, Charles Hadley, Alexander Horsburgh, Wm. Sharrard. 1824 – John Miller, Mary Matthews, John Craig, Amos Greswold, David Louie. 1825 – Thomas Major, Wm. Sleigh, Moses Allan, Wm. Smith, John Williams, John Albright. 1826 – Harvey Woodruff, John Cuer, Aaron Betts, John Blair, Dan’l Waltenburger. 1827 – Caleb Powell, Cyrus Howard, Henry Powell, Moses Tucker. 1828 – Stephen Thompson, James Brown, Herbert Gager. 1829 – Lawrence Losie, Barclay Blanchard, Ephriam Scott, John Tool, Thomas Thompson, Mirian Bentley. 1830 – Eli Leavens, Silas Orvis, Rhoda Lamoreaux, George Wright, Harvey Champney. 1831 - Ira Brown, Robert Wilson, Wm. Hartrick Jr., Oliver Thornton, Henry Jones, Jas. Scott, James Lamoreauex Jr. 1832 – Nicholas Austin] 1833 – John Dolphin] These were the only names and marks recorded for these years." "1834 – James Johnson, Altamont Donaldson, Issaiah Webb 1835 – Sylvanus Brown, John Reynolds, Henry Major 1836 – Caleb B. Stickney, Wm. Sarles, James Clerke, James Monger, Levi Mackie, John Ridley, Charles Jayne, Loren Foster. 1837 – George Magee, David Garner, Stephen Palmer. No further entries appear to have been made up to 1844. In that year we find 1844 – James Barclay, David Matthews 1845 – Amos Way 1846 – Robert G. Barmin 1847 – No entry 1848 – David L. Barclay 1949 – Wm. S. Barclay, Wm. Turner, Hugh Pugh, John Erhart, Wm. White, We find another blank up to 1852 – Wm. Hy. Michell, Thomas Pallester. Another blank until 1855 – Hugh Pugh 1856 – Nichol McIntyre No further entry appears up to 1878 – when the following occurs. Hugh Pugh’s mark is transferred to his son Thomas. The last entries are 1876 – Casper Wilson – two holes in the right ear and one in the left. Wm Bell, lots 31 and 32, 6th con., two holes in each ear. We now return to the record of the township meetings and bylaws. Under the date of 16th January, 1826, “ a meeting of the inhabitants of the township of Pickering met (agreeable to appointment,) at Mr. John Blair’s” where the following persons were appointed office bearers: Wm. Sleigh, Town Clerk Nodiah Woodruff and William Major, Assessors; Thomas Major, Collector OVERSEERS OF HIGHWAYS Henry Powell, from the Lake shore to the 2nd concession. George Post, from the township to No. 9 on the Danford Francis Leys, from No. 8 to Duffin’s Creek and to the mill Joseph Morell from Duffin’s Creek to No. 25 John Henry, from No. 4 to Scarborough line John Cuer, from the Danford Road to the 4th con. between lots 10 and 11 Robert Widderfield, from the Danford Road to the 4th con., between Nos. 2 and 3. Harvey Woodruff, from No. 16 to No. 22 in the 5th con. to the centre if the 5th concession Peter Matthews, from the centre of the 5th con, to the centre of the 6th Amos Greswold, from No. 21 to the town line of the 5th con. George Barclay, Jr., from the centre of the 6th to the 8th Ebenezer Avery, from the 8th and 9th con. east to No. 24. George Carter for the 8th and 9th con., west from No. 28 to the town line. David Wood and Samuel Major, Poundkeepers" "Wm. Crothers and Asher Wilson – Town Wardens. By-law – “Noted – that the fences are to be as last year. Boars are not to run at large, but if they do they may be castrated, at the discretion of the person on whose premises they may be found, and at the risk of the owner”. “Other hogs as last year.” “Horned cattle to run at large, exception unruly ones which are to be kept up.” “Horses as last year.” The above appears to be the whole municipal work of the year. The following year, 1827, on the first of January, the inhabitants of the township also meet at Mr. John Blair’s. The same clerk and assessors are re-elected, and George Barclay, Jr., appointed collector in the place of Thos. Major. Amongst to overseers of highways this year are Herbert Gager, Wm. McCasling, Wm. Peak, sr., Alex Dunlop, Asa Matthews, Benj. Cool, Ezekiel McWain, and George Anderson. Jos. Wixon and Samuel Eves are appointed Poundkeepers, with David Wood. And the Town Wardens are – George Barclay, sr., and Eli Leavens. By-Law – “Voted that the lawful fence shall be five feet high, and not more than four inches between rails to the height of two feet from the ground.” “Boars are not to run at large from the first day of May to the 1st of November.” “Other hogs to be free-commoners.” “Horned cattle as last year.” “Horses not to be at large.” The boar appear to have been troublesome in these times, when so much municipal legislation was required keep them within bounds. How pleasant it would be if the bores of today, both in Pickering and elsewhere, could be restrained in a similar manner. 1928 – George Barclay and Eli Leavens are made assessors and Noadiah Woodruff, collector. Amongst the new names of overseers are Jones, Winters, Lawrence Smith, John Davis, Abraham Losie, Cornelius Churchill, Geo. Berry. Poundkeepers – Asher Wilson, Wm. Crothers, Thos Hubbard and Peter Matthew – Town Warden. By-laws – “Voted” – “Boars be under the same restrictions as last year.” “That bulls not be free commoners.” “That horned cattle may run at large till the do mischief, unless they are shown to be breachy.” “That horses are not to run at large.” “That any person who shall knowingly allow Canada thistles to [grow] on his farm shall be liable to a fine of two pounds ten shillings, to be laid out on the in the district wherein the said thistles are neglected, which said fine to be paid to the overseers for the time being.” There is rich simplicity about allowing the horned cattle to run, until they do mischief, unless they are known to be breachy.” But there is no ambiguity as to the by-law about the thistle. To be continued." "Early Settlement - sketches &c (continued) Part 5 December 16, 1881 1829 – The “Town Record” for 1829 opens with the statement that “The inhabitants of the Township of Pickering met (agreeable to appointment) at Mr. Levi Leavens’ on the 6th day of January for the purpose of choosing and nominating Parish and Town officers for the present year, when the following were appointed: William Sleigh, Town clerk. Nodiah Woodruff] Joseph Wixon] Assessors William Sleigh] Overseers of Highways, 1829: Silas Orvis, Abraham Stoner, Henry Powell, Solomon Churchill, Joseph Morell, John Henry, Charles Ward, James Monger, George Smith, Samuel Major, Peter Matthews, Lawrence Losie, Thomas Thompson, Parnell Web, William Crothers,] Thomas Major,] Poundkeepeers Francis Leys] James W. Sharrard] Town Wardens By-Law. The only by-law “voted” this year was as follows: “The lawful fence to be the same as last year. Boars not to be free commoners. Bulls to be free commoners. Any creature that is known to throw down a fence are not to be free commoners. Horses are not to be free commoners.” This was all the municipal legislation of the year. If the grammar is not according to Lindley Murray, the deficiencies are more than counterbalanced by the brevity of the sentences in which the proceedings are recorded. There are no “whereases,” “Be it enacteds,” or “first, second and third readings,” or going into committee of the whole.” But we have the plain meaning and intent of the meeting in a few common- sense words, free from all legal phraseology and circumlocution jargon. The language is as sturdy and abrupt as the sturdy settlers themselves were in those days. 1830 – In 1830 the “Town Meeting” was again held at the home of Mr. Levin Leavens – and as late as the 13th of February. William Sleigh is again clerk – in which position, we" "may here remark, he continues up to, and including the year 1835. William Sleigh and Herbert Gager are appointed assessors, and William Hartrick, junior, collector. The list of overseers of highways includes Silas Orvis, Edward Lawrence, Nicholas Austen, Elij Leavens, Joseph Morel, John Palmer, Joel Hughes, Timothy F. Gates, Benjamin Locke, Harvey Woodruff, Asa Matthews, Abraham Losie, Thomas Sharrard, Jesse Wixon, George Spencer. Poundkeepers – Nicholas Brown and Abraham Losie. Town wardens – John A. Haight and Andrew Hubbard. One by-law, contained in half a dozen lines, similar to that of 1829, was “voted.” The only addition being that “Sheep are not to be free commoners (To be Continued) Part 6 December 23, 1881, page 2. Pickering. Early Settlement – Sketches &c. The record from the “Town Book” was brought down to 1830 in the last issue. 1831. In this year the “Town meeting” was again held at Mr. Leavins’s, on the 3rd of January. The following were appointed to serve as “Parish and Town officers:” William Sleigh, Town clerk; William Hartick, jr., and Joseph Wixon, assessors; Ira Brown, collector. The overseers of the highways were- Robert Richardson, Henry Powell, James Richardson, Joseph Webster, William Wright, John Tool, Job Barton, David Richmond, Michael B. Judge, Benjamin Locke, James McKay, James Monger, Abraham Knowles, Asher Wilson, Samuel Major, Abraham Losie, Lamdon Warts, Joshua Wixon, Asahel Scott, Beasley Blanchard, Christian Stoffer Christopher Lamoreaux. Poundkeepers- Joseph Chapman, Edward Lawrence, John Terry, Samuel Major, Joseph Wixon, Isreal Gibbs. Town Wardens – William Crother and Nicholas Brown. The municipal legislation of the year consisted of one by-law and was contained in eight lines. There was the usual enactment against boars and bulls, “cattle known to be breachy”, horses and sheep being free commoners. “All pigs under 40 lbs weight “ are also declared not to be “free commoners.” “All cattle” were allowed to run at large, and “other hogs” were declared to be free commoners. 1832 – The meeting was held at the same place on the 2nd of January. The The changes in the offices are – Ira Brown, and Nicholas Austin, assessors; Wm. Hartick, jr., collector." "The names of Benjamin Holmes, Robert Willson, James Fulton, Issiah Webb, Charles Ward, John Richardson, John Laman, John Van Horn, Platt Betts, Stephen Dillingham, Alexander Horsburg, Richard Lankem, John Laur, Michael Yake, and Daniel O’Brien are introduced amongst the overseers of highways. The Town Wardens are Samuel Major, Eli Leavens. Poundkeepers – Jose Winters, Benjamin Varnum, James Monger, Joshua Sharrard, Joseph Brown, Ben. R. Cool. In addition to the usual by-law as to the “lawful fence” being five feet, and four inches between rails, and the restriction upon boars, horses, bulls and sheep, all hogs are included this year, and are not allowed to be free commoners, while all cattle that are “not breach,” are allowed to run at large. 1833 – This year there was a change in the place of meeting-being held at Amos Griswold’s, on Monday, the 7th of January. The two Hatricks – William,jr., and John, were appointed assessors, and Isaac Campbell collector. Amongst names of overseers of highways occur those of Thomas Reason, Abraham Stoner, Silas Orvis, Edward Lawrence, James Richardson, Ira Brown, George White, David Richmond, Michael B. Judge, Alex Dunlop, John Richmond, John Oyer, James Mackay, John Knowles, Charles Hadley, Richard Ray, Powell Woodruff, Asher Willson, Samuel Major, Peter Matthews, Landon Wurts, Cornelus Churchill, John Sisler, Joseph Wixon, Joseph Thornton, John Udle, Martin Nawswander, Allan Grainger, and Samuel Plumb. Town Wardens – Francis Leys and Thomas Hubbard. Poundkeepers – Wm. Wright, ____ Henry, Wm. Major, James Monger, Christian Stoffer, and Townsend Wixon. This year – “Bulls are to be free commoners, while board, hogs, “unruly” cattles, horses and sheep are not. “All other horned cattle,” are also made free commoners. (continued.) Part 7. January 6, 1882, page 2. Early Settlement – Sketches. &c. (Continued) 1834 – On Monday the 9th of January of this year the “Town meeting” was again held at the residence of Mr. Eli Leavens, and the following officers elected - Isaac Campbell and JamesMonger, assessors; Henry Major, collector; Overseers of Highways: - Robt. Richardson, Caleb Powell, James Roe, Joseph Chapman, Wm." "Crothers, John Tool, Charles Hadley, Altomont Donaldson, Michael B. Judge, Robert Gibson, Ambrose Boon, David Hardenden, Jacob Wiseman, James Hughes, Major Ward, David Gordon, Thomas Brand, Harvey Woodruff, Andrew Thompson, Samuel Major, George Barclay, John Sharrard, Geo. Braclay jr., Joshua Wixon, Townsend Wixon, Joseph Thornton, David Crider, Peter Rushuell, Jos. Brown and Robert Knox. Town Wardens: - Wm. Hartick and Asher Wilson. Poundkeepers: - Nicholas Brown, Noadiah Woodruff, Samuel Major, Jas. Monger and Christian Stouffer. The town bylaw “voted” was that boars “are not allowed to run at large. Other hogs are not to be free commoners. Bulls are to be free commoners; Unruly cattle are not; other cattle are to be free commoners: Horses are not to run at large. Sheep ditto.” Descendants of the above named old settlers are numerous throughout the township. The James “Roe” named in the list of overseers of highways, was our respected friend the late Captain Rowe of Whitby, who had then newly come to this country, and had taken up his residence in Pickering. 1835 – The meeting this year was held at Andrew Thompson’s tavern, on 5th of January, and was the first of many subsequent meetings held at that afterwards well-known hostelry. This was the last year which Mr. Sleigh held the office of Towe Clerk, - The names of the officers elected are: - Henry Major and Daniel O’Brien, assessors. Overseers of Roads. – Silas Orvis, Henry Powell, James Richardson, Robert Wilson, Thomas Reason, John Tool, Charles Hadley, Rowland Brown, Stephen Palmer, Charles Ward, Ambrose Boon, Richard Dale, Urick Burkholder, John Jackson, Abraham Wurts, Joseph Gormley, Wm. Wilkey, Harvey Woodruff, Andrew Thompson, Samuel Major, Peter Matthews, Wm. Bice, Ebenezer Birrell, James W. Sharrard, Joseph Wixon, John Lawrence, Wm. Tracey, Michael Yake. Allen R, Stevens, Jacob Waltenbargar. Town Wardens – Cornelius Churchill and John Strathern. Pound – Keepers – Caleb Powell, Wm. Crowthers, Charles Hadley, Septimus Turner, John Louer, Josh. Wixon. Fence Viewers appeared to have been appointed this year for the first time. They were – Joshua Wixon, James W, Sharrard, Peter Matthews, Isaac Campell, Elijah Foster, Abraham Wurts, Joseph Brown, Christian Stouffer, Geo Caster. Asa Post, Nicholas Austen, Nicholas Brown, Henry Powell, Edw. Lawrence, James Roe, George Brown, Wm. Dunbar, Thos. Annan. The by-law “voted: this year is of the usual character, with the addition – “Resolved – That any Dog found two miles from his Master may be shot.” This was hard on the dogs, But perhaps the “Masters” did not travel so far away from home in those days as they do now."