File #16981: "William Davidson Diary, 1889-1895.pdf"

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The Davidson's Family Tree
William George Davidson Journal (1889 - 1895)
Entries by William George Davidson (deceased Feb. 15, 1943, 74th year)
(All written at Skipness)'
September 23, 1889
This day wasfine. I worked at home; assisting in drawing in oats. Wefinished
harvesting.
September 25, 1889
At Porter's Mills; sawdust elevators and slab-car track burned this morning at
about 4:30 o'clock Phoenix-like, a new elevator is up tonight.
October 2, 1889
Mr. Burwash, Methodist minister commenced a series o fspecial meetings here
on Monday, 30th, held in the Presbyterian Church. I and William and Albert
Chambers represented the mill tonight. The congregation was not vety large,
but almost eveiy section ofthe neighbourhood was represented. There being
yet, in this section, a number who have not made a public profession o ffaith.
May God in his mercy constrain them to seek the salvation o ftheir souls.
The weather today has beenfine but lately we have hadfrequent showers,
consequently the roads are becoming in a bad shapefor teaming etc.
October 9, 1889
During this week sofar, the weather has been good and the roads are better.
Mr. and Mrs. Porter, after an absence o fabout three weeks, returnedyesterday
from a visit to New York
Arran-Tara Fall Show was held today. Report says there was a large
attendance.
October 17, 1889
The weather this week sofar has been all that could be desired and the roads
are in excellent condition.
Thefarmers are busily engaged in threshing. The crops are reported to turn out
fairly in general. Oats, however andfall wheat, having been affected by rust,
will not be o fso desirable a sample as theypromised to be a short time before
they ripened.
I was at church tonight and was sorry to see the attendance so small, there
being in all onlyfive personspresent. In the absence o fMr. Burwash, Mr. S.
Hand presided. The last week back seems to have been Red Letter Dayfor the
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fisherman at French Bay. The "catch " is reported as being simply enormous, so
much so that traffic on the beach is impeded byfish which lie in heaps on the
sand. The usualprice o f 10 cents per dozen has been reduced to 8 cents.
October 25, 1889
The weather although drizzling a little today isfairly good. There are
indications o fan early variation in theprogram o f "Old Prob".
Brooklyn Tabernacle Rev. T. DeWitt Talmagepastor, was burned on Sunday
13th. Steps are takenfor the erection ofa new tabernacle and Talmage is
asking contributionsfrom everyone, no matter their creed, where their home, or
to whom their allegiance is due. Hepromises to acknowledge every donation,
by his own hand, no matter how great or small they may be. He says, "We
mean to preach a religion as wide as heaven and as good as God."
The series o frevival meetings entered on by the Rev. Mr. Burwash some time
ago were brought to a close tonight. The meetings throughout were verypoorly
attended and sofar as naturalperception goes, appears to have resulted in the
conversion o fno one. Mr. Burwash was very earnest in his appeals but was
poorly encouraged, and an undefinable want o f interest seemed to pervade the
community-which was particularly noticeable in the members and adherents o f
his church.
October 31, 1889
All Hallow Eve-The weather continuesfine. Yesterday I was in Tara with Anna.
Business was very dull and the villagepresented aforsaken appearance. Last
evening I was present at a concert, given by the Gould Lake I.O.G.L. lodge, in
the school house. The attendance wasfair. Theprogram consited o faddresses,
singing, recitations, and dialogues together with a "....entitled "Woman's
Rights", given in the negro dialect by Robert Walker, thefamous plantation
impersonatorfrom Allenford.
Last Sunday evening is celebrated as being the time in which the election o f
Eldersfor congregation o fPresbyterians here tookplace. The Elders-elect are
Messrs. D. Porter, D. Morton and Jas. Walker.
November 1, 1889
Today I received a letterfrom the Rev. Mr. Moore ofAllenford stating that Mr.
Jas. Walker, one o f the elders-elect, declined to accept the eldership on account
o fhis advanced age. As I stood next in order, he wishes me to take theposition.
Monday, November 4, 1889
Today has been colder, with a prevailing west wind, and tonight snow isflying.
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The wind beingfavorable, we brought down a raft o fabout 100 logsfrom
Everett's Landing.
The coupling in the steam pipe suddenly burst today with a terrific noise of
escaping steam. Wm. Chambers, working near, was struck by the blast o fsteam
with suchforce as to throw him offthe wall, in which the boiler is built, down to
thefloor, from where hefound his way out through the dense cloud as well as
he could. He knows nothing o fhow he reached thefloor.
I was at Allenfordyesterday in compliance with a request in Mr. Moore's letter
received on Friday last, re this eldership. I, not expecting to be a permanent
resident here, thought it would be wisefor the session to select someone else who
would be in a betterposition to meet the needs o fthe congreation. They,
however, thought I had better not refuse theposition. I yielded to their desire
and was duly ordained with Messrs. Morton and Porter. The Session as
Skipness, on this occation, was composed o fthefollowing members: Rev. Jno.
Moore, moderator, and Messrs. Robert Miller and Wm Burwash, elders.
Skipness, Wednesday, November 13, 1889
Quite a spring-like day. Langley Smith had a wood-bee today, and honors the
occasion by giving a monsterparty, from which Jno. Hunsberger and I are the
only absentees o f thisfirm.
Barret ofWalkerton, Revising Barristerfor the North-Riding o fBruce, was in
Allenfordyesterdayfor thepurpose o frevising list o f voters, representing the
adjacentpolling divisions. He held his court or sitting in Murray's office.
November 22, 1889
The weather o f the pastfew days has been showery. Jos. Chambers is busily
engaged erecting a residence on hisfarm. Mrs. Carson also is building.
Thursday, November 28, 1889
Quite an abrupt change has taken place in the weather this week. During the
night before last snow began tofall, and continuesfalling all dayyesterday and
last night. Thefall o fsnow as accompanied by a strong wind which blew it
about in a most disagreable manner. During yesterday and last night the snow
fellfast, but, thefall was more moderate today. Depth offall 8 or 10 inches.
The weather o f thisfall has been, on the whole, thefinestfor a great manyyears,
and the roads, with the exception o fafew days, have been as good as in the
summer months.
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Saturday, December 7, 1889
Since I last wrote, we have had two thawsfollowed each time byfrost-so the
snow still clings to the ground.
Yesterday Mr. Jas. Beakle and A. Grant disposed o ftheir Stock and Implements
bypublic auction.
Harvey, the Guelph murderer, suffered the extremepenalty o flaw, in that city on
Friday 29th-inst.
Thursday, December 19, 1889
Our snow has all disappeared and the weather is mild and springlike.
Last week, Peter Bartleman sold offhis stock, implements, etc. Hisfarm is
rented.
During last week, I was at Park Head assisting Young & Lawson with their
accounts.
December 25, 1889
Christmas-I spent today at home. The day was a mostpleasant one although
the weather was a little unusualfor this season o ftheyear, there being not one
flake o fsnow, and the thermometer ranging in unseasonable degrees. Yesterday
was a terror o fa dayfor rain.
On Monday evening last, the Good Templars banquetted Miss A. Dezell, the
retiring teacher o four school. The bankquet was attended and a pleasant,
sociable and agreeable evening was spent.
On Friday last, Mr. Hand and I visited Tara and purchased presentsfor Xmas
tree.
Friday, December 27, 1889
Tonight, the annual Christmas Tree entertainment, in connection with our
Sabbath School, was held. The evening, beingfine, there was a nice gathering
and a very enjoyable hour was passed. Theprogram, consisting o fspeeches,
readings, recitations, etc., being dispensed of, Mr. Jno, George, impersonating
Santa Claus, enteredfrom the rear amid great applause & distributedpresents.
Tuesday, December 31, 1889
The weather has taken an abrupt change and again the lakes and streams are
chained with ice. A little snow hasfallen, but not enough to make sleighing.
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On Sunday last, during the high wind, the smokestack on Porter's mill blew
down. It wasflattened out badly in someplaces, and broken into severalpieces.
Yesterday being the last Monday in 1889 was Nomination Day. Nominations
this year tookplace in Vance's Hall, Hepworth, instead o fat Cribbis' school
where they tookplace informer years. There were two nominationsfor the
Reeveship, threefor the Deputy-Reeveship, andfivefor Councillors. However,
all the new nominees resigned and the old council, consisting of:
J.M. White, Reeve; Robt. Davis, Deputy-Reeve; and Jno. Rushton, Thos. Askin
and Wm. Smellie, Counsellors, were returned the second time by acclamation.
As the actions o fthe council during thepastyear were generally satisfactory, the
people generally werepleased to see them returned as above, not to say
anything about dispensing with the expense o fan election, the result o fwhich
might be a doubtful benefit to the municipality.
1890-Skipness, January 30, 1890
During the time that has elapsed since last writing. I have been at home most o f
the time. Yesterday morning I resumed work at the mill.
Titia, youngest daughter o fMr. and Mrs. Porter, after an illness o fover a week,
died o fan affliction o fthe brain on Thursday 16th-inst.-aged I year, 6 mos. and
27 days. Thefuneral tookplace on the Saturdayfollowing. The sympathies o f
the entire community are extended to the bereaved, who mourn their little one,
whose sojourn with them was so quickly severed. My remembrance o fher is
sweet.
The smokestack has again been placed and work was resumed on Monday.
I spent last Sunday in Owen Sound and had a most enjoyable time. I attended
Division St. Presbyterian Church and was delighted with two sermonsfrom Rev.
Mr. Sommerville. I also attended his Bible Class.
Friday, February 7, 1890
Snowing; the ground has again been bare. Presbyterians o fElsinore held a
soiree last evening. Proceeds $45. Social tonight.
La grippe, a kind o f influenza, has been epidemic, largely throughout Canada
lately. Quite a number in our neighbourhood has been afflicted by it.
Friday, February 14, 1890
The weather continuesfine, but during the week up to yesterday sleighing was
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tolerably good; and thepeople appear anxious to make the most o f it, as the log
yard will show.
On Wed. 12th the Conservatives o fthis Township (Amabel) conveined at
Hepworth to appoint delegates to attend the convention at Tara on Wed. 19th,
when the candidate to contest the electionfor Local Parliament will be selected.
Yesterday I was at Allenford attending meeting o fSession, called by Mr. Moore,
moderatorfor thepurpose o fanswering questions on "
,state o freligion" and
"temperance", submitted by the General Assembly.
The Dominion and Local Parliament are in Session at thepresent time.
Tuesday, February 25, 1890
Since last writing there has been a heavyfall o fsnow, which however has
thawed away considerably since Sunday. Tonight isfreezing.
Our school board has, at last, succeeded in securing a teacher to take charge o f
school in the person o fa Miss McNeill o fPort Elgin. She took charge last
Wednesday.
On Wed. 19th-inst., Mr. Jno. George o fPort Elgin "got the convention" and so
in the usual order o fthings will be a candidatefor Provincial honours and will
appear on the Conservative side.
The "Orange Incorporation Bill", brought in by N.C. Wallace G.M. has passed
its second reading, being carried by the majority o f 16. There was no debate.
Sir John A. McDonald, McNeill and Jno Charlton were among those who
supported the bill, while ex-Premier McKenzie, Blake and Laurier voted or
paired offin opposition to it.
Tuesday, Mar. 11, 1890
The above billpassed its second reading by a majority o f25.
Sir John Thompson's amendment to D. Alton McCarthy's bill to abolish the dual
language in the Territories was carried.
On Monday 3rd, Willie Chambers accidently cut offone o fthefingers o fhis left
hand on the big saw. He was adjusting the guide when the wrench, being oily,
slipped and his hand came against the saw with the above result.
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The Reform Convention to select a candidatefor Local Parliament meets
tomorrow in Southampton.
The weather during last week was very severe; this week it is the reverse.
Geo. Fields, head-sawyer, left herepreparatory to going to California on Sat.
1st. Mr. Miller, his successor, arrivedyesterday 11th.
Skipness-Thursday, Mar. 13, 1890
The lastfew days has been very warm, especially today. The wind blewfreshly
all dayfrom the sou'west, melting the snow very rapidly. The roads are in a very
poor condition, halfsleighing-halfwagoning, and both halves o f the worst
class. It isfreezing tonight.
At Reform Convention at Southampton yesterday, D. Porter, was selected as
Candidate to contest election to Local Parliament. Dr. Bonnar, Cliesley; Jno
Pierson, Saugeen Gp.; and Jno. Douglas, Tara, were other aspirantsfor the
position and stood in the order in which their names are given.
Friday, March 21, 1890
It has been a very spring-like week, and this morning we had a brisk shower of
rain.
A year ago Tuesday 18th, I commenced work at Porter's. A whole year! And
when I came I did not expect to be here more than a month. Such is life; it is the
unexpected that happens. But it ispossible that the best has happened and, in
looking back, I can see that the time has not been spent in vain; that I have
learned some things that are certainly useful and which I might not have been
able to learn elsewhere.
Wednesday, April 2, 1890
Last Thursday night and Friday wereperhaps the most stormy weather that we
experienced this winter. On Thursday evening the windfreshened up and
continued to increase in velocity during the night. Toward morning snow began
tofall and, amid the storm, continued tofall all day. It is estimated that about a
footfell.
Mr. Miller, head sawyer, severed his connection with the mill today, returning
this morning to his home in Chesley.
Yesterday evening, being Tuesday, Ijoined Gould Lake Lodge or I.O.G. T. Miss
C. McNeill, Teacher, was also initated at the same time. So at last I have
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consented to become a Good Templar-Nay I have become one after having been
proposed and accepted three different times. Truly the third time is the charm.
But I almost shudder as I think o f the solemnity and sacredness and duration of
the vows I have made.
May God in his mercy, his Holy Spirit, give me strength to keep inviolate these
vows which, ifkept, I believe will be advantageous to me and, perhaps,
indirectly beneficial to those with whom I come in contact.
Thepledge I took was - Sec. 1 - No member shall make, buy, sell, use, furnish,
or cause tofurnish to others, as a beverage, any spiritous or malt liquors, wine
or cider, and every member shall discountenance the manufacture, sale and use
thereofin allproper ways. Sec. 2
Wednesday, April 16, 1890
Spring has come. The snow is all or very nearly all away and the ice on our
little lakes has broken up.
Fish andfishers are plentiful and the report o fthe gun and rifle makes us aware
that wherefish andfishers are plentiful theformer are at a serious disadvantage.
There is one more resident at Skipness, a new arrival in theperson o fa young
son born to Mr. and Mrs. Porter last week.
Jno. Cribbis, collectorfor Amabel Township, skipped out some time ago taking
with himfunds o fmunicipality to the extent o fover Two Thousand dollars. Mr.
Cribbis was a man who held the unbounded confidence o fthe Council as well
as all others acquainted with him. But the confidence o fthe council led them to
be negligent in the matter o fhaving his securities renewed, and so he left no
person liable to the council.
Sugar-making is all the rage. Nearly everyfamily in the neighbourhood is
making. There has been several good runs, especially on Saturday and
Saturday week
The Good Templars here gave a musical and literary entertainment in the school
house last night.
Rev. Messrs. Moore and Burwash werepresent and gave suitable addresses,
bearing on the subjects o ftemperance, and the choice o fprofession.
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The Smith Family, violinists, werepresent and catered some excellent selections.
They were deservedly encored.
Theproceeds o fthe evening amounted to $7.30.
Wednesday, June 18, 1890
During the 63 days elapsed since I have written, I have been at home. For the
most o fthe time I have been unwell-not right down sick, but still unable to do
much. Since then we have been through the heat o fan election campaign,
which, sofar as North Bruce is concerned, has been stubbornly contested and
very close-a closeness that is remarkable as this riding has always been
considered, things being equal, a Reform stronghold. The attitude o f the Mowat
Administration to the Roman Catholics is mainly the reasonfor the results.
Below is a copy o fthe returnsfor this riding, which shows Mr. John George of
Port Elgin, Conservative, elected by a majority o fnineteen (19).
Monday, June 30, 1890
The weather has been vety warm, and growth rapid. Crops o fall kinds look
well and prospectsfor an abundant harvest are very encouraging.
John, thisyear, enlisted in No. 6 Company o fthe 32nd Battalion o fvolunteers.
John Douglas o f Tara is Captain o fthis company. The camp this year was in
Stratford. The drill lasted-or rather No. 6 Company left Tara on Tuesday 17th
inst., and returned on Saturday 29th-thus being in camp eleven days.
Tuesday, July 1, 1890
Quite cool this morning, it having rained a littleyesterday.
The Annualpicnic, in connection with our Sabbath School, came offon
Thursday 26th inst. in Bartleman's bush. The day beingfine a nice company
was on the grounds and all together a most enjoyable time was spent. The local
(choir) supplied the music. Speeches were delivered by Rev. Messrs Moore and
Burwash and D. Porter. A collection amounting to $9.35 was taken up to aid
theS.S. Fund.
Friday, July 11, 1890
Changeable weather; some days vety warm, others quite cool; dry. Tomorrow
being 12th July, the orangemen o fthe District o fArran will celebrate "The
Boyne" at Allenford.
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Joseph Strang died suddenly at his brother Will's on Wednesday morning
between 3 and 4 o'clock, from inflamation o fthe tonsils. He had come upfrom
his homejust the evening before in, apparently, his usual health. Truly in the
midst o flife we are in death.
"Dangers stand thick through all the ground
To push us to the tomb
Andfierce diseases wait around
To hurry mortals home. '
Friday, July 25, 1890
The Orange demonstration at Allenfordpassed offpleasantly and successfidly.
There were eight stands o fcolors present and two brass bands were in
attendance. On that morning, I united with the Orange association. So,
everything considered, the 12th July, 1890 was a day not the most unimportant.
Last week David Smith, resident on the IOth sideline, was drowned while
bathing, in Gould Lake. Cramps. This is thefirst person we have any
knowledge o fdrowned in our beautiful little lake.
Haying; generally a good crop; but the showery state o f the weather will be the
cause o fa lot o f badly colored stuff. Prayer meeting tonight.
Wednesday, August 6, 1890
The weather continues variable; today it has been cool. Farmers are nearly all
through haying. Fall wheat harvest. Fall wheat generally ispretty good.
Spring crops are ripeningfast.
Lowry and I were cutting wheat today-a smallpiece o fspring we sowed on the
modelfarm lastfall.
Sarah George, after a shortperiod o fsickness, diedfrom inflamation o f the
bowels, on Saturday 2nd inst. and was buried under the auspices o f Gould Lake
Lodge No. 1 to I.O.G. T. (ofwhich society she had been a member) in the Tara
cemetery on Monday 4th.
Mr. and Mrs. Simpson's child died at Bartleman's on Monday morning. The
remains were taken to their home in Ethel Huron Co. for interment.
Tuesday, August 19, 1890
Today it is raining; Hatvest. Crops nearly all ripe, and in this section are pretty
good. Last week I was workingfor Jas' Glenn. Miss McRae came in on Friday
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and remained in over Sunday. Our academy reopened on Monday I lth-inst.
Thursday, September 4, 1890
Harvest. We have been very busy all week hauling in,finishing at home, all but
theflax, on Tuesday 2nd. Today we drew in one load o foats on the model
farm. But, the well going dry, we stopped and are making preparatons to sink it
deeper this afternoon.
During this harvest the weather has been a littlefickle; there being a great many
showers which prevented getting the crops housed; however all this week sofar
has beenfine and a great deal has been taken in. Crops this year are very good.
Hay isplentiful.
Monday, September 15, 1890
Wefinished harvesting on the 9th. There is, however, through the country some
who are not through yet. Today 1was ploughing and picking stones at the
modelfarm, getting the ground readyfor thefall wheat.
Little Archie Smart died on Wednesday, 10th inst.
Wednesday, September 24, 1890
The weather iffine. Today I am plowing infield north o fthe orchard. We
beganfall plowing on Monday 22nd. On Saturday 20th Ifinished harrowing
fall wheat on the modelfarm.
Friday, October 3, 1890
The weatherfor the last week has been all that could be desired. Yesterday
afternoon we had afine shower o frain which continued through the night and
thisforenoon, and which willprove very beneficial as the ground was verydty.
We sold one load o fpeas at 59 cents per bushel, Oats are 35 cents per bushel.
Monday, October 13, 1890
On Tuesday last Joe Webster and I went back to the French Bayfishing grounds
in hopes o fgetting somefish. We were unable to get anyfresh so we brought
some salted ones away with us, paying 12 cents per dozenfor them.
So far this season, according to latest reports, not manyfish have been caught.
Arran-Tara show-fair was held this year on the 7th and 8th o fthis month. I was
down on the last day. Thefair this year was perhaps more successful than any
previous one, as there were said to be 200 more entries than ever before.
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We are raising our potatoes, getting about a wagonload and a halfdug today.
George Harris was married to a Miss Speer o fArran on the 8th inst.
Tuesday, October, 28, 1890
I was in Tara yesterday. Today we were working on the hill on the 3rd Cone,
putting in the supplementary grant.
Today and yesterday was rather cold snowflying on both days.
Tuesday, November 4, 1890
Last night snow fell to the dept o f3 or 4 inches. We have been busy scraping
out a placefor our turnips the lastfew days. Fred George is working on Reid's
farm, he having taken it on sharesfor a term o f 4 years.
Wednesday, November 12, 1890
The snow has all disappeared. Last night at Temperance Lodge I was installed
into the office o fSecretaiy, and Jos. Webster, C. T.
Tomorrow we are going to thresh. Jno and Jas. Adams moved the machine
over this afternoon.
The weather o f the lastfew days has beenfine.
Rob. Forgrave came in to see us on Saturday and remained until Tuesday
afternoon when he returned home. All well in Derby.
Saturday, November 22, 1890
Last night we had a slightfall o fsnow.
Lately we have been picking stones, jerking stumps, etc. in thepasturefieldjust
south o f the barn, and yesterday afternoon I started to plow it.
Miss Anna Temple is staying with us at present, helping Annafor awhile. She
came on the 13th inst.
John went up to Lion's Head yesterday afternoon, or rather to Wiartonfrom
where he will take the stage this morning to the "Head". He goes up there with
the intention o fworkingfor awhile in Murphy's shanty; J.M. White isforeman.
This camp is composed o fmen goingfrom this neighbourhood and that o f
Elsimore.
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Wednesday, November 26, 1890
I was plowing yesterday; today it wasfrozen up so that is was an impossiblity.
Lowry and Jim are at Allenford tonight, attending the regular meeting o fthe
Orange Lodge. •
Jim was at Owen Sound yesterday with pork, and recieved $5.20 per cwt. for it.
Thursday, December 11, 1890
Since last writing, considerable snow hasfallen and tolerably good sleighing
was the result. However it has nearly all thawed offagain, and so the wheels
are again on the road.
Snow is again flying this evening.
J.M. Chase, ofPasily Woolen Mills, was here today, havingjust camefrom
Lion's Head where, he says, sleighing is good, snow to the depth o fafoot and a
halflying on the ground.
We have cut wood and skedded the hemlock sawlogs on thisplace. There are
88 logs and will aggregate about 13,000ft.
Miss Sillie Morton o f Guelph is visiting herfriends in this neighbourhood,
coming up on Tues. 9th inst.
Saturday, December 20, 1890
Today has beenfine. The roads are in a halfand halfcondition, both sleight
and wagons being on them.
Yesterday I was in Allenford; was out with the mail.
The trial o f thepetition against the election o fMr. John George as memberfor
the North Riding o fBruce in the Local Legislation, began in Port Elgin on
Tuesday 16th inst. The trial was held before Justices Maclennan and
Falconbridge. Mr. C.M.Boroman, the petitioner, was represented byH.P.
O"Connor, Q.C., M.P.P. ofWalkerton, and Mr. A.B. Aylesworth, Q.C. of
Toronto. The respondent, Mr. George, was represented by C.E. Start o f Tara,
Mr. J.B. Clark and Mr. Nisbet o f Toronto.
The trial has been proceeded withfour days and on Friday 19th was postponed
for some time and transferred to Toronto.
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Thursday, December 25, 1890
Christmas. Yesterday the weather took an abrupt turn;for afew days previous
it inclined to be soft, butyesterday morning it began to snow briskly and
continued so until night, snow to a considerable depthfalling. So, today, those
who wished to avail themselves o fa sleigh ride were not detainedfrom satisfying
theirpropensityfrom a want o fsnow.
Webster's had a wood beeyesterday.
John came downfrom Lion's Headyesterday. It isjust about a month since he
went up. We will be homefor perhaps a week
Andrew, Ann Jane and Bella McIntosh were over to see us today.
1891
Thursday, January 22, 1891
Quite a long time has elapsed since I last wrote in this book Since that time, we
have been through the throes o fa municipal election, which resulted in the
return o flastyear's council again to power, this being theirfourth term o f
office. Below is the result
Reeves 1 2 3 4/5 totals Majority
White, J.M. 77 72 95 67 311 197
Gowan, Jno. 40 48 15 11 114
Deputy Reeves
Davis, Robt 59 50 48 32 189 17
Robertson, Jno. 38 50 62 22 172
Councillors
Askin, Thos. 96 63 71 45 275
1 2 3 4/5 totals Majority
Rushton, Jno. 71 60 55 38 224
Smellie, Wm. 69 48 70 66 253
Baker, Mic. 64 59 44 5 172
Buckland, F. 9 30 10 15 64
Johnston - 8 4 21 31 64
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Gingrich, Jesse 15 57 7 1 80
Since then also Jno George, member-elect to represent North-Bruce in the local
parliament, has been declared unseated. Thejudges havejudgment on Sat. Jan.
17th at Osgoode Hall, Toronto. They held the election void, because o fthe
payment by the respondent, Mr. George, o fa sum $5 to one McKay, for
supplying vehicles on polling day. This waspart o fa bill o f$18 paid by Mr.
George, the other items being legitimate. Thejudges came to the conclusion
that it was a corrupt act -but "committed without any corrupt intention, and in
ignorance, which was involuntary and excusable, and that the evidence showed
the candidate to have honestly desired, and in goodfaith, endeavored, asfar as
he could, to have the election conducted according to law" and therefore while
they unseated they did not disqualify Mr. George.
Wednesday, January 28, 1891
The Conservatives o fNorth Bruce met in convention in Tara on Friday 23 inst.
and brought out Mr. George again to contest the by-election to be held soon.
Mr. Porter is to oppose him again.
Wednesday, February 4, 1891
This is a vety cold day, a continuance o fyesterday's storm.
Miss Lizzie Forgrave returned homeyesterday after spending quite a time
visiting her Amabelfriends.
The Annual Meeting o f the Skipness Presbyterian Church was held on
Thursday, Jan. 29th. R. Webster and Jas. Temple were relected to the
management boardfor the next term. The boardfor 1891 is composed ofD.
Porter, D. Morton, Jno Blyth, M. McDonald, R. Webster and Jas. Temple.
Wm. Morton and Jas. Davidson were reappointed auditorsfor coming year.
Last week we were engaged hauling our sawlogs out to Allenford.
Monday, Feb. 9, 1891
Today it rained. Lowiyfinished hauling hemlock sawlogs today.
Allex and Mary Forgrave came in on Saturday evening. Alex returned home
yesterday evening. Mary is still in Skipness.
Jno George has purchased part o fthe Greensladefarm or rather old man
Greenslade'sfarm.
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Tuesday, February 17, 1891
Yesterday and Sunday it rained; today it hasfrozen up and is snowing.
The 6th parliament o fthe House o f Commons o f Canada has been dissolved,
and writsfor a new election have been issued by the Governor General
Nominations are to be on Thursday, Feb. 26th and thepolling on March 5th.
Mr. Alex McNeill who represented North Bruce in the lastparliament is again
the Conservative candidate and again contests Dr. Bonnar ofChesley who got
the Reform convention.
Mr. Miller, a young Theological student, occupied Mr. Moore'spulpit last
Sunday.
Anna and mother are busily engaged quilting.
Monday, March 2, 1891
John came homefrom Lion's Head on Saturday evening last.
The Presbyterian Soiree, arrangedfor last Tuesday but postponed on account o f
the rain, is to come offthis evening.
Tomorrow will decide whether George or Porter is to be member o fNorth Bruce
in the Local House.
On Tuesday last there was a big rain which raised the Sauble to such a height
that some o fthe dwellings and shops in Allenford and Tara had to be deserted.
Thursday, March 5, 1891
Our Soiree came offon Monday evening. The night beingfine there was a veiy
nice turnout; not, however, so many as would have been on Tuesday, the day
previously arranged. $49.60 was realized. There will be a social tomorrow
evening.
The election o fa member to represent North Bruce in the Local House came off
on Tuesday. All the returns are not in yet but it ispretty certain Porter is elected.
Saturday, March 11, 1891
On Thursday 5th instant, the Dominion election came off. The returns show the
country was sustained the Conservativeparty at the polls, through by a decrease
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majority; the Ministry having overfifty when the House was dissolved, while
according to the "Empire", the Conservative majority isforty-two with seven
seats to hearfrom. Below is a synopsis o fthe returnfor the whole Dominion
Province Ministry Opp.
Prince Edward Is. 2 4
Nova Scotia 17 4
New Brunswick 15 1
Quebec 30 31
Ontario 46 43
Manitoba 4 1
Northwest Terr. 4 0
British Columbia 6 0
Wednesday, March 18, 1891
In the electionjust past, the trade question was the great issue before the
electors. Theprincipalplank in the Reform platform, and the one brought most
prominently, was Unrestricted Reciprocity with the United States.
The Tories on the other hand came with the "Old Policy" on which they have
been returned to power now the third time.
The Hon. Edward Blake was retiredfrom activepolitical life; hefound it
impossible to reconcile himselfwith the leaders o fthe Reform party; and
characterizes the writing o fhis letter o fwithdrawal to the members o fthe West
Durham Reform Convention as "the mostpainful event in thepolitical life o f
which it is the close."
Last week the ground was nearly clean o fsnow,'but today we haveperhaps as
much as we had at anyprevious time this winter.
John and I have been cutting wood lately.
Bartleman's removed to Wiarton today having sold theirfarm to _____ Strang.
Saturday, April 4, 1891
Rather afine day; sun warm with cold winds. Cutting wood.
Sugarmaking began on Tues. Mar. 24th has been rather backward, owing to
rain and snow nearly all week. Boiled on Monday and Tuesday.
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Tom Hand returned homefrom British Columbia afew weeks ago. He has
completed arrangements to open a butchering business in Tara shortly.
Mrs. D. Reid has been down to see her sister in Brampton, whose husband, Mr.
Hunter, was recently accidently drowned.
The election o fMr. D. Porter to beprotested. The necessarypapers werefiled
on Monday. This will likely give North Bruce another election before the snow
againflies.
Wednesday, April 15, 1891
A dullfoggy day. The snow is all away. I was boiling sap yesterday. We are
busy, chopping thefallow.
Today a Mr. Grunlees ofWiarton was here bargainingfor oats. He pays 50
centsper bushelfor them at the barn.
One day last week Andy Carson and Miss M. McFadden ofMarkdale were
married. May their lives be happy.
George's are busy making the grange hall over into a residence.
Wednesday, April 29, 1891
The weather isfine. People, i.e. farmers, are into the thick o fspring work. This
year we began plowing on the 21st o f this month. Today we sowed ourfirst
grain, oatsfor thisyear.
Jim and I were ditching today.
Wm Struthers o f Owen Sound, an old N.B.C. chum, sent me a copy o f the
"Weekly Owen Sound”last week.
Oats are worth 55 centsper bushel, Potatoes 65 cents, Pears 70 cents.
Saturday, May 9, 1891
We are blessed this spring withfine weather. Since spring work began there has
been scarcely any intermission caused byfoul weather and, on account o f the
high winds occurring sofrequently, and the absence o fheavy rains, farmers are
enabled to go on their low land at a much earlier date than is usual.
Today 1was planting our earlypotatoes in the garden. I planted 355 hills.
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This week I made applicationfor admission into the Orange Mutual Benefit
Society andyesterday I was examined by Dr. A.B. Taylor, in accordance with
the regulations o f the society.
Thursday, June 4, 1891
Yesterday we had a copious rainfall; something that was needed as there has
been very little rain this spring and the crops were beginning to show signs o f
distress.
On the 24 o fMay I picnic(k)ed on the Island on Chesley Lake and had a
splendid time.
Wefinished seeding thisyear on the 25th o fMay.
Ann Jane McIntosh was over here today.
.t
John was on the lake this eveningfishing and secured some niceperch.
We wereplanting potatoes today.
It is reported that Sir John A. McDonald had a paralytic stroke which leaves
him in a critical condition.
Saturday, June 6, 1891
Sir John A. MacDonald is dead. The silver cord is loosened and the great
leader is now no more. The sad event tookplace Saturday, June 6 at 10:15
o'clock P.M. Sir John was in the House o fCommonsfor the last time on May
22nd. He had been in poor health some daysprevious but continued to look
after affairs o fState till Thursday the 28th when he was seized with a slight
paralytic stroke. This wasfollowed by another and more dangerous stroke on
Friday which he never rallied. He has been looked upon, and not without cause
as thefather o fthis country. Sir John entered the Parliament o f Old Canada in
1844 as the representative o fKingston, which city he has represented ever since,
with the exception o ftwo short intervals. Few men have been more highly
honored than Sir John. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1815; was called
to the bar in Kingston in 1836; entered Parliament in 1844; and became a
Minister o f the Crown in 1847.
Wednesday, June 24, 1891
A fine day; crops are improving thanks to recent rains.
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Hon. John J.C. Abbott, being summoned by the Governor-General toform a
new administration, has accepted the task.
Mr. Abbott was born in St. Andrews, Quebec on March 12, 1821. He
graduatedfi-om McGill University in October 1847. He began his political life
in 1857 representing Argenteuil in the Canadian Assembly and continued to be
memberfor the county up to 1867, when he was again electedfor the House of
Commons at Ottawa. In 1887, he was called to the Senate as leader o fthe
Government in that house withoutportfolio. He was married in 1849 to Miss
Mary Bethune, daughter o fthe Very Rev. J. Bethune, D.D., late Dean of
Montreal.
Thursday, July 2, 1891
Yesterday was Dominion Day. I worked in theforenoon. In the afternoon I was
fishing on Chesley Lake with John and Wm Morton.
Crops in this neighbourhood are looking pretty well, much better than in
neighbouring districts.
We had a light shower yesterday
Rev. Mr. Burwash, Methodist minister, preached hisfarewell sermon here on
Sunday last.
Saturday, July 18, 1891
A rather dull sort o fa day, showery.
We were weeding turnips today.
John and Anna have gone to Forgraves' this evening and will remain overnight.
Haying is commenced. The crop improved by recent rains, is much better than it
was anticipated; all other kinds o fcrops are also doing well.
There was a heavy thunderstorm on Monday evening, the 12th-rather 13th.
The Rev. Mr. Sharp ispastor o fthis (Allenford) circuit.
The Orangemen o fNorth Bruce and North Grey celebrated the 201 Anniversary
o f the Boyne o fMonday, 13th in Wiarton.
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Some 25 or 30 lodges were represented, and there were between 7000 and 8000
people assembled in Wiarton to do honor to the occasion. Five beautiful arches
were erected and the town was tastefully decorated with evergreens, banners,
flags and mottoes. 21 stands o fcolors were in the line o fmarch and 6 bands
enlivened the proceedings with choice music. At the grounds Bro Jno Hearst,
Co. Master, took charge o ftheproceedings and, after afew remarks, called
upon thefollowing brothers in turnfor an address: D.M. Jermyn, Wiarton; Rev.
Mr. Churchill, Lion's Head; Wm Masson, Barrister, Owen Sound; Jno George,
Port Elgin; Jos. Lang, editor o fthe Owen Sound Sun, and others.
Monday, August 3, 1891
We cut ourfall wheat today; part o f it is a good crop.
Lowty began to work at the Quarry on Sat., August 1st.
John is going up to Brandon, Manitoba. He starts tomorrowfrom Owen
Sound.
The Rev. Jno. Moore preached hisfarewell sermon here on Sunday last, having
received and accepted a callfrom the congregation near Kingston.
Saturday, August 8, 1891
It rained today; the weather has been vety warm during the lastfew days.
I was in Owen Sound on Tuesday last. John, going to Manitoba startingfrom
there. Yesterday we received a cardfrom him, written in North Bay. He reports
there are immence crowds going west.
Jim and I have been repairing the wagon today!
Harvest has been commenced. Crops are going to be verygood as a general
thing.
The Rev. Dr. Moffat o f Toronto, Secretaiy o fthe Upper Canada Religious Tract
and Book Society, is to preach here tomorrow evening.
On Friday evening, July 31, afarewell entertainment and presentation were
given the Rev. Mr. Moore andfamily by the members o fthe Allenford
Presbyterian Church in the church. It was perhaps the largest and most
successful gathering in the history o fAllenford, it being estimated thatfully six
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hundred were present to enjoy the entertainment and social event. Tara
Presbyterian choirfurnished music and the resident ministers and other gave
suitable addresses. The interestingfeatures o fthe evening were the
presentations: a purse containing $40.00 to Mr. Moore, and threepieces of
silverware-one a massive waterpitcher to Mrs. Moore.
Friday, August 28, 1891
We are having a very wet season, consequently harvest is backward.
I was back at Smith's yesterdayfor seed wheat. The variety is known as
Manchester wheat. We sold 4 cattle, 3 heifers and 1 steerfor $140.00, $35
each, to a Mr. Bland o fKincardine, also 3 others to Mr. Russelfor $83.
Yesterday Isaac Kerr was brought to appear before Justices Anderson and Reid
on a charge o fmaiming and injuring a horse belonging to Mr. Thos. Carter
who laid the information. Evidence supporting the charge, sufficient to indict
the defendant, was taken so he is out on bail o f$500 to appear at next court of
Quarter Sessions.
Wednesday, September 2, 1891
We have had afew days offine weather so a lot o fgrain has been harvested.
Miller Carson was helping us draw in today.
We sowed our summerfallow in wheat on Monday. The grain is known as the
Manchester variety and was grown on Smith'sfarm on the 8th Con.
Mr. Alex Broadfoot, who went to California over a year ago, was killed by a
tree there a short time ago.
John writesfrom Carbeny under date o fAug. 23rd. He is well. He reports they
had afrost on the night o fthe 22nd so severe as toform ice. inch thick Wages
there arefrom $30 to $35 per month.
Thursday, January 7, 1892
It is quite a long time since I wrote in this book Since then the petition against
the election o fDavid Porter has been tried. And, although it was shown bribery
and corruption were practiced, Porter was not unseated. Thepetition against
the return o fMcNeill has also been tried and dismissed. Since then also Kerr's
case has been tried in Walkerton and been dismissed. John has returned home
from Manitoba. Since then the census returns have been made public and
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shows the totalpopulation o fthe Dominion to be 4,823,344. This is an
increase o f 11.52% in 10 years. The returns disappointed. I think, most every
Canadian. James Kirkwood, a cousin o fmine, has, since then, been elected to
represent East Wellington in the Legislative Assembly o f Ontario.
The annual Christmas Tree entertainment o fthe Skipness Sabbath School was
held on Christmas Eve this time; theproceeds were $9.85. Since then, the
Allenford, Elsinore and Skipness congregations o fthe Presbyterian Church have
given a call to the Rev. Wm. Mowat o fMerriton, which has been accepted. The
annual School Meeting was held on Dec. 30th. Mr. David Morton, the retiring
trustee, was succeeded by Mr. S. Hand.
Below are thefull returns o f the Amabel Municipal election
Reeves
Askin, Thos.
Smellie, Wm.
Deputies
Davis, Robt.
Robinson, John
Coucnillors
Totals Majorities
323 160
163
271 62
209
Beatty, Wm. 203
Murphy, J.E. 257
Ruston, John 239
Root, Robt. 195
Rourke, M.S. 104
Buckland, F. 77
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 1892
It has been a vety cold day today. Jim and John are drawing wood to Tara.
During November last I wrote on the entrance to Civil Service examination in
Toronto, and by the "Empire" o fJan. 10th, I notice my name among the
successful candidates. In Toronto, 59 succeeded in thepreliminary exams and
35 in the qualifying exams.
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Thursday, January 28, 1892
It has been a veryfine day. Jim and John were to Tara today with wood; they
intend to go with tanbark to Pt. Elgin tomorrow. Mrs. and Mr. Jos. Marshall
diedfrom the effect o fLa Grippe. She was buried on Saturday and he on
Monday.
Monday, March 7, 1892
It has been a veryfine day; the sun shining bright and warm and the snow
thawing rapidly. The roads are becoming bad, especially the crossroads and
near the villages, etc. We were cutting wood today-have been, offand on, for
some time back.
Cousin Johnston F. Davidson or "Dodd" as he is morefamiliarly called, was up
to visit us during afew days in February.
Mr. David McBeath was buried in the Elsinore cemetery today. He had been
unwellfor a considerable time. Mr. James Nelson o fElsinore also passed away
a short time ago. As a matter o ffact, a great many deaths have occurred in this
section o fcountry this winter.
Saturday, April 23, 1892
We began spring work on the 12th, plowing in nor'west cornerfield. We sowed
peas on the 19th and wheat on the 21st. Spring work started about nine days
earlier than lastyear.
April, this year, has been very dry. Fall wheat wintered well but there has been
a lot o ffrost nights which has damaged it some.
Hon. Alexander Mackenzie, ex-premier o f Canada, died on Sunday (Easter)
April 17th and was buried on Thursday, 21st. Mr. Mackenzie was born in
Scotland, Jan. 28, 1822. Thus he was three score and then when summoned
hence.
Monday, May 2, 1892
It rained today. This has been a rather dry spring sofar and the rain o f today
willprove beneficial to thefall wheat and the other crops. Anna and I were over
at the D Line this afternoon.
Wednesday, May 18, 1892
We have had afine spring sofar and spring work is well advanced.
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John and I have been plowing today in thefield below the bam. We willfinish
it tomorrow, I think.
We sowed wheat in the newfallow on the 12th inst.
Miss J. Hammond is staying with us now, assisting Anna and Mother.
Ann Jane McIntosh was over to see us on Monday.
Wednesday, May 25, 1892
Yesterday was the Queen's Birthday anniversary. There were celebrations in
Chesley, Southampton and Owen Sound.
We were logging today in the afternoon; in theforenoon we sowed our carrots.
Wefinished seeding this year on the 20th inst.
Last week, Mr. Thos. George embarked on a visit to England.
Mr. Donald Reid is in Toronto this week One o fhis eyes was affected by a
blood vessel being ruptured, and so he visits the city to have it treated.
Wednesday, June 2, 1892
It rained today; infact we are having a very wet season, rainfalling nearly every
day and night.
Yesterday I was plowingfor potatoes and Jim and John were washing the
sheep.
Last week Mr. Reid visited Toronto.
John and Jos. H. Webster werefishing in Chesley Lake this afternoon; they
succeeded in getting two nice strings o fperch.
Mrs. Geo. Walker returns todayfrom the Sault, where she was on a visit to her
brother’
s.
Crops are looking well; there are some ot the bestfields offall wheat I think I
ever saw; spring crops are also looking well. Pasture is good.
There is great promisefor a good crop offruit; orchards are literally white with
blossoms which is one indication o fafruitful autumn.
Wednesday, January 11, 1893
We are having a fine winter; yesterday and today areperhaps the coldest we
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have had so far. The thermometer registered 10 degrees below zero.
Below is the result o fAmabel's Municipal Election Councilfor 1893
Divisions
Reeve by acclamation
Thoms. Askin
1 2 3 4 5 Totals Maj.
Deputy Reeves
J.E. Murphy 57 50 10 23 22 252 32
Wm. Smellie 37 42 0
52
69 20 220
Councillors
Wm. Beatty 81 65 71 20 11 248
Robt. Root 44 51 94 47 44 280
Jno. Rushton 66 64 68 33 10 241
Jas. Martin 16 30 28 68 3 145
Monday, April 17, 1893
We started spring work today; plowing sod on the Harrisfarm opposite the
house. This has been rather a backward spring. We startedplowing about 5
days earlier lastyear.
We made sugar- or rather maple syrup this spring.
Our new school house has been opened since last writing. Miss Mary E.
Anderson passes into history as being thefirst teacher to officiate in it.
Fall wheat winteredpretty well.
During the winter we were employed teaming wood and maple saw-logs. We
took out about 20 m. o fmaple.
May 8, 1893
Friday 5th was Arbor Day. It was not observed by our school.
Yesterday and today have beenfine. Fine weather is rather unusual this spring.
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Uncle William James Forgrave died on Thursday, April 20th last. He had not
been in good healthfor some time and, afew weeksprevious to his death, he
met with an accident in handling some colts, getting some o fhis ribs broken. He
was born in the Township o f Chimquacoucy in the County o fPeel and was
buried in Greenwood cemetery, Owen Sound, beside his wife who preceeded him
quite a number o fyears.
Januaty 12, 1894
Below is the result o fthe municipal electionfor this townshipfor 1894: aslo the
plebiscite vote.
Totals Majorities
Reeve by acclamation
Thomas Askin
Deputy Reeves
J.E. Murphy
Wm. Smellie
322
229
93
Councillors
Wm. Beatty
Jas. Martin
Robt. Root
306
248
235
316
Jno. Rushton
Plebiscite
YES
NO
412
104
308
January 26, 1895
Below is the result o fthe Municipal Electionfor Amabel Townshipfor 1895.
Thepool tookplace on Monday, Jan. 7, 1895.
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Totals Majorities
T h e D avidson's F am ily T ree
Reeves
Thos. Askin 317
Wm. Beatty 264
Deputy Reeves
Jno. Rushton 326
Wm. Smellie 234
Councillors
Jas. Martin 289
J.R. Chambers 270
Geo. Stacey 60
Jno. M. Gowan 90
Wm. H. Lawson 292
Ed. Brigham 173
Steve Ottawell 63
38
53
92