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Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924028901359 
 
Th, 
 
 Township of Sandwich 
 
 (Past <jnd Present.) 
 
 ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 An interesting history of the Canadian Frontier along the Detroit River, including the 
 territory which now embrace the present City of Windsor, the Towns of Sandwich and 
 Walkerville and the Sandwich Townships, and also m. brief account of the present County 
 of Essex. 
 
 Published by Fbkueriok Neaj, 
 Sandwich, Ont. ~ 
 
 Printed by The Rbookd Pkinting Co., Limited, 
 
 Windsor, Ont. 
 
 1909. 
 
 
/\^/-pfGJjp 
 
 COPYRIGHT, CANADA, 1909, 
 By Frederick Neal, Sandwich, Ont. 
 
PREFA CE. 
 
 Prefaces are not yet out of date, and this little volume of mine 
 calls for a few words of explanation for its production and doubtless of 
 apology for its literary and other defects, of which the author trusts his 
 readers will be rendered charitably oblivious by the interest he hopes to 
 arouse by a recital of history that will appeal to each personally, be- 
 cause of its purely local ch&racter. ^ 
 
 At the earnest and long-continued solicitation of many of the 
 representatives (descendants) of families and former old residents along 
 the Detroit River frontier, more particularly in the territory now covered 
 by the present Town of Sandwich, City of Windsor and Town of Walker- 
 ville, I have endeavored to present a narrative touching the civil, relig- 
 ious and, to some extent, the social life of the fascinating past of this 
 classic tract, teeming with stirring historic associations that appeal to .the 
 pride and patriotism of its residents. The value of the volume has been 
 enhanced, I hope, by including photos of many of the representative 
 men of a past day, as well as illustrations from old pictures and books. 
 The author hopes that the interest of his readers will be equal to that of 
 his own in collecting these materials, which really has been a labor of love. 
 
 This brief announcement cannot be closed without rendering 
 thanks to all who in any way, or in any degree, have assisted with mater- 
 ials or information. Such help was always rendered cheerfully and 
 without reserve. 
 
 FREDERICK NEAL. 
 Sandwich, July i, 1909. 
 
To my beloved parents, Thomas and Sarah Ann Neal, 
 
 M'hose memory I revere for their personal integrity and adherence to the cause of the 
 
 Eiilpire loyalists, this book is affectionately dedicated. 
 
1 ne Townsliip of Sandwich 
 Past and Present. 
 
Early Indian History. 
 
 While as yet no evidence has been secured to prove that this section 
 of Canada was ever inhabited before the Christian Era, yet we do claim 
 that, from a historical point of view, the Detroit River frontier formerly 
 known as the Township of Sandwich possesses a much greater interest 
 than any part of the Province of Ontario. 
 
 At intervals for the past thirty years excavations about Sandwich have 
 brought to light the contents of Indian graves. ■ Besides the skeletons 
 were found numerous hatchets (tomahawks) of stone, and scalping 
 knives of bone, war clubs, pipes and numerous other relics. Some twenty- 
 five years ago about 30 skeletons were discovered on lot D east — Peter 
 Street — about 300 yards from the county buildings. The bodies were 
 buried in a large circle — feet inwards — and beside each one were found 
 buried the customary belongings of the Indian dead. Numerous dis- 
 coveries of a similar nature have been found from time to time on Lot 
 
 ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH. 
 
 Founded on the site of the former Indian village at River Cunard. by the Rev. Father Laurent, 
 in 1852, and was the first priest in charge. Rev. Father Marsailless, the present parish priesi, 
 has been in charge continuously for the past 49 years, he is 86 years old. There is a convent 
 in connection which was established in 1885. The above picture is from a water color paintic g by 
 the late Miss Ida E. Gluns, of Sandwich. The picture shows the Bizaire Road, the Cunard River 
 and bridge, the church and C. M. B. A. Hall are shown in the distance on the opposite bank of 
 the river. 
 
 3, South Pajot Street ; Lot 3, North Church Street, and in January of 
 the present year- (1909) remains of nin^ Indians were discovered on 
 the property of Paul Taylor, part of the Indian reserve in this town. 
 One of the bodies had been buried headless. With them were stone 
 war clubs, a pipe and a copper kettle. 
 
 These discoveries are easily accounted for from, the fact that most 
 of the Iroquois tribes occupied almost all the territory in Canada south 
 of the Ottawa, between Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron ; a greater por- 
 tion of the State of New York, and a part of Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
 
The Huron Indians occupied the Canadian portions of the territory and 
 the land on the southern shores of Lake Erie and Detroit River and 
 appeared to have been a distinct nation; but their language was found 
 to be identical with that of the Iroquois. The Hurons consisted of four 
 smaller tribes, namely the Wyandottes, or Hurons proper, the Attioun- 
 dirons, the Eries and Andastes. The two latter tribes were south of the 
 lake, and claimed jurisdiction back to the domains of the Shaunees. 
 
 About the year 1539 the Five Nations, or Iroquois proper, formed a 
 confederacy composed of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and 
 Mowhawk tribes, all occupying lands within the present state of New 
 York. The great council fire of the confederation was with the Onon- 
 dagas, and the metropolis or chief village was near the present city of 
 Syracuse. This confederation was strong and powerful when the French 
 
 CHIEF JOSEPH WHITE. 
 
 The last chief of the Wyandotte, or Huron Nation. He was preesnt at the Town of Samia, 
 Ont., in 1861 and was presented with a silver medal by the Prince of Wales (now King Edward 
 VII), for the part he had taken in the rebellion of 1837-38. Alexander Clark^ interpreter for 
 Chief 'White was present and read the address to the Prince on behalf of the Chief and Wyan- 
 dotte Nation. He was Chief of the Nation for fifty years. Mr. White died in Windsor, February 
 *8, 1886, at the ripe old age of 82 years, and was laid to rest with his brethren in the Indian 
 bnrying ground at the Anderdon Reservation. 
 
 first discovered them in 1609. They were then engaged in bloody wars 
 with their kinsmen, the Wyandottes. 
 
 In the year 1649 the Five Nations gathered all their warriors and made 
 a successful invasion of the Wyandotte and Huron country (of which 
 the present town of Sandwich was a part) , when many Wyandottes were 
 slain and taken prisoners. 
 
 Among the relics recently found in Sandwich were the same in every 
 particular as the implements of war used by the Indians at that time, 
 as well as being silent reminders of the fierce tribal wars which raged 
 in these parts previous to the advent of the white man. 
 
 The Huron Indians of the Detroit River were but a small remnant of 
 
a once powerful nation of savages, some 20,000 souls, that dwelt on 
 the shores of Lake Huron and in the Georgian Bay -Disttict, where the 
 Fathers of the Society of Jesus sought them out and converted many 
 of them to the Catholic faith as early as 1636. 
 
 When the British government made a treaty with the Indians of West- 
 ern Canada in 1780, it was stipulated that several defined tracts should 
 be reserved in perpetuity for their use, one of these being described as 
 a strip of land lying south of the Canard, extending along the Detroit 
 River front six miles, and inland to the distance of about seven. The 
 original plan and survey in the Bureau of Archives at Toronto is dated 
 1790 and is by Sir John Johnson, Bart. 
 
 In the year 1790 a treaty was made with the Indians under which 
 
 ALEXANDER CLARK. 
 
 Interpreter for Chief Joseph White, of the Wyandotte or Huron Nation. He was present 
 with Chief White at the Town of Sarnia, in 1861, on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of 
 Wales (now King Edward VII), and was also honored with a medal and decroations at his 
 hands. Mr. Clark died April 3, 1876, aged 76' years. 
 
 lands were transferred to the Crown out of which have been cut the , 
 counties of Essex and Kent and portions of Elgin, Middlesex and Lamb- 
 ton. The grantees are the principle villages and chiefs of the Ottawa, 
 Chippewa, Pottawatomie and Huron nations around Detroit. The con- 
 veyance is to King George III., and the payment of the consideration 
 money, £1,300 Halifax currency, in valuable wares and merchandise, 
 and was made by Alexander McKee, Deputy Agent of Indian Affairs. 
 
SERGEANT WALTER WHITE. 
 
 Son of Joseph White, and grond-son of Chief Joseph White, killed within twenty yards of 
 the Boer trenches and much in advance of any other British dead, at the Battle of Faardeberg^ 
 South Africa, February 18, 1900. He was 19 years of age, and was color sergeant of the 21»t 
 Essex Fusiliers and a member of the first Canadian contingent to South Africa. 
 
 ISRAEL J, SPLITLOG 
 
 A grand-son of Chief Slpitlog, who was with Tecumseh and Brock at the surrender ot 
 
 Detroit to the British in 1812. Mr. Splitlog at present resides with his family at the comer ol 
 
 Chippewa and Bedford streets, in the Town of Sandwich. He was born on the Huron Reserve- 
 in Anderdon, November 22, 1861, 
 
The Indian village of the River Canard was convenient to Bois B.lanc 
 Island, near Lake Erie, where all the lake Indians and other tribes of 
 the Ottawa confederacy held their council, the Hurons alone having 
 the right to light the council fire. 
 
 About the year 1837 a part of the Wyandotte nation at Anderdon 
 removed to the Western States and occupied lands upon the Neosho 
 River, a chief tributory of the Arkansas. 
 
 Something over thirty years ago a treaty was made between the Wyan- 
 dotte nation and the Dominion Government whereby the Reservation at 
 Anderdon was to be opened for settlement. According to the agree- 
 ment arrived at the Chief was to receive 200 acres; each male member 
 of the nation 100 acres, and each female 50 acres. The remainder of 
 
 THE RESIDENCE OF ISRAEL J. SPLITLOG 
 
 Corner of Chippawa and Bedford streets, Sandwich. He is accompanied on the lawn with 
 his only daughter. Miss Julia, who is standing by the head of his favorite horse, "Black Hawk." 
 Mrs, Splitlog is standing under the shade of a pine tree near the end of the veranda. 
 
 the land to be put up at auction and sold, the interest from the moniea 
 thus realized to be paid equally to all members of the tribe. They 
 were also granted the rights of full citizenship and the privilege to vote 
 the same as their white brethren. 
 
 The Huron graveyard was situated on the river bank below the village. 
 It has been in continuous use by the tribe or its representatives for two 
 hundred years from the date where the "Sastareche" fixed his seat at 
 the Canard until the present generation. 
 
 It was the burial place of Chief Splitog who was with Tecumseh and 
 Brock, and one of England's most faithful allies in the war of 1813-15. 
 
 At the death of Chief Splitlog, Joseph White was elected chief, and 
 held this important position for fifty years. A few years ago he was 
 also buried there and was the last chief of the Wyandotte or Huron 
 Nation. 
 
The French Period. 
 
 Before the advent of the white man in these unknown wilds the 
 present site of the City of Detroit was an Iroquois Indian village, a forti- 
 fied Indian town. 
 
 That the reader may more clearly understand the changes which have 
 taken place in the country's history in the past three hundred years we 
 might state that it was governed by France from the year 1540 to 1775 ; 
 by the fall of Quebec under Gen. Wolfe on the 13th of September, 1759, 
 the capitulation of Montreal, September 3, 1760, under Gen. Amherst, 
 and the surrender of Detroit to Major Roberts, of the Queen's Rangers, 
 on December 29, 1760, the whole of Canada was surrendered to Great 
 Britain. This was in addition to our possession of the thirteen colonies, 
 now the United States, for we did not lose them till the treaty of 1783, 
 after eight years of war. The first governor-general under French rule 
 was Jean F. de la Rogue, Sier de Roberval in 1540, and the first governor- 
 general of Canada under British rule was Gen. James Murray in the year 
 1760. 
 
 Samuel De Champlain, the great French merchant, navigator, legis- 
 lator and governor and for many years the Chief Lieutenant of France, 
 was the first white man who ever trod the banks of the Detroit River. 
 His expedition from Quebec to the Detroit River and his attack upon 
 and repulse by the Iroquois of their fort at Detroit in th eautumn of 
 1615 are historical facts. 
 
 Chevalier de Callieres, then French Governor of Canada, commissioned 
 M. de la Mottee Cadillac to establish a combined military and trading 
 post at Detroit, which he did in 1701. The fort built by Cadillac is said 
 to have been upon the site of the old Iroquois fortifications, where Cham 
 plain and his allies — the Hurons and Algonguins were defeated in 1615. 
 
 Shortly after the arrival of Cadillac (in 1701) with a large following 
 of settlers both banks of Detroit River became lined with small dwellings 
 extending at various intervals for several miles. 
 
 Each had its garden and orchard, and each was enclosed by a fence of 
 rounded pickets. To the soldier or the trader, fresh from the marsh 
 scenery and ambush perils of the surrounding wilds, the secluded settle- 
 ment was welcome as an oasis in the desert. 
 
 The Canadian of this time was usually a happy man. Life sits lightly 
 upon him ; he laughs at his hardships and soon forgets its sorrows. 
 
 A lover of roving and adventure, of the frolic and the dance, he is little 
 troubled with thoughts of the past or the future, and little plagued with 
 avarice or ambition. Here all his propensities found ample scope. Aloof 
 from the world, the, simple colonists shared none of its pleasures and 
 excitements, and were free from many of its cares. Nor were luxuries 
 wanting which civilization might have envied them. The forests teemed 
 with game, the marshes with wild fowl, and the rivers with fish. The 
 apples and pears of the old Canadian orchards are even to this day held 
 in esteem. The poorer inhabitants made wine from fruit of the wild 
 grape, which grew profusely in the woods, while the wealthier class 
 procured a better quality from Montreal, in exchange for the canoe loads 
 of furs which they sent down every year. Here, as elsewhere in 
 
Canada, the long winter and autumn, the traders and voyagers, the 
 coureurs-de-bois, and half-breeds, gathered from the distant forests of 
 the northwest, the whole settlement was alive with dancing and feasting, 
 drinking, gaming, and carousing. 
 
 Within the limits of the settlement were three large Indian villages. 
 On the western shore, a little below the fort (where the new Detroit 
 Postoffice now stands), were the lodges of the Pottawattomis ; nearly 
 opposite, on the eastern side (now Sandwich), was the village of the 
 
 THE SANDWICH FLORAL CARRIAGE 
 
 Which took part in the Cadillac celebration at the City of Detroit. Capt. F. C. Fulmer i* 
 Standing by the horses heads. During the week of July 21, 1901, the bi-centenary celebration wa» 
 held in the City of Detroit, to mark the 200th anniversary of thhe settlement of Detroit by Cadillac. 
 Sandwich was fittingly represented by a carriage beautifully decorated with yellow chrysanthe- 
 mums and drawn by a fine team of black horses. The occupants of the carriage were Miss Laura 
 Girardot, Miss Elmira Marentette, Miss Isabella Spiers and Miss Marie Morand. Very com- 
 plimentary notices afterwards appeared in the public press of Detroit and Windsor, saying: "The 
 carriages of the Canadians were much admired. The Walkerville and Sandwich carriages were 
 loudly cheered and applauded as they passed the reviewing stand." 
 
 Wyandottes ; and on the same side, five miles further up (above what is 
 now the town of Walkerville), a band of Ottawa Indians had fixed their 
 abode. 
 
 Every man was a militia man in those days, and from the fort he was 
 furnished with a gun, a capot, a Canadian clock, a breech clout, a cotton 
 shirt, a cap, a pair of leggins, a pair of Indian shoes and a blanket. The 
 old Canadian militiaman during the French regime must certainly have 
 looked more serviceable than soldierly, particularly to the critical eyes 
 of those used to the prim, tight-laced soldiers of those days. But he 
 showed that he could do the work required of him. 
 
And so for half a century the French held sway over the surrounding 
 territory. They were too far removed to be molested by the struggle 
 for the supremacy of Canada, and the first news of the fall of Quebec 
 and the surrender of Canada was brought to the little band by the English 
 themselves. 
 
 On the 12th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rodgers, at the head 
 of his band of Rangers, half hunters and half woodsmen, trained in a dis- 
 cipline of their own, and armed like Indians, with hatchet, knife and 
 gun, was ordered to proceed to Detroit and take possession of the settle- 
 ment for the British Crown, which he did December 29, 1760. 
 
 While this country was under the French rule all laws and edicts effect- 
 ing the people of L'Assomption (now Sandwich) eminated from the 
 commandment of the French fort at Detroit. 
 
 In regard to the settlement of L'Assomption we have no direct reliable 
 
 THE MOY HOUSE. 
 
 Just a few rods east of the beautiful residence of Jolin Davis, on Sandwich street, i: situate 
 the old Moy house, one of the landmarks of Windsor. It was formerly the home of Angus 
 Mcintosh, who inherited the estate which belonged to the Earldom of Moy, and was a factor for 
 the Hudson Bay Co. Over a century ago the Moy house was noted for the lavish hospitality 
 dispensed there. The exact dates concerning the occupancy of the place by Angus Mcintosh are 
 not at present known, but it is recorded that his marriage witn Archange de St. Martin took 
 place in 1776. The sons of this marriage returned to Scotland and the estate fell into the hands 
 f Wm. Hall, whose adopted daughter married John Davis, ex-mayor of the city and present 
 owner of what is known as the Moy farm. The present laird, known as tlie Earl of Moy, who, by 
 the way, is a cousin of R. A. Keynolds, of this city, is the twenty-fifth chief of the Mackintosh 
 clan, and was born in Canada, his grandfather having been a member of the legislative council 
 of Canada. — Evening Record, Windsor. 
 
 information but it is quite evident Detroit and L'Assomption were one 
 community politically, religiously and socially. 
 
 There is no doubt that the settlement here commenced very soon after 
 the establishment of the post at Detroit by Cadillac. Settlement became 
 very extensive in 1750 when the French adopted the plan of settling dis- 
 charged or disabled soldiers in the vicinity of the frontier posts. On 
 the Canadian side of the river the limit was at the foot of Lake St. Clair 
 on the one hand and the River Canard on the other and were the thickest 
 in the vicinity of the present town of Sandwich. 
 
The whole territory was laid out into lots of 200 arpents (about 180 
 acres), two arpents wide and on each of these was settled a discharged 
 soldier and his family. The EngUsh afterward followed out the same 
 rule. 
 
 The first country beneath the sun to abolish slavery was the Province 
 of Upper Canada. At the very first meeting of its Legislature, after the 
 organization of the Province in 1793, the holding of the bodies of men 
 as slaves was prohibited. This act was passed and became law May 31, 
 1793. 
 
 There were both Indian and Negro slaves, the former being known 
 as Panis, or captives from the Pawnee nation. 
 
 The 300 acres of government land lying between the farm of Mr. 
 
 MRS. THOMAS BONDY. 
 Working at an old'fashhioned spinning wheel. She is now 76 years of age. 
 
 Maisonville and of Mr. Labadie was granted in 1793 to Lieutenant 
 Jonathan Sheifflin and in course of time became the property of the Hon. 
 Angus Mcintosh, factor of the Hudson Bay Company, who gave it the 
 name of "Moy." It is now the property of Mrs. John Davis. 
 
 The French settlement below Sandwich on the Detroit River which 
 extends over six miles is known as Petite Cote. A few years ago a post- 
 office was established there and was given the Indian name of Ojibwa, 
 with Leo Page, a young and enterprising business man, as postmaster. 
 The soil in the neighborhood of Petite Cote and vicinity is most peculiarly 
 adopted for the raising of all kinds of garden produce and small fruit, 
 more especially the famous Petite Cote raddish, which are eagerly sought 
 
after by the people of all the great centers of population in the United 
 
 States and Canada. , r v- j 
 
 There is another very important industry in this peaceful old-fashioned 
 farming community. There is conducted one of the most interesting and 
 picturesque industries in America. More than three hundred French 
 women, of all ages, knit thousands of pairs of mittens, gloves and socks 
 each year, which are used in all parts of Canada from Sandwich to Daw- 
 son City. 
 
 These women are all in the employ of Mr. Leo Page, who also codnucts 
 
 MRS PIERRE GIGNAC 
 
 Who for 70 years has plied her knitting needles. She is now 
 
 years of age. 
 
 a general store in connection with the postoffice at Ojibwa, who in turn 
 supplies the retail trade in Canada of hand-made woolen socks and gloves. 
 
 For several generations this hand knitting of gloves and hosiery has 
 been a part of the housewife's daily work among the French settlers 
 between Sandwich and Amherstburg. 
 
 We have much pleasure in introducing to the reader three of these 
 industrious old ladies who have spent almost their entire lives in spinning 
 and knitting woolen goods for the citizens of Canada. 
 
 10 
 
For years afterwards when the Indian woman wanted to frighten the 
 children they would threaten to have the Walk-in-the-Water come to 
 carry them away. 
 
 By kind permission of the Calvert Lithographing Co.. Detroit ' 
 DETROIT IN 1880. 
 
 It will be 91 years ago, August 88, 1909, since, the first steamboat which ever sailed on Lake 
 Erie and up the Detroit river from Buffalo. Hef name was l^e Walk-in-the-Water and it took 
 44 hours in making the trip. The Walk-in-the-Water was wrecked Oct. 31, 1881, on Lake Eriej 
 Her lengtl?,was 150 feet and breadth 37 feet. 
 
 The Steamer Superior, the second boat on the lakes replaced her in 
 1822. 
 
 
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The Township of Sandwich. 
 
 Originally the limits of the municipality of the Township of Sandwich 
 formed a quarter circle running north and west from a given point for 
 a distance of twelve miles to Lake St. Clair on the one hand and the 
 Detroit River on the other. These two bodies of water forming the 
 north, northwest and western boundries — the eastern being formed by 
 the Township of Maidstone, and the southern by the Townships of Col- 
 chester and Anderdon. The whole comprises a most fertile region of 
 over one hundred square miles in extent and advantageously situated 
 as regards commercial facilities and every adjunct of civilization. Thi"* 
 section formed the old French Parish of L'Assomption. It was con- 
 stituted the Township of Sandwich in carrying out the details of Lord 
 Dorchester's proclamation dated July 34, 1788, dividing the Province 
 of Quebec into districts — this being a part of the district of Hesse. The 
 surveys, however, had been made under the old French system when 
 the settlement was first effected at any rate, along the water front, and 
 running back three or four miles towards the interior; the balance of 
 the township, constituting the southeast quarter, being laid out under 
 General Simcoe's administration, 1791. 
 
 From the original formation of a township, it remained as the Town- 
 ship of Sandwich until the year 1854 when Windsor was set ofiE as an 
 independent municipality under a village charter. Four years later it 
 was incorporated as a town, and at the same time (1858) Sandwich 
 Town was also incorporated by special act of Parliament. Municipal 
 divisions continued thus till 1861 when the township was again sub- 
 divided; and from a single municipality in 1854 it now comprises the 
 Town of Sandwich, City of- Windsor, Town of Walkerville, and the 
 Townships of Sandwich West, Sandwich East and Sandwich South. 
 
 The Town Hall of the late Township of Sandwich was a frame house 
 one and a half stories high of about 40x30 feet and was situated at the 
 corner of Dougall Avenue and Tecumseh Road on Mr. James Dougall's 
 farm. This historical building was sold by auction by D. Moynahan, 
 the Township Clerk of Sandwich West on March 11, 1861. 
 
 ]2 
 
Tlie Town of Sandwich. 
 
 The civil history of the Village of Sandwich really commenced in 
 1788, the British Government paid to the Chiefs of the Wyandottes or 
 Huron Indians, the Chippewa's and Ottawa's, the purchase price de- 
 manded by the joint tribes, for the peaceable possession of a piece of 
 ground one mile square. Part of the newly acquired block of land was 
 immediately surveyed and plotted into one acre lots for settlement and 
 the future county town was given the name of Sandwich. The town 
 as at present constituted comprises about 2,000 acres (1909). 
 
 The portion platted into lots is the east and west side of Russell, the 
 east and west sides of Bedford and the west side of Peter Streets from 
 Detroit Street or Cowan's corner at the north end of the town to End 
 
 EDWARD BOISMIER 
 
 Was the first gentleman to fill the office of mayor, in 1S58, after the Town of Sandwich was 
 incorporated. Mr. Boismier was a captain and served through the rebellion of 1837-8 under 
 Col. Prince; was tax collector for the original township of Sandwich, He has also held the 
 office of fishery overseer for third district and from the year 1878 to the time of his death was 
 a member of the Board of Education of the Town of Sandwich, and for most of that period of 
 fourteen years he held the position of chairman. • He died in 1886 at the age of 76 years. 
 
 Street at the southerly end of the town. There are four acres to a 
 block. Russell, Bedford and Peter Streets run diagonally with the river 
 and the intersecting streets all lead to the water's edge. 
 
 At the present time about 600 acres comprise the residence portion 
 of the town while the remaining portion of the 3,000 acres is farm 
 property. 
 
 The municipal history of the Town of Sandwich begins with the year 
 1858. An act to incorporate the Town of Sandwich was passed and 
 assented to June 10, 1857. Section one of the act says that from and 
 after January 1, 1858, that it shall be called and known as the Town of 
 Sandwich, with a proviso that this act shall not effect the rights of the 
 
 13 
 
Sandwich and Windsor Gravel Road Company.^Chap. 94, page 406, 
 Statutes of Canada. 
 
 The poll for the election of members of the first council of the newly 
 incorporated Town of Sandwich was held in the old Court House, Sand- 
 wich, on January 4, 1858, by John McEwan, Sheriff of Essex, presiding 
 as Returning Officer. 
 
 The poll opened at ten o'clock in the morning and closed at four in 
 the afternoon. 
 
 There were ten candidates in the field out of which the electors were 
 entitled to elect five councillors. 
 
 The five gentlemen receiving the highest number of votes and who 
 were declared elected were : Edward Boismier, Joseph Mercer, Abner 
 C. Ellis, Thomas Woodbridge and Pierre Marentette. 
 
 ABNER C. ELLIS 
 
 Who has served in the council of the Township of Sandwich and was one of the original 
 members-elect of the Sandwich Town Council when the town was incorporated in 1858, and has 
 since served as town councillor for upwards of fifteen years at various periods of the town's 
 history. He is the father of Aid. George H. Ellis, of the Detroit city council. 
 
 The Town Council of Sandwich held its first meeting in the old Court 
 Room on Monday, January 18, 1858, for the purpose of electing a Mayor 
 and Reeve for the ensuing year, all the members present; the Sheriff, 
 John McEvan, presiding as directed by the act of incorporation. 
 
 Moved by Mr. Marentette, seconded by Mr. Ellis, that Edward Bois- 
 mier be Mayor for the year 1858. Carried. 
 
 The Mayor-elect, after taking oath of office, took the chair as the 
 first Chief Magistrate of the Town of Sandwich. 
 
 Moved by Mr. Ellis, seconded by Mr. Marentette, that Mr. Joseph 
 Mercer be Reeve for the year 1858. Carried. 
 
 Mr. James Woodbridge, Jr., was chosen as Town Clerk, Victor 
 Ouellette, Town Treasurer, and Constance Gauthier, Tax Collector. 
 
 14 
 
Mr. Boismier served the town as its Mayor for one year and Mr. 
 Charles Baby was elected for the year 1859 by acclamation. For the 
 year 1860 Mr. Baby had for his opponent Mr. John A. Askin as the fol- 
 lowing proceedings of the nominations will show : 
 
 "On Monday, December 19, 1859, a meeting of the electors was held 
 in the Town Hall (old Court House), James Woodbridge, Town Clerk, 
 officiated as Returning Officer. 
 
 "It was moved by Edward Boismier, Esq., seconded by Constance 
 Gauthier, Esq., that Charles Baby be Mayor for the year 1860. 
 
 "The Hon. John Prince proposed the name of John A. Askin, Esq., 
 and Capt. John A. Wilkinson seconded the nomination. 
 
 "Charles F. Eliot, Esq., demanded a poll on behalf of Mr. Baby while 
 John A. Askin demanded a poll on behalf of himself." 
 
 THOMAS WOODBRIDGE, ESQ. 
 
 Was Reeve in the Township of Sandwich in 1856 and 1857 and a councillor-elect of the Tawn 
 of Sandwich when it was incorporated in 1858, He conducted a harness and saddle shop in 
 Sandwich for a number of years and died February 28, 1874, aged 76 years. 
 
 Ever since Sandwich became the county seat in 1796 until the present 
 day the town has had a national reputation for being a stamping ground 
 for the hottest political fights, both municipal and parliamentary elec- 
 tions, in all Canada, and this election between Messrs. Baby and Askin 
 was no exception to the rule. 
 
 The election in this case was fought out on political or party lines. 
 Mr. Askin was known as the candidate of the Col. Prince party, while 
 Mr. Baby was of the Col. Rankin party. 
 
 On election day Mr. Askin was too ill to leave his home but his friends 
 stood loyally by him till the close of the poll that day. 
 
 The close of the poll in the evening showed the vote to have been an 
 extremely close one. Mr. Baby being declared elected by one majority. 
 
 15 
 
In the evening Mr. Baby, the successful candidate, held a public recep- 
 tion at his residence, the Baby mansion, on Mill Street, at which ad- 
 dresses were delivered by both the rival candidates — Mr. Askin and the 
 Mayor-elect, Mr. Baby. 
 
 A brass band was engaged from the neighboring city of Detroit and 
 the citizens generally turned out in large numbers and the event cele- 
 brated in the good old-fashioned way. 
 
 During the evening an impromptue procession was formed and headed 
 by their band they serenaded throifgh the streets of the town after 
 which the procession proceeded to Windsor where they continued their 
 celebration by marching up Sandwich Street, the band and processionists 
 temporarily stopping at the various public houses to quench their thirsts 
 and imbibe more "enthusiasm." 
 
 Feeling that they had did their full duty on this important occasion 
 the musicians and the serenaders dispersed to their several homes shortly 
 after midnight. 
 
 CAPT. PIERRE MARENTETTE. 
 
 Served under Col. Prince during the rebellion of 1837-8. Was appointed ensign in Second 
 Regiment Essex militia, Sept. 3, 1838; lieutenant Sept. 23, 1838, and while stationed at Amherst- 
 burg was appointed a captain on the S5th , of August, 1848. 
 
 Capt. Marentette's military life was full of brave and daring deeds. 
 At the battle of Windsor on the 4th of December, 1838, it was he who 
 shot the man carrying the rebel flag. James Dougall, who had offered 
 $35 in gold to any one who would shoot the rebel flag man, came to 
 Sandwich the same afternoon and tendered the money to Mr. Maren- 
 teete. Mr. Marentette declined to take the reward saying, "I am not 
 fighting for money, I am fighting for my country." 
 
 Another incident occurred during the fight with the rebels at Wind- 
 sor on the morning of December 4. A wounded rebel raised his musket 
 and was about to shoot Capt. Tebo, of the Essex militia; Lieutenant 
 
 16 
 
Marentette observing the movement of the wounded man told him not 
 to fire at Capt. Tebo or he would be a dead man himself. The rebel 
 obeyed the warning and Capt. Tebo was saved. 
 
 Mr. Marentette was a member of the first Sandwich Tov/n Council 
 in 1858. He died Feb. 8, 1873. 
 
 The following are the names of the gentlemen who enjoyed the honor 
 and distinction of being Mayor of the Town of Sandwich from the time 
 it was incorporated in 1858 to the present: Edward Boismier, 1858; 
 
 GEORGE FELLERS, ESQ., J. P., 
 
 Was the third gentleman to fill the office of 
 Chief Magistrate of the Town of . Sandwich, 
 which he did from 1867 to 1872. He died 
 June 7, 1891. 
 
 
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 THEODULE GIRARDOT, ESQ., 
 
 Was born at Arthesaus, France, Feb. 12, 
 1824. Appointed to a position on the faculty 
 of Assumption College and was ' principal of 
 the school for five years, being succeeded by 
 the Basillian Fathers in 1870. In 1871 he was 
 appointed public school inspector for North 
 Essex, and was Mayor of Sandwich from 1878 
 to 1877. He died Feb. 2, 1900. 
 
 Charles T. Baby, 1859-1866 ; George Fellers, 1867-1872 ; Theodule Girar- 
 dot, 1873-1877; Arthur C. Verner, 1878; Thomas McWhinnej*-, 1879-1883; 
 Arthur C. Verner, 1884-1885 ; Thomas McWhinney, 1886-1887 ; D. Willis 
 Mason, 1888-1889; Ernest Girardot, Sr., 1890-1891; George W. Mason, 
 1893; Ernest Girardot, Sr., 1893-1903; Clarence E. Mason, 1903-1906; 
 Edward H. Donnelly, 1907, 1908 and was re-elected for the present year, 
 1909. 
 
 17 
 
ARTHUR COLK VERNBR 
 Was born March 28, 1314, and was a deoendant of a titled family in Ireland. He was aTgrammar 
 school teacher in Sandwich in the early 60s and held the office of Mayor of Sandwich during the 
 years 1878, 1884 and 1883. He died April 2, 189U, aged 79 years. 
 
 THOMAS McWHINNEY 
 Was born in Ireland March 25, 1831 In 1873 he came ro Sandwich and built himself a home on 
 the banks of the Detroit river. In 1875 he was elected a town councillor in which capacity he served 
 the town until 1879, when he was elected mayor by acclamation and continued in that office till 1883, 
 and was re-eleeted in 1886. Sold his home to A. St. George Ellis, barrister of Windsor, and moved to 
 Atlanta, Ga., for his health. Died Jan. 31, 1901. Buried in St. John's graveyard, Sandwich. 
 
 18 
 
The members of the Mason family have always taken a deep interest 
 in the public welfare of the county and have been honored by being 
 placed in the highest office ip the gift of its citizens. 
 
 George W. Mason was born in the State of Indiana, Oct. 19, 
 1836. In the 60's he moved with his family to Sandwich and engaged 
 in the mercantile business. In due time he became a full-fledged natural- 
 ized British subject and shortly afterwards appointed a magistrate by 
 
 GEORGE W. MASON, CLARENCE E. MASON AND 
 D. WILLIS MASON, ESQS.. 
 
 the Ontario government. He was a member of the Board of Education 
 for several years and was Mayor of the town for the year 1892. 
 
 D. Willis Mason^ eldest son of George W. Mason, was born 
 Sept. 29, 1862. At the age of 26 years he was elected Mayor of Sand- 
 wich. This was in the year 1888 and was re-elected again in 1889. He 
 was at that time known throughout the country as the "Kid Mayor" 
 of Sandwich on account of his youth. Mr. Mason had previously served 
 four years on the Sandwich Board of Education. 
 
 Clarence E. Mason, the second and youngest son of George W. 
 Mason, was born in Sandwich Nov. 30, 1868. He has faithfully served 
 as Town Councillor and Reeve and was elected Mayor of the town for 
 the years 1903, 1904, 1905 and 1906. In January of the present year 
 (1909) Mr. Mason was appointed an Emigrant Inspector by the Dominion 
 Government. 
 
 19 
 
The gentlemen comprising the Town Council the present year (1909) 
 are Edward H. Donnelly, Mayor ; Robert Maisey, Reeve ; and William 
 Hill, John McLean, James L. Smith, WilHam J. Murphy and Calixte 
 LeBoeuf are the Cotmcillors. 
 
 The town officials are Edwin R. North, Town Clerk ; Claud F. Pequeg- 
 not. Town Treasurer; Albert F. Healey, Town Solicitor; William J. 
 Beasley, M. D., Town Physician; Allois Master, Chief Police; George 
 
 SANDWICH TOWN COUNCIL OF 1906. 
 
 Row Standing — Jos. D. Meloche, Jules Robinet, George E. Smeaton, town clerk; John McLean,, 
 and Wm. Hill. 
 
 Row Sitting — Jos. U. Piche, Clarence E. Mason, Mayor; Robert Maisley. 
 
 W. Gray, Tax Collector; Magdel Guindon and Alexander McKee, As- 
 sessors ; William Gray, Water Inspector ; James A. McCarnuck, Weigh- 
 master. 
 
 The following gentlemen constitute the Board of Health for 1909 : 
 ExMayor C. E. Mason, Chairman; E. R. North, Secretary; Wm. J. Beas- 
 ley, M. D., Physician ; Allois Master, Inspector ; Mayor E. H. Donnelly, 
 Messrs. Joseph F. Ouellette and James E. Robinson. 
 
 20 
 
The following gentlemen represented the Township of Sandwich as 
 Reeves in the Western District Council, comprising Essex, Kent and 
 Lambton were John G. Watson and Domineque Langlois from 1843 to 
 1845; Domineque Langlois and William D. Baby, from 1846 to 1849; 
 William D. Baby and Thomas Woodbridge in 1850. 
 
 In the Municipal Council of the United Counties of Essex and Lambton 
 the gentlemen represented the Township of Sandwich were Dominique 
 Langlois and Dennis Downing in 1851; James S. Baby and Dennis 
 Downing in 1853 ; Dominique Langlois and Laurent Reaume in 1853. 
 
 The first meeting of the County Council of the County of Essex was 
 
 JOSEPH MERCER 
 Was the first gentleman to fill the office of 
 Reeve for the Town of Sandwich in 1858. 
 He was elected Warden of Essex County and 
 remained in that office for two years, 1858 
 and 1859. He lost his life through an acci- 
 dent on the Great Western Railway, Oct. 2. 
 1862. His esteemed friend, John Paul Salter, 
 was killed at the same time. Mr. Salter's re- 
 mains were interred at Chatham and Mr. 
 Mercer in St. John's graveyard. Sandwich. 
 
 DUNCAN A. McMULLEN" 
 
 Was County Clerk from 1868 to 1862, and 
 Reeve of the Town of Sandwich from 1864 
 to 1868. Appointed Registrar of Surrogate 
 in 1868. He died in August, 1870. 
 
 held in the old Court House in the Town of Sandwich on Wednesday, 
 October 26th, 1853, the union between the counties of Essex and Lamb- 
 ton having been dissolved under proclamation on the 13th day of Decem- 
 ber, 1853. The gentlemen who represented the Township of Sandwich 
 were Dominique Langlois and Laurent Reaume 1853 to 1854; John A. 
 Askin and Laurent Reaume, 1855 ; Thomas Woodbridge and Gabriel 
 Bondy, 1856 and 1857. 
 
 The Village of Sandwich became an 'incorporated town in 1858, Joseph 
 Mercer, as Reeve, represented the town from 1858 to 1861 ; John A. Askin 
 
 21 
 
in 1862; James McKee in 1863; D. A. McMullen, 1864 to 1868; James 
 McKee from 1869 to 1885 ; Reinhold Gluns, 1886 and 1887 ; James Mc- 
 Kee, 1888 and 1889; John G. Watson, 1890 and 1891; Charles T. Askin, 
 1892 ; John G. Watson, 1893 to 1896. 
 
 The "County Councils Act of 1896" divided the county into seven dis- 
 tricts. The Townships of Sandwich East, Sandwich West and Sandwich 
 Town comprised District number seven. The gentlemen who repre- 
 sented District number seven in the County Council were Joseph 
 Durocher and Hypolite Mailloux, 1897 and 1898 ; Joseph Durocher and 
 
 \ 
 
 REINHOLD GLUNS 
 
 Was born in Germany in January, 1835. Be- 
 came a resident and established a tannery 
 business in Sandwich in 1861. Served as a 
 Town Councillor for 1880 and 1881 and 
 Reeve in 1886 and 1887. Mr. Gluns is living 
 retired at the corner of Bedford and Park 
 streets, Sandwich. 
 
 GEORGE JEbSJi" 
 ^Va". bor- at Aylesbury, r.u'kinghamshire, 
 Eng., March 21, 1821. He came to Sandwich 
 with his parents when quite young, and be- 
 came an active business man in the commun- 
 ity. In addition to filling several offices of 
 trust for the municipality he served as Coun- 
 cillor for a number of years. He was elected 
 Reeve of Sandwich in January, 1S98, and died 
 August 25 of the same yea.-. 
 
 Noah Dufour, 1899 and 1900 ; Joseph Durocher and Alexander Reaume, 
 1901 and 1903; Albert L. Lafferty and Alexander Reaume, 1903 and 1904; 
 Albert L. Lafferty and August St. Louis, 1905 and 1906. 
 
 The "County Council's Act" of 1906, again gave each municipality the 
 privilege of choosing its own Reeve to represent them in the County 
 Council. The gentlemen who represented Sandwich Town in the County 
 Council as Reeve was Eugene Brecult, 1907 and 1908. Robert Maisey is 
 the Reeve and representative of the Town of Sandwich in the County 
 Council at the present time (1909). 
 
 22 
 
LOUIS J. FLUETT 
 
 Was born in the City of Quebec in 1800. He held the pdsition of Clerk of the First Division 
 Court; was Town Clerk for the Town of Sandwich from 1869 to 1881. Died May 13, 1881, aged 
 81 years. ' 
 
 COBNBIilUS H. ASHDOWN, 
 
 was born In Bn^land June 2o, 1S35> 
 and settled In Toronto In 1841. For 
 t'hirty-two years ne was a teacher, 
 twenty-live of which were spent in Es- 
 sex County. He was appointed town 
 cleric oi Sandwich on December 14, 1804. 
 and Clerk o£ the First Division Court 
 of Essex. Died October 19. 1903. 
 
 EDWIN R. NORTH, B. A., 
 
 The present Town Clerk, was born Januacy 
 13, 1863. He is a B. A. of the Queen's Uni- 
 versity, Kingston, Ont, and has been prin- 
 cipal of the Sandwich Public Schools for thir- 
 teen years. Mr. North was appointed Town 
 Clerk in January, 1907. His services in both 
 the capacity of teacher and Town Clerk gives 
 general satisfaction. 
 
 23 
 
The gentlemen who have held the responsible position of Town Clerk 
 for the Corporation of the Town of Sandwich from 1858 to the present 
 time (1909) are James Woodbridge, Jr., 1858 to 1866 ; Frank E. Maroon, 
 1867 to and part of 1869 ; Louis J. Fluett, part of 1869 to May 13, 1881 ; 
 Victor Ouellette, the remainder of 1881; Thomas McKee, 1882; James 
 
 JAMES ALEXANDER STUART 
 
 Was born in Mullaghfutherland, Ireland, September 15, 1829. He received part of his educa- 
 tion at Dublin University, land coming to the United States, he took a two years' course at Prince- 
 ton, New Jersey. In 1854 he taught school at London, Ont., and in 1857 he settled in Sandwich 
 and was at once appointed principal of the public school, which positio nhe held with much credit 
 for twelve years. Many of the men and women of middle life today, of Sandwich, Windsor, 
 Walkerville and the City of Detroit, including the writer, were pupils of Mr. Stuart's. 
 Mr, Stuart bought the "Great Western Hotel," familiarly known as "The Dobson House," one of 
 the historic landmarks of the town. In 1875 he built a large new brick hotel, which he called 
 "The Stuart . .ouse," and which he moved into in 1876, where he remained until his death. 
 He held the position of Clerk of the First Division Court, and also of Town Clerk from 1883 
 to 1894 (with the exception of the year 1892). He was closely iedntified with the local history of 
 Sandwich, and was lately a valued member of the Board of Education and a recognized authority 
 on municipal law. He died December 10, 1894, at the age of 66 years. 
 
 A. Stuart, 18883 to 1891 ; Maxfield'Sheppard, 1892 ; James A. Stuart, 1893 
 to December 10, 1894; Cornelius H. Ashdown, from December, 1894 to 
 October 19, 1903 ; George E. Smeaton, October 23, 1903 to 1906 ; Edwin 
 R. North, the present efificient Town Clerk, was appointed in January, 
 1907. 
 
 24 
 
/ 
 
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 3 r 
 
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 W 
 
 S, w 
 
 2-1 
 
GLUNNS' TANNERY 
 
 A portion of which is shown in this picture. Established by R. Gluns in 1861, on the corner 
 of Park and Russell Streets. This landmark was torn dbwn and removed about two years ago. 
 From a water color painting by the late Miss I'da E. Gluns. 
 
 EUGENE BREAULT, 
 
 The present Police Magistrate of S^dwich, 
 was born at St. Jean de Malka, Jolliette Co., 
 Quebec, Sept. 20, 1869. Came to Essex at the 
 age of 18. Served ten years in the Sandwich 
 fire department. Was elected Reeve for the 
 year 1907 and returned by acclamation for the 
 year 1908. Appointed Justice of the Peace in 
 March, 1908, and Police -Magistrate of the 
 Town of Sandwich in January, 1909. 
 
 ALLOIS MASTER, SR., 
 
 The present Chief of Police, was born in 
 Germany in 1844, settled In Sandwich in 1857. 
 In 1882 he was appointed by the Provincial 
 Government a Bailiff of the First Division 
 Court of the County of Essex. For upwards 
 of thirty years he has served as County Con- 
 stable and High Constable for Essex and for 
 the past fifteen years as Chief of Police for 
 the Town of Sandwich. . 
 
 26 
 
The present town of Sandwich and judicial seat of the County of Essex 
 is beautifully situated in the midst of a fine and well settled agricultural 
 country on the Detroit River. There are many beautiful private resi- 
 dences and well kept lawns, the long rows of magnificent shade trees lin- 
 
 SANDWICH BOARD OF EDUCATION— 1906. 
 
 Row Standing — Wm. G. Wells, W. J. Beasley, M. D.', David Tucker (secretary-treasurer), C. 
 E. Wadge. Row Sitting — Wm. J. Sparks, Francis Hurt (Chairman), and John C. Hehn. 
 
 ing the principal streets. It being an historical town many people visit 
 the place each year from all parts of the American continent. 
 
 The public improvements include one public school and one Roman 
 Catholic separate school, the new postoffice and customs building. 
 
 27 
 
Assumption College, referred to elsewhere in this volume, is located 
 here and is one of the chief educational institutions of the place. 
 
 There are four churches, Catholic, Episcopalean, Methodist and Bap- 
 tist. 
 
 There is also a canning factory, a branch of the Canadian Canners ; the 
 Sandwich Branch of the Pittsburg Coal Co. ; the salt-wells conducted by 
 the Saginaw Salt & Lumber Co., and last but not least the Sandwich 
 
 
 
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 (^. * 
 
 EDWARD H. DONNELLY, 
 The present Mayor of Sandwich, was born at 
 Hamilton, Ont, January 22, 1869. He has 
 served three years as Town Councillor and 
 >vas elected Mayor for the first time in 1907; 
 elected by acclamation and had the honor of 
 being the town's chief magistrate oh the 50th 
 anniversary of its incorporation in 1908. He 
 was again elected for a third time for the 
 present year, 1909. 
 
 JOSEPH BOISMIBB, 
 
 A son of Edward Boisrnier, the first 
 Mayor ot Sandwich. He was an Ensign 
 ill Sandwich Infantry Co. No. 1 during 
 the Fenian troubles in 1866 and 1B70, 
 and has servad as Town Councillor on 
 several occasions. 
 
 Branch of the J. H. Bishop Fur Company. There is also an extensive 
 brick manufacturing plant conducted by Wm. G. Curry, of Windsor. 
 
 The citizens have all the luxuries enjoyed, by their neighbors who 
 live in the neighboring cities — Detroit and Windsor — as the town is 
 supplied with water from the Windsor works ; the streets are lighted with 
 electricity, and nearly twenty miles of silex walks, and a complete sys- 
 tem of sewers is now being constructed through the whole town. It has 
 also an efficient fire department and the hotel accommodation is excellent. 
 
 28 
 
CALIXTK LeBOElUP, 
 Is a native of Sandwich and was elected 
 to the Town Council in 1908, and was 
 again re-elected for the "present year 
 (1909). He is the Sandwich representa- 
 tive of tne Metropolitan Insurance Ccm- 
 pony of New York. 
 
 JAMES L. SMITH, 
 One of the Town Councillors for the year 
 1909. He is a native of Essex County, held 
 several offices of trust in connection with the 
 county. For many years he successfully con- 
 ducted the Royal Oak Hotel, which he sold to 
 Fred Laforet in 1908. 
 
 ^«OS^S?*n. 
 
 CLAUDE F. PEQUENOT, 
 The present Town Treasurer. He also holds 
 the oiBce of collector of water taxes and is 
 the resident customs officer in H. M. service 
 at Sandwich. He was formerly engaged in 
 the mercantile business in Sandwich. 
 
 GEORGE W. GRAY, 
 The present Tax Collector of the Town of 
 Sandwich, was born in Sandwich, March 6, 
 1873. He was chief of the Sandwich Fire 
 Department for several years and is at pres- 
 ent Chairman of the Sandwich Board of Edu- 
 cation. 
 
 29 
 
ALBERT F. HEALEY, 
 The present Town Solicitor, is a member of 
 the law firm of Davis & Healey. He has held 
 the position of Town Solicitor for Sandwich 
 for the past six years; Is legal advisor of 
 several other corporations and local indus- 
 tries lately established in this vicinity. 
 
 JAMES JESSOP, 
 Who has acted as Chief of Police and County 
 Constable at various periods from 1858 to 
 1875, or thereabout, and was also caretaker of 
 St. John's graveyard for many years. Al- 
 though only a young lad at the time, he took 
 an active part in the rebellion, of 1837-8, and 
 was also . a member of Sandwich Infantry 
 Company during the Fenian troubles of 1865 
 and 1870. He died Oct. 25. 1897, aged 78 
 years. 
 
 DAVID CHENAY, M. A. 
 Was born in April, -1847, spent several years 
 as a teacher in the ublic, high and model 
 s^chools of Ontario. In June, 1900, was ap- 
 pointed public school inspector for North 
 Essex. He is also inspector of Vilingual 
 separate schools for Western Ontario. 
 
 WILLIAM B. HAGGART 
 Is a native of Sandwich, and has served three 
 years in the Town Council and three years 
 on the Board of Education, being its chair- 
 man for one year. 
 
 30 
 
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 31 
 
R. C. SEPARATE SCHOOL BOARD FOR 1909. 
 Peter Cadarette, Chaiiman ; Victor Ouellette, Secretary; Albert Maicotte, Treasurer ; Jules Robinct, 
 Calixte Seguin, Zacharlab Segnin and Joseph Bondy. 
 
 ST. FRANCIS R. C. SEPARATE SCHOOL, PETER ST., SANDWICH, BUILT IN 1901. 
 
 32 
 
The Members of the Sandwich Board of Education for 1909 are George 
 W. Gray, Chairman ; David Tusker, Secretary-Treasurer ; John C. Hehn, 
 Allois Master, Francis Hurt, WilHam J. Beasley, M. D., and WiHiam 
 G. Wells. 
 
 The members of the Fire Department for 1909 are James Pillon, Chief ; 
 William Piche, Assistant Chief; Emile Seguin, Second, Assistant; Harry 
 
 
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 S:|i^<^, .r 
 
 SANDWICH FIRE DEPARTMENT, JANUARY 1, 1906. 
 
 Row Standing — Chas. Montagtie, F. Neal, Douglas Splitlog, James Pillon, and Judson McLean. 
 md Row Sitting — ^Jos. Robinet, Geo. Sparks, A. E. Bondy, Sec, W. J. Murphy, Chief, Wm. Piche. 
 Front Row — Harry Gignac, Dav Trombley, and Emile Seguin. 
 
 Gigttac', Secretary ; Arthur Beeman, Treasurer ; Albert Reaiime, Gilbfert 
 Duchaine, Cezaire Duchaine, John McLeod, Emile Laforet, Jerry Char- 
 bonnet, Samuel Dehaitre and Fred Neal. 
 
 33 
 
THE J. H. BISHOP FUR COMPANY'S BUILDINGS, RUSSELL ST., SANDWICH. 
 W. J. Burns, resident manager. 
 
 (Scene on Detroit River) — The Sandwich Plant of the Pittsburg Coal Co., Sandwich, Ont 
 
 34 
 
SANDWICH BRANCH, NO. 20, 
 0£ the Canadian Canneries (Limited). Established in 1899 by Malcomson & Son. Head Office 
 
 Hamilton, Ont. 
 
 Gooige -V. Malcomson, resiaent manager. 
 
 WILLIAM N. GATFIELD, 
 Resident manager of the Sandwich Branch of 
 the Pittsburg Coal Company. 
 
 HUGH MALCOMSON, 
 
 Who established the Sandwich Branch of the 
 Canadian Canneries in 1899. 
 
 35 
 
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 36 
 
AN ANCIENT HOTEL. 
 
 In' the year 1810 the Western Hotel shown in the accompanying pic- 
 ture, was originally built as a private residence for his own use by James 
 Woods, father of the late Judge, Robert Stuart Woods, of Kent .County, 
 and up to 1852 was known as the "Woods Homestead," where it was 
 purchased by Cyrus Dobson, and as the sign indicates, was called the 
 Western Hotel. It was speedily made the headquarters for High Court 
 Judges attending the Assizes. The accompanying picture was taken 
 in the year 1863 by Mr. Henry, of the Royal Scott's Regiment of Mon- 
 treal, stationed in Sandwich during the Fenian troubles. A few years 
 later the building was purchased by James A. Stuart, the Town Clerk, 
 and he changed the name to the Stuart House. Mr. Stuart moved the 
 present building away and built a modern brick structure, now familiarly 
 "known as "The Vendome," owned and conducted by Ignace Langlois. 
 
 In the picture is shown the Western Hotel, New Jail and Court House, 
 Old Brick Jail and Court House, Registry Office and St. John's Church. 
 
 POSTMASTERS OF SANDWICH FROM 1800 to 1909. 
 
 For the past 109 years this important office has been held by six dif- 
 ferent gentlemen. The first, William Hands, enjoyed the honor of being 
 
 THE WILLIAM HANDS HOMESTEAD, 
 And home of the first Sandwich postofEce, is situate on Main Street at the northern part of 
 the town. Near the -street at the gate was a small building or sort of "sentry box," where the 
 mail was received and delivered to the citizens of Sandwich and vicinity from 1800 to 1834. 
 
 Sheriff, District Treasurer, Customs Officer, Judge of Surrogate, Regis- 
 trar of Surrogate and Postmaster. Mr. Hands held the position of Post- 
 master from 1800 to 1834. He died February 30, 1836. 
 
 37 
 
THE HANDS HOMESTEAD, 
 
 As it appears at present, after being rebuilt by its present owner and occupant, Mr. Fleming. 
 It is now familiarly known as the Fleming Homestead. 
 
 HOME OF THE SANDWICH POSTOFFICE, 
 
 _ During the administration of Capt. John Gentle, from 1834 to 1838, and again during tht 
 regime of Calixte, St. Louis, from the years 1865 to 1881. 
 
 ■in 
 
The land on which the building stands was a part of the Indian 
 Reserve. After the death of Mr. Hands the property passed into the 
 possfession of Mrs. James H. Wilkinson and again after the death of 
 Mr. and Mrs. James H .Wilkinson, Harwood O. Fleming, druggist of 
 Windsor, became the owner. 
 
 This house was built in the year lYSO. It was partially destroyed by 
 fire January 1, 1900, and rebuilt by Mr. Fleming the same year. 
 
 George Gentle was appointed in 1834. He conducted a general store 
 and kept the postoffice in the same building. It is situated on lot 7, West 
 Bedford Street, opposite the County Court House, is at present used as 
 a barber shop and residence and is owned by James L. Srnith. 
 
 EDWARD HOLLAND was appointed in 1838 and continued in office 
 until his death, February 7, 1843. He kept the postoffice at his residence, 
 lot 7, on the northeast corner, of Mill and Peter Streets. It was an old- 
 fashipned two-story building. A few years ago this old landmark came 
 into the possession of the late County Clerk, Thomas McKee, who had 
 
 THE WILLIAM G. HALL RESIDENCE, 
 
 Which was the home of the postoiBce for a short time during Mr. Morin's administration. It 
 was afterwards owned and occupied by the late John Paul Salter, and in later years by the late 
 ArtEiir C. Verner. 
 
 it removed and biiilt a modern two-story residence in its place. After 
 thjftt death of Mr. McKee, Richfird McKee purcha.sed it and occupies it 
 with his family at the present time. 
 
 Pierre Hector Morin was appointed in 1843. During Mr. Morin's 
 administration he kept the office in the William G. Hall building, lot 5, 
 East Bedford Street — at present occupied by Mr. Victor Ouellette), and 
 afterwards in another building — long since removed — on lot 2, West 
 Bedford Street. 
 
 Calixte St. Louis took charge of the office in 1865 and continued in 
 
 39 
 
the position until he resigned in 1881. He conducted a general store 
 and had the office in the George Gentle building. 
 
 THE GIRARDOT BUILDING. 
 _ Northwest corner of Mill and Bedford Streets. For a shirt time the home of the postoffice 
 during Mr. Ouellette's administration. 
 
 THE McKEE BLOCK. 
 Lot 3, East Bedford Street, the home of the postoffice in 1886. 
 
 Victor Ouellette was appointed in 1881 and resigned in 1885. During 
 the regime of Mr. Oullette the location of the office was changed several 
 
 40 
 
times. The Clark Brothers' shoe store, the Miller building, the Girardot 
 
 \ ' y^^'i] 
 
 ^^■- y - 
 
 
 J 
 
 
 
 
 hh^^^ 
 
 
 JP V -• *■ "■** 
 
 ■ •'- 
 
 THE GENERAL STORE OF JOHN SPIERS. 
 Northeast corner of Mill and Bedford Streets. The home of the postoffice from 1885 to June 
 a, 1907. 
 
 ^'^^'^'rim!^pmup^'' 
 
 jjH.. 
 
 lumattm 
 
 THE McKBK HOMESTEAD 
 
 An old landmark removed to make room for the new government building, southeast corner 
 
 of Bedford and Mill Streets. It was purchased by Miss Jane McKee. 
 
 building and McKee block, east side of Bedford Street were among the 
 places occupied. 
 
 41 
 
John Spiers, the present incumbent of the office received his appoint- 
 ment August 8, 1885. From the time of his appointment until June 1, 
 1907, he kept the office in his general store, northeast corner of Mill and 
 Bedford Streets. 
 
 After one hundred and nine years of weary travelling around the town 
 the Sandwich postoffice found a permanent home in a handsome new 
 brick building built by the Dominion Government. From a "sentry box"' 
 
 THE NEW POSTOFFICE AND CUSTOM HOUSE, 
 Southeast corner Bedford and Mill Streets. 
 
 in_ 1800 to a handsome structure, costing over $15,000 in 1907, is cer- 
 tainly an improvement which our citizens welcome and heartily appre- 
 ciate. The office was opened for business June 1, 1907, with Mr. Spiers in 
 charge and Miss Jessie Spiers as assistant postmistress. The citizens of 
 Sandwich are proud of the building which is one of the finest and best 
 equipped postoffices in the Dominion, and are thankful to the Hon. R. F. 
 Sutherland, K. C, M. P., for North Essex, for his untiring and faithful 
 efforts in securing the construction of the same. 
 
 42 
 
JOHN SPIERS, 
 
 The present Postmaster, appointed August 8, 18&5. He was educated in the public and gram- 
 mar schools of Sandwich and Windsor; speaks both the French and English languages fluently and 
 is a most efficient cificer. .... 
 
 PIERRE HECTOR MORIN, 
 Postmaster from 1848 to 1865. He was Col- 
 lector of Customs at Sandwich at the same 
 time. He was also one of the County and 
 District Auditors for twelve years. Mr. Morin 
 died February 19, 1871, at the age of sixty- 
 two years. 
 
 CALIXTE ST. LOUIS, 
 Postmaster from 1885 to 1881. Died Jan. 
 1909. 
 
 43 
 
The second floor are apartments for Inland Revenue and Customs 
 Offices. 
 
 John McLeod, has been appointed janitor and himself and family oc- 
 cupy the third story. 
 
 George Proctor, of Sarnia, was the contractor and John McLean, of 
 Sandwich, the inspector. 
 
 WILLIAM p. LEECH 
 
 President of the Evening American Publishing Company and publishers of the Chicago American. 
 He is a formev well-known Sandwich resident and on [he occasion of the Old Boys' Reunion, August 
 2 to 7, 1909, generously donated a large and handsome water fountain to his native town, a ^if t that 
 will ever be held in kind remembrance by his many friends and citizens of Sandwich. This hand- 
 some fountain adorns the front of the new PostoiHoe and Customs building. 
 
 THE OLDEST FREE MASON. 
 
 1 
 
 From Ross-Robinson's History of Free Masonry. 
 
 Of the many men who took an interest in the work of Masonry in 
 early days, probably no man was more enthusiastic than the late Bro. 
 John B. Laughton, of Sandwich. He it was who in 1820 visited England, 
 one of his special objects being to have matters regarding the organizai- 
 tion of the craft settled, for, as we already know the craft in Canada 
 was at a great disadvantage after the death of R. W. Bro. Wm. Jarvis. 
 
 44 
 
Bro. Laugh ton first saw the light of day in the latter part of the 
 eighteenth century. An old record signed by Wm. Park, a minister of 
 the Gospel, and witnessed by Ann Roe and W. Roe, gives the day of 
 his birth and that of his christening. Mr. Wm. Roe will be remembered 
 by many Mason's at Newmarket, Ontario, as the postmaster at that 
 place. The certificate reads : 
 
 "I do hereby certify to have christened a male child six weelcs old, son of Mr. Peter and 
 Catherine Laughton, born the twenty-ninth day /of July last. The asid child, named John Betton 
 Laughton, born the 20th day of July last. The said child named John B. Laughton, and Walter 
 Roe, of Detroit, Esq., and Mrs. Ann Roe, his god-father and god-mother. 
 
 "Done at Detroit this sixteenth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and ninety (1790). 
 
 ,„ ^ WILLIAM PARK, D. H. 
 
 W. ROE 
 ANN ROE 
 
 THE HEADSTONE 
 Which marks the resting place of the oldest ■ member of the Masonic f raterity in this vicinity. 
 
 At the time of the birth of Bro. Laughton, Detroit was under British 
 government. When quite a youth he removed with his father to Strom- 
 ness, an island on the river St. Clair, to which his grandfather had some 
 claim under a lease from the Indians. This island was also called 
 Thompson's Island, but was usually called Stromness' Island until 
 changed to Dickinson's Island. When 13 years of age his father died, 
 and the youth was apprenticed to a trade at Amherstburg, but in 1810, 
 being thus in his eighteenth year, he returned to Stromness, with a stock 
 for a farm, all of which he lost in the war of 1813. He then joined the 
 Canadian militia and engaged in the tarnsport between Burlington 
 Heights and York. He was present at some of the frontier battles, in- 
 cluding Lundy's Lane, at which he was taken prisoner, and afterwards 
 retired on a small pension from the government. 
 
 No man was better known to the people of Essex from 1810 until 1879 
 than Bro. Laughton. * * * He was an interesting speaker, and with 
 
 ■45 
 
great glee -recounted his experiences during the war of 1812-15 at Stoney 
 Creek, Grimsby and Burlington Heights. He visited England in 1820, 
 armed with documents from Bro. John Dean, the Secretary of the King- 
 ston Convention, and visiting the Masonic authorities in London laid 
 the case of the Canadian Masons before them with such vigor that it 
 had its material eflfect in the action of the English Grand Lodge. 
 
 In 1841 he wrote to the Secretary of St. Andrews' Lodge, Toronto, in 
 order to ascertain the proper method of securing a warrant that he de- 
 sired for a lodge at Sandwich. This lodge was afterwards formed and 
 was known as Rose Lodge No. 30. 
 
 Mr. Laughton at one time took a deep interest in the welfare of St. 
 John's Church, having filled the office of Church Warden with Abraham 
 Unsworth for four years — from 1837 to 1840. He, with his wife, after- 
 wards became affiliated with the Methodist denomination in Sandwich 
 and both Mr. and Mrs. Laughton were valued and consistent members 
 of that religious body until their death. 
 
 Bro. Laughton died at the family residence of Capt. Edwin Watson, 
 at Sandwich, on the 26th day of December, 1879, aged 89. He was buried 
 in the cemetery of St. John's Church, Sandwich, and his grave is situated 
 opposite the Essex County Registry Office. It is marked with a small 
 marble stone inscribed "John B. Laughton, Died Dec. 26, 1879, aged 
 90 years." The christening record- shows that this date is in error. 
 
 THE WAR OF 1812. 
 
 Sandwich was the first place to feel the effects of the war of 1812. 
 The United States Congress declared war against Great Britain on June 
 18, 1812, and on July 12, General Hull crossed from Detroit with 2,300 
 men and took possession of Sandwich. He at once issued a bombastic 
 proclamation from his headquarters, the Baby Mansion, in forming the 
 Canadians that he did not ask their aid, because he came with a force 
 that must overpower all opposition, and which was only the vanguard 
 of a greater one. 
 
 From Fort George, Gen. Brock issued a counter proclamation, remind- 
 ing the people of the prosperity of the colony under British rule, and 
 assuring them that the mother country would defend Canada to the 
 utmost and impressing upon them the sacred duty of keeping their oath 
 of allegiance to the British government. 
 
 How the Essex militia, fighting in the ranks by the side of the regular 
 soldierly of Britain, covered themselves with glory in the campaigns that 
 followed, is a matter of common history. 
 
 Fortunately the military in Essex had a faithful ally in Tecumseh and 
 his followers and the assistance which they gave had much to do in the 
 preservation of the Western Peninsular. 
 
 At Maiden the British had erected a fort and garrison and kept sta- 
 tioned there a force of regular troops. This was the military head- 
 quarters of the Western Frontier, but Sandwich had also grown to a 
 thriving town and was the metropolis of the border. 
 
 After a short delay at Sandwich Gen. Hull with his whole force started 
 down the military road against Fort Maiden. Col. Proctor who was in 
 
 46 
 
•command at Maiden, nothing daunted, advanced with a force of about 
 400 regulars, militiamen and Ipdians to the Canard river and there taking, 
 up a position on the lower side of the marsh awaited for the Americans 
 to attempt a crossing. In sileiice they waited and as the column reached 
 the bridge a volley thundered from the reeds on the further side. The 
 Ameri€an force was staggered and under the deadly rain of volley after 
 volley broke into disorderly retreat. They retired beyond Turkey Creek 
 and rallied near the present site of Chappel's hostelry. Major Semandre 
 -of the militia followed the invaders beyond the creek and then, care- 
 fully concealing his followers and a band of Tecumseh's braves, he walked 
 on almost to the American Camp. Drawing his pistol he fired point 
 blank into the throng of soldiers and dashed away with a large number 
 in pursuit. He led them right to the muzzles of the muskets of his men 
 when a volley was poured into the pursuers. Half of them were laid 
 low and the balance withdrew in confusion to their camp. 
 
 After this reception Hull gave up any idea of attacking Maiden and 
 withdrew and on learning that Gen. Brock had arrived at Fort Maiden 
 with reinforcements Gen. Hull recrossed to Detroit on August 7. As the 
 last of the force left Sandwich orders were given to fire the town, but 
 ■Capt. John Collins of the American force, strongly objected to this bar- 
 abrity with such good effect that the town was spared. 
 
 The gallant Brock, who was in command of the force of Upper Canada 
 very shortly arrived at Amherstburg, and following up Proctor's advan- 
 tage, led the entire force, consisting of seven hundred regulars and 
 militiamen and six hundred Indians, to Sandwich. Two small war ves- 
 sels, the "Queen Charlotte" and the "Hunter," ascending the river at 
 the same time. 
 
 Brock placed his guns on the Canadian bank of the river and sent a 
 demand to Hull to surrender Fort Detroit, which was refused. That 
 night the Indians were sent across the river and in the morning made 
 the forest surrounding the pallisades hideous with their unearthly yell- 
 ing, until the garrison imagined there was a very large force at hand. 
 The guns on the Canadian shore and from the vessels threatened the 
 fort, while all morning long, the red coated soldiers of Britain could be 
 seen swarming around the Baby house at Sandwich, where Brock had 
 adopted the ruse of marching the force through the back door and out 
 ■of the front, which was in plain view of the fort, and leading the head 
 of the column again to the back, kept a stream of men apparently num- 
 bering many hundred marching from the house. The guns outside the 
 Fort enclosure had also been spiked by-Maj. Semandre, who distin- 
 guished himself all through the War by his reckless daring, with a small 
 force, during the night. So that upon the second demand for surrender 
 sent to Hull that afternoon, the fort with its garrison of 2,500, its arms 
 and its stores, involving as it did the surrender of the whole State of 
 Michigan, was given over to the British. The chagrin of the commander 
 when he found Brock's command to number less than 1,500 soldiers and 
 Indians will well be imagined. 
 
 Proctor was placed in command of the Fort and Brock withdrew to 
 lead in the grand defense of the Niagara frontier which culminated in 
 -the glorious victory of Queenstown heights, where unfortunately he fell. 
 
 47 
 
THE BABY MANSION. 
 
 It was built for the northwest fur trade about the year 1790 by the 
 Hon. James Baby. The house is about 40x50 in size, two and one- 
 half stories in height, with a three-foot stone wall cellar the size of the 
 house. The frame work of the building was filled with bricks and 
 mortar; the beams and the sheating were of walnut and the sills ot 
 doors and windows of walnut. In the hall was hung an iron hook, from 
 which were suspended massive scales capable of weighing 3,000 pounds 
 of furs. (Dr. Beasley says this hook still adorns the ceiling in the large 
 hallway.) 
 
 This ancient homestead stands about half way up the hill on the 
 corner of Russell and Mill Streets. From the front verandah one has a 
 fine view of the Detroit River, as the hill slopes to the river bank. Upon 
 its porches Indians traded their pelts when Detroit was but a log settle- 
 
 ment. Through its halls have walked such men as Generals Hull, Brock, 
 Harrison, Col. Proctor and the brave forest heros Chief Tecumseh and 
 SpHt log. After the battle of the River Thames (Oct. 5, 1813), where 
 Tecumseh was killed. Col. James Baby, while in command of the Kent 
 militia, was taken prisoner and returned to Sandwich with Gen. Harri- 
 son, who occupied this house as his headquarters. 
 
 Although over a century has passed since it was built the house is 
 nearly as good today as when it was first erected. 
 
 The large hall was the trading room. The Indians for miles around 
 brought their furs and traded them with the Baby's for small merchan- 
 dise which the Northwest Company used as money. 
 
 48 
 
HON. JAMES BABY 
 Was born in Detroit, 1762, built the Baby Mansion, at Sandwich, about the year 1780. He 
 was a member of the Legislative Council of Hesse and Western District from 1792 to 1833; 
 appointed Judge of Surrogate Court in 1794; at the close of the War of 1812-13 he was appointed 
 to the very responsible office of InspectorGeneral of Upper Canada. This later office was offered 
 him because his 'merits had been so conspicuous during the war, his services so disinterested, his 
 losses so great] that the Government tendered him the position as a mark of approbation. He died 
 at Little York (Toronto), February 19, 1833, in his 71st year. His remains were brought to 
 Sandwich and re-interred in Assumption Church Graveyard. 
 
 GEN. WILLIAM HULL 
 Was born in Connecticut in 1763. He rose to the rank of Major in the Continental Army, 
 arid was distinguished for his bravery. He was appointed Governor of the Michigan Territory in 
 1805. On June 18th, 1812, the United States Congress passed a bill empowering the President to 
 declare war against Great Britain. On the 12th of July, 1812, he crossed to Sandwich with 2,500 
 men, took possession of the town, making the Baby Mansion his headquarters, his army camping 
 
 ■J9 
 
■on the land now occupied by the public school, Bedford street, Sandwich, on the bank 
 -of the Detroit River. On the approach of Gen. Brock, the British commander-in-chief, Gen. Hull 
 re-crossed with his army to Detroit, August 7, 1812. Gen, Brock ^followed with 700 regulars and 
 BiiHtiamen and 600 Indians and demanded Hull to surrender, which he did on August 16, 1819, 
 induding the army fort, stores, Detroit and adjacent territory. Gen. Hull was then taken to Mon- 
 treatl a prisoner of war, and was afterwards exchanged for thirty British captives. He wsa tried 
 by court-martial for treason and cowadic'e at Albany, New York, during the year 1814. He was 
 found guilty of cowardice and ordered to be shot, but was afterwards pardoned by the President 
 on account of previous valuable services. He died near Boston in 1848. In 1848 his grandson 
 published a full and thorough vindication of the character of Gen. Hull. Hull's thorough knowledge 
 of the character of the foe who menaced him, and a humane desire to spare his troops, was doubt- 
 less his sole reason for surrendering his post at Detroit to Gen. Brock. 
 
 Dr. W. J. Beasley purchased the property in March, 1905, and has 
 since put the building in an excellent state of repair without destroying 
 in any way its original appearance. The interior of the house has been 
 altered to suit the requirements of modern life, such as bath rooms, 
 electric light, etc. 
 
 MAJOR GENERAL SIR ISAAC BROCK 
 
 ^",„5-!i" '.".^'kHI^""* i''t.'^"""=*?n?" ?'='■ ^*' "^9- He saw active service in Holland, 
 
 was wounded at the battle of Egmont-of-Tee m 1798, and was second in command of the land 
 forces at^ Lord Nelson s attack on Copenhagen in 1802. On August 16, 1812, in comoanv with 
 
 of Queenstown Heights, Oct. 1, 1812. 
 
 quantity 
 
 battle 
 
 During the month of September, 1908, the Essex County Historical 
 Society has, with the consent of the present owner, caused to be placed 
 on the building a bronze tablet which may be seen when passing the 
 end of the building on Mill Street. 
 
 50 
 
TECUMSEH, 
 
 The brave and celebrated Shawneese Indian chief, born 1770; killed at the battle of Mora- 
 vin Town, Oct. 6, 1813, aged 43 years. He was with Gen. Brock, together with Splitlog, his 
 trother-in-law, and other celebrated Indian chiefs, who assisted in the capture of Detroit, August 
 16, 1812. 
 
 GEN. WM. H. HARRISON, 
 
 Who once occupied the Baby Mansion, and whose troops (the Kentucky Horse), burned St. 
 John's Church in 181S. He afterwards became President of the United States. He served one 
 month after taking the oath of office and died April i, 1841, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
 
 51 
 
WILLIAM LEWIS BABY. 
 
 Born in the Baby Mansion April 13, 1812; was first lieutenant of the Kent Volunteers dunngi 
 the Rebellion of 1837-8: took part in the. capture of the schooner Ann at Amherstburg, January », 
 1838; was appointed to H. M. Customs at Windsor October 30, 1873; superanuated Jul:; 1«. l|»5i 
 was author of "Souvenirs of the PMt;" died at Windsor, December 9, 1897, and interred at 
 Assumption Church Grayeyard, Sandwich. 
 
 CHARLES T. BABY, 
 
 The, second son of the Hon. James Baby, was born in the Baby Mansion Decebmer 21, 1807. 
 Was appointed Clerk of the Peace in 1835 and held the oifice until the year 1871. He was elected 
 Mayor of the Town of Sandwich in January, 1859, and re-elected to the same office continuously 
 up to and including the year 1866. He was also a member o f the' Sandwich Board of Educaiton 
 from the year 1868 to 1867, and occupied the position of Chairman of that body for the entire 
 period of his membership of eight years. He died November 13, 1871, in the old Baby Mansion, 
 in which he was born and died, he having occupied it with his family until his death and the death 
 of Mrs. Baby, his wife. His family consisted of two sons, Charles T. and Eugene (both dead)), 
 and three daughters (Mary), now Mrs. Wm. J. McKee; (Eliza), Mrs. J. Wallcae Askin; and 
 (Josephine), Mrs. A. Phi E. Janet. After the death of Mr. and Mrs. Baby, and the death of the 
 sons, and marriage of the daughters, the old homestead passed into other hands. 
 
 62 
 
WILLIAM J. BEASI,EY, M. D., 
 
 The owner of the Baby Mansion, and who occupies it wi^^ his family at the present time* 
 besides attending to the many duties of his profession as a physician in the community, has taken 
 a deep interest in the welfare of the town. He is a member of the Board of Education and was 
 elected chairman of that body for the year 1907. He is also a member of the Essex County Histori- 
 cal Society. He is a most worthy gentleman and a valuable acquisition to the old county town. 
 
 OLD CANADIAN WINDMILLS ON THE DETROIT RIVER. 
 
 (From extracts from a paper written by Miss Jean Barr, with important additions by the writer.) 
 
 Previous to the war of 1812, while yet the country was but thinly 
 settled, the Detroit River presented a very different appearance from 
 what it does today. True, time could not mar the beauty of the broad 
 stream itself, but its shores have been completely transformed by 
 progress. 
 
 This wind mill was built during the year 1808, on the McGregor Farm, Petite Cote. ^The 
 property was afterwards owned by the late Judge Charles Eliot, and » now known as Shore 
 Acres." This picture is from a water color painting by Capt. James Van Cleve in 1881, and pub- 
 lished through kindness of Miss McKee, Sandwich. 
 
 53 
 
The Canadian shore in 1812 was a beautiful land of primitative farms 
 and uncut trees where the 'easy-going French habitant lived blissfully 
 content without progress. 
 
 One of the most auspicious features of the Detroit River in early days 
 of the last century, were the wind mills, with their sweeping arms and 
 flapping sails on the Canadian shore alone might have been counted 
 eighteen mills grinding wheat at the same time. 
 
 One of the largest and most thriving mills on the Canadian shore was 
 built by "Jock" Baby some time in the year 1796. It was situated on the 
 edge of the river on Lot 2, West Russell Street, Sandwich, between De- 
 troit and Mill Streets. 
 
 Mr. Baby was a prominent man in the vicinity beirjg one who possessed 
 
 THE MONTREUIL WINDMILL. 
 
 considerable influence over the Indians who were then very numerous 
 along the frontier. 
 
 In the opfening years of the nineteenth century this windmill was 
 purchased by Mr. Hypolite Lassaline, a miller of considerable skill. The 
 mill was circular in form and built of masonry for the first nirve or 
 ten feet. Above that were double walls of timber filled in with stone 
 and mortar, sided with clap-boards and surrounded by a conical shingled 
 roof. 
 
 A rush of prosperity came to Miller Lassaline during the war of 1813, 
 when General Hull, the American commander of Fort Detroit, crossed 
 
 54 . 
 
into Canada with a large body of soldiers and took up his headquarters 
 in Sandwich. . The general at once set about planning to secure supplies 
 for his men, and to be certain to have enough flour he made arrange- 
 ments with Lassaline to grind exclusively for the American Army. He 
 paid the miller $100 per week and told him to grind night and day. An 
 American sentry was stationed in front of the mill to see that the orders 
 were carried out. Lassaline made a lot of money during the stay of the 
 soldiers. This mill ground from 30 to 50 bushels of wheat in the day 
 and during the war sold for 25 cents a pound. The old round mill tower 
 stood for many years after its usefulness was gone. 
 
 A small mill stood on the church property near the river above what 
 is now known as Taylor's Point, Sandwich. It was said to have been 
 built by Father Crevier about 1820. This had an exclusive history. In 
 early days most of the inhabitants thereabouts were Roman CathoHcs, 
 and belonged to Assumption Parish. Money was then almost unknown 
 and tithes were paid to the church in wheat. To make the most of their 
 perquisites the good fathers built this little mill and ground their tithes 
 into fiour which was consumed or sold as the urgency of the case re- 
 quired. 
 
 About the year 1815 Mr. Montrejiil, father of ex-Warden Luke Mon- 
 treuil, built a windmill on his farm near his residence on the river bank. 
 Lot 97, Sandwich East, above now the thriving town of Walkerville. Mr. 
 Montreuil was a miller by trade and when his mill was completed made 
 some of the best flour on the Detroit River. When the wind was steady 
 it ground 100 bushels of wheat every 24 hours. Montreuil's mill was 
 in operation until 1852, and its round bulk was a land mark for many 
 years afterwards. 
 
 THE MISSION PEAR TREES. 
 
 Planted by Jesuit missionairies over two hundred years ago, there are 
 a number of pear trees in Sandwich and vicinity which have defied the 
 ravages of time, and with a few exceptions, escaped the woodman's axe. 
 There are really no positive means of ascertaining the age of these his- 
 toric arboreal links to the past. Some antiquarians have claimed they 
 are three hundred years old, but all authorities agree they have passed 
 two centuries. 
 
 These trees are found planted on the shores of Lake St. Clair, Detroit 
 River and Lake Erie, which clearly defines the ground traversed by the 
 first missionaries to this part of the country. 
 
 Dr. C. F. Ferguson, ex-M. P., of Kemptville, Ont., who for many years 
 represented the United Counties of Leeds and Greenville in the Dominion 
 Parliament, fixes the age of the trees at 226 years. It was during the 
 year 1906 when the doctor visited Sandwich, and that was the age he 
 figured them at that time, which would make them 229 years old at the 
 present time (1909). 
 
 As a further proof of the age of these trees the attention of the reader 
 is called to a laughable incident during the war of 1812, in which an old 
 mission pear tree took a prominent part. 
 
 55 
 
GEN. BROCK'S BATTERIES. 
 
 General Brock, commander of the British forces, arrived at Fort Mai- 
 den on the 13th of August, 1813, and acting on the advice of the intrepid 
 Indian chief Tecumseh, marched with his men to Sandwich. Gen. Hull 
 had returned to Detroit by that- time, so Brock pushed on to the present 
 
 This engraving is from o photo of a pear tree in blossom on the Cowan property. 
 
 site of Windsor, where he erected a temporary fort and placed his bat- 
 teries to play on Detroit. He took for a target a large French pear tree 
 which stood near the corner of Woodbridge and Griswold streets, and 
 so telling were the shots that a man named Miller offered to chop the 
 tree down at all hazard. Just as he was speaking two-thirds of it was 
 carried away by a cannon-ball. "Good for you, John Bull," shouted the 
 man ; "you chop a deal quicker than I can." 
 
 The trees were said to have been propagated by seed brought from 
 France by the Jesuit Fathers, and for that reason were named "The 
 Mission Pear Trees." 
 
 56 
 
Two gentlemen who were lovers of trees and flowers, and who had 
 Spent much of their time and acquired a wide experience in the art of the 
 cultivation of trees and flowers during their lives were the late James 
 Dougall, proprietor of the Windsor nurseries, and the late Wm. Cowan, 
 of Sandwich. These yentlemen, each in their own way, spent many years 
 of work and worry in an endeavor to propagate the mission pear tree, but 
 
 MISSION PEAR TREK 
 Loaded with fruit, on rear of lot 10 East Bedford Street, Sandwich. 
 
 without success. Other gentlemen of this vicinity have tried to raise 
 these trees by every art known to the nurserymen and horticulturists of 
 this age, with the same futile results. 
 
 Many of these trees haye attained great size — some seventy feet high 
 and nine feet in circumference. The one at the Baby Mansion at the 
 present time measures nine feet around the trunk. 
 
 57 
 
On mammoth tree, said to be the largest on the American continent, 
 was cut down in March, 1906. It stood on the Lewis estate, Sandwich 
 (I refer to the family of ex-Mayor Lewis, now of the City of Detroit) 
 and now owned by Herbert Searle, meat merchant. This tree measured 
 twelve feet around and sixty-two feet high. The tree showed slight signs 
 of decay, and as Mr. Searle required the space it occupied, he cut it down 
 and sold it to th writer for souvenir purposes. 
 
 These old trees have yielded thousands of bushels of the most luscious 
 pears. From thirty-five to fifty bushels have been picked in the harvest 
 time from each tree. 
 
 "Many a thrifty mission pear 
 Yet overlooks the blue St. Clair, 
 Like a veteran faithful warden, 
 And their, branches ^.-gnarled and olden. 
 Still each year their blossoms dance 
 Scent and bloom of sunny France." 
 
 JOHN B. GAUTHIER. 
 Died February 15, 1900, aged 76 years. 
 
 THE. SANDWICH PETROLEUM OIL COMPANY. 
 
 During the year 1864-5 the oil craze struck Sandwich. Many citizens 
 on different occasions observed surface indications of both oil and salt on 
 the low lands around what is now known as Lagoon Park, at the south- 
 erly limits of the town. Probably the most enthusiastic citizen at that 
 time was John B. Gauthier. He conducted a general store, brick yard, 
 manufactured potash, and was interested in other enterprises in town. 
 He strongly advocated the forming of an oil company and sinking of a 
 
 58 
 
well, but no definite action was taken in this respect until the early part 
 of 1866. It was at this time that the oil fever was at its height, and the 
 chief topic of "conversation by the citizens generally. 
 
 Miles Cowan took the initiative, called upon the Mayor, Charles Baby, 
 and laid the matter before him with a view of obtaining his aid and influ- 
 ence. Mr. Baby expressed his approval and entered enthusiastically into 
 the project, believing that should the venture be successful, it would be 
 a bnefit to the town. 
 
 Mr. Cowan continued to use his influence amony other leading men, 
 and as a result a meeting of the citizens was held at the Western Hotel, 
 next the Court House. The hotel was then conducted by Cyrus Dobson. 
 The meeting was a large and enthusiastic one. After speeches had been 
 made by many of those present a company was formed and called "The 
 Sandwich Petroleum Oil Company." The officers were : George Fellers, 
 
 MINERAL SPRINGS CANAL, SANDWICH. 
 
 President; H. C. Guillott, Vice-President; Charles Baby, Secretary; 
 Thos. H. Wright, Treasurer, with five additional directors. The capital 
 stock was placed at $10,000, in shares of $100 each. The stock was all 
 taken up, with 40 per cent, paid in. The majority. of the business and 
 professional men, as well as many private citizens, became members of 
 the company. 
 
 Arrangements were made with Mr. Gauthier by the company to sink 
 the well on the proprty owned by him. An engine and well-boring 
 machinery were purchased in Montreal. Peter Seeman, an experienced 
 miner and well-driller, was placed in charge of the work, and th sinking 
 of the well proceeded with. Operations were continued from day to day 
 until a depth of over 900 feet was reached. There was no indication of 
 
 59 
 
the much-coveted oil, but to the astonishment of all, a fine flowing well 
 of mineral water was struck. The water shot up in the air with terrific 
 force for about thirty feet. The news of the discovery soon spread 
 through town and vicinity, and in a few days thousands of people from 
 the United States and Canada flocked to see this new discovery. From 
 this time and for many years after it was called the Sandwich Mineral 
 Springs. 
 
 Then followed a boom for that portion of the town. A large brick hotel 
 was erected by Mr. Gauthier near the premises. The company erected 
 a commodious bath house, and lady and gentlemen attendants were 
 engaged and many other improvements made. Through judicious adver- 
 tising and the publicity given it by the public press, people came from 
 all parts of the American continent to visit and some to take baths. The 
 services of professional experts were engaged to analyze the water, who 
 pronounced it the best and most valuable water of the kind in the world. 
 
 The owners of omnibuses and hacks did a thriving business, conveying 
 passengers from the Windsor ferry landing to and from the springs; the 
 minimum rate of fare was ten cents each way. 
 
 A canal was dug from the Detroit River through the low land to 
 Russell street, a few yards from the springs, and a line of boats estab- 
 lished; the iare for the round trip from Woodward avenue, Detroit, to 
 Sandwich and return was 35 cents. For a time Sandwich became quite 
 a resort for visitors. It was a common occurrence to see from twenty tq 
 twenty-five thousand people here of a Sunday and on holidays. 
 
 The reader will remember that the people of the neighboring city of 
 Detroit, Windsor arid Walkerville had no parks to go to. Belle Isle Park 
 and Bois Blanc Island were not dreamed of as pleasure resorts in those 
 days. 
 
 Among the visitors were many afflicted who found the sulphur water 
 most beneficial for the elimination from the system of such diseases as 
 rheumatism, neuralgia and asthma, scrofula, and liver complications, ner- 
 vous prostration and allied diseases. This class of visitors took the baths 
 regularly and with such good results that many were completely cured, 
 returning home without their sticks and crutches. 
 
 After a year or two of unusual prosperity differences commenced to 
 arise amony the principal members of the company. The main factors in 
 the dispute were John B. Gauthier, of Sandwich, and John P. Clark, of 
 Springwells. Mr. Clark, being the heaviest stockholder and possessed 
 of large means, wished to run the business on an elaborate plan in his 
 own way. He endeavored to buy up all the stock and get full control, 
 with the above end in view. In this he was partially successful, his 
 friend, Mr. Gauthier, declining to sell his interests in the company. 
 Matters continued in an unsettled condition for some time until an inci- 
 dent happened which resulted in a law suit. It appears that during a 
 certain night eight large boulders found their way into the entrance of 
 the canal. On the following day the first boat that came from Detroit 
 and entered the canal with a load of passengers got fast on these rocks 
 and was with some difficulty released. Shortly afterwards Mr. Gauthier 
 brought action against Mr. Clark in the High Court of Justice for $1,000 
 damages. It was brought out in evidence that the eight boulders had 
 
 60 
 
been loaded on two boats belonying to Mr. Clark, known as the "Twin 
 Scows," on the American side, and that the crew had placed them in the 
 canal under the instructions of Mr. Clark. 
 
 The case terminated in the jury giving a verdict in favor of Mr. 
 Gauthier for one York shiUing, Mr. Clark to remove the boulders from 
 the canal. The boulders were afterwards removed by Mr. Clark's men, 
 according to the instructions of the court and to the satisfaction of Mr. 
 Gauthier. 
 
 The Sandwich Mineral Springs continued for some years to draw large 
 crowds of visitors until the close of the 80's, when the boats were discon- 
 tinued and the number gradually diminished. The hotel has had several 
 changes in proprietors in the past forty-one years. The name of this 
 historical resort has also been changed several times. It was called 
 Manhattan Park for some years, but latterly, during the time when it 
 was conducted by B. H. Rothwell and Gilbert Graham, it was changed 
 to Lagoon Park, and bears this name at the present time. The bath- 
 house has been removed but the hotel and the beautiful shade trees that 
 adorn the park and canal are still patronized by a large number of visitors 
 during the summer season. 
 
 The original company wound up its affairs as a company and the 
 present mineral springs property was sold back to John H. Gauthier in 
 1891 and is a part of the Gauthier estate at the present time. 
 
 THE DOMINION FISH HATCHERY. 
 
 Samuel Wilmot, o fNewcastle, Ont., was the first man in Canada who 
 conceived the idea of hatching fish by artificial means. He first built a 
 little reception house, where he cought his first salmon, and the first 
 hatchery was done in his cellar at his own home. On finding that his 
 experiments were successful he brought the matter before the Fisheries 
 Department at Ottawa. So impressed were the officials, after hearing 
 Mr. Wilmot's earnest and clever explanation of his discovery, that they 
 established a hatchery at Newcastle in 1868, which proved so successful 
 that the Department decided to build a second one at Tadousac and 
 Gaspe, Quebec. During the year 1875, through the efiforts of James 
 McKee, Reeve of Sandwich, and Wm. McGregor, M. P. for Essex County, 
 a fourth hatchery was established at the McKee Road, near the Detroit 
 River, in the Town of Sandwich, with James Nevin as its first superin- 
 tendent. Mr. Nevin resigned June 30, 1882, and Mr. Parker, of Newcastle, 
 was appointed superintendent, and has been in charge of the Sandwich 
 hatchery ever since. Previous to coming to Sandwich Mr. Parker had 
 been in charge of the Newcastle hatchery for five years. 
 
 Since the hatchery was established in Sandwich, similar institutions 
 have from time to time been put in operation by the Government in 
 various parts of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, New 
 Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Counting the hatch- 
 ery just completed at Point Edward, Ont., there are at present thirty 'fish- 
 breeding establishments distributed throughout the various provinces of 
 the Dominion. 
 
 61 
 
The establishment at Sandwich is devoted to the hatching of whitefish 
 and pickerel eggs. It is one of the best equipped and most important 
 institutions of the kind in Canada. 
 
 Mr. Parker, the officer in charge, has been in the service since fish- 
 hatching was first inaugurated at Newcastle and had charge of the 
 hatchery there for five years before his appointment to Sandwich. He 
 has been in the employ of the Government for thirty-seven years, and is 
 an acknowledyed authority on fish culture. 
 
 Albert McCoombs is another employee associated with Mr. Parker. He 
 has been constantly in the service of the department since the Sandwich 
 hatchery was established, and has made himself familiar with all the 
 
 THE DOMINION FISH HTACHERY. 
 Located on the McKee Road and near the bank of the Detroit River, Sandwich, Ont. 
 
 details of the proper running of the institution. He is always at his post 
 and does all work assigned to him faithfully and well. 
 
 Associated with Mr. Parker at Sandwich is William Hill, who is also 
 a veteran in the service and was with Mr. Wilmot when the first fish 
 hatchery was built at Newcastle. 
 
 The fishermen and residents of this locality, as well as the many vis- 
 itors, are loud in their praises of the work that is being done by the 
 Dominion Fish Hatchery at Sandwich. 
 
 Much credit is due Prof. Edward E. Prince, Dominion Commissioner 
 of Fisheries, and his staff of able and experienced officers, for the good 
 work that is being accomplished in this branch of the public service, for 
 it is very largely due to their great energy and zeal that successful'fish 
 culture throughout Canada is made possible. 
 
 62 
 
CAPT. WILLIAM PARKER, 
 
 The Superintendent of the Dominion Fish 
 Hatchery at Sandwich, Ont. 
 
 ALBERT McCOMBS, 
 
 A faithful employee of the Sandwich Hatch* 
 ery for the past 20 years. 
 
 WILLIAM HILL, 
 
 One of the Government staff in charge of the 
 Siindwich Hatchery. He has been in the em- 
 ploy of the Government at different times for 
 SI years. 
 
 SAMUEL ADAMSON, 
 
 An employee of the Hatchery for 21 years. 
 Resigned his position in 1906. 
 
 63 
 
THE REBELLION OF 1837-8. 
 
 The Peace of 1815 found Canada in the same position as before the war 
 — she had lost nothing, had shown that she was not as defenseless as was 
 supposed, and secured the confidence and attention of Great Britain. 
 
 From 1815 to 1837 a strong bond of friendship prevailed amongst the 
 peaceable inhabitants generally, engendered and fostered, no doubt, by 
 the difficulties, hardships and privations surrounding them in the new 
 country. Those were the days when every man's word was as good as 
 his bond and crimes were seldom heard of. 
 
 There were those, however, who, rightly or wrongly, kept up a con- 
 stant agitation ayainst the administration of the "Family Compact," and 
 led by Papineau in the East and Wm. Lyon Mackenzie in the West, they 
 broke into open revolt and were quickly forced to fly into the United 
 States. Here all sorts of adventurers joined their banners until in 1837-8 
 the Militia was called upon to defend the country and the Essex frontier 
 was once more the scene of hostilities. 
 
 A "Dr." Theller made his appearance in Detroit and with a few dis- 
 
 THE FORTIFIED BARRACKS, SANDWICH, IN 1837-38. 
 
 Showing the covered enclosure of hewn square timber which surrounded the present school 
 grounds, lot 9, southwest corner of Huron and Bedford streets. Inside of this enclosure ^was a 
 large stone barracks and other buildings for the sheltering of the troops and the storing of 
 munitions of war. The stone barracks itself (not shown in picture) was built in 1814 and 
 removed about the year 1868. 
 
 affected ones and the off-scourings of Detroit succeeded in robbing the 
 arsenal at Dearborn, Mich., of some five hundred stands of arms and two 
 or three pieces of cannon, enabling him to make it lively for the frontier 
 for two years. 
 
 Early in November, 1838, it was reported, and generally believed, that 
 large bodies of brigands, from all parts of the United States, were wend- 
 ing their way to the State of Michigan for the purpose of invading our 
 country. The point of attack was variously stated to be Maiden, Sand- 
 wich and Windsor. The inhabitants of the two larger places were kept in 
 a constant state of excitement and alarm by their proximity to Detroit, 
 the reputed headquarters of the enemy, and the want of sufficient means 
 to repel any serious invasion. To add to their anxiety and alarm, Major 
 Reid of the 33nd Regulars, who held the command at Sandwich, was ' 
 
 64 
 
called to the London District, and that important trust devolved on Col. 
 John Prince. The effective force at that time consisted of Company No. 
 1 and 11 men of Company No. 2, Provincial Volunteer Militia, com- 
 manded by Capt. Sparke, and four Companies of Col. Prince's Battalion, 
 commanded respectively by Captains Fox, Lewis and Thebo and Elliott. 
 To Captain Lewis was committed the charge of the important post of 
 Windsor. 
 
 With so small a force it was necessary to maintain the greatest watch- 
 fulness against any sudden attack ; and to ensure that vigilance so essen- 
 
 DR. JOHN JAMES HUME TABLET 
 in St. John's Churchyard,' Sandwich, Ont. 
 
 tial to our safety, nearly all the inhabitants of Sandwich, not connected 
 with any of the above Companies, acted as voluntary night patrol. As 
 more definite and certain information of the strength and intentions of 
 the brigands was received, our situation became the more alarminy. ! 
 
 During these trying times the women and children on several occasions 
 had to retire to the concessions on the threatened approach of the pirates. 
 
 The Battle of Windsor, on December 4, 1838, was the crowning event 
 of the frontier troubles. At one o'clock on the morning of Tuesday, 
 
 65 
 
December 4, 1838, the steamer Champlain, lying at Detroit, was seized 
 by about 250 "Patriots." After raising steam the boat was cast off and 
 landed the invaders at three o'clock on the farm of Alex. Pelette, about 
 a mile above the present town of Walkerville. Then they marched down 
 the road to Windsor, where they fired the barracks and burnt the steamer 
 "Thames," belonging to Duncan McGregor, and murdered Dr. Hume, 
 the staff assistant surgeon of the forces here. 
 
 The rebels and Col. Prince's Battalion of Essex Militia, under command 
 of Captains Fox, Tebo and Elliott, Capt. Bell of the 2d Company, Pro- 
 vincial Volunteers, Capt. Sparke and others, from Sandwich, met, and 
 the battle was fought in the Baby orchard in Windsor ; the Patriots were 
 defeated and several of them shot by Col. Prince's orders. 
 
 COL. JOHN PRINCE. 
 
 Judge R. S. Woods, in his work entitled "Harrison Hall and Its Asso- 
 ciations," says : "Talking of Col. Prince, I cannot omit a fuller reference 
 
 COL. JOHN PRINCE. 
 
 to him, for his advent in the Western District marked an epoch in its 
 history. He came to Sandwich in August, 1833, with his wife, family and 
 servants, and was the first man of fortune who had settled in the 3istrict. 
 He was a man of fine presence and most genial manners, and one of the 
 most eloquent speakers in the Province ; a great sportsman and lover of 
 agriculture, and took to farming with much zeal, importiny thorough- 
 bred stock and keeping the finest dogs, which he brought from England. 
 In the general election of 1836, under Sir Francis Bond Head's appeal 
 to the country, he was returned for Essex with Mr. Francis Caldwell 
 
and his impression upon the Legislature was most favorable. The rebel- 
 lion broke out the following year, and the Colonel (for he was at once 
 appointed such) really became not only the Prince but the King of the 
 Western District, if not of Upper Canada, so popular was he during and 
 after the rebellion. His journey through from Sandwich to Toronto was 
 a continual ovation. He was admitted to the bar and enrolled as an 
 attorney in 1838, made a Queen's Counsel and occupied a proud position 
 at the bar and in the Province, and continued to represent Essex till he 
 became a candidate for the Legislative Council in 1856, when he con- 
 tested the Western District against Col. Rankin, and was returned and 
 sat in the Council till his appointment to the Judgeship of the District of 
 Algoma in I860, and where he continuously lived and died in 1870. 
 
 THE PRINCE HOMESTEAD, 
 Park Fork Farm, Sandwich. Photo by Murdock in 1906. 
 
 "Then there is no doubt that his summary shooting of the prisoners 
 taken at the battle of Windsor, 4th December, 1838, in connection with 
 Sir Allen McNab's order of the previous December to cut out the Caro- 
 line, did more to put an end to the invasion of the western portion of the 
 Province by the Patriots and sympathizers of that day than anything 
 done by the Government or the regular forces. The act led to an im- 
 portant debate in the House of Lords, with Lord Brougham criticizing, 
 and the Duke of Wellington justifying the measure, in which he was 
 supported by the House ; and there was also the commission of enquiry 
 in Canada, whose report wholly acquitted the Colonel from the charges 
 
ALBERT PRINCE, 
 
 A son of the late Col. Prince, who represent- 
 ed the County of Essex in the Second Pro- 
 vincial Parliment from 1871 to 1876. He died 
 July 8, 1875. 
 
 GORDON STE.1SD. 
 
 Mr. Steed is a musician and voiln 
 manufacturer o£ Gosficld North. The 
 violin which Mv. Steed holds In his hand 
 is a handsome hand-^carved one made 
 from a piece of curly cherry he secured 
 in 1874 from the Park Farm in Sand- 
 wich. 
 
 CHARLES E. ANDERSON, 
 
 Who took an active part in the Rebellion of 
 1837-38. He was a son-in-law of the late 
 Col. Charles Eliot. 
 
 "WAITING AND WATCHING." 
 
 One of the old stile gates at the Park 
 Farm, Sandwich. Photo by Harry C, McKee. 
 
 68 
 
made against him, founding their report upon the fact that the act was 
 the determination of the inhabitants expressed at a public meeting when 
 it was determined that no prisoners should be taken. To show the state 
 of feeling at that time against the Colonel, placards were posted up along 
 the public streets in Detroit, ofifering a reward of $800 for his dead body 
 and $1,000 for his living body, and to protect himself after dark, he had 
 to have an advertisement in the public papers warning all persons against 
 coming to 'the Park Farm' after night, as he had spring guns and man 
 traps set for his protection." 
 
 THE COL. ARTHUR RANKIN HOMESTEAD. 
 This house was built about the year 1843 by W. R. Wood, who was 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '-.,% y.:'//-'^' 
 
 
 
 
 ^■■- ^ HmjjM 
 
 1 i&'^lii ^• 
 
 
 
 
 ^mm- 3p5^;,/f^i^n|^^^£^j-wMfc 
 
 THE COL. RANKIN HOMESTEAD 
 
 then Deputy District Treasurer. The outbuildinys of the residence were 
 made from the hewed square' timber which was a part of the fortified 
 barracks at Sandwich, corner of Huron and Bedford streets. During the 
 year 1848 Mr. Wood became a defaulter to the District, and left the 
 country. The sale of this beautiful property on the Detroit River, to- 
 gether with all his personal eflfects, were sold to pay his indebtedness to 
 the district (which then comprised the counties of Essex, Kent and 
 Lambton), and was purchased by Col. Rankin and used by himself and 
 family until the year 1893. 
 
 69 
 
COL. ARTHUR RANKIN 
 
 Was born at sea (Atlantic) in the year 1824; joined the Queen's Light Infantry at Toronto 
 when it was sent to the Detroit Frontier inl838. He took a conspicuous' part in the Battle of 
 Windsor and captured the flag of the so-called Patriots.'\ He was a .member of Parliament for 
 Essex from 1864, to 1857, and was again returned as membei; for Es^ex from 186 3to 1867. When 
 the two provinces, Upper and Lower Canada, were each divided -igtcx^mae military districts, Mr. 
 Kankin was placed in command of the Ninth Upper Canadian "District ,with the title of colonel. 
 He died March 13, 1893. 
 
 "THE TRENT AFFAIR." 
 
 1839 saw the last of the filibustering raids of the "Patriots." The 
 engagement at Windsor had taught those in the west that the militia 
 were prepared to receive them in a manner they would not relish and 
 they deemed it advisable to remain at home. 
 
 In reviewing the events of the Rebellion of 1837 and '38 the' fact is 
 established that by its suppression this Canada of ours has been, pre- 
 served to the British Crown, its brightest gem. All praise to the de- 
 scendants of the U. E. Loyalists — those hearts of oak — tlie Corinthian 
 pillars of Canada today. 
 
 After the "Patriot" War peace once more smiled upon the people of 
 the frontier. 
 
 A "Sedentary" Militia was established throughout the western penin- 
 sula, and four companies had their headquarters in Sandwich and vicin- 
 ity. The companies were composed of veterans who had served in 1837 
 and in 1812, but for nearly twenty-five years no call to arms diverted the 
 energies of the Essex settlers from the task of converting their fair heri- 
 tage into the "Garden of Canada." 
 
 70 
 
The great event of the year in those good old days was the celebration 
 of the feast of Corpus Christi. People from far and near thronged to 
 Sandwich to take part in the ceremonies or to watch them. The proces- 
 sion was always formed at L'Assumption Church and paraded to stands 
 erected in different parts of the town, from which the Host was exposed, 
 and drawn up arpund each stand the old militiamen were to be found at 
 each celebration, ready to fire the customary salute. 
 
 Uniforms were not provided them, but they had been entrusted with 
 the arms and equipment which they had used in 1837. Nothing, how- 
 ever, could dampen the ardor of rnen who had fought for home and 
 country, as they and their fathers had fought, and well did they earn and 
 hand down as a heritage the motto which now appears in the crest of 
 our present regiment of Essex Militia — "Semper Paratus." 
 
 The last inspection of the companies was held at Sandwich on the 
 twenty-fourth of May, 1856, when they paraded, with many of their num- 
 ber, togged out in blanket or buckskin coats, scarfs tied tightly around 
 the waists, and feet encased in shoepacks or moccasins. They were 
 reviewed by Col. Askin (the grandfather of the present County Regis- 
 trar) who appeared mounted, wearing the regulation blue frock coat, 
 sash, sword and belt — and a silk hat ! 
 
 The company from Sandwich was commanded by Constant Gauthier, 
 one of the oldest pioneers, that from Petite Cote by Maj. Semandre, who 
 had spiked the outlying guns before the surrender of Detroit to Brock, 
 and had taken a daring part in the defeat of the Americans at Turkey 
 Creek, in the war of 1812; the company from "The Marais" was com- 
 manded by Jerome Dumouchelle, but the writer is unable to ascertain 
 who commanded the fourth company, which came from the vicinity of 
 Sandwich East. 
 
 No doubt, during the long winter evenings in those days, many a tale 
 was told about the cheerful fireplaces of old Sandwich, many a tradition 
 was recalled, of the deeds of our sturdy forefathers in the early, days of 
 the frontier ; no doubt, too, many a heart among the descendants of those 
 same brave frontiersmen thrilled at the news of the success of the Moth- 
 erland in the Crimea, of the suppression of the Indian mutiny, the charge 
 of the Light Brigade, the relief of Lucknow, and the stories of the other 
 grand deeds of their kin across the seas which were takiny place while 
 peace was favoring the colonies in America. 
 
 In November, 1861, Messrs. Mason and Siddell, Commissioners of the 
 Southern Confederacy, were taken from the British Steamer "Trent" on 
 the High Seas, in spite of the protests of her captain, by an armed body 
 of marines sent from the United States man-of-war, "San Jacinto." There 
 was much ill-feeling between the two countries before this incident. 
 After this wanton outrage on the British flag, war appeared inevitable. 
 Large numbers of troops, including some of the Regiments of the Guards, 
 were dispatched from England to Canada. 
 
 Descended as were the people of Essex, they would never lack in 
 military ardor, and all were aroused to arms at once. 
 
 Late in the fall, No. 1 Independent Company, was organized at Sand- 
 wich, and W. D. Baby was appointed Captain. Many of the members 
 lived several miles from town, but throughout the winter, night after 
 
night they drilled in the old abandoned grammar school. The enthu- 
 siasm was not confined to the new company, but as might be expected, 
 the remnants of the old sedentary militia companies paraded ready to do 
 their utmost should their services be required ; and some years after this, 
 during the Fenian excitement, these old men voluntered and were ac- 
 cepted to assist the night patrols and piquets along the river front. 
 
 The command of No. 1 Co. fell to Alex. Winkinson, P. L. S., in 1863, 
 to Dennis Moynahan in 1864, and to Thos. H. Wright, County Treas- 
 urer, in '65. 
 
 In June, 1863, No. 3 Independent Company was organized at Sandwich 
 also, and the late Senator Casgrain received the command. A mili- 
 tary school had been established at London and several members of the 
 companies took a course of instruction there and at La Prairie, Quebec, 
 in anticipation of the events which were to follow. The same enthusiasm 
 existed, and companies were organized throughout the county. In 
 Leamington and in Amherstburg the staunch United Empire Loyalists 
 blood asserted itself and equipments could not be obtained for the great 
 numbers who volunteered. Windsor and North Ridge also sprang to 
 arms and other Companies were formed in the more thinly populated 
 districts. All these companies drilled constantly, soon became remark- 
 ably efficient, and Essex was prepared to give a good account of Itself. 
 Happily the compliance of the United States with Britain's demands 
 averted a conflict, but hardly had the threatened trouble blown over 
 before the Fenian Raids again threatened the county with invasion. 
 
 THE FENIAN RAIDS. 
 
 The first Fenian Raid, in 1866, was doubtless an outcome of the Civil 
 War in the United States. The collapse of the Confederacy and the dis- 
 bandment of the great armies which had been maintained on both sides 
 threw a large number or more or less well drilled soldiers out of employ- 
 ment. The Trent affair, the Alabama matter and several other incidents 
 in connection with the late war had left an anti-British feeling among 
 certain elements of the population of the United States, and a few Irish 
 agitators found it safe enough to organize a force of adventurers to invade 
 Canada under the pretense of striking at Britain through her loyal and 
 presumably defenceless Colony. 
 
 The excitement in Canada was naturally great, for rumor magnified 
 the strength of the Fenians, and it was realized that in their ranks were 
 many of the war-trained and battle-hardened veterans of the American 
 Rebellion. 
 
 In the winter of 1865^ the two Sandwich companies united to form one 
 strong company for active service. A meeihg for the purpose was held 
 in the old Goal building, which No. 1 had been using for some time as an 
 armory, and Thomas H. Wright was elected Captain, F. X. Meloche, for 
 many years Paymaster of the 31st Regt., Lieutenant, and Miles Cowan, 
 Ensign. 
 
 Throughout the winter Lieut. Meloche was drill instructor, and every- 
 body stood ready to call to arms. The several independent companies 
 
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 160 
 
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 73 
 
organized throughout the county had become very efficient by this time, 
 and others from the interior of the provinces were garrisoned at Windsor 
 and Sandwich in the Spring of '66. The Sandwich Company was called 
 out for active service in March. Col. Haines commanded the troop at 
 Windsor, and at Sandwich were stationed a detachment composed of No. 
 1 Co., the Oxford Co., Rifles, the Embro Co., Rifles, and an Infantry Co. 
 from Port Hope. Lieut.-Col. Smith, of the 2oth Kent Battalion, com- 
 manded the detachment, and lieut. Meloche was Adjutant. Later Maj. 
 Service was placed in command of the Sandwich detachment, and Lieut. 
 Gauthier was appointed Adjutant. At Windsor there were stationed 
 twelve companies of infantry, also under Col. Smith's command, and at 
 Amherstburg was another force of Regulars and Militia. There were 
 barracks at Windsor and Amherstburg, and at Sandwich the old brick 
 college on the Huron Line was used at different times by the Port Hope 
 
 ■■ mi»mJmSSS!mm\imm luStSSj 
 
 THIS GROUP OF OFFICERS 
 
 Was photographed by a Mr. Henry, of the Royal Scotts Infantry of Montreal, in 1863, on 
 the steps of th<* old college. Standing, on themiddle step with hand on sword is Capl. (afterward* 
 beneral Arthur Williams), of ^he Port Hope Volunteers; Lieut. James McLeod Port Hpoe Volun- 
 teers. IS sitting on the front raised portion of the step, while Ensign Johnson, attached to the 
 same «giment sits higher up on the raised portion near the wall. Standing alone on the ground 
 IS Capt. Charles E. Casgrain of No. 8, Independent Sandwich Infantry Company. Dr. Casgrain 
 was also the chief surgeon of the -troops stationed at Sandwich until the close of the Fenian trou- 
 bles, and for many years afterwards was one of the leading politicians of the County of Essex and 
 at bis decease was a Dominion Senator. * 
 
 Infantry with Regimental Band ; a detachment of the 60th Rifles (many 
 of the two last named were veterans pf the Crimea War). The old jail 
 was used at different periods by the Royal Scot's Light Infantry and 
 Prince of Wales Rifles, Montreal ; the Sandwich Infantry Company, the 
 Oxford and Embro Rifles and latterly by the Quebec Rifles. While the 
 last-named detachments were billeted here, the officers and men of the 
 
Sandwich Infantry were quartered at the different inns and households 
 throughout the town. 
 
 As might be imagined excitement was at fever heat, every civilian was 
 prepared and armed to assist the mihtia upon the appearance of the 
 Fenians; the only topic of conversation was the threatening force and 
 speculation as to when their invasion might be expected. The news re- 
 ceived was, of course, of the most exaggerated kind, but all were filled 
 with determination and confidence of being able to withstand all the 
 Fenians that ever existed, should they attempt to enter the country in 
 their vicinity. 
 
 At night from Sandwich, picquets were posted both up and down the 
 river front until they met the patrols from Amherstburg and Windsor. 
 The old members of the veteran companies patrolled the concessions and 
 roads surrounding the towns, and the remainder of the volunteers and 
 civilians stood ready to turn out upon a moment's notice. 
 
 CAPT. STEPHEN T. REEVES 
 
 Late Quartermaster 2l3t Beeiment, was a native of Sandwich and served as Corporal in the 
 Sandwich Infantry Company during the Fenian Troubles. 
 
 Report after feport came to the anxious people that our frontier was 
 to be the point of invasion, that a large force was near Detroit and ready 
 to attempt a crossing near Sandwich or Windsor, and so the Spring wore 
 on until Corpus Christi Sunday. 
 
 News of the movements of the invaders had reached headquarters, and 
 the military of the old eWstern District had been warned to expect an 
 attack that day, with the result that everyone was in readiness. 
 
 In the morning a ferry boat, loaded to her utmost capacity with people 
 from Detroit desiring to witness the usual ceremonies of Corpus Christi, 
 started for Sandwich, but these, of course, had been postponed. As the 
 boat left Detroit, a message was received at Sandwich that she was really 
 loaded with Fenians, intending by this subterfuye to efifect a landing. 
 
 75 
 
The churches were dismissed and the whole town stood ready. The 
 militia took up positions to withstand a landing, and a detachment pro- 
 ceeded to the Queen's Wharf to ascertain the true character of her pas- 
 sengers, and warn them off. The boat was not allowed to land, and after 
 the excursionists had returned to Detroit, the inhabitants once more 
 drew a sigh of relief. 
 
 Nothing to relieve the monotony of expectancy happened until during 
 the first week of June, when the news that a force of Fenians had crossed 
 the Niagara frontier, and at the battle of Ridgeway had been defeated by 
 a force of the militia under Col. Booker, and that another body was 
 shortly expected to attempt an entrance into the Province. here, threw 
 the inhabitants once more into a state of intense excitemnt. 
 
 Before the week was out, and all were on the qui vive, one of the 
 
 CORPORAL WILLIAM MOORE 
 Who served with the. Sandwich Infantry Company during the Fenian Raids. 
 
 sentries of the patrol posted near the old distillery, about the foot of 
 Campbell avenue in Windsor today, observed the ferry "Union" run 
 much farther down the river and nearer the Canadian' shore than she 
 usually did in making her trip across the river. 
 
 Expecting that she was in possession of the Fenians and intended 
 making a landing, the sentry at once gave an alarm by firing his rifle ; 
 at once bugles could be heard in both Windsor and Sandwich, sounding 
 the "Assembly," and every member of the garrison was satisfied that 
 the foe had landed, and their opportunity to meet him was at hand. 
 
 In Sandwich the volunteers fell in with splendid steadiness, there was 
 
 76 
 
no talking, no confusion, on their part, and in almost less time than it 
 takes to relate it they were in line and ready for the command to advance. 
 In almost as short a time another force was marshalled, whicIT no doubt 
 would have been of great assistance in the event of a clash witR the 
 enemy, but at the same time must have appeared rather ludicrous to 
 anyone who could take time to look them over. The good townspeople 
 had turned out partially clad, and had armed themselves with the most 
 formidable weapons they could find. Shot-guns, pistols, axes, pitch-forks, 
 scythes and even clubs had been pressed into service. The force formed 
 up with a little more confusion and less discipline than the volunteers 
 had done, but they were ready to defend their homes against any num- 
 bers which might come against them. 
 
 As this array prepared to advance, word came that the alarm had been 
 given by mistake, and after some difficulty quiet was restored. 
 
 The Government of the United States finally took active measures to 
 
 SERGT. WILLIAM LEES. 
 
 .\s one of the 23d Light Dragoons he served at the battle of Telavera, in 1809, and at the 
 battle of Waterloo, under the Duke of Wellington, June 18, 1815, He died Oct. 30, 1868 and his 
 remains are interred in St. John's graveyard. 
 
 suppress the organization of further zlibustering expeditions in the West, 
 and in July all danger of invasion was over. The troops, which had been 
 called out on active service, were withdrawn, loud were the manifesta- 
 tions of joy on the part of the Canadian people, and from the Motherland 
 came many expressions of admiration for the conduct of the militia 
 through the nerve-trying period. 
 
 In 1870 small forces of Fenians were formed and invaded Quebec from 
 Maine to Vermont, but they were easily repulsed by the militia and sup- 
 pressed in the United States. 
 
 Immediately after the withdrawal of the militia in 1866 the Indepen- 
 dent Companies which had been organized throughout Essex County, 
 and had become very efficient during the Fenian excitement, were organ- 
 ized into the 23rd Battalion, known as the "Essex" Volunteer Light 
 Infantry. Col. Arthur Rankin of Sandwich was given the command of 
 
this corps and on October 13th, 1866, the regiment entered camp on the 
 old Wilkinson farm in Sandwich, near the present site of the "residence 
 of the late Theo. Girardot, Esq., south side of Mill street. 
 The first order issued by Col. Rankin is as follows : 
 
 "BATTALION ORDERS." 
 
 By Lieut.-Col. Rankin, 23rd Battalion, E. L. I.: 
 
 No. 1. Lieut.-Col. Rankin avails himself of the earliest possible oppor- 
 tunity after the assembling together of the several volunteer companies 
 of this county, to conyratulate them on their having been formed into 
 one bodyj^ and of stating that, while he pledges himself to use every 
 effort towards bringing the Battalion to as high a state of discipline and 
 efficiency as possible, he looks with confidence to the hearty co-operation 
 of every individual under his command for promoting this most desirable 
 object. 
 
 No. 2. The undermentioned appointments and promotions effecting 
 the Battalion having appeared in the Canada Gazette, are published for 
 general information : 
 
 To be Lieut.-Col. — A. Rankin, Esq., M. P. 
 
 To be Maj.-Capt.— D. Doherty, H.-P. H. M. S. 
 
 To be Jr. Maj.-Capt.— -M. E. Wagstaff, M. S., temporarily. 
 
 To be Paymaster — Frank E. Marcon, Esq. 
 
 To be Adjutant — James C. Guilot, Temp., M. S. 
 
 To be Quartermaster — Patrick McEwan, Temp., M. S. 
 
 To be Surgeon— C. E. Casgrain, E. sq., M. D. 
 
 To be Assistant Surgeon — Robert Lambert, Esq., M. B. 
 
 By order, 
 (Sgd.) JAMES C. GUILLOT, Ensign, 
 
 Adjt. 23d Battalion, V. L. I. 
 
 The following were the company officers : 
 
 No. 1 Co., Windsor, Capt. Worthington, Lt. Wynn. 
 
 No. 2 Co., Windsor, Capt. Shiel, Lt. C. R. Home, Ensign Mark Rich^ 
 ards. 
 
 No. 3 Co., Sandwich, Capt. F. X. Meloche, Lt. J. M. Askin, Ensign 
 C. W. Gauthier. 
 
 No. 4 Co.-, Leaminyton, Capt. Fox, Lt. Stockwell. 
 
 No. 5 Co., Amherstburg, Capt. Wilkinson, Lt. Fleming, Ensign Parke. 
 
 No. 6 Co., Northbridge, Capt. Billing, Lt. Thornton, Ensign Wigle. 
 
 No. 7 Co., Kingsville, Capt. King, Lt. Davis. 
 
 The first camp of the regiment proved very successful and the follow- 
 ing appeared in the orders of the day of breaking camp : 
 
 "The Commanding Officer feels much pleasure in communicating to 
 the officers, non-commissioned officers and men under his command the 
 pleasing fact that the D. A. G. of this District, has in addition to which 
 he said on the parade ground, expressed to him his entire satisfaction at 
 everything pertaining to the Battalion that came under his observation 
 during his inspection this day." 
 
 In the spring of '67 there was still some anticipation of trouble from 
 the Fenians and Nos. 1, 2 and 3 companies were authorized to drill two 
 days a week throughout the summer, and in the fall their old rifles were 
 
 78 
 
returned to stores, breach loading Snider's having been substituted. 
 
 In February, 1868, there seemed to be immediate prospect of another 
 raid from across the border and the Captains of the frontier companies 
 were ordered to issue arms to all members of their respective companies 
 and supply each man v^^ith twenty rounds of ammunition. Preparations 
 were made for a call to active service and on the 23nd day of June the 
 regiment was again encamped for instruction at Windsor, which was 
 extended until July 7th. 
 
 Unfortunately for the Battalion political issues had been allowed to 
 creep into the affairs of the corps. As was to be expected the regiment, 
 which had but a year or two before been organized with a splendid mem- 
 bership and an efficient staff of officers, and which promised to develop 
 into an unusually smart corps, was rent asunder with internal discord 
 imrqediately after the prospect of trouble from the Fenians had ceased. 
 
 CAPT. GEORGE CHEYNE 
 Who served with Windsor Infantry Co. No. 1 during the Fenian Raids. 
 
 This proved to be the last camp of the Battalion. All of the companies 
 except the two from Windsor and that from Lemington were disbanded 
 and the two Windsor Companies were attached to "outside" Battalions 
 as follows: 
 
 No. 1 Windsor Co. to 24th Kent Batt. as No. 7 Co. 
 
 No. 2 Windsor Co. to 25th Kent Batt. as No. 7 Co. . 
 
 And No. 4 Leamington became an Independent Co. and was attached 
 to different Battalions for the annual camps of training which followed. 
 
 For several years these companies were kept up to quite a satisfactory 
 state of efficiency in spite of the disadvantage of being attached to dif- 
 ferent Battalions. They were fortunate in possessing officers who were 
 
 79 
 
enthusiastic military men and the rank and file were quite as anxious as 
 their officers to show the corps from other Counties with which they 
 came in contact, the stuff the men of Essex were made of. 
 
 PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 Modes of travel between Sandwich and Windsor. 
 
 The early mode of public conveyance between Sandwich and Windsor 
 was by stage and omnibus. The customary points of starting and getting 
 off were from the Court House, Sandwich, and at the head of Brock 
 street, Windsor. It was at the bottom of this street the ferries Argo, 
 Gem,. Essex and Detroit crossed to Detroit. The route traveled was 
 by the one and only road — the river bank. This road was then controlled 
 by the Sandwich & Windsor Gravel Road Company. The Company 
 maintained a toll gate near the McEwen estate, midway between the 
 two towns. 
 
 The stage represented in this picture was owned and driven by our 
 old townsman, Jos. F. Ouellette, Mill street. Sandwich. The names of 
 the two horses, which were familiarly known by the traveling public in 
 those days, were White Dick and Black Mag. The reader will observe 
 in the picture that Black Mag has a distinct white spot in the middle of 
 her forhead. It will also be observed that Mr. Ouellette has just arrived 
 from Sandwich and a little group of passengers are settling for their trip 
 (the customary fare at that time being 13 cents each way). There were 
 also other stages owned and driven on this route, among them being 
 Henry Askew (mail carrier), and Henry Keys, S. Jackson, Sr., and Geo. 
 'V\'ashington. When the sulphur springs opened in Sandwich, other 
 stages were added from time to time by Frank and Geo. Baby, Geo. and 
 Jos. Lazerus, Chas. Pratt, Zachariah Jackson, Jr., and Charles Jackson. 
 
 The first street railway built from Sandwich to Windsor in 1873-4, 
 replaced this mode of conveyance, and the old way of traveling by stage 
 coach passed into history. 
 
 This picture was taken in 1863. It shows Sandwich street, Windsor, 
 looking east from near the present Davis block. Among the names that 
 appear on the business places are Ashley & Gilkes, Ouellette & Langlois, 
 and Cameron & Thorburn. The Exchange office was kept by William 
 Holton, father of Fred J. Holton. The Windsor saloon was kept by 
 Charles Devlin, and the British Commercial Hotel, by T. N. Johnson. In 
 the bcakyround is the tower of the old City Hall, which still remains as 
 a landmark. With the exception of the old Town Hall and a few other 
 buildings, the entire block was destroyed by fire in 1871. 
 
 Through the successful efforts of Albert Prince, member for Essex in 
 the Ontario Legislature, an act was passed and assented to March 2, 
 1872, and a charter obtained for a passenger railway between Sandwich 
 and Windsor. 
 
 The first directors named in the Act were James Fraser, Henry Ken- 
 nedy, John B. Gauthier, Thos. H. Wright, Henry McAfee, Wm. B. 
 Hirons and Wm. McGregor. 
 
SANDWICH STREET, WINDSOR, IN 1863. 
 
 Standing on the street is Joseph F. Ouellette's bus and his faithful horses, White Dick and 
 Black Mag. This was the mode of travel between Sandwich and Windsor before the introduction 
 of the horse car. 
 
 n 
 
The capital stock of the company was fixed at fifty thousand dollars. 
 
 Another Act was passed and assented to March 24, 1874, granting an 
 extension of time of two years to complete the road and to extend the 
 road to Walkerville. 
 
 When the directors of the proposed Sandwich & Windsor Passenger 
 Railway were ready for the construction of the road they purchased the 
 right of way from Bruce avenue, Windsor, through the fields and orch- 
 ards, 100 feet wide to the Huron Church Line, near the Catholic Church 
 in Sandwich, thus opening up an entirely new street for general traffic 
 between the two towns. This is in reality the continuation of and is now 
 commonly known as London street. The erection of substantial schools 
 and churches and residences, and the planting of shade trees on both 
 sides of the entire street has made it the most beautiful thoroughfare in 
 this part of the country. 
 
 The first rates of fare charged for the privilege of ridiny in a horse car 
 between the two towns were six cents from any point in Sandwich to 
 
 HENRY KENNEDY, 
 
 The first President of the first street railway between Sandwich and Windsor. Died Oct. 87 
 1886, aged 76 years. ' 
 
 Assumption Catholic Church ; seven cents to Campbell avenue, and eight 
 cents to Windsor; six tickets for twenty-five cents. 
 
 By the introduction of this new and novel way of traveling on cars 
 run by electrical motive power gave the people of Sandwich and Windsor 
 the proud distinction of having the first up-to-date electric railway in 
 Canada, if not in America. Hundreds of people came from the neigh- 
 boring city of Detroit daily to avail themselves of the novelty of riding 
 on an electric street car. 
 
 82 
 
It was during Mr. McGregor's administration that a medium-sized 
 locomotive was put into service, and for some weeljs the citizens of Sand- 
 wich and Windsor were accorded the privilege of riding through the 
 streets and avenues on a real steam railway train. The locomotive 
 proved too small for the work required of it and it was finally sold to 
 some lumber firm for use in the lumber woods, and the patrons of the 
 road were obliged to go back to their former traveling — their old friend, 
 the horse car. 
 
 In the beginning of the year 1891 the Sandwich & Windsor Passenger 
 Railway was sold by Mr. McGregor to capitalists from the United States 
 and a new company was formed, with the name changed to the Sandwich, 
 Windsor and Amherstburg Railway. 
 
 The road was rebuilt and "T" rails replaced the flat rails. A power 
 house and other necessary buildings were built on London street near 
 the M. C. R. R. bridge and the road was equipped as an electris street 
 railway. 
 
 On Saturday, August 15, 1891, precisely at five o'clock, the first electric 
 cars on S., W. & A. Ry. pulled out from Windsor, loaded with invited 
 guests, and made a trial trip to Sandwich and return. It was a magnifi- 
 cent success, and as the cars pulled into Sandwich the citizens gave three 
 hearty cheers to see their most ardent hopes of many a day realized. 
 
 Mr. A. McVittie was the superintendent of the road during President 
 Kennedy's administration, and for a short time the writer enjoyed the 
 distinction of being a full-fledged street car conductor. 
 
 In 1876 Alfred Kennedy, a nephew of the former president, took the 
 control and management of the road. He continued the management 
 
 THE HORSE CAR. 
 The mode of travel between Sandwich and Windsor from 1873 to Aug. 16, 1881. 
 
 until the year 1887, when he sold out to Wm. McGregor, M. P. 
 
 The Town of Sandwich assisted the road by subscribing for $5,000 
 in^stock when the road was first started. The town, like President Ken- 
 nedy, spent its money and got the experience. 
 
 The street car barns and offices were built on a lot purchased by the 
 company from John A. Asken on the east side of Bedford street, opposite 
 the present Lagoon Park Hotel, Sandwich, where the horses were also 
 kept. This property is now used for turning and switch purposes by the 
 electric cars at the present time. 
 
 The railway in its early days did not prove a very great money-make 
 for the stockholders. In a few years the track gradually got in very bad 
 shape, and for cars to run off the track was a daily occurrence. It became 
 
 83 
 
the custom when such misfortunes did occur for the male portion of the 
 passengers to get off in the mud and help to lift the cars back on the 
 track and the journey was continued. 
 
 The one man most prominent among the stockholders who sacrificed 
 his energies and means to a very large extent in an endeavor to make the 
 road a success was its first President, Henry Kennedy, at one time a 
 prominent liquor merchant and influential business man in the then 
 Town of Windsor. Various changes took place from time to time in the 
 make-up of the company. Mr. Kennedy being the heaviest investor and 
 stockholder, and, in order to save what he had already put into the road, 
 continued to put his money into it to keep the road running, and when 
 he retired in 1876 he was $60,000 poorer than when he went into the 
 venture in 1872. 
 
 Horse cars continued to be used in the city of Detroit for a year or 
 
 CAR NO. 104. 
 One of the elegantly equipped electric motor cars of the Sandwich, Windsor & Amherstburg 
 Railway of to-day. It is one of the 130-horse-power variety, with smoker attached. The half-tone 
 is from a snapshot taken, at the Court House switch while the car was on its way with a load of 
 passengers, bound for Amherstburg and intermediate points. Conductor Paul Major and Motor- 
 man Joseph Sullivan were in charge. 
 
 more after the Sandwich & Windsor Electric Street Railway had been 
 put in operation. 
 
 The Walkerville electric road, owned by Mr. Wm. Boomer, was pur- 
 chased and became a pa'rt of the S., W. & A. Ry. system. 
 
 In April, 1893, a new company was formed comprising the following 
 gentlemen: Dr. John Coventry, John Davis, Geo. M. Hendrie, W. J. 
 Pulling, W. J. McKee and Thompson, with Dr. John Coventry as 
 
 president, who purchased the road. It was also during the same year 
 that the Ouellette avenue or Driving Park extension was opened. 
 
 84 
 
It was while the road was under the control and management df this 
 gentlemen that a right of way was obtained and the road extended to 
 Amherstburg. This extension was officially opened May 37, 1903, the 
 first trial trip of the cars being made on that date. 
 
 During the year 1902, when the company was conferring with the 
 Sandwich Town Council for an extension of their franchise to the limits 
 of the corporation, it was mainly through the efforts of Councillors C. 
 E. Mason, Thomas Leboeuf and James Laidlaw, Sr., that universal trans- 
 fers and other privileges were requested by the council and granted by 
 the company. These privileges are being enjoyed by the patrons of the 
 road at the present time. 
 
 The Detroit United Railway purchased the road August 31, 1901, and 
 iiow controls the whole S., W. & A. Ry. system, as well as the new 
 Tecumseh line, which was put in operation in 1907. 
 
 The reader will thus see that rapid strides have been made the past 
 few years in the mode of travel between all important points on the 
 frontier from Tecumseh to Amherstburg. Cars connecting with all rail- 
 ways and ferries pass the Court House door every fifteen minutes every 
 day in the year. In addition to this the beautiful and finely equipped 
 cars of the Amherstburg line pass over the same route every two hours 
 in the winter season and every hour during the summer months. 
 
 Kind and courteous treatment by the employees is accorded to all 
 patrons of the road, and especially does this apply to the large number 
 of strangers and visitors who patronize these cars during the summer 
 season. 
 
 Mr. James Anderson is the present manager of the entire Canadian 
 system, while Moses Brockelbank is the superintendent. 
 
 THE COUNTY OF ESSEX. 
 
 The county lies north of latitude 42, and is the most westerly as well as 
 the most southerly in Canada. It is bounded as follows, namely : On the 
 north of Lake S t.Clair, on the west by the River Detroit, on the south 
 by Lake Erie and on the east by Lake Erie and the County of Kent. 
 
 Essex County contains 420,376 acres of land, or 656 2-3 square miles, 
 and is equalized at $20,826,560, exclusive of Windsor, Walkerville and 
 Pelee Island. The debenture debt is $41,249.20, with permanent assets 
 consisting of Court House, Jail, Reyistry office. Treasurer's office and 
 House of Refuge, valued at $111,000. 
 
 The county as at present constituted consists of the City of Windsor, 
 the Towns of Sandwich, Essex, Amherstburg, Leamington and Walker- 
 ville, the incorporated Villages of Belle River and Kingsville, and the 
 Townships of Anderson, Colchester North, Colchester South, Gosfield 
 North, Gosfield South, Maiden, Mersea, Maidstone, Pelee Island, Roches- 
 ter, Sandwich East, Sandwich West, Sandwich South, Tilbury North 
 and Tilbury West. 
 
 The City of Windsor and the Town of Walkerville are independent of 
 the county for strictly municipal purposes, having withdrawn about the 
 year 1881. They still retain their connection for purposes of parlia- 
 
 85 
 
mentary representation and administration of justice; and Pelee (which 
 consists of the island of the same name) never belonged to theh pounty, 
 except as at present, since its independent municipal organization in 1867. 
 The Illustrated Atlas of the Dominion of Canada of 1881 says in regard 
 to Essex : "The productions of the county include everything known to 
 the latitude, the character of the soil and climate combining to render 
 almost its entire area as fertile as the Valley of the Nile. The peach and 
 the grape here flourish to an extent unrivalled in more southern localities, 
 while it goes without saying that a country can nowhere be found where- 
 in all fruits indigenous to the Temperate Zone can be produced in 
 greater perfection or abundance. And nowhere on earth do the rich 
 fields repay more generously the efforts of the husbandman. Indian corn 
 is grown in all the perfection attained in the Great Mississippi Valley, 
 its traditional home, while the results of the wheat, pea, oat, barley and 
 tobacco are unsurpassed and unsurpassable. Vegetables of all known 
 
 THE FIRST BRICK COURT HOUSE AND JAIl.. 
 
 Erected about the year 1800. During the Fenian troubles of 1868 and 1870 it was used part 
 of the time for a barracks for the militia. The soldiers in the pacture are some of the Quebec 
 Rifles, stationed at Sandwich at that time. 
 
 varieties here rival the finest productions of the world-famed Missouri 
 and Sacramento "bottoms" ; and to say too much of the general agricul- 
 tural capabilities of the frontier country would seem impossible." 
 
 Sandwich was made the county seat in 1796. The Act of June 3, 1796, 
 called the Exodus Act, provided for the departure of British authority 
 from Detroit to Sandwich. A similar provision is made as to the County 
 Court which, with the Sessions by the Act just referred to, had been 
 held in Detroit in 1794, and it was to be held where the Quarter Sessions 
 were held, (as above provided. The last Court of Quarter Sessions was 
 held in Detroit in January, 1796, and the removal took place to Sandwich 
 
 86 
 
that summer and has become the permanent seat of the courts and 
 continued so until the present day. 
 
 The authorities of the Western District allowed the Sandwich officials 
 to bring an old block house from Chatham, which was converted into 
 their first jail. The building was afterwards destroyed by fire and the 
 Chairman of the Board of Justices at once applied to the Government 
 for assistance to rebuild it, in the meantime requesting the commanding 
 officer at Fort Maiden to loan the Sheriff one of the unemployed vessels 
 in the river, to be used as a temporary jail; a safe prison for one not 
 a good swimmer. A portion of land was reserved in the heart of the 
 village for Court House and Jail purposes, which accounts for the fact 
 that all the different county buildings have stood on the same spot in 
 Sandwich. 
 
 THE OLD COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE, BEDFORD AND SANDWICH STREETS. 
 This little Brick building was used as a District and County Treasurer's office during the 
 administration of Geo. Bullock, from 1851 to 1857. It did service as a saloon during the American 
 ■War. Later it was used as a harness and saddlery shop by ex-Councillor Abner C. Ellis. The 
 old gentleman at the door is Gilbert Besbois, 83 years old, and standing on the sidewalk is James 
 Allen. Both gentlemen have at one time held the position of Chie fof Police of the Town of 
 Amherstburg. 
 
 The first brick Court House and Jail stood on the ground now occupied 
 by the present prison and jail yards. It was a square red building sur- 
 rounded by a pallisade of cedar posts, which served a double purpose of 
 keeping the prisoners in and the enemy out. 
 
 The present stone Court House was built during the years 1854 and 
 1855. J. A. Jordan, Detroit, was the architect, and the Mackenzie 
 Brothers of Port Sarna were the contractors. The contract price being 
 £6,325, and it was completed September 1, 1855. Alexander Mackenzie, 
 one of the builders, afterwards became Prime Minister of Canada. 
 
 During the years 1870 and 1871, the old brick Jail and Court House 
 
 87 
 
was taken down and the present large block stone prison, surrounded by 
 a stone wall, was built, which, with all the modern equipments that have 
 been made to it from time to time, the county has now one of the most 
 modern and up-to-date prisons in Canada. 
 
 HON. ALEXANDER MACKENZIE, 
 
 Who, with his brother, built the present County Court House at Sandwich, in 1855. 
 Prime Minister of Canada from 1873 to 1878. He died April 17, 1898. 
 
 Was 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY COURT HOUSE AND JAIL, SANDWICH, ONT. 
 The court house was built by the MacKenzie Bros., Sarnia, in 185S. 
 
THE COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE, 
 
 Corner Huron and Bedford Streets. Standing at the entrance in doorway: G. A. Winte- 
 mule, County Treasurer, and his two daughters. Miss Mintha, assistant treasurer, and Miss Bertha; 
 standing on the corner is John Davis, an ex-soldier of the British army. 
 
 ESSEX COUNTY REGISTRY OFFICE, SANDWICH, ONT. 
 
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT F. HURST, 
 The present superintendent and matron of the County House of Refuge and Industrial Home 
 at Leamington. 
 
 WILLIAM J. SPARKS. 
 Born in Coventry, Warwickshire, Eng., during the year 1845, came to Canada in 1863; jonied , 
 the Belleville Riiies and was with them doing frontier duty at Amherstburg during the Feniatfc 
 troubles of 1865; was appointed Chief of Police of Amherstburg in 1867 and continued in that 
 position until April 1, ■ 1884, when he was appointed to the responsible oiHce of governor of the 
 Essex County jail at Sandwich. He resigned February 1, 1907, having held the position for twenty- 
 three years. ' 
 
 90 
 
JOHN HARMAN, 
 
 The present governor of the Sandwich Jail, was born at the Town of Bothwell in the year 
 1858; came to Windsor in 1882. He served seven years as Alderman in the Windsor City Council, 
 and two years as a Water Commissioner. He was appointed by the Whitney Government to his 
 present position, February 1, 1907. 
 
 EZRA ILER 
 
 Was born at Colchester, September 5, 1865; 
 was appointed turnkey of the Sandwich Jail 
 in 1884, and hai faithfully served the 
 
 County of Essex for 86 years. 
 
 GEORGE ELLIOTT 
 
 Is a son of the late AUansion Elliott of Col- 
 chester; born January 10, 1859. He was ap- 
 pointed turnkey February 1, 1889. He has 
 already given 80 years of faithful service to 
 the county. 
 
 91 
 
COUNTY HOUSE OF REFUGE AND INDUSTRIAL HOME AT LEAMINGTON. 
 Completed in 1901. The building committee were George F. Cronk, chairman; Napoleon A. 
 Coste, J. D. F. Deziel. Harry J. Powell was the architect; John A. Maycock, superintendent of 
 works; Messrs. Carswell, Stephens and Moore were the builders. 
 
 WARDENS OF THE WESTERN 
 
 DISTRICT AND COUNTY OF ESSEX, 
 
 
 
 FROM 
 
 1842 
 
 to 1909. 
 
 
 1842-1846- 
 
 —John Dolson. 
 
 
 
 1884 
 
 —Charles C. Fox. 
 
 1847-1849- 
 
 —George Bullock. 
 
 
 
 1885 
 
 Henry Morand. 
 
 1850-1851- 
 
 —George Hyde. 
 
 
 
 1880 
 
 — N. A. Cost-. 
 
 1852- 
 
 — Thomas Fisher. 
 
 
 
 1887 
 
 — Israel Desjaidins. 
 
 1853-1854- 
 
 —John Sloan. 
 
 
 
 1888 
 
 — Peter Wright. 
 
 1855-1856- 
 
 —Samuel S. Macdonell 
 
 
 1889 
 
 ■ — Geo. A. \\'irtemute. 
 
 1857- 
 
 —Theodore Malott. 
 
 
 
 1690 
 
 — John A. AuM. 
 
 1858-1859- 
 
 —Joseph Mercer. 
 
 
 
 1891 
 
 —Frederick P. Bouteiller. 
 
 1860- 
 
 — John O'Connor. 
 
 
 
 1892 
 
 — James S, Laird. 
 
 1861- 
 
 — Solomon Wigle. 
 
 
 
 1893 
 
 — Elisha McKee. 
 
 1862-1863 
 
 — John O'Connor. 
 
 
 
 1894 
 
 — Alfred Hairsine. 
 
 1864-1866 
 
 — Solomon Wigle. 
 
 
 
 1895 
 
 — Marwood Barrett. 
 
 1867 
 
 —George Shipley. 
 
 
 
 1896 
 
 — Abraham Cole. 
 
 1868 
 
 — Gore Atkin. 
 
 
 
 1897 
 
 — N. A. Coste. 
 
 1869 
 
 —William McGregor. 
 
 
 
 1898 
 
 — Joseph Durocher. 
 
 1874 
 
 —Theodore Wigle. 
 
 
 
 1899 
 
 • — J. A. Buchanan. 
 
 1875 
 
 — Luke Montreuil. 
 
 
 
 1900 
 
 —J. D. A. Deziel. 
 
 1876 
 
 — Thos. B. White. 
 
 
 
 1901 
 
 —John F. Millen. 
 
 1877 
 
 — James McKee. 
 
 
 
 1902 
 
 — Wm. Price. 
 
 1878 
 
 —J. C. Pattersoa. 
 
 
 
 1903 
 
 — W. T. Wilkinson. 
 
 1879 
 
 —John C. Her. 
 
 
 
 1904 
 
 —Richard R. Brett. 
 
 1880 
 
 — Wm. McCain. 
 
 
 
 1905 
 
 —Albert L. Lafferty. 
 
 1881 
 
 — George Russell. 
 
 
 
 1906 
 
 — ^James Selkirk. 
 
 1883 
 
 —Thos. Plant. 
 
 
 
 
 
 1883 
 
 - — Geo. A. Morse. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 James Selkirk 
 
 resigned as 
 
 Warden and 
 
 County Chancellor at a special session 
 
 
 on April 20, 1906, 
 
 and John E. Stone was 
 
 elected Warden for the balance of 1906. 
 
 1907 
 
 — ^James E. Brown. 
 
 
 
 
 
 1908 
 
 —Edward J. O'Neil. 
 
 
 
 
 
 1909 
 
 — James A. Coulter. 
 
 
 
 
 
 92 
 
JAMES McKEE 
 Was born in Sandwich in 1S29, he hell th^ office of Reeve of Sandwich for upward.-, of twenty 
 years. He was Warden of Essex during the year 1877 and for many years was the most influential 
 politician in Essex County. He died during the year 1899 a few days before he reached the 60th 
 year of his age. 
 
 LUKE MONTREUIL. 
 The history of the Montreuil family is, a 
 long one and dates back to the landing of 
 the French upon this northern hemisphere. 
 Mr. Montreuil always took a prominent part 
 in all matters pertaining to the public wel- 
 fare of his country. In 1861 he was elected 
 Deputy Reeve and in 1862 Reeve of the 
 Township of Sandwich East, and in 1875 was 
 elected Warden of Essex County. He was 
 born March 20, 1830, in the Township of 
 Sandwich East, upon the same farm where 
 he now resides. 
 
 MARWOOD BBrRETT 
 Warden of Essex in 1895. 
 
 93 
 
JOHN A. AULD, EX-M. L. A. 
 
 Was born June 33, 1853 at Warwick, Lambton Co. He is the present proprietor and pub- 
 lisher of the Amherstburg Echo; was a member of the County Council twelve years and Warden 
 -of the county in 1890. He was elected a member for South Essex to the Ontario Legislature in 
 1896, 1898, 1903. He was defeated by the Geremandor -.£ the- S' .nth Riding in .lure, iao». He was 
 a Liberal in politics and his record while in Parliament was that of a judicious and able states- 
 man and was held in highest esteem. 
 
 NAPOL.EON A. CASTE, 
 
 Warden of Essex In' 1886 ariij again 
 in 1897. 
 
 J. A. BUCHANAN, 
 Warden of Esse:? in 1899. 
 
 94 
 
J. D. A. DBIZIBL 
 Warden of Essex in 190U. 
 
 EDWARD J. OTJEILi, 
 Warden ci Essex in 1908. 
 
 CHARLES ELIOT 
 
 . Was born in the East Indies in 1803, his 
 father being the British Embassador there at 
 the time. He served through the Peninsular 
 War as a lieutenant in the 76th Regiment 
 and afterwards came to Amherstburg, where 
 he took up the practice of law, and married 
 Miss McGregor. He was appointed Judge in 
 1832, and died on the Eliot farm. Petite Cole, 
 in 1860. 
 
 ALEXANDER CHEWETT 
 
 was born in Canada in 1800 and while only a 
 lad of tender years, he carried powder to the 
 British troops serving in the war of 1812. He 
 also served as captain of an artillery com- 
 pany at Sandwich during the rebellion of 1837- 
 38, and was appointed Judge of the Western 
 District comprising the counties of Essex, 
 Kent and Lanmtbon, May 20, 1854. He died 
 at Sandwich, August 2, 1872, and his widow 
 in 1878. Both rfrc interred in St. John's 
 graveyard. 
 
 95 
 
JUDGES OF DISTRICT COURT. 
 
 (Western District.) ' 
 
 July 9, 1794 — Thomas Harffy. ' 
 
 January 1, 1800 — Thomas Hari?y. 
 
 January 1, 1800 — Prideaux Selby. 
 
 June 13, 1807 — Robert Richardson. 
 
 April 5, 1836 — Robert Richardson and William Berczy. 
 
 November 30, 1832 — William Berczy and Charles Eliot. 
 
 March 9, 1833— Charles Eliot. 
 
 May 20, 1846 — Alexander Chewett. 
 
 Essex County. 
 
 1860 — Gordon Watts Leggatt. 
 1883 — Charles R. Home. 
 1907 — Michael A. McHugh. 
 1'908 — George Smith. 
 
 GORDON WATTS LEGGATT 
 
 was born in Sorel, near Quebec. He suc- 
 ceeded Judge Chewett and was Judge of the 
 County of Essex from the year 1860 to Sept. 
 19, 1883, the date of his death. 
 
 Judge Leggatt was a man of great ability, 
 and his long term of service on the bench 
 made him favorably known. One of the mem- 
 bers of bis family who survive him is a son, 
 G. J. Leggatt, the present police magistrate of 
 the City of Windsor. His remains were in- 
 terred in the family plot of St. John's grave- 
 yard. 
 
 CHARLES E. HORNE 
 
 was born on the Island of St. Vincent, West 
 Indies, January 22, 1836; elected mayor of 
 Windsor in 1877 and held the office for three 
 years. He was a member of the Windsor 
 Board of Education for 21 years and appointed 
 Judge of the County of Essex in 1883. 
 
 For many years Judge Home was promi- 
 nently identified with All Saints Episcopal 
 Church, Windsor, and was the organizer of 
 the first vested choir and the first choirmaster 
 of that church. He died February 2, 1907, at 
 his home, Bruce avenue, Windsor, aged 72 
 years. 
 
 96 
 
MICHAEL A. McHUGH 
 
 was born at the Township of Maidstone, Essex County, February 10, 1853. He re- 
 ceived his education in the schools of his township and St. Michael's College, Toronto. 
 He was called to the bar in 1879 and entered into partnership with the Hon. J. C. Patterson 
 at Windsor. He was elevated to the bench as Junior Judge in 1891. Ater the death of 
 the Senior Judge, C. E, Home, February 2, 1907, he was elevated to the position of 
 Senior Judge of the County of Essex. 
 
 97 
 
GEORGE; SMITH 
 The present Junior Judge of the County of Essex. 
 
 SHERIFFS FROM 1792 TO 1908. 
 
 On the 10th of July, 1792, Richard Pollard was appointed sheriif of 
 Essex and Kent counties and on January 1, 1800, he was confirmed in 
 his appointment to the same position for the Western District. On the 
 7th day of June, 1803, William Hands assumed the duties of the office 
 and continued to do so until the 10th of September, 1833, when Ebenezer 
 Reynolds was appointed. Mr. Reynolds was followed by- Robert 
 Lachlan who received the appointment August 7, 1837. He continued 
 as sheriff during the Rebellion to its close when on the first day of 
 August, 1839, Raymond Baby was chosen for the position. Mr. Baby 
 only retained the office for a little over a year. On October 23, 1840, 
 George Wade was sworn in and held the position for a little over eight 
 years. The last gentleman to fill the position of sheriff for the Western 
 District was John Waddell. 
 
 In 1851 Wm. Duphron Baby was made sheriff of the counties of 
 Essex and Lambton, and on the 11th day of January, 1851, John Wad- 
 dell was appointed for Kent County. Mr. Baby died August 19, 1864, 
 aged 45 years. 
 
 98 
 
On the 6th of May, 1856, John McEwan was appointed sheriff of 
 Essex County and held the position until the year 1883. 
 
 John Coatsworth Her was appointed in December, 1883, and held 
 the office until he died, which was on Friday afternoon, November 13, 
 1908. 
 
 J. Eugene D'Avignon, the present occupant of the office, was ap- 
 pointed November 20, 1908. 
 
 JOHN McEWAN 
 
 "Was born at Saratoga in the year 181S, and 
 was clerk of the Essex County Court from 
 1849 to 1853. In 1853 he embarked 'in the 
 lumber business at Windsor and had the honor 
 of being the first G. W. R.- station agent at 
 Windsor. He was appointed Sheriff of Essex 
 in 1856 and resigned the office in 1883. He 
 died March 2, 1898. 
 
 JOHN COATSWORTH ILER 
 
 Was born in the Township of Colchester in 
 
 1828. He served for ten years as clerk of 
 
 his native township and nine years as its 
 
 Reeve, and in 1879 was chosen Warden of 
 
 Essex County. He was appointed Sheriff of 
 
 the county in December, 1883. He died at 
 Sandwich, November 13, 1908. 
 
 99 
 
J. EUGENE D'AVIGNON, 
 
 The pi/esent Sheriff of Essex, was born June 
 14, 1845, and served in the Victoria Volunteer 
 Rifles/ of Montreal during the Fenian Troubles 
 of 18,66 and '70, for which he received a grant 
 and inedal. About 25 years ago he came to 
 Windsor and purchased the large drug store 
 of George H. Leslie. £)uring his residence in 
 Winidsor he has always taken a deep interest 
 in the welfare of the city. He served seven 
 years on the Board of Education, three -years 
 in the City Council, and seven years on the 
 Library Board, of which he is. still a member. 
 He has also served 13 years as a member of 
 the council of Ontario v^olleee of Phar- 
 macy and seven years as Examiner for the 
 
 college. Ui\ D' Avignon was appointed 
 
 Sheriff November 20, 1908, and assumed the 
 duties of office December 1, 1908. The ap- 
 pointment was one of the most popular in the 
 history of Essex County and met with the 
 most hearty approval of all citizens, both Re- 
 form and Conservative. 
 
 JAMES P. McEWAN,-^ 
 
 The present Court Crier, is the youngest son 
 of the late Sheriff John McEwan, has faith- 
 fully filled the ofiice for nearly forty years, 
 and is therefore the oldest court official among 
 those in active service at the present time. 
 
 CLERKS OF THE PEACE FROM 1796 TO 1909. 
 
 Walter Roe was the first Clerk of the Peace for the Western Dis- 
 trict. On the 9th day of September, 1794, he received his first appoint- 
 ment and on January 1, 1800, he was reappointed and retained the 
 ciffiice a little over a year. Wm. Hands was appointed the 39th of 
 August, 1801, and on the 5th day of June, 1803, James Allan was ap- 
 pointed. Geo. F. Ireland served from 1817 to 1824, when Charles 
 Askin was appointed to the office. In 1835 Charles Baby assumed it 
 and faithfully filled the duties of the office for over 30 years. Mr. 
 Baby died November 13, 1877, aged 65 years. In 1871 Samuel Smith 
 Macdonell was appointed Clerk of the Peace and the office of Crown 
 Attorney was added to that of Clerk of the Peace. 
 
 W. H. Clarke took the office in 1891 and was shortly afterwards 
 made a King's Counsel. He resigned the office in 1904 in order to 
 run for member of the Dominion Parliament for the South Riding of 
 
 100 
 
Essex which took place November 3, 1904. In this he was successful 
 and was again re-elected Oct. 26, 1908. With the added honors his 
 name now reads A. H. Clarke, K. C, M. P. Mr. Clarke also holds the 
 tjosition as solicitor for Essex County. 
 
 JOHN H. RODD 
 
 John H. Rodd, the present occupant of the office of Clerk of the 
 Peace and County Crown Attorney, was appointed November 38, 1904. 
 
 REGISTRARS OF SURROGATE COURT. 
 
 Richard Pollard was the first gintleman to fill this most high and 
 responsible position. Judge Woods says that Mr. Pollard was an 
 Englishman and came as a young man from England to the United 
 States and when our people left Detroit for this side Mr. Pollard came 
 too, and as we see, continued to fill different civil offices. In 1793 he 
 was made Sheriff of Essex and Kent; in 1793 he was appointed reg- 
 istrar of the counties of Essex and Kent, and in 1794 he was appointed 
 Registrar of Surrogate Court. In 1800 he again held the same office. 
 During the year 1800 he was also appointed Sheriff of the Western 
 District and on August 29th, 1801, he was appointed a Judge of Sur- 
 rogate. In 1802 he was made a Deacon and was ordained a priest of 
 the Anglican Church in 1804 by Bishop Mountain of Quebec, to which 
 place he went for his deaconate and ordination. When Mr. Pollard 
 was elevated to the judgeship he resigned as Registrar of Surrogate 
 and Wm. Hands was immediately appointed to that office which he 
 held until 1831. Mr. Hands was followed by James Askin, who held 
 the office until his death, which occurred Dec. 4, 1863. The last letters 
 cf probate signed by him are dated Sept. 13, 1863. 
 
 101 
 
The next letters of probate issued bear date of Dec. 22, 1862, are- 
 signed by Duncan A. McMullen. Mr. McMullen held the office until 
 the year 1870. 
 
 Frank E. Marcon was appointed County Solicitor Sept. 6, 1870; also- 
 pppointed DeputyC lerk of the Cro-wn and County Court Clerk at the- 
 
 FRANK E. MARCON 
 Was born in Norwich, Eng., Dec. 23, 1832. Came to Canada when a young man. Was 
 paymaster of the 23rd Essex Volunteer Light Infantry in 1866. Appointed by the late Sand- 
 field Macdonald to the combined offices of Cleric of the County Court and Registrar of 
 Surrogate in 1870. Died Dec. 3, 1901. 
 
 same time and held the same until Dec. 5, 1901, when he died. 
 
 Francis Cleary was appointed his successor Dec. 11, 1901, and is- 
 faithfully filling the duties of this very responsible office at the present 
 time. 
 
 REGISTRARS OF DISTRICT AND COUNTY. 
 
 Richard Pollard was the first Registrar for the Counties of Essex 
 and Kent froni 1793 to 1825, when Wm. Hands was appointed and 
 continued in office until 1831. 
 
 On the 12th of November, 1829, John Beverly Robinson was ap- 
 pointed Registrar for Kent. Col. James Askin held the office for Essex 
 from 1831 to 1846 when his son, John A. Askin, received the appoint- 
 ment and continued to fill the duties until 1873 when he resigned and 
 lived a retired life. He sold the old homestead, corner of Bedford and 
 Chippewa Streets and moved to Windsor in May, 1898. He died De- 
 cember 29, 1904. 
 
 102 
 
J. Wallace, the eldest son of the late John A. Askin, had acted as 
 Deputy Registrar under his father and during his long service in that 
 capacity by careful attention and applying himself industriously to 
 the duties of the office, became a most valuable and efficient official. 
 He was therefore appointed as Registrar in his father's stead im- 
 mediately after his father's resignation had been accepted by the 
 Ontario Government and is occupying this important position at the 
 present time (1909). 
 
 COL. TAMES ASKIN 
 
 Was born in Detroit in 1788. He was a 
 colonel of militia stationed in Sandwich some 
 years previous and up to 1858. Was Regis- 
 trar of Deeds for Essex from 1831 to 1846. 
 He died in 1«63. 
 
 JOHN A. ASKIN 
 
 Was born March 7, 1817, at Pike Creek, 
 Essex County, on the lake shore, where his 
 family resided, and elected Reeve of Sand- 
 wich Township in 1855, which then included 
 all territory which is now the city of Wind- 
 sor, Towns of Walkerville, Sandwich East, 
 Sandwich West, Sandwich South and Sand- 
 wich Town ; was a Justice of the Peace for 
 many years and held several municipal offices. 
 He was appointed Registrar of Deeds in 18SS 
 and held the position until 1878. He died 
 December 29, 1904. 
 
 103 
 
J. WALLACE ASKIN 
 
 Was born in Sandwich, May 25, 1848. Was 
 a member of the Sandwich Infantry Company 
 during the Fenian troubles, and when he re- 
 tired from the service he held the position of 
 captain. For his services he received from 
 the Government a medal and a grant of landi 
 He was appointed Deputy Registrar of Essex 
 in 1869 and Registrar in 1878. 
 
 DISTRICT AND COUNTY CLERKS. 
 
 1847 — 1849 — James M. Cowan. 
 1854 — 1857 — Jas. H. 'Wilkinson 
 1863 — 1864^ — Dennis Moynahan 
 
 1842 — 1846 — John Cowan. 
 1850 — 1853 — Samuel S. Macdonell. 
 1858— 1862— Duncan A. McMullen. 
 1865 — 1902 — Thomas McKee. 
 
 Thomas McKee. died July 31, 1902, and John F. Millen, the present 
 incumbent, was appointed in August, 1902. 
 
 104 
 
p 
 
 JAMES H. WILKINSON 
 Was a son of the late Hon. John A. Wilkin- 
 son, and was County Clerk from 1854 to 
 1857; he was also editor and publisher of a 
 newspaper published in an office on Lot 2, 
 East Bedford street, Sandwich, from 1856 to 
 
 uary, 1858. He also took a great interest 
 in military affairs and was a lieutenant in the 
 lst_ Essex Battlion, 1856, ard continued in 
 active service in various branches of the ser- 
 vice until the close of the Fenian troubles. He 
 also served manv years in the Board of Edu- 
 cation and Sandwich Town Council. 
 
 THOMAS McKEE, J. P., 
 Was born in Sandwich on Lot 59, Con. 1, 
 May 16, 1826. He was appointed to the office 
 of County Clerk in 1865, and was also appoint- 
 ed Customs Officer in 1880, and a member of 
 the Board of Criminal Audit for Essex, all of 
 which offices he filled until the day of his 
 death, July 31, 1903. 
 
 JOHN F. MILLEN, 
 The present County Clerk, was born in Gos- field North, January 5, 1864. He served as 
 Township Councillor, Deputy Reeve, Reeve and other offices of importance in the- Gosfield 
 North Council and County Council. He was a member of the County Council five years. 
 Was elected Warden of the Council, 1901, and appointed County Clerk in June of 1902. 
 
 105 
 
DISTRICT AND COUNTY TREASURER'S. 
 
 William Hands was appointed Treasurer in the year 1808 and held 
 the office until 1833. In November, 1833, Jean Baptists Baby was ap- 
 pointed. When the County Councils Act of 1842 was passed Mr. Baby 
 was re-appointed and continued in office till the year 1850. 
 
 In 1850 George Bullock was appointed. In 1853 when Essex, Kent 
 and Lambton ceased doing business as a district Mr. Bullock was- 
 
 PAUL JOHN SALTER 
 
 Was County Auditor from 1863 to 1858; 
 County Treasurer from 1859 to 1863, and was 
 also District School Inspector of the county 
 in 1863. He lost his lift by a railway acci- 
 dent on the Great Western Railway, near 
 Chatham, October 6, 1868. 
 
 THOMAS H. WRIGHT 
 
 Was County Treasurer from 1863 to 1889 in 
 all twenty-six years. He served with distinc- 
 tion in the Essex Militia on the Frontier dur- 
 ing the Rebellion of 1837-8, and was for a 
 time captain of the Sandwich Infantry Com- 
 pany during the Fenian troubles of 1865-70. 
 
 continued in office as Treasurer for the County of Essex, resigning 
 the office in 1858. 
 
 John Paul Salter was appointed in 1859 and continued in the posi- 
 tion until his death, October 6, 1862. 
 
 Thomas H. Wright was appointed in 1863 and retained the position 
 until the year 1889. Mr. Wright was succeeded in office by Henry 
 Morand, who held the office until 1901, when the present occupant, 
 George A. Wintemute, was appointed to the position. 
 
 106 
 
leader, was heM a prisoner by Mr. Winte- 
 mute's father in his own house, but he es- 
 caped while Mr. Wintemute was temporarily 
 absent. 
 
 GEORGE A. WINTEMUTE, 
 The present County Treasurer, was born at 
 Humberston, Welland County. Ont., Decem- 
 ber 28, 1838, his ancestors all being United 
 Empire Loyalists. Moved to Essex County 
 and settled in the Township nf Maidstone in 
 1872; served with credit as Reeve of the 
 Township of Maidstone for elnven years. He 
 held the position of Warden of Essex County 
 during the year 1889 and wa-^ appointed Coun- 
 ty Treasurer, March 6, 1902. During the Re- 
 bellion of 1837-8 William Lyon Mackenzie, the 
 
 HENRY MORAND 
 Was born in the Township of Sandwich East, 
 Sept. 5, 1846. He held the office of Township 
 Clerk for that township and was afterwards 
 elected Reeve of the same municipality for the 
 years 1880, 1883, 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886 ana 
 1888. He was Warden of the county in 1885 
 and was appointed County Treasurer. Dtcem- 
 ber 24, 1889, a-^d after holding this important 
 office for twelve years, he resigred in ]\T? ch, 
 1902. Mr. Morand was also a member of the 
 Sandwich Board of Education for several 
 years. He died December 1, 1903. 
 
 THOMAS B. WHITE 
 
 Warden of Essex for the year 1876. 
 
 RICHARD R. BRETT 
 
 Warden of Essex for the year 1S04. 
 
 107 
 
WILLIAM PRICE. 
 Was born in Kings Co., New Brunswick, 
 June 27, 1846, of U. E. L. stock. Served 
 in the Maidstone township council from 1892 
 to 1896; Deputy-Reeve, 1897 to 1899, and also 
 county councellor for the sixthh district from 
 1899 to 1904. Elected Warden of Essex in 
 1903. 
 
 ALBERT L. LAFFERTY 
 
 Was born in Sandwich West, June 6, 1874. 
 He represented No. 7 District in the county 
 coiincil during the years 1903, 1904, 1905 and 
 1906. Elected Warden of Essex, for the year 
 1905. He was again elected Reeve of Sand- 
 wich West for 1909 and is therefore at pres- 
 ent a member of the county council. 
 
 also an excellent military record. He was 
 recently unanimously elected President of the 
 Ontario Medical Association. 
 
 HENRY RAMOND CASGRAIN, M. D. 
 The present jail surgeon, was born in Sand- 
 wich, July 7, 1857, of one of the oldest and 
 most prominent Canadian families, and is 
 the son of the late Senator Charles E. Cas- 
 grain, M. D. He is also serior surgeon of th 
 21st Essex Fusiliers and has had wide ex- 
 perience in medicine and surgery and has 
 
 J;- , ■* 
 
 JOHN K. STONE 
 
 Warden of Essex from April 20th to the 
 
 end of the year 1906. 
 
 108 
 
WILLIAM McGregor 
 
 was born June 24, 1836. He came to Windsor 
 in 1861, ard for many years Mr. McGregor 
 was one of the important factors in business 
 life. He was also well known on account of 
 his prominence in public affairs. From 1868 
 to 1870 he was Warden of the County of Es- 
 sex and for eight years was one of the 
 Reeves of Windsor. In 1874 he was elected 
 to Parliament and re-elected in 1876, 1890 
 and 1896. At the time of his death he was 
 presidert of the Walkerville Wagon Works 
 and Collector of Customs at Windsor. He 
 died May 14, 190S. 
 
 HON. J. C. PATTERSON 
 
 Represented Kssex in the Ontario Legislature 
 in 1875; was warden of Essex in 1878 and was 
 also first elected to the Dominion Parliament 
 ■the same year. He was Minister of Militia 
 during the regeme of John A. Macdonald. 
 
 THE CASGRAIN HOMESTEAD, 
 Near Taylor Point, Sandwich, and birthplace of the present jail surgeon. Dr. H. R. Casgrain. 
 
 109 
 
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 110 
 
WILLIAM J. McKEE, 
 
 the youngest son of the late Thomas McKee, 
 county clerk, was born in Sandwich, Becem- 
 ber 10, 1850. After receiving his education 
 in the public and grammar schools of his 
 native town and vicinity he struck out for 
 himself and has succeeded in establishing an 
 extensive lumber business in the city of 
 Windsor and he is now considered one of 
 Windsor's most enterprising business men at 
 the present time. Mr. McKee has . always 
 -taken a very active part in municipal and 
 political affairs. Commencing at the age of 
 35, he has been for 37 years, holding an 
 -elective ofHce. He has served as alderman 
 and later as county councillor until the sep- 
 -aration of the city of Windsor from the coun^ 
 
 ty; six years as water commissioner for the 
 city of Windsor, and eight years as member 
 for North Essex m the Provincial Legislature. 
 He has recently built himself a beautiful home 
 in hisn ati'/i- town, where he is at prepent re- 
 siding and expecto to end his days. 
 
 '. \m--< ■■ 
 
 
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 •/^ljfc^^) 
 
 im 
 
 ^1 
 
 THE LATE SENATOR CASGRAIN. 
 
 Charles E. Casgrain, C, M,, M. D., was born 
 in Quebec, August 3, 1835. He was edu- 
 cated in the classics at the College of St. 
 Anne, Quebec, and in medicine at McGill 
 University at Montreal. In 1851 he began the 
 practice of medicine in Detroit, but removed 
 to Sandwich in 1856. He was appointed 
 coroner and jail surgeon, and was captain of 
 a Sandwich militia company and in 1861 was 
 appointed surgeon to the troops stationed at 
 Sandwich and Windsor. On January 13, 1887 
 he was called to the. senate of Canada. He 
 died at Windsor,' March 8, 1907. 
 
 EXECUTIONS IN SANDWICH THE PAST 100 YEARS. 
 
 During the early part of this town's existence as a District or County 
 seat punishment was dealt out with a liberal hand. In those days the 
 law read "Murders, horse and sheep thieves shall be hung in some 
 public thoroughfare and remain in full view of passersby until the 
 flsh rot from their bones." It is said that a woman and a man were 
 gibbeted on the brow of the hill near Mill Street and known as Lot 
 4, East Russell Street. The crime for which they are said to have 
 suffered was for murder. 
 
 During the time when the office of Sheriff was held by William 
 Hands two young men, both of Chatham, (one colored and one white), 
 were gibbeted on the brow of the hill on Russell Street, nearly oppo- 
 site of what is known by the citizens as Cook's Canal. At that time 
 Bedford Street terminated at South Street and the public thoroughfare 
 
 111 
 
continued down South Street to Russell, down Russell for a short dis- 
 tance and then gradually run towards the river until the River Road 
 was reached along by the Pittsburg Coal Company's dock and fish 
 hatchery at the intersection of the McKee Road. 
 
 The "Gibbots" stood on an elevation overlooking the road. This big- 
 boting made a great commotion in the neighborhood, and the exposed 
 remains became so offensive as to excite the strongest opposition tQ 
 the law. "The dreadful smelling things must be cut down and buried," 
 was the cry. But who was to do it? Such an action would be in 
 definance of law and might bring unknown severity upon the heads 
 of the people who interfered.* There seem to have been few brave 
 enough to attempt the noisome work. Now Sheriff Hands was a man 
 of courage and decision, a conspicuous character who used to ride about 
 mounted on a strikingly white horse. One dark night during the heat 
 of the argument regarding the occupants of the bilboes, a white horse 
 was seen in the immediate neighborhood of the gibbots, and next 
 
 morning not a sight was to be seen of bilboes or bodies. No arrests 
 were made and the worthy sheriff refused to talk on the subject and 
 took no action to discover the person or persons who defied the law. 
 
 In 1889 the property on which the bodies of these two men were 
 buried was purchased by Calvin Cook and made into a gravel pit. One 
 day while the laborers were engaged in digging they came upon a 
 quantity of bones and iron frames. The writer hearing of the dis- 
 covery visited the gravel pit and succeeded in saving and securing the 
 complete skeleton of one of the men and the gibboling irons in which 
 it was enclosed. The discovery and a complete history of the inci- 
 dents connected therewith was published in columns of the Windsor 
 Record at that time. 
 
 A day or two afterwards Calvin Cook, the owner of the property, 
 demanded possession of them and the writer very reluctantly gave 
 them up. These "irons" have since passed into other hands. 
 
 112 
 
The iron frame consisted of an iron bar which when placed on the 
 person to be punished reached from the back of the neck to his heels j 
 to this perpendicular bar was clasped an iron ring which clasped the 
 neck, another encircled the waist, while two others firmly held the 
 ankles. 
 
 As far as can be ascertained all the executions that followed up to 
 the present time (1909) took place at the Sandwich jail, the con- 
 demned men being hung by a rope from a scaffold. 
 
 A man named Bird was hanged in 1834 for killing a peddler in the 
 Long woods, in Kent County. Bird met his victim in Chatham and 
 followed him to the place where the crime was committed. When 
 arrested he had the peddler's pack with him. 
 
 In 1838 Fitzpatrick executed for committing unmentionable crime 
 on a daughter of a prominent family in Amherstburg. He protested 
 his innocence to the last. His spiritual advisor was the Rev. Father 
 
 GIBBET 
 IROHIS 
 
 Angus McDonald, pastor of L'Assomption Church, Sandwich. Some 
 years afterwards a man named Sellers confessed on his death bed 
 guilt of the crime for which Fitzpatrick had suffered. 
 
 In '1840 Huffman was hanged for murdering his daughter's illegiti- 
 mate child in Kent County. Huffman was a Methodist preacher. He 
 had a beautiful daughter by whom he had a child. His child was found 
 drowned in the Thames River. 
 
 Two men named Wm. Nusome and Morgan (colored) were hanged 
 about 1843. Nusome for killing his wife at Amherstburg. The mur- 
 derer and two women were all drinking together in a house near 
 where the late Mr. Breault's house, Amherstburg, now stands, and 
 Nusbme cut his wife's throat with a butcher knife. The witness in 
 the case was Nusome's daughter. Morgan was hanged for killing an 
 old woman in Amherstburg, in 1843. 
 
 113 
 
Peter Davis was sentenced to be hung June 8, 1847. Sentence was 
 suspended until June 29, 1847. The crime for which Davis was con- 
 victed was for killing an old fiddler at Chatham, where he was in love, 
 with a colored girl. The parents refused to alio wher to marry Davis 
 as she was already engaged to another man. The night of the wedding 
 he shot the father through a window. The prisoner when first arrested 
 was placed in jail, but shortly afterwards made his escape. He was 
 captured in Kentucky, brought back, tried and sentenced to be hanged 
 on the date above mentioned. He succeeded in escaping a second time 
 and went back to where he committed the crime, near Chatham. He 
 was captured once more and immediately taken to Sandwich, arriving 
 here at 4 P. M., on the day appointed for the execution and he was 
 hanged at 9 P. M. 
 
 Alfred Young was tried on the 37th day of September, 1858, and 
 sentenced to be hung on the 30th day of February, 1859. Young came 
 with his wife to Windsor from Paw Paw, Michigan, during the fall 
 of 1858. The day of his arrival he wandered with his wife to a lonely 
 back street in Windsor and there' shot his wife to death. 
 
 Before the day of his execution arrived he succeeded in making his 
 escape, it is said, by burning a hole in the floor and then digging his 
 way out from under the building. When he made his escape from 
 prison he left a very sarcastic letter addressed to Sheriff McEwan. 
 "The burnt hole in the floor" story was looked upon with grave sus- 
 pision by those who were familiar with the details of this horrible 
 crime. The hole in the floor would scarcely admit of a child passing 
 through it, and the actions of the jailor in charge at that time were 
 considered not above suspicion and it was openly hinted that he had 
 a hand in the supposed escape. At any rate a change was made and 
 a new jailor appointed. Young was the first man sentenced to be 
 hanged after the new jail and court house had been built by the Mac- 
 Kenzie brothers. 
 
 The next one to be executed was a colored man named George Wil- 
 liams, aged 38. He was a cook on a lake steamer running between 
 Buffalo and Chicago. Williams, it is said killed his wife with an axe 
 at Colchester while in a rage of temper because his wife persisted on 
 going to a dance against his wishes. After killihg her he cut his own 
 throat, but was found in time to prevent his bleeding to death. Through 
 the skillful treatment and constant attention of the jail surgeon, Charles 
 E. Casgrain, M. D., his injuries were completely healed and the man 
 restored to his former health. He was tried and sentenced August 5, 
 1861, to be executed January 3, 1862. It was the last public execution 
 that took place in the Town of Sandwich. The Rev. Francis Gore 
 Elliott, rector of St. John's, was his spiritual advisor and was with him 
 on the scaffold when the drop fell. The execution took place on a 
 Friday afternoon and the weather was bitter cold. People were present 
 from all parts of the county to witness it. 
 
 Austin Humphrey was executed on May 23, 1876. Humphrey killed 
 a well known carpenter and contractor named Fred Apple in Windsor. 
 Humphries had previously demanded a small balance of some wages 
 which he claimed Apple owed him. Humphrey allowed the matter to 
 
 114 
 
prey on his mind until he had convinced himself that he was fully 
 justified in taking Apple's life. 
 
 Luke Phipps was executed for the murder of his wife Tuesday, June 
 17, 1884. Rev. John Gray, pastor of St. Andrew's Church, Windsor, 
 was his spiritual advisor. Phipps shot his wife on the Windsor ferry 
 "boat Hope while crossing from Detroit to Windsor on August 19, 
 1883. On November 80 he escaped with Greenwood. Phipps was 
 arrested at Chicago and brought back, tried and hanged on the day 
 above stated. 
 
 Joseph Truskey, a Pollander, was executed Friday, December 14, 
 1894, for the murder of William Lindsay, a county constable, in the 
 Village of Comber, in May, 1894. The Rev. D. H. Hind, the rector of 
 St. John's Church, was his spiritual advisor. 
 
 Levi Stewart was executed February 6, 1900. The crime for which 
 Stewart was hanged was for killing a well-to-do and respectable old 
 colored man at a pic-nic at the Puce River in the township of Maid- 
 stone on July 19, 1899. The Rev. R. A. Adams of the A. M. E. Church, 
 Windsor, was his spiritual advisor. 
 
 ATHLETIC AND OTHER SPORTS. 
 
 The very earliest records obtainable show that athletic sports in 
 Sandwich have always received the most hearty support of the resi- 
 
 LOUIS YOUNGBLOOD. 
 This famous gunshot was born in Sandwich in 1S49, beirg the son of Antoine Young- 
 "blood, M. D., for many years a practitioner otstanding in Sandwich and vicinity. Louis is 
 one of the most popular citizens of Sandwich, larJirg in veiy front rank as a !?ood fellow 
 among his townsmen. Without doubt he isone of the greatest gunshots on this continent, 
 as his record shows. He has defeated many of the crack shots of the United States and 
 nearly all of those hailing from his own side of the line; he is at home in all field games 
 preferring cricket or base ball. He has the reputation of being one of the squarest all 
 around sports" in Ontario, and being as hon-est and npriuht "as thev make them.' To his 
 credit let it be said that the "old Sandwich sport" has been the same as he came into it. 
 Without a bad mark against him, honesty and fairness having been his life-long motto. 
 
 dents, both as regarding the necessary financial aid, as well as by 
 active participation in the same, and in many instances have proved 
 
 115 
 
themselves the equal to any in the country at the various sports in 
 vogue at the time, which changes much as do fashions. Lacrosse, 
 cricket, boating, shooting at the trap or in marsh or field, foot ball, 
 base ball, tennis, golf (we refer to the Oak "Ridge Golf Club), all of 
 which have been accepted as they became popular, and mastered to 
 
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 a remarkable point of proficiency in many instances even to excel as 
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 The accompanying picture of the Sandwich Foot Ball Team, win- 
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 sular Foot Ball League for the spring and fall series of 1903 and the 
 fall of 1904. 
 
 116 
 

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 117 
 
OAK RIDGE GOLF LINKS CLUB HOUSE. 
 Sandwich, Ont. 
 
 THE KEYSTONE OUN CLUB 
 
 Holding its annual shoot at ihoir club h.aise near Lagoon Park, Sandwich, 1890. 
 
 Among those appearing In picture are : Richard Bangliiim, Thomas Reid, Jasper Revell, 
 
 Daniel Revell, Thomas Br-ok, Albert Dr.iuillard, Victor Chauvin, Frank Stotts, Robt. 
 
 McDonald, James Purser, W. C. Donaldson George McNally, Louis 
 
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 122 
 
THE FORT VIEW HOUSE 
 
 At one time owned and conducted by Capt. John Horn, coiner of Bedford and End Streets, 
 Sandwich. This building wns removed about six years ago. 
 
 LAGOON PARK HOTEL 
 
 Bedford Street, Sandwich. Norton & Burrell, Proprs. 
 
 123 
 
SANDWICHITES WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED WITH THE 
 
 STAGE. 
 
 Although it may not be generally known that many people who 
 have been identified with the stage in the past — some of whom are liv- 
 ing and still "in harness." Among those who have passed away was 
 "Jessie Howard," this being her stage name. Miss Howard was the 
 daughter of the late George Bullock, for many years treasurer of the 
 County of Essex. She was a very capable actress and made a great 
 
 THOMAS A. McKEE 
 
 Is the eldest son of the late Thomas McKee, 
 County Clerk. He saw service in the Fenian 
 troubles of 1865-1870, and was a member of 
 the Cohourg Rifleb at tat time in active ser- 
 vice between Coburg, Toronto and Kingston. 
 He was the youngest non-commissioned officer 
 in the battalion and had the honor of being 
 made corporal by Gen. Wolsely, afterwards ■ 
 Sir Garnet Wolsely. He was afterwards ap- 
 pointed staff-sergeant under Col. Arthur Ran- 
 kin, of the 33rd Essex Battalion. He has late- 
 ly received a grant and veteran's medal. Mr. 
 McKee is at present a theatrical manager and 
 travels extensively, and when the opera sea- 
 son is over may be found at his home on 
 
 Bedford street, Sandwich. Mr. McKee is 
 known as one of the best and most popular 
 theatrical managers in America, his associa- 
 tions being confined to the very best attrac- 
 tions. He had a good master in McKee Ran- 
 kin, his cousin, who was his tutor in this line 
 of work. 
 
 McKEE RANKIN. 
 Th-^ second son of the late Col. Arthur 
 Rankin is a native of Sandwich, who has 
 rounded out 48 years on the stage and made 
 two theatrical tours around the world. Mr. 
 Rankin is still in "harness" and is considered 
 to be the greatest character actor of the 
 American stage and is without doubt the finest 
 stage director in the profession. 
 
 hit as Mrs. Willoughby in "The Ticket of Leave Man," a play very 
 popular in her day. 
 
 It is a remarkable coincidence that McKee-Rankin, who we allknow 
 hails from the old town of Sandwich was the greatest "Bob Brierley 
 known to the stage in the same play. 
 
 124 
 
George Stuttz, a well-know actor, also a Sandwich boy, better 
 
 ^nown in the west in the profession and a great favorite in that por- 
 tion of the country. 
 
 "Jed Carleton," Jacob Stuttz, a brother of George, and like his 
 brother is better known in the same locality. 
 
 Herbert Fortier also hails from the county town, and a decendant of 
 
 Jacob Stuttz — "Jed Carleton." 
 
 one of the old families of the County of Essex, has for many years 
 been associated with the best attractions. 
 
 Thom?^ A. McKee, who was also born in Sandwich, while not an 
 actor now-a-days, because as he himself says, he was such a "bad 
 one" during the years he spent behind the footlights, but is now con- 
 sidered one of the most capable managers in the theatrical world and 
 has always been associated with the best in that capacity. 
 
 THE CELEBRATED MARENTETTE FAMILY. 
 
 This family — the children of the late Capt. Pierre Marentette, of 
 Sandwich, one daughter and seven sons, whose remarkable musical 
 talents made them extremely popular a number of years ago in Western 
 Canada. Their engagemeijits becoming so numerous that they were 
 
 125 
 
obliged to disband their musical organization in order to attend to 
 the business connected with their worldly welfare. Their engage- 
 ments extended from one end of the Dominion to the other and 
 were always given without remuneration. One of the wonderful fea- 
 
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 tures of the brothers was their' magnificent quintette composed of 
 Joseph. Rudolph, James, Alexander and Thomas. Nature had endowed 
 them with voices, baritone, first and second tenor, first and second 
 bass, requisite to produce their most exquisite harmony, and Joseph, 
 the director, had blended them together with wonderful finish of the 
 
 126 
 
-musician that he was. At one time the late Col. Arthur Rankin made 
 A very flattering offer to take the quintette to Europe, so sanguine was 
 he of the great success thM was in store for them there. The other 
 brothers — Mr. Charles (of Windsor), and John, and the daughter, Mrs. 
 Victor Ouellette, of Sandwich, are still living. Those who have passed 
 away are Joseph, James and Thomas. 
 
 SOME VERY HISTORICAL LANDMARKS. 
 
 Among the many silent reminders which still remain of the past his- 
 "tory of this Western Frontier are the old residences and homesteads 
 
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 -which have stood the ravages of time and in some instances and look 
 ;as if, with ordinary care, they would continue useful historical land- 
 marks for very many years to come. 
 
 127 
 
CHIPPEWA STREET, SANDWICH, 
 
 Looking from the intersection of Peter street, west to the Detroit river. The two old- 
 fashioned dwellings on the right of the picture are said to be much over 100 years old and were 
 silent witnesses of the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837-8. 
 
 THE COWAN HOMESTEAD. 
 Corner Bedford and Detroit Streets, Sandwich. 
 
 Photo by W. B, Hamilton. 
 
 128 
 
The first is the "Hon. John A. Wilkinson Homestead" on Chippewa 
 Street, built about the year 1818 or shortly after the war of 1813. The 
 material for this house was brought from Montreal by Mr. Wilkinson. 
 It was at this house that Dr. John James Hume called professionally 
 and afterwards spent the evening socially with Mr. Wilkinson and 
 family the evening before he was murdered by the rebels in Windsor 
 December 4, 1838. 
 
 WILLIAM COWAN. 
 
 Was born in 1836, and was a member of the Sandwich Infantry Companies during the 
 Fenian troubles and received his medal and allowance of land from the Government for 
 his services. He has also been a member ofthe Sandwich Town Council and was affiliated 
 with several Scottish societies. For upwards of forty years he conducted a customs broker's 
 office in the city of Windsor and died at the Cowan Homestead, September 8, 1902, aged 
 66 years. 
 
 The next one we desire to draw the attention of the reader is the 
 "Cowan Homestead" on the corner of Bedford and Detroit Streets, 
 with its nice shade and fruit trees, well kept lawns and flower beds, 
 and which is the admiration of all who visit the town. It was formerly 
 one of the store houses of the Hudson Bay Company and until recently 
 the hook and other attachments for weighing furs were in the ceiling 
 of the hallway. It was also used as officers quarters during the Rebel- 
 lion of 1837-8. Extensive improvements have been made to it recently 
 which has greatly added to its appearance. 
 
 129 
 
A few steps further up Bedford Street we come to the "Marentette 
 Homestead," former home of Capt. Pierre . Marentette. His youngest 
 son, John, with his family reside there at the present time. 
 
 THE MARENTETTE HOMESTEAD. 
 Bedford Street, Sandwich. 
 
 HENRY MARENTETTE 
 
 A pioneer of the First Concession of the Town of Sandwich. He is 87 years of age and 
 
 still enjoys good health. 
 
 130 
 
About a half a mile further up the road, beautifully situated on the 
 river bank, we come to the "Col. Johnson Richardson Homestead," and 
 has been owned and occupied at different times since by the Brewster 
 family, the late ex-Mayor William Scott, of Windsor, and laterly for 
 
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 many years was known as the "George Feller's Homestead." It has 
 recently been purchased by a Mr. Scott of Detroit, who has made many 
 additions, alterations and improvements which has completely changed 
 its appearance. 
 
 131 
 
132 
 
THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVE. 
 
 ^^ The question has been frequently asked by visitors to Sandwich, 
 ■"How is it that Windsor is now so much larger than Sandwich while 
 Sandwich has remained nearly the same in size and population for 
 the past fifty years?" The question is easily answered. History tells 
 
 
 
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 US that in 1846 Windsor only had a population of 300 and that the 
 place did not amount to anything until the Great Western Railway 
 was built in 1853. As the result of Windsor being made the terminus 
 of that road (instead of Sandwich as originally intended), that place 
 
 1-13 
 
immediately attained excellent facilities for manufacture and commerce 
 and did much towards the general prosperity of that locality, resulting in 
 an increase of population and the incorporation of the town in 1858. In 
 1861 the population had increased to 2,500 and in 1866 to 4,500. Three 
 more trunk lines having entered the town within the past twenty-five 
 years which has further assisted it materially and today it is one of the 
 most progressive cities in Western Ontario with over 15,000 of popu- 
 lation. 
 
 While the people of Sandwich and vicinity have been benefitted in 
 various ways by Windsor becoming an important railroad centre it 
 may be easily understood why the beautifully situated historic town 
 of Sandwich has not kept pace with her more fortunate neighbor, the 
 City of Windsor . 
 
 Previous to the years 1851 and 1853 and afterwards until the Great 
 Western Railway was built into Windsor, the fare from Chatham to 
 Sandwich by stage (one way) 53 miles, was twelve shillings and six 
 pence. 
 
 THE OLD GRIST MILL. 
 
 At the conclusion of the article on "Windmills" in another part of 
 this volumn, we omitted to mention : 
 
 There was also a steam grist mill and carder built in the early part 
 of the last century on the corner of Sandwich Street and the Huron 
 Church line near the Taylor Point. It was conducted at various periods 
 by a Mr. Pajot, Messrs. Caldwell & Clark and before its destruction by 
 fire was owned by Cyrus Reaume. The large grinding stones can be 
 seen at the present time on the Murphy estate at Taylor Point, Sand- 
 wich. 
 
 13* 
 
THE CITY OF WINDSOR. 
 
 The City of Windsor is delightfully situated on the left bank of the 
 Detroit River and opposite the American city of that name. In the 
 year 1854 Windsor (which up till that time had formed a part of the 
 Township of Sandwich), was set off as an independent municipality 
 under a village charter. The gentleman who composed the first village 
 council were : Reeve, Samuel Macdonall ; Councillors, Francis Caron, 
 James Cuthbertson, James Dougall and Charles Hunt. John Stewart 
 was the Village Clerk. 
 
 s he who suggested the name when the vil- 
 lage was named Windsor in 1835. Mr. Dou- 
 gall died at Windsor, April 5, 1898, and his- 
 remains are interred in St. John's graveyard. 
 
 JAMES DOUGALL, ESQ., 
 
 Was born in Paisley, Scotland, Sept. 23, 1810, 
 and emigrated to Canada in 1828, Engaged 
 in the mercantile business in Perth and To- 
 ronto, and in 1830 moved to Windsor, where 
 he established a general store, acting as agent 
 for the Hudson Bay Company and for th» 
 Bank of Montreal. For a number of year& 
 he was honored by being elected Mayor of 
 Windsor, and was also a member of the Board 
 of Education. During the Rebellion, of 1837-8 
 he contributed largely toward the support of 
 the troops. Mr. Dougall's name will always 
 be identified with the City of Windsor, as it 
 
 SAMUEL SMITH MacDONELL, ESQ., 
 
 Was District Clerk in 1850 and 1851, and wai 
 Reeve of the Village of Windsor from 1864 to 
 1857, and elected the first Mayor of Windsor 
 ' in 1858, and again in the years 1861, 1866, 
 1866 and 1867; Warden of the County of 
 Essex for the years 1855 and 1866. In 1871 
 he was appointed Crown Attorney and Clerk 
 of the Peace. He died during the month of 
 April, 1907. 
 
 Windsor continued as a village for four years and was incorporated 
 as a town in 1858. The first town council were composed of the fol- 
 lowing gentlemen: Mayor, Samuel Smith Macdonell; Reeve, George 
 Shipley; Councillors, Benjamin Marentette, Mark Richards and John 
 Turk, Sr., Alexander Bartlet was the first Town Clerk. 
 
 A portion of the territory of what is now the City of Windsor was 
 purchased by a gentleman named McDougall, a bachelor, who came 
 from Little York (now Toronto). The property obtained by him 
 along the river bank where the old town hall and central fire hall now 
 
 135 
 
stand and he laid it out as a village plot about the year 1830, and was 
 then called South Detroit. ^ 
 
 During the year 1835 a public meeting was held in Hutton S tavern 
 to choose a more appropriate name. "Windsor" being suggested by 
 James Dougall, was selected from a score or more of others proposed. 
 The proprietor of the tavern, John Hutton, who was an old resident 
 at once signified his own and the public approval by naming his place 
 the "Windsor Castle," by which cognoman it was known for many 
 years after. A few years ago the hotel was removed to make room 
 for a more substantial business block. This building was located on 
 Sandwich Street, Windsor, directly opposite the present Crawford 
 House block. 
 
 The first store was opened out by James Dougall about the year 
 
 1830. 
 
 THE WINDSOR CASTLE. 
 
 Windsor, Ont., where a public meeting was held to choose a name for the village in 1836. The 
 name of Windsor being suggested by Mr. James Dougall, was unanimously adopted. At the same 
 meeting the proprietor, John Hutton, changed the name of his hotel from "Hutton's Tavern" t* 
 the "Windsor Castle." It was built during the 17th century and remodeled in 18S0. The photo 
 ■was taken after the building had been abandoned as a hotel and is published through the kindness 
 of John W. Drake, Ex-Mayor of the City of Windsor. 
 
 In 1846 Windsor contained a population of only 300 and it had in- 
 creased to 2,500 in 1861. It was incorporated as a city in 1893. O. E. 
 Fleming had the honor of being Mayor when the town became a city. 
 Windsor has been steadily increasing in population, wealth and im- 
 portance and at present (1909) has a population of 15,417. It is the 
 market place and shipping center for the great and far-famed fruit-belt 
 of Essex county. 
 
 The three municipalities. Sandwich Town, City of Windsor and Town 
 v)l Walkerville, are practically one commercially and have a joint popu- 
 lation of about 25,000. From the limits of Walkerville to the limits of 
 Sandwich Town is a stretch along the Detroit river of about six 
 miles in distance. There are five trunk lines entering Windsor— the 
 
 136 
 
Michigan Central, Canadian Pacific, Pere Marquette, Grand Trunlt 
 and Wabash Railways. 
 
 ' The -surrounding district is tapped by the Sandwich, Windsor & 
 Ameherstburg Railway connecting Windsor with Amherstburg located 
 at the mouth of the Detroit River; Windsor and Tecumseh Branch of 
 the same line, running between Windsor and Tecumseh ; the Essex 
 Terminal Railway, a freight belt line connecting the railways enter- 
 ing the city and looping Windsor with Walkerville and Sandwich; 
 the Windsor, Essex & Lake Shore Rapid Railway, running between 
 
 THE BEEMAN HOUSE, 
 Windsor, Ont., "Dode" Maisonville, Propr. 
 This building was erected in the year 1855, on the northeast corner of Pitt street and Ouellette 
 avenue, by Mrs. Beeman. The contractor was John Shoreland, and Thomas Gray, carpenter and 
 jointer, of Sandwich, did nearly all the practical work on it while it was being constructed. On 
 April 4, 1887, this building was destroyed by fire and a modern structure erected. It was named 
 the "Manning House" after Thos. Manning, the then owner. It is one of the rirst-class hotels of the 
 City of Windsor at the present time. Ambrose Appleton is the present owner and proprieor. 
 
 Windsor and Leamington, the longest electric railway in Canada. The 
 Detroit, Belle Isle & Windsor Ferry Company maintain a service be- 
 tween Detroit and Windsor that is admittedly the finest in America. 
 
 The hotel accommodations of the city are equal to many of our 
 Canadian cities of twice the size. 
 
 The Collegiate Institute, public and separate .schools of the City of 
 Windsor are of a high grade and the efficiency of their staff of teachers 
 are second to none in the province. 
 
 137 
 
The city is also well supplied with churches — two Anglican, Alii 
 Saints and the Church of the Assension; two Roman Catholic, St. 
 Alphonsus and the Church of the Amaculate Conception; one Presby- 
 terian, St. Andrew's Church ; two Methodist, the Central Methodist and- 
 the West End Methodist Church; two Baptist, the Bruce Ave. Baptist 
 and the First Baptist Church (colored) on McDougall Street. The 
 colored people also have the British Methodist Episcopal and the Tan- 
 ner M. E. Churches. The Jews have recently built a fine new synagoge 
 on Mercer Street. 
 
 Windsor has more miles of sewers, paved streets and silax walks 
 than any other city of its size in Canada and has its municipal light and 
 
 DONALD CAMERON, 
 
 Mayor of Windsor from 1870 to and including 
 tlie year 1874. During Mr. Cameron's admin- 
 istration the "Holly System" of Water Works 
 was established and a complete sewer system 
 was installed in the Town of Windsor. In his 
 task of working out the details of these im- 
 portant improvements Mr. Cameron was very 
 ably assisted by the Town Clerk, Alex. Bart- 
 let, and Stephen Lusted, then editor and pub- 
 lisher of the Essex Record. Previous to the 
 introduction of this much-needed water sys- 
 tem the inhabitants of Windsor received their 
 water supply from the "Town Pump" at the 
 foot of Brock street. Mr. Cameron was the 
 founder of the old and well-known dry goods 
 
 firm and general importers of British goods- 
 which firm has been familiarly known at vari- 
 ous periods as Cameron & Thorburn; Cameron, 
 Thorburn & Gibson; Cameron & Bartlett, and" 
 at the present time is known as the firm of 
 Bartlet, Macdonald & Gowe, Sandwich street, 
 Windsor. 
 
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 ALEXANDER BARTLET 
 
 Windsor's ?rand old man. who retired at 
 the end of 1908. after rounding out half a 
 century of public service. His sterling In- 
 teurity and moral probity have made him 
 one of the principal figures in Windsor's 
 jqistory. 
 
 water plants. The banking facilities are excellent. The Canadian 
 Bank of Commerce, Merchants Bank of Canada, Dominion Bank and 
 the Traders' Bank all have branches here. 
 
 As before stated Alex. Bartlet was appointed town clerk in Feb- 
 ruary, 1858, and served in that capacity until 1878 when he resigned to 
 
 138 
 
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 140 
 
accept the more important office of Police Magistrate for the Town of 
 Windsor and North Riding of Essex. He ^succeeded the late Francis 
 Caron who died March 4, 1878, aged 78 years. 
 
 Charles Scadden was appointed Town Clerk to succeed Mr. Bartlet 
 and held the office during the year 1879. 
 
 Stephen Lusted, the present City Clerk, was appointed in 1880. The 
 work of the clerk's office has increased so rapidly of late years that the 
 
 Mr. Fleming was again honored by being 
 elected Mayor, and has therefore the record 
 of being the last Mayor of the town and the 
 first Mayor of the City of Windsor. 
 
 OSCAR E. FLEMING 
 Was born March 17,. 1862, and educated in 
 the public schools of Windsor. Mr. Fleming 
 has always taken a prominent part in both 
 political and educational affairs. He served in 
 the Windsor school board and three years as 
 Alderman of Windsor. In 1891 he was elect- 
 ed Mayor of the Towh of Windsor and in 
 1892 was re-elected, and during that year the 
 town was incorporated into a city. In 1893 
 
 SOLOMON WHITE, EX-M. P. P., 
 
 Was born in Anderdon and received his ed- 
 ucation in the schools of that township and 
 in the Town of Amherstburg. He studied 
 law and was elevated to the bar in 1878, 
 was elected Mayor of Windsor for the year 
 1890, and was also a member of the Ontario 
 Legislature for fourteen years. He is at 
 present one of the leading and most pros- 
 perous business men of the Town of Cobalt. 
 
 City Council found it necessary to provide Mr. Lusted with an a,s- 
 sistarit. Miss Martha Dickinson was appointed and holds the position 
 at the present time. 
 
 The following gentlemen have filled the office of Reeve arid Mayor 
 from the year 1854 to the present time — 1909 : Reeve, Samuel Smith 
 Macdonell, 1854 to 1857; as Mayor, Samuel Smith Macdonell, 1858; 
 James Dougall, 1859 and 1861; Mark Richards, 1863 and 1863; Samuel 
 
 141 
 
_^^.p^.^..j^^,j^ 
 
 WLu Tui h.L uuiibLLLiLi.c ^L-ais iiLlJ U-- hon- 
 orable position of Mayor of Windsor, was 
 born in 1836 in Prescott, Ont. In 1863 he 
 was apDointed excise officer, and was advanced 
 in 1867 to assistant inspector of distilleries for 
 ■Canada. He was again promoted to Inspector 
 in 1872, and in 1888 to Chief Inspector of 
 the Dominion until 1895 when, at his own 
 request, was placed on the superannuaiea list. 
 
 STEPHEN LUSTED. 
 
 The present City Clerk of the City of Wind- 
 sor, was born in 1834. Re-established the 
 Windsor Record after the great fire in Wind- 
 sor in 1871 and conducted it for ten years, 
 when he sold it in the year 1880 to accept the 
 position of Clerk. After filling the office a 
 short time he was appointed a Justice of the 
 Peace. 
 
 LIEUT.-COL. JOSEPH BEATTIE. 
 Commanding Essex Fusiliers from 1892 to 
 1897. He was also Mayor of the City of 
 Windsor from 1886 to 1888 and again in 1894. 
 He died June 17, 1906, in his 76th year, and 
 was buried with full military honors in St. 
 John's graveyard. 
 
 DRAKE 
 
 Was Mayor of the City of Windsor for the 
 years 1903 and 1904, and is at present one 
 of Windsor's enterprising business men. 
 
 142 
 
CAPT. J. F. SMYTH. 
 
 "Water Commissioner for the City of Windsor. 
 In 1901 he was elected Alderman, and in 
 1908 he became Mayor of the City of Wind- 
 sor, and in March, 1898, he was appointed 
 paymaster of the 81st Fusiliers, with the hon- 
 ■orary rank of Captain. 
 
 SAMUEL K. PECK 
 
 Water Commissioner for the City of Windsor. 
 He is also a member of the License Board for 
 Windsor, Walkerville and Sandwich. 
 
 JOSEPH HALL 
 
 Superintendent of the City 
 Water Works. 
 
 GEO. K. PROVVSE 
 One of the City Auditors. 
 
 143 
 
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 144 
 
Smith Macdonell, 1864 to 186?'; James Dougall, 1868 to 1869; Donald 
 Cameron, 1870 to 1874; William Scott, 1875; Robert L. McGregor, 1876; 
 Charles R. Home, 1877 to 1879; John Coventry, M.. D., 1880 to 1882; 
 Francis Cleary, 1883 to 1885 ; Joseph H. Beattie, 1886 to 1883 ; Michael 
 Twomey, 1889 ; Solomon White, 1890 ; Oscar E.. Fleming, 1891 to 1893 ; 
 Joseph H. Beattie, 1894; Daniel W. Mason, 1895 and 1896; John Davis, 
 1897 to 1901; James F. Smyth, 1903; J. W. Drake, 1903 and 1904; Ernest 
 S. Wigle, 1905 to the present — 1909. 
 
 
 
 
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ALFRED WIGLE. 
 
 The present postmaster of the City of 
 Windsor. JMr. Wigle has been in acfive ser- 
 vice for over 25 years. 
 
 ADOLPH RUTHMN. 
 Assistant postmaster of the City of Windsor 
 and leader of the famous band of the 21st 
 Regiment, Essex Fusiliers. 
 
 THE AMHERSTBURG STAGE. 
 
 Ready to start from the Windsor Postoffice with mail for Sandwich and Amherstburg and 
 intermediate points. Wm. Fox, the veteran stage driver, stands at the rear of his horse, near 
 the seat. This mode of carrying the mails was discontinued June 3, 1907, The Sandvflch, 
 Windsor & Amherstburg Railway now carries the -mail between these points. 
 
 146 
 
of Denmark on JIa''-h 10, 1863, Ascended 
 the throne January 22, 1£»01. 
 
 HIS MAJESTY, KING EDWARD, VII. 
 
 Born November 9, 1841. Visited Windsor, 
 ■Ont, September 27. 1860. Married to Prin- 
 ■^ess Alexandria Caroline Mary Charlotte 
 JLouise Julia, the eldest daughter . of the King 
 
 EARL GRAY. 
 The Governor-General of the Dominion of 
 Canada. He visited Windsor, Walkerville and 
 Sandwich August 24, 1908. 
 
 The Regimental Band of the 21at Regiment, Essex Fusiliers. 
 147 
 
W. H. ALLEN 
 
 A former member for South Essex in the 
 Dominion Paillamcnt. In January, 1902, he 
 was appointed Inspector of Dominion Customs. 
 
 DR. JAMES A. SMITH. 
 
 The present Collector o£ Customs of the City 
 of Windsor. 
 
 FREDERICK J. HOLTON 
 City Auditor. 
 
 TAMES R. THOMSON. 
 
 The present treasurer of the City of Wind- 
 sor. 
 
 148 
 
MAJOR ERNEST S. WIGLE, 
 The present Mayor of Windsor, has held the 
 office sirce 1905. He was born March 5, 
 1859, ard at the age of seventeen he entered 
 the Collegiate Institute at Gait, and was 
 ■called to the bar- in 1887. He was for many 
 years Captain of No. 1 Co., Essex Fusiliares, 
 and during the present year was promoted to 
 the rank of Major. 
 
 JOHN COVENTRY, M. D. 
 
 Mayor of Windsor for the years 1880, 1881 
 and 1883. He was Medical Health Officer, 
 had been a member of the Windsor Board of 
 Education for eight years, and was at one 
 time president of S. W. & A. Ry. It was 
 during the doctor's administration that the 
 debenture debt of Windsor was consolidated 
 and the town's affairs placed in an excellent 
 financial condition. He died February 23, 
 1903. 
 
 J. A. ASHBAUGH, M. D. 
 3Icdical Health Officer of the City of Windsor. 
 
 RICHARD CARNEY, M. D. 
 
 City Physigiun of Windsor and a long and es- 
 teemed resident of that city. 
 
 149 
 
LIEUT.- COL. FREDERICK H. LAING. 
 
 At present commanding the 31st Regiment/ 
 Essex Fusiliers. He received his commission 
 July 18, 1908. He enlisted in No. 1 Com- 
 pany in 1873 and in 1882 was appointed En- 
 sign. On the retirement of Capt. Cheyne in 
 1898, Ensign Laing was appointed Captain; 
 in 1901 he was gazetted Junior Major. Col. 
 Laing has been awarded a long service medal. 
 
 LIEUT. COL. NOBLE A. BARTLETT. 
 
 Commanding the Elst Regiment, Essexi 
 Fusiliers, from July 18, 1903, to July 18» 
 1908, and on his retirement he was suc- 
 ceeded by Major Frederick li. Laing. Col. 
 Bartlett is at present an alderman of the 
 City of Windsor. 
 
 J. 8. LABELLE, M. D. 
 
 Aldei-man of the City of Windsor and a Cor- 
 oner for the Coiinty of Essex. 
 
 R. S. FOSTER 
 
 W^io was a member, of the vvindsor Council for 
 three year-^ and candidate for the mayor- 
 alty election of 1909. 
 
 150 
 

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 1 
 
 G. J. LEGGATT, 
 
 the present Police Magistrate for the City of 
 Windsor. 
 
 ELIAS A. WILLS, 
 
 The present Chief of Police of the City of 
 Windsor. 
 
 JAMES BANWELL, 
 Alderman of the City of Windsor and chair- 
 man of the Fire Committee. He is a descend- 
 ant of a pioneer family of Essex County. 
 
 HAMILTON TRUMBLE, 
 Alderman of the City of Windsor and chair- 
 man of the Light Committee. 
 
 151 
 
pany disbanded he joined No. 1 Independent 
 Infantry Company, of Windsor. He was re- 
 cently the recipient of a land grant and 
 medal for his services. 
 
 ARCH. McNEE. 
 Alderman of the City of Windsor and for- 
 mer editor of The Record. He has been presi- 
 dent of the Canadian Press Association, the 
 Windsor Board of Trade and the Horticultural 
 Society. 
 
 J. H. SHEPHERD, 
 Alderman of the CiiV of Windsor for several 
 years. 
 
 ALEXANDER BLACK. 
 The present assessment commissioner of the 
 City of Windsor. He is also secretary-treas- 
 urer of the board of education. Mr. Black 
 was a member of the Windsor Garrison 
 Artillery during the Fenian troubles, joining 
 in 1864. In 1869, when the artillery com- 
 
 ROBERT BARR, 
 the Bard of St. Andrew's Society of the City 
 of Windsor, He is 8S years old. 
 
 152 
 
DR. W. S. CODY 
 
 FREDERICK P. GAVIN. 
 legTate YnVtitL^"""'"'' °' ">^ Windsor Col- 
 
 EUCLID JACQUES, 
 Alderman of the City of ' Windsor. 
 
 163 
 
 NELSON J. CLINTON, 
 
 Alderman for th- City of Windsor. He 'is 
 
 fi'^tht u^""^", °^' ,^%'^ '^•'^ => deep interest 
 in, the HortrcultiM-al Sor ety and the Farmer.^ 
 Institute of North Essex. ' " " "^ i'armers' 
 
GASPARD PACAUD, 
 
 License Inspector for the City of Windsor 
 and the Towns of Walkerville and Sandwich. 
 
 GEORGE E. WHITE, 
 
 a prominent business man of Windsor and a 
 member of the License Commission for Wind- 
 sor, Wallcerville and Sandwich. 
 
 PAUL MORAND, 
 
 License Inspector for North Essex. Mr. Mor- 
 and's jurisdiction embraces all the townships 
 in the North Riding. 
 
 Alderma- of the City of Windsor and former 
 License Commissioner. 
 
 154 
 
JOHN CURRY. 
 
 Wlio has been prominent in financial and 
 real est,ate circles in Windsor, taking rank 
 as a public-spirited citizen and enjoying con- 
 spicuous success in his business career. He 
 was born in Windsor in 1854, the same year 
 that it was incorporated as a village. " 
 
 P. M. KEOGH, 
 former Alderman of Windsor and member 
 of the staff of the Inland ■ Revenue Depart- 
 ment. 
 
 THOMAS BROOKE 
 Alderman of the City of Windsor. 
 
 GEO. M. BLACK. 
 A former Windsorite who has achieved con- 
 spicuous success in commercial and banking 
 circles of Detroit. He was formerly private 
 secretary for the late Senator McMillan, 
 senior senator for Micliigan, and is closely- 
 allied with the McMillan interests at present. 
 
 155 
 
THOMAS J. LANMlk 
 Alderman ot the City of Windsor. 
 
 ROBERT TIMMS, 
 
 former member of the Windsor Council and 
 one of the old residents of Windsor. 
 
 THE EARL OF ABELIDEEN. 
 Governor General of the Dominion of Can- 
 ada, who visited Windsor. Waikerviile and 
 Sandwich, Friday, Sept. U. 1896. 
 
 .JOHN MOORE. 
 Ex-Councillor of the Town of S:indwlch. 
 
 156. 
 
LIEUT.-COL. JAMES C. GUILLOT, 
 Commanding 21st Regiment, Esecx Fusiliers, from July 17, 1897, to July 18, 1902, was born in 
 Sandwich October 26, 1845, and educated there. He joined the 3d Infantry Company of his 
 native town in 1862. In 1864 he attended the military school at iiamilton. During the Fenian 
 Raids he waX in active service with his company at Sandwich and later became sergeant-major 
 of the Windsor Garrison Artillery under Capt. Worthington. Upon the ' organization of the old 
 33d Essex Battalion under the late Col. Rankin he was appointed adjutant. On July 17, 1897, 
 he was appointed to the command of the regiment. Col. Guillot earned the reputation of being 
 one of the most enthusiastic ard capable officers in the Canadian militia. He was Treasurer of 
 the City of Windsor for several years, which office he held until the time of his death, January 
 28, 1905. He was buried with military and Masonic honors in St. John's graveyard, Sandwich. 
 
 REV. L. S. HUGHSON. 
 Pastor of the V.^y-c^ Avenue Baptist Church, 
 Windsor, Ont, 
 
 RICHARD BANGHAM. 
 Manager of Ontario Asphalt BloclJ Co. 
 
 157 
 
MGR. J. K. E. MEUNIER, 
 
 Pastor in charge of St. Alplionsus Church, 
 -corner Park and Goyeau, Windsor, Ont. 
 
 REV. I). J. DOWNEY. 
 
 In charge of the Church of the Immaculate 
 Conception. This new parish in Windsor East 
 was inaugurated December 11, 1904. It was 
 formed from the parishes of St. Alphonsus, 
 Windsor, and Our Lady of the Lake, Walker- 
 ville. The corner-stone of this new church 
 was laid July Z, 1904; dedicated December 11 y 
 1904, by the Right Rev. Bishop McEvay and 
 Monsignor Sbarretti, the Apostolic Delegate to 
 Canada. The approximate cost of the church 
 was $42,500. In 1907, a new presbytery was 
 built, costing about $8,000. 
 
 ^***^if 
 
 REV. E. A. P. CHADWICK. 
 
 Rural Dean of Essex "and present Rector 
 of All Saints' Church, ^^'indsor Ave., Wind- 
 sor. Ele was appointed in 1903. This parish 
 was originally a part of St. John's, Sandwich, 
 
 REV. CANON J. P. HINCKS. 
 
 For seventeen years the Rector of All 
 Saints' Church (Anglican), 
 
 158 
 
REV. W. H. SNELGROVE, B. A. 
 Rector of the Church of the Ascension (Anglican), London Street West, Windsor. 
 This new parish was constituted a separate one from All Saints in 1905 and Rev. W. H. 
 :Snelgrove was appointed the tirst rector. Both All Saints and the Ascension are outgrowths of 
 -the mother church, St. John's, Sandwich. The Church of the Ascension is a handsome new brick 
 building, completed in 1908, at a cost of upwards of $30,000. The corner-stone was laid August 
 8, '1907, by the Most Worshipful, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of 
 Canada, A. T. Freed. The church was dedicated for divine worship by the Right Rev David 
 Williams, D. D., bishop -of the diocese of, Huron, on May 31, 1908 The church is situated in 
 .a tapidly growing portion of the city and its usefulness is fast extending 
 
 REV. JAMES C. TOLMIE. 
 , Pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 
 '^^'i^dsor, and chaplain of the' 21st regiment, 
 £:ssex Fusiliers. 
 
 REV. JOHN GRAY 
 Former Pastor Presbyterian Church Wlndsbr 
 
 IHQ 
 
HOLLINRAKE. 
 
 The present pastor of the Central Methodist 
 Church, Ouellette avenue, Windsor, Ont. 
 
 FITZ BRIDGES, 
 
 Alderman of the City of Windsor. When a 
 resident of Sandwich some years since he was 
 a member of the ^ Town Council of that mimici- 
 pality. 
 
 REV. THOMAS MANNING. 
 
 The former pastor of the Central Methodist 
 Church, Windsor. 
 
 ERNEST GIRARDOT, SR., 
 
 is a native of Sandwich, and a son of the 
 late Thodule Girardot, Inspector of Schools 
 for North Essex. . He was for many years 
 principal teacher of No. 2 Public School, 
 Sandwich, and also served in the Town 
 council for several years and also elected as 
 mayor of Sandwich for eleven years. He is 
 now the Commissioner of the exhibition 
 branch of the Department of Agriculture. 
 
 160 
 
THE FIRST FERRY BOATS. 
 
 Previous to the year 1825 the canoe was popular as a ferry for con- 
 veying passengers to and fro over the Detroit River and in 1835 Santi- 
 
 THE STEAMER .GEM. 
 Which ran between Windsor and Detroit, and was the first steam ferry that plyed between 
 Sandwich, C. W., and Springwells, Mich., in 1865, James R. Inres was tlien the master. This 
 photo was taken when the "Gem" was lying at the foor of Brock Street, Windsor, and also shows 
 plainly the only waterworks the town ofWindsor then possessed — "The old town pump." 
 
 From this pump the citizens of Windsor were supplied through the water carriers at one shilling 
 per barrel. At the present day Windsor has one of the finest equipped and best waterworks systems 
 in America with Joseph Hall as the chief engineer. 
 
 THE FERRY ARGO 
 (James Forbes, faster). 
 
 more's horseboat was put into service. In 1830 and after the steamers 
 Argo, "Gem," "Essex," "Detroit," "Gen. Grant" and others followed 
 
 161 
 
THE FERRY ESSEX, 
 
 Sliadrach and Henry Jenking owners. Among the gentlemen represented in this picture are: 
 Capt. Henry Jenking, Capt. George Jenking, Capt. Weston and Michael Manning. The two gentle- 
 nen sitting in the buggy on the main deck are the late Hiram Walker, the founder of the Town of 
 Walkerville, and his son, E. C. Walker. * 
 
 CAPT. JAMES INNES 
 Is well known in marine circles around Detroit and Windsor vicinity, is of Scotch 
 ancestry and was born in Chatham, May 1,1844. He was master of the first steam 
 ferry engaged to establish a ferry betweenSandwich, Ont., and Snringwells, Mich., and 
 ^ has served in various capacities on differentsteamers and sailing vessels for nearly 60 
 years. In 1888 he was made superintendentby the Michigan Central Railroad, of thifi"'' 
 Windsor ferries and there are few men inthis locality so popular or valued at ,tt*/ 
 present tine. c<^'- 
 
 162 
 
/ 
 
 and did service as ferries between Windsor and Detroit. For a shor 
 time after the year 1830 we had ; the canoe sailboat, horseboat and 
 f:teamer all at work. The favorite ferry landing in those days was 
 where the present C. P. R. station is now built in Windsor and later 
 -when the steamers came into general use it was for a long time at the 
 foot of Brock Street, Windsor. The pictures which follow are of 
 "boats which are still familiar to and have been considered "familiar 
 friends" of many of our present citizens on both sides of the river on 
 this frontier. 
 
 4, 1838. He was then living in the immediate 
 vicinity of where the battle took place and 
 witnessed the fight from a window In his 
 home. He died Sept. 14, 1909. 
 
 CAPT. JOHN D. SUlLIVAN 
 
 Was born August 14, 1835, at Cape Vincent, 
 N. Y. In September, 1837, he came to Wind- 
 sor and for many years made his home there. 
 He had a wide experience in marine affhirs 
 and was in command of the steamer "Lands- 
 downe" of the G. T. Ry., and was latterly 
 superintendent of the car ferries. He recently 
 retired, and is at oresent living in London, 
 Ont. He is, as far as known, the only man 
 Tivirjr today who was an eye-witness of the 
 Battle of Windsor, which occurred December 
 
 WM. T. WILKINSON 
 
 represented Amherstburg as Deputy ReeVe, 
 Reeve and as County Councillor for No. 1 
 District in the Essex County Council for 
 twelvfc years and was Warden of the County 
 in 1903. 
 
 163 
 
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ASSUMPTION, SANDWICH. 
 
 (By Rev. J. J. M. Aboulin.) 
 
 A paper under the above heading was read by Francis Cleary, Presi- 
 dent of the Essex County Historical Society, at a meeting in the audi- 
 torium of the PubHc Library in the City of Windsor, on the evening 
 of the 24th November, 1905. 
 
 Before reading the paper Mr. Cleary stated that the credit for it 
 was due to Rev. J. J. M. Aboulin, for many years acting parish priest 
 
 THE OLD MISSION HOUSE. 
 
 Built in 1747; now 163 years old. Part of the building is standing at the present time. From 
 an old photo by A. Phil E. Panet, Windsor. 
 
 of the church of the Assumption and now at St. Basil's Novitiate, Deer 
 Park, Toronto, and that the same had come into his hands quite recently 
 through the kindness of the present parish priest. Rev. Fr. Semande. 
 
 Mr. Cleary made some introductory remarks before and during the 
 reading of the paper regarding the subject matter, among others, stat- 
 ing it was evident from a close perusal of its contents that Rev. Mr. 
 Aboulin had commenced his interesting history over twenty years 
 ago and had written portions from time to time and finished it at 
 
 164 
 
Toronto some years after his removal there in 1893. In one paragraph 
 he refers to Joseph White, chief of the Wyandottes, as if Hving, while 
 the chief died at Windsor early in 1885. 
 
 Again, the Indian reserve in Anderdon township ceased to exist as 
 a reserve over twenty years ago. 
 
 ASSUMPTION CHURCH. 
 (Founded 1788.) 
 
 The present building was erected in 1843, and opened for divine service in the beginning 
 ■of January, 1846. 
 
 The history of this parish is certainly unique, dating back, as we 
 iind, to 1767, and being in its earliest days under the jurisdiction of 
 the bishop of Quebec. Cadillac built his fort on the present site of 
 
 165 
 
Detroit in 1701, so that the parish of St. Anne, frequently mentioned^ 
 came into existence shortly after and had a long start of Assumption 
 parish. 
 
 Until the year 1803 the parish was called the Assomption of Point de- 
 Montreal, or L'Assomption du Detroit. 
 
 On September 1, 1907, Father Seamndre was appointed Treasurer 
 of Assumption College, when Father A. J. Cote, late of St. Anne's- 
 Church, Detroit, became the parish priest. Father Peter Challander, 
 who has been assistant to Father Semandre for the past eight years,. 
 
 INTERIOR VIEW OF ASSUMPTION CHURCH, 
 
 Showing the elegantly carved pulpit with winding stairs, whichh was placed in the church i» 
 1792 by the Rev. Father Du Faux. It is a superb piece of wood carving by the French sculptor, 
 Mr. Ferot. 
 
 will continue to assist Father Cote in the work of the church and 
 parish. 
 
 The present church is the third church erected on the historic spot. Fr. Hubert built the- 
 second one, a log church, in 1782, and the present church was commenced during the pastorate 
 of the Rev. Angus McDonell in or about 1843 and finished a few years afterward. Fr. Aboulia 
 refers to the land now owned by the church. This is, or rather, was, lo tNo. 63, in First Seconct 
 and Third concession of the Township of Sardwich, containing 350 acres, and 'the patent subse- 
 
 2uently issued from the Crown in 1830 to Right Rev. Alexander McDonell, Rev. William John 
 ('Grady, of the Towrfhip of York, vicar-general; Hon. James Baby, also of the Township of Yorlc^ 
 Francois Baby, Jean Baptiste Baby and Chrystome Pajot, of the Town of Sandwich County of 
 Essex. 
 
It is stated that Bishop Pinsonneault, the first bishop of the new diocese of London, no doube 
 believing that he would find things more congenial at Sandwich among his own countrymen, had 
 the episcopal see removed to the latter place in 1869. He is described by many of the old rtiidents 
 as a particularly handsome man, nearly sixfeet tall. /Coming froi» Montreal,, he was no doubt 
 accustomed ' to considerable pomp and ceremony. He is charged, with being, thev cause of the 
 removal of the Jesuit fathers, who had so long administered the affairs of the parish endeared them- 
 selves to the parishioners. The bishop, commenced to make improvements. He found the cemetery 
 partly in front of the church on the southwest side. This, he caused to be removed quite a distance 
 behind the church on the Huron line. This, as may be imagined, was not viewed with much favor 
 by many who had relatives interred in the old cemetery, as the bodies had to be removed to the 
 new one. 
 
 The building of the bishop's palace, which it is said cost about $30,000, was considered a piece 
 of extravagance .on his part, and in yearsafter was referred to by many as "Pinsonneault's Folly." 
 He had a boat built for his use on the river, which it is said cost $1,,500, and was never a fuccess. 
 
 The old residents speak also of a frame windmill with stone foundation, and the miller's resi- 
 dence, which were built during Rev. Fr. Crevier's time on the chufch property between the King's 
 highway and the river front. 
 
 THE BISHOP'S PALACE, 
 
 When the Diocese of Toronto was divided in 1856, Bishop Pinsonneault obtained the removal 
 of the Episcopal See from London to Sandwich. After his arrival in' Sandwich in 1859 he built 
 an Episcopal Pslace. On October 3, 1869, the Episcopal See of the diocese was removed to 
 London. The palace ^fas removed about the year 1896, and a handsome brick parish priest's 
 residence built in its place. From a photo by A. Phil Panet, Windsor. 
 
 The presbytery referred to as being still extant is no doubt the frame structure which stood 
 originally on the site of the present Girardot Wine Co.'s building, and was removed a little to the 
 southwest of it, where it now stands. 
 
 Of Rev. Denis O'Connor, spoken of so fittingly in co/inection with the parish and college, it is 
 hardly necessary to speak further. He was well and favorably known throughout the county. He 
 was consecrated bishop of London in October, 1890, and archbishop of Toronto in April, 1S99. 
 On both occasions he received the congratulations of bis many friends, bofh Catholicand Protestant. 
 
 Extracts are also given from two other papers read by Mr. Cleary, photographic copies having 
 come into his possession in 1897. These are. the deed of gift from the Wyandotte nation to James 
 Rankin, dated June 20, 1775, and the will of the said James Rankin, dated April 19, 1794. 
 
 This parish is situated on the left bank" of the Detroit river, in the extreme western section of 
 the county of Essex. It has formed part , successively of the diocese of Quebec, Kingstoa and 
 Toronto, and is now one of the most Koiirishing parishes of the diocese of London. For a time. 
 Sandwich was the See of the last-named diocese. Jiy the second quarter of the 17th century, Fome 
 French colonists came over from Detroit to settle- in that place, to which they gave the rane of 
 La Pointe-de-Montreal. Until its division in 1803 the parish was called the Assumption cf La 
 Fointe-de- Montreal, or L' Assumption du Detroit. 
 
 167 
 
Its origin IS connected with a mission of Hurons or Wyandottes, which was founded in 1728 
 by Father Armand de la Richardie, a Jesuit. Where was the first seat of that mission' In Detroit 
 or at Point of Montreal? Although certain men well versed in the history of the cuuntry pretend 
 that It was in the latter place, all documentary evidence is in favor of Detroit, as we will show 
 presently. 
 
 In 1721 Father Charlevoix visited Detroit, which he reached by way of Lake Erie He says 
 in his Journal: "Before arriving at the fort, which is at the left hand, one league below the island 
 
 of Ste. Claire (so he calle Belle Isle) there are to be found on the same side two villages the 
 
 first IS inhabited by the Hurons Tionnontatex. On the right, a little farther up, there is a third 
 one of Outaouais." A map published in 1874 to accompany his journal, shows the villages in the 
 same places. In 1727 the Hurons of Detroit asked for a missionary. In a letter of Father Nau 
 to Father Bonin, Oct. 18th, 1735, we read the following passage, which, while it bears witness to 
 the zeal and success of the missionary, informs us with precision of the locality where he labored: 
 "I said there were no other Christian Hurons than those of Lorette — seven years ago effectually 
 there were no others — but Father de la Richardie found the means of bringing together in Detriot 
 all those scattered Hurons, all of whom he has converted. The mission numbers six hundred 
 Christians. 
 
 Another valuable document is a letter in Latin, of Father de la Richardie himself, addressed 
 to his general. In it the father says that the sacred edifice is hardly large enough for the multitude 
 
 REV. FATHER POINT 
 
 Parish priest of Assumption from 1843 to 
 1859. He spent the remainder of his life, 
 about 25 years, in Montreal, and died Sep- 
 tember, 1896, in the 95th year of his age. 
 
 RT. REV. P. A. 
 
 PINSONEAULT, D. D. 
 
 consecrated ■ May 
 
 First Bishop of London, 
 
 13, 1856. Died at Montreal, January SO, 
 
 of the Christians (meaning the savages), although it is seventy cubits long. Seventy cubits make 
 105 feet. The letter is dated June 23, 1741. Whoever pretended that there was at that date a 
 church, of that size at Point of Montreal? Indeed, there are no proofs that there was a church 
 then and there. 
 
 Lastly, there is on record an agreement entered into in 1733, between Father de la Richardie 
 and a certain Jean Cecile, a 'gunsmith, by which the latter was to do all the work in iron necessary 
 for the church and the mission described as being situated in Detroit. Surely the town of Detroit 
 and the neighborhood offered more advantages to . a. gunsmith than the embryo settlement of Point 
 of Montreal. But let us resume our little narrative. 
 
 In 1742 the Huron village was removed to Bois Blanc Island, opposite the present .town of 
 Amfierstburg, and in September, 1744, an assistant came to Father de la Richardie in, the person of 
 Father Pierre Potier. This help was indeed opportune, for in the spring of 1746 Father de la 
 Richardie was attacked with paralysis and in consequence he had to retire to Montreal in July o^ 
 the same year. 
 
 He had scarcely left when, great troubles arose,, wiiich threatened both the.., mission and the 
 colony with complete ruin. At the instigation of- the English, the Hurons, who had till then lived 
 in friendship with the French, rose in revolt against them. Chief Nicholas was at the head of 
 the malcontent savages, who committed many outrages. On the 20th of May, 1747, they killed 
 
 169 
 
five Frenchmen at Sandoske, or Sandusky, and contemplated nothing less '^an a massacre of ^ 
 the French soldiers and colonists of Detroit. An Indian woman having ' ""^'""^'^'Z .."J'^"^" Thil 
 secret purposes of the rebels, revealed it to the Sieur of Longeuil, commander of the post. ini» 
 revelation proved the salvation of the colony. Father Potier however m .°/d" to save h.s lite^ 
 was obliged to leave the village of Bois Blanc and to seek shelter in D'tr°it. Longeuil was alter 
 . time enabled to send to Quebec a deputation from different tribes under ^^ B-i'dan ce of the 
 Sieur de Bellestre, to confer with the governor, de la Gal>|=0">"=- ^ Great must have been the 
 influence of Fafhe; de la Eichardie ovr the Hurons, for we find the depuation pleading earnestly 
 for his return, on the ground that he alone was able to pacify the ^=''="!°"%tribes The venerable 
 missionary, nitwithstanding his infirmities, left by order of his superior t? follow BellesUe t» 
 Detroit, where the party arrii^ed on Oct. 20, 1747. The governor, '" .^is instructions to M^ de 
 Longeuil, urged on him to procure as speedily as possible the re-establishment of Father de» 
 Eichardie's mission; but, for greater safety, it was fixed at Point of Montreal, as was also the 
 
 ^""Fatler'de la Eichardie remained at Point of Mcntreal until Sept. 7 1750. He then followed 
 a detachment of Hurons who had left the place and wertt as far as the Vermillion River On 
 July 21, 1751, he signed a contract with Nicholas Francois Jams, a mason in Detroit, bhortly alter 
 he left for Quebec, where he was a witness of the first vows of a scholastic^ and neevr relurned 
 to Detroit. However, Mr. John Gilmary Shea says that in 1757 he led a party of Hurons to San- 
 dusky, and closed his honored and laborious career among the Illinois m 17S8. 
 
 At Point of Montreal the Hurons made him a gift of a parcel, of land forty arpeiits in le^i?th» 
 and of considerable width, but without any written title. Nineteen years later, 1767, Father Pctier 
 
 REV. FATHER BEUYERE. 
 Vicar-General to Bishop Pinsonnault and to 
 Bishop Wilsh. 
 
 REV. FATHER FAURE 
 Parish priest from 1870 to 1886. 
 
 was forced to sell the greater part of this land to meet the debts of the mission. This he did on 
 the authorization of, Father de Glapion, superior at Quebec, In 1780 he sold the remainder, retain- 
 ing only two small lots, which stretched from the river to the coulee. On the front lot were the 
 house and garden of the missionary, as well as the church and cemetery of the mission ; on the 
 rear lot were the house and garden of the sexton. The land now owned by the church was donated 
 by the Indian chiefs to Father Hubert, successor to Father Potier. 
 
 This 'fat we have spoken of the Huron' village. Let us now- speak of the French parish. The 
 French settlers of the Point of Montreal continued after the removal of the Huron village to 
 belong to St. Anne's in Detroit. Nevertheless, they were allowed to attend the Huron chapel, 
 and to receive the sacraments in it. In proof of this there is a list kept year by year by the mis- 
 sionary of the French, who performed their Easter duty there. In 1760 they appear to have been 
 put in charge of the missionary. But in 1767 the mission, including both French and Indians, was 
 erected into a parish, under the name as we have said before, of L'Assomption de la Pointe de 
 Montreal, or L'Assomption du Detroit. Father Potier remained in charge of it until his death, 
 which occurred on. July 16, 1781. This sad event was the result of a fall by which his skull was 
 broken. He was '7B years of age, of which time he had spent 37 years in the service of the 
 mission. He had won among his people the reputation of a saint, and so great was his influence 
 over the Hurons that he prevented them from joining ranks with the other Indian tribes in the 
 rebellion of the famous Chief Portiac in 1763. 
 
 Some days after the death of Father Potier, the church wardens deputized two of their mem- 
 bers to wait on the Bishop of Quebec and ask for the appointment of a successor to their deceased 
 pastor. The bishop accordingly sent Rev. M. Jean Francois Hubert, who had at first the care 
 
 170 
 
cf tlie two parishes, that of St. Anne's having just become vacant. The next year he devoted 
 himself to the task of building a new church. Of this good work he was himself the principal 
 benefactor, contributing of his own means the princely sum of six hundred pounds. This church 
 subsisted until the present one. It was built en pieces sur pieces, according to the style of building 
 then used. It was situated to the south of the old church, on the land given to Father Hubert 
 At the right of the new church was built the presbytery, which is still extant. It was occuiped for 
 a few years by the ladies of the Sacred Heart, and is now the ordinary residence of the sexton 
 To this room was attached a large room wherein the parishioners gathered to warm them=;clves 
 in the cold season before the beginning of the divine offices. At the left was erected a short time 
 after, the chapel of the dead, at the very entrance of the new cemetery. Herein was laid the 
 bodies of the dead brought from a distance, a great relief to the sexton, in whose house thev had 
 till then been kept. 
 
 ..^ ^^^- ^\- Hubert, however, was at Point of Montreal. He had been named coadjutor of Mgr 
 d Esghs, Bishop of Quebec, and succeeded that prelate in 1788. He died in 1797. After his 
 departure the parish of the Assumption was for a year under the care of Rev. M Frechette parish 
 priest of St. Anne's. He was succeeded by Rev, F. M. X. Dufaux, who was pastor for ten years 
 The present church is yet in possession of a handsome pulpit, the work of a French sculptor named 
 Frerot. It was erected in 1792. Nothing more need be said of the administration by Father 
 Dufaux, except that on Sept. 9, 1787, he entered into an arrangement with the Huron chiefs where- 
 by a portion of the church was to be set aside exclusively for the Indians. This was but a just 
 acknowledgement of their genrous contributions towards its erection. 
 
 REV. FATHER BAYARD 
 Secretary of the Diocese when the Episcopal 
 See was in Sandwich in 1866, and afterwards 
 was parish priest of Assomption Church until 
 16«5. 
 
 REV. FATHER GERARD 
 Parish priest from 1861 to 1864. 
 
 Where are now the six hundred Hurons, Catholics of Father de la Richardie? The nation 
 has been dismembered. Some have moved to distant places, some will occupy for some time the 
 reserve of Anderdon, 14 miles below Sandwich, along the river. Deprived of special attendance, 
 since there are no more Jesuits, little by little they fall away. For many years they will yet con- 
 gregate at Sandwich to celebrate with great pomp the feast of the Assumption and hold their leg- 
 endary picnic on the church grounds. But in less than a century scarcely any remnant of the 
 Huron race will be found in Canada or elsewhere, and good old Chief White will end his days 
 saying with sorrow, "Am I the last ?" 
 
 The name of Father Dufaux is signed for the la<'t time in the records on Sept. 8, and next his 
 burial is recorded over the signature of Father Levadoux. a Sulpician, parish priest of St. Anne's, 
 This fact leads to the conclusion thathis death was unexpected and perhaps sudden. Rev. Edmund 
 Burke, vicar-general, who resided at the Riviere apx Raisins, now Monroe, attended the mission 
 until the following Christmas. On that auspicious festival the faithful of the Assumption had the 
 joy of welcoming to their midst a zealous and distinguished priest, who for over 28 years was 
 to exercise the holy ministry among them. This was the Rev. Jean Baptiste Marchand, priest of St. 
 Sulpice and director of the college of Montreal. 
 
 The year 1801 was rendered memorable by the visit of Mgr. Denaut, bishop of Quebec, who 
 confirmed in the Church of the Assumption no fewer than five hundred persons. The largeness 
 of this number is not surprising when we consider that this was the first episcopal visitation since 
 that of Mgr. de Pontriband in 1755. Besides, the population was increasing. When in 1773, 
 according to a census found in the Dominion archives, when it hardly reached 350, another census 
 
 171 
 
taken in 1790 gives 861. What it was at the opening of the present century no document enables 
 us to tell. The parish of the Assumption was the only one in a territory now forming several 
 dioceses. The settlers were scattered all along the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and a few on 
 the River Trenche, called since, by the English, the Thames. In 1803 two new stations were estab- 
 lished, one at St. Pierre on the Thames, andthe other at Maiden or Amherstburg. The mother 
 church, the Assumption of Sandwich, as we will hereafter call it, was the place of residence of the 
 pastor, who for many years had to attend either in person or through his curate, whenever he 
 could obtain one, the two new stations. However, St. Pierre was visited but twice in the year. 
 
 REV. FATHER COTE 
 The present parish priest of Assomption Church. He was born in Anderdon, received 
 his education at Assomption College, and wajiordained June 16, 1881,.. by the late Bishop 
 Walsh. 
 
 THE PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE. 
 
 The first curate given to Father Marchand was Father Gatien, of Quebec. He came to Sandwich 
 jn 1801 and remained five years. Father Joseph Crevier arrived in 1816, a few months after the 
 visit of Mgr. Plessis. 
 
 Here we may be allowed to relate a painful incident of Father Marchand's pastorate. The facts 
 are. nearly a century old and we shall suppress the names. Besides, the property has passed into 
 
 172 
 
other hands. It has been said above that when Father Potier sold the remnant of the mission land 
 he reserved two lots on which were the church, priest's garden and house. By an oversight the 
 reservation was not mentioned in the deed; however, the buyer signed a renunciation to those lots» 
 which is to be seen in the registers of the city of Detroit. Father Marchand had been a few years 
 in Sandwich when the purchaser of the land, . a man whose . administration as church warden had 
 provoked serious complaints, fenced the lots with the rest of his property. Father Marchand and 
 the church wardens sued him, and the case was pleaded in Toronto. But none of them likely knew 
 of the renunciation, as about 25 years had elapsed since the sale of the land; anyhow, the renuncia- 
 tion was not opposed to the usurper, so that being with a legal title, he won his suit and was con- 
 
 H ■ 
 
 tj 3 o 
 as a oi 
 
 hi 
 
 m 
 
 c5.Sg 
 
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 ai 
 
 in 
 
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 3 o 
 
 P. 
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 firmed in his possession.- Farther Marchand is said to have foretold him that his usurpation "of 
 the church property would bring a curse upon his family. As a matter of fact, his descendants 
 made ever since a rather poor figure, both for thrift and respectability. 
 
 Father Marchand died on April 16, 1825. His memory was held in life-long veneration by 
 those who had been his parishioners. His remains rest with those of Father Potier and Father 
 Dufaux, under the nave of the church, not far from the communion table. He was succeeded by 
 bis curate. Father Crevier. , 
 
 Through the solicitude of the new pastor, some Grey nuns came to take charge of the girls 
 school, and there was question of building a convent, but the project fell to the ground, and the 
 
 173 
 
nuns left the parish with the exception of Sister Raizenne, who afterwards ended her life in 
 Sandwich, not without endearing herself to the population. Education in those days was very mucn 
 neglected, owing to the differences of the people. There is in the parochial archive a letter ot 
 Bishop MacDonll, of Kingston, in which he reproved them severely for that indifference, telling 
 them that in consequence they would become hewers of wood and the carriers of water. 
 
 Rev. Angus MacDenell, parish priest of St. Raphael's, Glengarry, succeeded Father Creveir in 
 1831. He held the position of pastor of Sandwich for twelve years. i€e was. however, absent tor 
 three years, during which time he was replaced, first by Father .Yvelin, and afterwards by gather 
 Morin. Fathers Hay and Schneider also served in Sandwich during the pastorate of -tather 
 MacDonell. , „ , ^ . , .. t. j 
 
 The old church was now falling to ruins; from the time of Father Crevier the necessity had 
 been felt to build a new one, and steps taken so far to that effect that the stone for the foundatton 
 bad been procured. Father MacDonell commenced the erection of a handsome and spaciou sedifice, 
 the walls of which were almost completed when he left the mission in the hands of the Jesuits. 
 One of the first acts of Bishop Powers', administration was to restore to the Society, of Jesus the 
 field of labor won' to the church by the apostolic zeal of Fathers de la Richardie and Potier a 
 century before. , . , ™, , j .. ^l . i. j 
 
 The coming of the Jesuits changed the face of things at Sandwich. They had at their head 
 a man who, besides having a rare talent for organization, was possessed of an ardent zeal, a i^re 
 gift of persuasive eloquence, and the heart of an apostle. This was Father Pierre Point. The 
 Jesuits arrived at Sandwich on July 31, 1843. Father Point had for his assistants at different times 
 Father Nicholas Point, his elder brother; Fathers DuRanquet, Chazelle, Jaffre, Menet, Ferard, 
 
 ASSUMPTION CHURCH GRAVEYARD— HURON LINE. 
 Looking from the northeast corner. 
 
 Brimot, Conilleau and Mainguy. God alone knows the good those religious workers accomplished 
 during the 16 years of their apostolate. 
 
 The new church was now rapidly pushed 'to completion, the sanctuary excepted, and was opened 
 for divine worship in the beginning of January, 1846. The main altar, of considerable value, was 
 presented by the fishermen. Over it was placed a good copy of murillo's Immaculate Concep- 
 tion, by Plamondon. Mr. Charles Baby and Col. Rankin donated an organ, the cost of which 
 exceeded two thousand dollars. Near the church a modern dwelling was erected for the fathers. 
 
 The next work to which they were eager to turn their attention was education, which had 
 been, as we remarked before, wofully neglected. Besides creating elementary schools in the various 
 sections of the parish, better to fight the demon of ignorance, and to give youth the facilities for 
 a higher education, religious and secular, they built a college, which was opened in 1857. Five 
 years before the ladies of the Sacred Heart had opened an establishment in Sandwich, under the 
 superiorship of the able and saintly Mother Henriette de Kers_aint. But they remained only seven 
 years, leaving for London, amid the universal and indeed justified sorrow of the Sandwich people. 
 
 In 1856 the diocese of Toronto was divided. Out of the western portion was formed tte 
 diocese of London. The first bishop, Mgr. Pinsonneault, obtained the removal of the Episcopal 
 See from London to Sandwich, and went to reside in the latter place towards the close of the 
 summer of 1859.' The good people of Sandwich extended a hearty welcome to their first pastor; 
 but their joy was short-lived, for the coming of the bishop was closely followed by the departure 
 of the Jesuits. 
 
 The beloved fathers tore themselves from their people, whom they never ceased to love ten- 
 derly and in whose hearts their memory was never, to die. Father Point spent some years in 
 
 174 
 
Quebec, and the remainder of his life, about twenty-tive years, in Mest-reaL He lived to celebrate 
 the seventieth year of his priesthodd, unable for a long time to do active service, owing chiefly to 
 extreme- deafness, but in the- estimation of his brethren, more p&werf ul by .his prayers than they 
 
 ^y their labors. The saintly father died in .September, 1896, in the ninety-fifth year of his age. 
 
 Bishop Pinsonneaiilt appointed rector of the Cathedral Father Joseph Raynol, a post which he 
 occupied two years; later on he entered thr. Society of Jesus, and died suddenly in Montreal, under 
 
 "the fibsolving hand of Father Point. Some of his successors were men of rare talent, such as 
 Father Joseph Gerard, who died parish priest of Belle River; Father Joseph Bayard, V. G., of 
 London, and Mgr. Laurent, now parish priests of Lindsay. At their head was the indefatigable 
 Vicar-General Bruyere, who also received in the CfUrsc of time the well-deserved honor of the 
 prelature. 
 
 The Grey Nuns were called to Sandwich by Bishop Pinsonneault, but remained only a short 
 time. The bishop himself resigned his See in. December, 1866. He retired to Montreal, and died 
 there in 1883. During his sojourn in Sandwich a vast amount of work was done to embelli'sh the 
 
 1 -church grounds and to convert the parochial residence into an Episcopal Palace. Enormous sums 
 of money were expended on a structure far more fantastic than substantial. It lasted thirty years. 
 
 i Afterwards it became an absolute necessity to level to the ground that leaky mass of buildings in 
 ■order to put up in their stead the present commodious and handsome presbytery. 
 
 The new bishop, the Rt. Rev. John Walsh, was consecrated on the 10th of December, 1867. 
 
 - After only two months' residence in Sandwich he took his departure for Lcfndon, and a decree 
 -of the Holy See, dated Oct. 3rd, 1869, transferred again to that city the Episcopal See of the 
 diocese. 
 
 But the wise prelate did not fail to realize what benefit his diocese could derive from the 
 college built in Sandwich by the Jesuits. The location was excellent, although the edifice was of 
 
 ■ sm'all dimension. This establishment had passed tl^ough many vicissitudes. It was at that time 
 conducted by Mr. Theodule Girardot, an experienced teacher possessed of a true love and a 
 remarkable practical sense of education. He is yet and has been for .nearly thirty years inspector 
 
 ' of public schools. Bishop Walsh called upon the priests of St. Basil to take charge both of the 
 parish and of .the college. On the 18th of September, 1870, they assumed the direction of the 
 parish, which Dean Laurent resigned into their hands, and the college was opened by them at the 
 same time. 
 
 The leader of the new staff was a young priest of great promise, and he has kept all he prom- 
 ised. This was Father Denis O'Connor. Under his superiorship the college rose to such a degree 
 of prosperity that it became necessary to enlarge its builudings, first in 1875, and still more in 
 1883. After twenty years of successful labor, Father O'Connor was raised. to the Episcopal See 
 of London, and thence to the Metropolitan See of Toronto, upon which may he be spared and 
 blessed for many years. 
 
 At the church Father O'Connor built in 1874 the tower and spire and the sanctuary. Improve- 
 ments in the interior were made in 1882; stained glass windows were put in and the following 
 year stations of the cross in oil paintings were acquired. In 1887 a very elaborate stone altar was 
 -erected. Father O'Connor was represented in the service of the parish by Father Aboulin for 33 
 years, assisted for over 14 years by Father Faure, an aged and worthy priest who, when no longer 
 able to perform his functions, went to end his days in France. Fathers Mazenod, Gery and G. 
 Granitier collaborated also successfully in the attendance of the parish. Moreover, valuable aid 
 ■did not cease to be given by the priests of the college. The present superior of the college is 
 Father Daniel Gushing, who maintains it in a state of prosperity. The parish priest is Father 
 Semande, to whose untiring zeal is due an admirable progress in piety and the reception of the 
 ■sacraments. The first months of his service were marked by the acquisition of an excellent bell 
 -weighing 4,196 pounds, the largest in the diocese. It replaced a large one, also procured by Dean 
 Laurent in 1870, which brok-e in the spring of 1893. 
 
 From the successive divisions and sub-divisions of the mother parish of the Assumption durinj; 
 the latter half of the century many parishes have been formed, among which Windsor is by far 
 the most important. The actual population of the Sandwich parish is not inferior to 2,300 souls, 
 mostly of French-Canadian blood. It claims the honor of giving a large number of nuns to differ- 
 -ent congregations," and six priests to the church. 
 
 ASSUMPTION COLLEGE. 
 Sandwich, Ontario. 
 
 The building, which up to 1875, had been large enough to supply the 
 -needs of the Catholics of Western Ontario for higher education, was 
 •erected at Sandwich by the Jesuit Fathers. Here in 1857, those world- 
 famed educators of Catholic youth erected the original building of 
 the regular college group, and opened classes in order to give a religious 
 and classical training to the young men of the district and surround- 
 ing country. Before two full years had elapsed, however, these zealous 
 instructors had been called away to other more pressing work. The 
 college, during the next decade, passed successively through the hands 
 of the Benedictines, of the Basilians,. and to the late Theodule Girar- 
 •dot, who afterwards filled the position of the Inspector of Public Schools 
 
 175 
 
in the County of Essex. In 1870, the late Dr. Walsh, then Bishop o-f 
 IwOndon, seeing the need of establishing the College on a more per- 
 manent basis, called upon the Priests of St. Basil to take charge once 
 
 ASSUMPTION COLLEGE, 
 Sandwich, Ont. 
 
 THE RT. REV. DENNIS O'CONNOR. 
 
 Superior of Assomption College from 1870 to 
 
 1890. 
 
 more of Assumption College. The prospects of success, he felt, were 
 now brighter; the Catholics of the neighborhood were prosperous; 
 and this, together with the proximity of the fast growing metropolis 
 
 176 
 
of the great State of Michigan, just across the border, promised a 
 large field of usefulness to the College. 
 
 Father Denis O'Connor headed the little band that came to take 
 charge of Assumption College in September of 1870. That the choice 
 of Superior was a wise one is evidenced by the splendid success with 
 which the College was conducted under the new regime. Himself 
 a trained scholar, a born teacher, and typical disciplinarian, Father 
 O'Connor possessed the happy faculty of infusing part of his own 
 energy and resistless perseverance into the hearts of the small staff 
 of professors that shared his labors ; and thus the College grew and 
 prospered. Owing to the ever increasing attendance of students from 
 
 INTERIOR VIEW— THE NEW CHAPEL— ASSUMPTION COLLEGE. 
 Dedicated June 19, 1908. 
 
 both Ontario and the adjacent States, it was fftund necessary in 1875 
 to add to the College buildings, and still again in 1883; so that now 
 there is ample accommodation in the Institution for some two hundred 
 boarders. The Basilian Fathers have completed the buildings by the 
 addition of another wing in which is a handsome Chapel and a College- 
 Hall. 
 
 177 
 
In 1890, Dr. O'Connor was called to the See of London to succeed 
 the Right Rev. Bishop Walsh, who had been raised to the Archiepis- 
 copal See of Toronto. The impetus for good given the College by its 
 first President after the Basilians had assumed permanent charge still 
 continues to keep it abreast of the times, and true to its principles of 
 training youth in "Virtue and Discipline and Knowledge." 
 
 The situation of the College on the south bank of the Detroit river, 
 the salubrious climate of extreme Western Ontario, the excellent dis- 
 cipline and thorough system of instruction in both the Classical and 
 Commercial Courses, make Assumption College a most desirable, resi- 
 dential school for boys. 
 
 On June 16, 1908, a large and handsome Chapel was dedicated and the 
 College buildings, as originally designed, are now completed. 
 
 The present officers of the College are : President, Rev. F. Foster ; 
 Director of Theologians, R. F. M. Ferguson; C. S. B. and Treasurer 
 -and First Assistant, Rev. V. G. Murphy ; Second Assistant, Rev. W. 
 J. Roach. 
 
 171 
 
HISTORY OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH. 
 (Anglican.) 
 
 When Michigan was ceded to the United States in August, 1796, 
 many people preferring to remain loyal to the old flag, moved to the 
 south side of the river. Sandwich became the rendevous and known to 
 these early settlers as South Detroit. Near the spot where the tower 
 of St. John's Church now stands was erected a small log building 
 which was used for a place of meeting for civil purposes, a school for 
 children and on Sunday for a place of worship for the Protestants of 
 the community. 
 
 On the land immediately adjoining was opened the first Anglican 
 graveyard west of Niagara. In this little building, Richard Pollard 
 (who was six years Registrar of Deeds for the District of Hesse), as 
 a Layman, held the services of the Church of England. In the year 
 1802 he was ordained and became the first rector of the parish of Sand- 
 
 
 I 
 
 ^ — II J"/' l! 
 
 THE BURNING OF THE FIRST CHURCH 
 by Genei-al Harrison's men in September, 1813. 
 
 wich with missionary jurisdiction over the whole Western District. 
 In the records of many a family in the Western counties of Ontario 
 appears the name of Richard Pollard as the faithful priest who had 
 baptised, married and committed to the dust many of their members, 
 while over in Michigan the archieves of St. Paul's Church, Detroit, 
 tells us that it was he who founded our church in 1805. As rector of 
 Sandwich he was chaplain to the forces at Fort Maiden, now Amherst- 
 burg. 
 
 The first church was built in 1807 and remained so until after the 
 defeat of Commodore Barclay on Lake Erie in 1813 when the Ameri- 
 can General Harrison, landing in Amherstburg, passed up what is now 
 known as the Maiden Road in pursuit of Proctor's Army, made a short 
 lialt at Sandwich where the Baby House became his headquarters, and 
 the little Anglican Church a stable for the Kentucky Horse. After 
 
 179 
 
the defeat of Proctor at the battle of Moraviantown and the death of 
 Tecumseh the American army retreated as fast as it advanced and the 
 little church that had proved a shelter for themselves and their steeds 
 was now given to the flames by the Kentucky Mounted Riflemen. This 
 was in the month of September, 1813. 
 
 In 1815 efforts were made to rebuild the church. Assistance was 
 obtained, not only from England but also from the United States. 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, SANDWICH. 
 Founded in 1803. 
 
 Bricks were brought from Buffalo, the edifice was completed contem- 
 peranous with Christ Church, Amherstburg in the year 1818. 
 
 In reference to the burning of the church, Doctor, afterwards Bishop 
 Strachan, writes in 1814: "The enemy have twice captured the town 
 since the spring of 1813, all the public buildings have been burnt, and 
 much loss sustained by many of the inhabitants." The S. P. G. Societies 
 
 180 
 
report: "The Americans also took possession of Sandwich and Niagara, 
 they burnt the church there, carrying off from Sandwich the church 
 books." 
 
 George Gray, of Sandwich, who with his brother Thomas, had the 
 contract of the woodwork and assisted in rebuilding the edifice in 
 1872, says that he found several pieces of burnt wood and glass, which 
 is additional evidence of the rash acts of Harrison's men in 1813. 
 
 The late Nelson Jenkins, of Walkerville, said that his father was 
 married in the church and thought that it was the first marriage 
 solemnized, which was July 35, 1818. 
 
 INTERIOR VIEW OF ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, SANDWICH. 
 
 The present steeple was built in 18 5 2 by William Bartlett, late of 
 H. M. Customs and brother of the present Police Magistrate was the 
 contractor; Andrew Botsford and Alanson Elliott assisted Mr. Bartlet 
 in the work at the time. 
 
 The present church was built during the incumbency of the Rev. 
 Prancis Gore Elliott in 1873. The gentlemen who composed the build- 
 ing committee on this occasion were the Rector Rev. Francis Gore 
 Elliott, Judge Gordon Watts Leggatt, George Fellers, Louis J. Fluett, 
 Abner C. Ellis, Miles Cowan and A. G. McWhinney. Mr. Fellers was 
 the chairman of the building committee while Mr. McWhinney was 
 secretary-treasurer. 
 
 181 
 
It may be interesting to some of our readers to learn that the Masonic 
 Order has been closely associated with the early history of St. John's 
 from 1803 to the present. The firset rector, Rev. Mr. Pollard, being a 
 member of this ancient and honorable order. When the church was 
 
 ~zr^':> 
 
 \ \ \ \ V \''yy''^s:i:^\;''Y 
 
 ' ; . i R a8L£ ALEXANDER . CRA WT. 
 . o in ^734-. CJed Mayi3,lSl3. 
 :i ; ninofl or s'Ct'rBin't wasilie ianrik spn ehht: 
 
 SCOT1..ANB.. ■ ■, 
 
 ,; ,,;;: y, ■>.»•: .^^.„ .fjf ^}^^ ?jj-5J G»verBrtie!ito1 
 
 ' I . ExecuiJvs aralLegisIative 
 
 , M+oi' u'f fKt' Pro vincc ji) 
 
 ; .::■ ■-- Hi 71 ■5. 
 
 ' "" "^^vOOBS Si;BaTrist«r. 
 
 jxW MtM ^V. i fe wassftg^aJglBiigfir^''-^^ "■ 
 
 THE COMMODORE GRANT MURAL TABLET, 
 Which, among others, adorn the interior of St. John's Episcopal Church, Sandwich. 
 
 rebuilt in 1872 the comer stone was well and truly laid with Masonic 
 honors by the Most Worshipful Master Justice William Mercer Wilson, 
 assisted by the officers and members of Great Western Lodge No. 4?', 
 
 182 
 
A. F. & A. M., Windsor. The officers of the lodge on this important 
 occasion being James Gibson, W. M. ; Stephen Lusted, Chaplain ; Archi- 
 bald Whittaker, Senior Warden ; James Buriiie, Junior Warden, and 
 Geo. W. Mason, Sword Bearer. 
 
 The first baptism that took place after the church was rebuilt in 
 1873 was our respected townsman, George William Gray, and the first 
 marriage solemnized was that of Miss Harriet Bowers to Robert T. 
 Birdseye, both of the Town of Sandwich. 
 
 The land on which the church stands was conveyed to the Right 
 Rev. Dr. Stewart, Bishop of Quebec in 1834, by the Crown. 
 
 Again referring to the first rector, Mr. Pollard, Mr. Hind has found 
 an entry in the parish records which is as follows : "The Rev. Richard 
 
 ST. JOHN'S CHURCH HOUSE, 
 Northwest corner of Huron and Bedford Streets. Built in 190«. 
 
 Pollard of Sandwich was absent from that place from February, 1814, 
 to June, 1815, on account of the war, and was appointed and sent to 
 Earnestown, on the Bay of Quinte, during that period." 
 
 Mr. Pollard says that each visit to the garrison at Amherstburg 
 from Sandwich cost him ^6 and three days time, and he received for 
 his services as chaplain to the forces ^100 per year. 
 
 Mr. Pollard was followed by the Rev. Robert Short in 1814, who 
 continued rector of St. John's till 1827. He was unmarried, but later 
 married Miss Maria Forsythe of this town( Sandwich). He went to 
 Lower Canada when, after serving in several missions, he died in 1879 
 at Montmorenci. 
 
 183 
 
Then came the Rev. Edward Jukes Boswell from 1827 to 1828, when 
 he was transferred to London and became the first missionary sta- 
 tioned in that now Cathedral City, preceding immediately the Rev. 
 Benjamin Cronin, who became the first bishop of the Diocese of Huron 
 on its separation in 1857. 
 
 The Rev. Wm. Johnson came from the West Indies to Amherst- 
 
 ST. JOHN'S RECTORY. 
 
 The house was built during the '30's by a German named George Lawbucker, who afterwards 
 •old it to the Rev. Earl Welby. Mr. Welby occupied it as a rectory until he was called home to 
 England in 1842, when he left it to the parish of St. John's Church. The land on which the 
 rectory stands was legally conveyed to the Church Society of the Diocese of Huron by the Ven- 
 erable Archdeacon Welby in 1862. 
 
 burg, and then to Sandwich as the teacher of the grammam school, 
 1828, and later was ordained to the ministry, and continued rector till 
 his death, which took place September 5, 1840. It was during his in- 
 cumbency and in August, 183?, that Col. Prince and family came to 
 Sandwich, and this was followed by the first square pew put in the 
 church. The family consisted of six members and there was not a 
 
 184 
 
-vacant pew or place to put one, except the space between the pulpit 
 and the front pew, and it was arranged that Mr. Prince might have 
 his pew built there, and this was done; quite an addition in every way 
 to the little church. The family was most exemplary in its attendance 
 at church, and its influence was felt far and wide. Mr. Prince was one 
 of the wardens from 1834 to 1836, when he became the member of 
 Parliament for Essex. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Earl Welby came as the successor to Mr. John- 
 son ; he was a major in the Army, and had been an officer of the 13th 
 Light Dragoons in India. He was an officer during the rebellion of 
 1837 at Brantford and had a fine estate and large private means. Mr. 
 Welby was the finest type of an English officer and gentleman and 
 belonged to one of the oldest families in England, antedating the Con- 
 
 THE RT. REV. THOMAS EARL WELBY 
 
 Bishop of the Island of St. Helena, who was 
 rector of St. John's from 1840 to 1842. 
 
 REV. JOHN HURST 
 Rector from 1559 to 1863. 
 
 quest. With his sense of duty as a soldier, and his great regard for 
 his high office as a clergyman of the Church of England, he was soon 
 an active, zealous and much-beloved pastor. Owing to circumstances 
 he was called home to England, and left us in 1842, but he left to the 
 church the rectory he had provided for himself on the bank of the 
 Detroit River and which has been used by the different rectors who 
 have since succeeded him. Not contented with the work he could do 
 about town. Dr. Welby extended his efforts into the country and with 
 the assistance of his late friend. Col. Sparke, he founded what after- 
 church was first built on the Talbot Road, known at that time as the 
 wards became the mission of St. Stephen's, Sandwich West. This 
 Irish Settlement, and among those who took part in its erection were 
 
 185 
 
George Vollans, Edmund Taylor, Robert Nicholson, Richard Walker, 
 John Jessop and Messrs. Robinson and Bennett. . 
 
 In 1850 Rev. Thomas Earl Welby was appointed Archdeacon of 
 George in the diocese of Capetown. On Ascension Day, 1862, he was 
 consecrated at Lambath Palace Chapel, Second Bishop of St. Helena. 
 He was 37 years Bishop of St. Helena and died on the feast of the 
 Epiphany 1899, being killed by a fall from his carriage, in the 89th 
 year of his age. His diocese included the islands of St. Helana, Ascen- 
 sion and Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic Ocean, and formed 
 part of the ecclesistical Province of South Africa. 
 
 In 1843 came the Rev. Wm. Ritchie, who remained till 1851, when 
 he went to West Guilliambury, County of Simcoe; he with the Rev. 
 Mr. Leitch, came from the Presbyterian Church to our Communion, 
 
 REV. FRANCIS GORE ELLIOTT 
 Rector from 1863 to 1879. 
 
 REV. RICHARD W. JOHNSTONE 
 Rector from 1879 to 1887. 
 
 and was ordained by Bishop Strachan, the first Bishop of Toronto, in 
 1843, and appointed at once to Sandwich. 
 
 The Rev. E. H. Dewar came in 1853. While rector of St. John's, 
 he succeeded in founding a church in Windsor — All Saints — which has 
 now a large and influential congregation, fine church buildings and a 
 well-trained surplus choir, the present rector being the Rev. Rural 
 Dean Chadwick. Mr. Dewar's ministry ceased at Sandwich in 1857 
 and devoted all his energies to the building up the parish of All Saints. 
 In 1859 he resigned and became rector of Thornhill, which parish he 
 faithfully served until his death in the autumn of 1862. 
 
 In addition to his other duties in 1856 the Rev. Mr. Dewar pub- 
 lished a monthly paper called "The Churchmans' Friend." 
 
 1S6 
 
The Point," below Amherstburg, one of the most prominent men in 
 His Majesty's service in the early days. He studied for the church in 
 Montreal and was ordained by Bishop Strachan. His first care was 
 in the Township of Colchester. He was rector of St. John's from 1863 
 to 1879. It is told of his father that he was the means of saving Gen. 
 Proctor from being shot by Tecumseh at Moraviantown by throwine 
 up his rifle. ^ 
 
 The Rev. Richard W. Johnstone followed from 1879 to 1887. He 
 was born at Tulah, Ireland, in 1835, entered Trinity College, Dublin, 
 
 RT. REV. DAVID WILLIAMS 
 The present Bishop of the Diocese of Huron, 
 
 REV. DUNCAN H. HIND 
 The present rector of St. John's. 
 
 The Rev. John Hurst succeeded Mr. Dewar from 1859 to 1863. He 
 also conducted services in All Saints, Windsor, in addition to his work 
 here and in 1863 he resigned his charge at St. John's and continued as 
 rector of All Saints until 1873 when he ceased his ministry in that im- 
 portant parish and went to England where he became secretary of the 
 Colonial and Continental Church Society. He became Vicar of St. 
 Marks, Tollington Park, London, in 1881, and was appointed rector 
 of St. Swithin's Church in 1892. He died February 26th, 1903. 
 
 The Rev. Francis Gore Elliott succeeded Mr. Hurst. He was a 
 native of the County of Essex, eldest son of Col. Matthew Elliott, of 
 
 187 
 
as a divinity student and ordained a deacon by Bishop Cronyn, in 
 London, Ont., in 1859, and a priest in 1862. Serving in various parishes 
 he became rector of Sandwich where he served eight years. He was 
 superanuated in 1893. He was a man of most scholarly attainments 
 and genial disposition. He died at Fort Gratiot, Mich., February 24, 
 1906, aged 71 years. His remains were interred in St. John's grave- 
 yard. 
 
 Rev. Duncan H. Hind, the present rector, succeeded Mr. Johnstone 
 
 MR. 'A. G. McWHINNEY 
 
 Wlio rendered valuable services as secretary- 
 treasurer of the building committee when St. 
 John's Churchh was rebuilt in 1872. Some 
 years after he was promoted and was ap- 
 pointed Superintendent of the Government 
 Mail Service for this district, with head- 
 quarters at London, Ont., to which city he 
 moved and took up his residence with his 
 family. During the year 1905 he visited Ire- 
 land for his health, but unfortunately his 
 health failed him and he died at Belfast, 
 Ireland, July 10, 1905. 
 
 MILES R. B. COWAN 
 Also a member of the building committee 
 when the church was rebuilt in 1873; was 
 born in Sandwich, March 5, 1833; appointed 
 to Her Majesty's customs in 1855 and filled 
 the duties of that office for 41 years. Held 
 a commission as ensign in No. 1 militia com* 
 pany at Safndwich, organized during 'the 
 Fenian raids in 1865 and 1870 and received 
 a medal for services rendered at that time. 
 He at present resides with his family in 
 Windsor and conducts a custom's brokerage 
 office and insurance office on Ouellette ave- 
 nue, Windsor, at the present time. 
 
 and entered upon his appointed duties August 10, 1887. Mr. Hind 
 was born in Toronto June 24:, 1853, and educated in King's College, 
 Nova Scotia. He passed several years in the Northwest on the C. P. R. 
 survey, and returning to Nova Scotia was ordained by the late Bishop 
 Burney in 1879. Mr. Hind is a son of the late Professor Henry Y. 
 Hind. Since assuming the rectorship of St. John's Parish he has suc- 
 ceeded in making many improvements, being very ably assisted in all 
 his undertakings by his parishioners. Among the improvements above 
 mentioned beino- the new brick Church House erected in 1906. 
 
 188 
 
On Sunday, September 20, 1903, was celebrated the one hundredth 
 anniversary — or the centenary — of St. John's Church, Sandwich. For 
 one hundred years the Episcopalians of Sandwich have been loyal to 
 their little church, and well they might be, for it was established by 
 
 heroes and supported from the affections of the people when money 
 was scarce and ministerial talent difficult to secure. 
 
 A large number from Windsor, Sandwich and vicinity were present 
 to hear the address of Judge Robt. S. Woods, of Chatham, which ad- 
 
 189 
 
dress was a clear and succinc htistory of the Essex frontier, as well 
 as the story of the early struggles and later triumphs of St. John's 
 church. The old church abounds in historic interest. The church yard, 
 which forms a fitting background for the sacred edifice, is as worthy 
 of commemoration. Among those who sleep, "each i^i his narrow cell," 
 are makers of history, as well as the "rude forefathers" who struggled 
 with foes of flesh and blood in addition to the giants of the forest, for 
 the land along the Detroit river is historic ground, the scene of the 
 war of 1812. Inside the quaint old church are marble tablets which 
 serve to refresh the names of men and women of past generations in 
 
 ST. JOHN'S GRAVEYARD— OLD PORTION. 
 
 Looking from the southeast corner, near Bedford Street. It is one of the oldest Protestant 
 Parish Graveyards in the Niagara District. 
 
 the memories of the present. The church has recently been renovated 
 and provided with a new pipe Organ, the latter being dedicated to the 
 memory of the late Richard Pollard, the first rector of the church. It 
 may be fittingly mentioned here that the mural decorations, the tinting 
 of the walls, is the work of James Rosier, who gave his services free. 
 Some changes have been made, notably in the position occupied by 
 the choir. The new organ is rich in tone and is an instrument that is 
 a credit to the venerable surroundings. 
 
 190 
 
The following is a list of the gentlemen who have filled the position 
 of Church Wardens from 1821 to the present— 1909 : 
 
 nf?^'^?''.?''*'?,^*'^'''' """* James Little. 
 ilo5 fe McGregor and Joseph Hamilton. 
 1823— Wm. Elliott and J. W. Little 
 1824 — Wm. Hands and J. W. Little 
 1825— James Woods and J. W. Little 
 1826— George Jacob and Cliarles Eliot. 
 }!2I~S''°''^'' J*'""" *"<J Robert Wrist. 
 ,f»S~S^°''^" J*'"*" ^"d Charles Askin. 
 ,l:r~S^°''*' 1'"°^ *"<! Joseph Woods. 
 1830— George Jacob and Charles Askin 
 JoSj — George Jacob and James Woods. 
 ^i?r~ S*'"'^^ I^™"* ^^ J- L. Williams. 
 If??~?^°7* te""* ^""l J"""" A. Wilkinson. 
 1834 — Charles Eliot and John Prince 
 
 lif«~^u"?'™ Unsworth and John Prince. 
 ,SsS~A?''*!'*™ Unsworth and John Prince. 
 ^IITIak^S*'" Unsworth and J. B. Laughton. 
 liaSZAK"?"" Unsworth and J. B. Laughton. 
 «!SZ^^*u*" Unsworth and J. B. Laughton. 
 «!t:'^K"u*'" Unsworth and J. B. Laughton. 
 «J?~"w"''^ Unsworth and J. B. Laughton. 
 1841 — Wm. R. Wood and Louis J Fluett 
 JffJ—SJ™- ^- ^ood and Thos. Woodbridge. 
 JS!?~S;'"- 5- ^.°°^ »nd Thos. Woodbridge. 
 1844— Wm. R. Wood and J. B. Laughton. 
 1845— Wm. R. Wood and A. K. Dewson 
 "•"' "'- R. Wood and A. K. Dewson. 
 R. Wood and W. P. Vidal 
 Wood and W. P. Vidal. 
 
 1846— Wm 
 1847— Wm. „ 
 1848— Wm. R 
 1849- 
 1860— Paul 
 
 J. Salter and George Bullock. 
 
 1861 — Paul J. Salter and George Bullock. 
 1862 — Paul J. Salter and George Bullock. 
 1868— Paul J. Salter and Thos. Woodbridge. 
 1854— Paul J. Salter and Thos. Woodbridge. 
 1856— Paul J. Salter and Thos. Woodbridge. 
 1866— Thos. Woodbridge and John Adley. 
 1867— Thos. Woodbridge and John Adley. 
 1868 — Thomas Woodbridge and John Adley. 
 1869— Paul J. Salter and John Adley. 
 1860— Paul J. Salter and Joseph Miller. 
 1880— Paul J. Salter and Joseph Miller. 
 1861— Paul J. Salter and J. H. Wilkinson. 
 1862- Paul J. Salter and J. H. Wilkinson. 
 1863 — James Woodbridge and J. H. Wilkinson. 
 
 }l^i~'P^''^- S^'^i^ht and J. H. Wilkinson. 
 ,^??5~9;r"^ Cobson and J. H. Wilkinson. 
 1866 — Miles Cowan. and John Green. 
 1867 — A. C. Ellis and George 'JessoD. 
 H!?"-^- £■ E"*= =nd J. H. Wilkinson. 
 1869— A. G. McWhinney and A. C. Ellis 
 1871— A. G. McWhinney and A. C. Ellis. 
 1872— A. G. McWhinney and A. C Ellis 
 1873— S. M. Goddard and John Wright. 
 1874— Geo. O'C. Leech and Frank E. Marcon. 
 1875 — Geo. O'C. Leech and Frank E. Marcon. 
 1877— John Spiers and A. C. Vernor. 
 1878 — A. C. Vernor and John Spiers. 
 1879— Thomas McWhinney and C. H. Ashdown^ 
 1880- Fred Neal and A. C. Vernor. 
 1881— Fred Neal and A. C. Vernor. 
 1881- Fred Neal and A. C. Vernor. 
 1882— Fred Neal and A. C. Vernir. 
 1883— A. H. Nilson and A. C. Vernor. 
 1884— A. H. Nielsen and Fred Neal. 
 1885 — A. W. Phillips and Arthur Manser. 
 1886— A. W. Phillips and John Spiers. 
 1887— A. W. Phillips and John Spiers. 
 1888— G. W. Mason and John Spiers. 
 1889 — G. W. Mason and John Spiers. 
 1890 — Joseph Leggatt and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1891— Joseph Leggatt and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1892— Fred Neal and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1893— John V. Gray and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1894 — Norris McWhinney and O. R. M. Pentland 
 1895 — Norris McWhinney and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1896 — David Tasker and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1897— David L. Cariey and G. R. M. Penitland. 
 1898 — Orlando Pickard and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1899— W. H. Gray and G. R. M. Pentland! 
 1900— W. H. Gray and G. R. M. Pentland. 
 1901 — ^Percy T. Sunley and David Tasker. 
 1902 — William Hill and David Tasker. 
 1903 — Williani Hill and David Tasker. 
 1904 — William Hill and David TaSker. 
 1905 — ^William Hill and David Tasker. 
 1906 — William Hill and David Tasker. 
 1907— William Hill and David Tasker. 
 1908 — William Hill and David Tasker. 
 1909— William Hill and ]3avid Tasker. 
 
 THE METHODIST CHURCH— PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 The first religious service conducted by a minister of the Methodisi 
 communion in this part of Canada was on Wednesday, August 15, 
 1804, in the old Court Room, Sandwich, by a well-known .and able 
 missionary worker, the Rev. Nathan Bangs. 
 
 The first Methodist Chapel was built on Mill Street, Sandwich, in 
 the year 1838, the ground for the site of the building being donated 
 by Mrs. John B. Laughton. And the first regular services were com- 
 menced in the beginning of 1839. 
 
 From 1839 and for many years after the Methodist Church of Sand- 
 wich was an important institution; it was the principle church of that 
 denomination in the country and the circuit of this part of Essex was 
 known as Sandwich circuit with the Windsor Methodist Church as 
 one of the points of call. In time Windsor increased in importance, 
 
 191 
 
and the circuit was called the Sandwich and Windsor circuit. Sand- 
 wich, however, Hke many other towns in Canada has had its dull 
 periods, and it was during one of these that the little company ol 
 Methodists became so small they decided to throw in their lot with 
 the Windsor Church. The Chapel which they had erected was turned 
 over to the Windsor congregation who in turn sold it to the munici- 
 pality of the Town of Sandwich for a council chamber and other pur- 
 poses in April, 1879. The building is being used for a council cham- 
 ber and fire hall at the, present time. The addition to the side of the 
 building and the hose tower was built after the purchase was made 
 by the town. 
 
 '■1 
 
 fetaaa;^-;; 
 
 THE FIRST METHODIST CHAPEL. 
 Built on Mill Street in 1838. Now used for municipal purposes by the Town of Sandwich. 
 
 The new Methodist Church is a handsome brick structure erected 
 about two hundred yards south of the Court House in 1906. The 
 church is illuminated in the day time by two handsome stained glass 
 and a number of smaller windows, and at night by the latest appli- 
 ances in gas illumination. In the front of the church are five square 
 stones that have been set in the brick work as land marks of the 
 liberal donations of the various societies and friends of the congrega- 
 tion. These stones bear the inscriptions : "The Building Committee," 
 "The Ladies' Aid," "Hon. R. F. Sutherland, M. P.," "A. H. Clarke, 
 M. P.," and "J. E. Stone, County Warden in 1906." 
 
 The Thompson Bros., of Windsor, were the contractors, of the stone 
 and brick work, and Frank B. TofHemire, Walkerville, the woodwork. 
 
 192 
 
The Dominion was established in Windsor by Messrs. Richmond & 
 White about the early part of 1870. After running a short time it was 
 purchased by Messrs. McKee & Murdock who moved the plant to 
 Sandwich, and for a short time published it in a building on Lot 5, 
 West Bedford street. Robert Timms, ex-Alderman of Windsor, worked 
 as a journey man printer in the office at that time and the writer was 
 the office boy. The paper continued publication only a few months 
 when Mr. McKee retired and sold his interest in the paper to John L. 
 Murdock, who moved the plant further down the street to a building 
 on lot 8, West Bedford, where the St. John's Church now stands. About 
 
 Essex at a bye-election in 1882 and was re- 
 elected at four general elections and made 
 Provincial Secretary in 1896. He died in 
 August of the same year after filling the 
 office only one month. 
 
 HON. WM. D. BALFOUR 
 
 came to Essex County in November, 1874, 
 and established the "Amherstburg Echo" with 
 Mr. John A. Auld. He afterwards became 
 president of the Amherstburg Echo Printing 
 Co. He was Reeve of Amherstburg from 
 1878 to 1888. Was elected to represent South 
 
 JOHN L 
 
 i<UOCH. 
 
 Was the publisher and proprietor of the 
 last newspaper publirhed in Sandwich — The 
 Dominion — 1872 to 1874. Mr. Murdoch died 
 November 30, 1879. 
 
 , the year 1874 the plant was again moved back to Windsor and run as 
 a weekly and daily for a short time by James C. Murdock and Brothers 
 and then ceased publication. 
 
 In several issues of the paper when it was printed in Sandwich a 
 special notice was published in the paper in the fall of the year which 
 read, "Subscribers wishing to pay their subscription in wood, will please 
 bring it while the roads are good." 
 
 A Franch. paper called the L'Etole Canadian (Canadian Star), was 
 established in Sandwich by an old French writer named Mr. Truax 
 about the year 1871. 
 
 209 
 
It was printed for a time at the Dominion ofifice when Joseph A. 
 Ouellette, an attorney-at-law, assumed charge and published it in a 
 building directly opposite the present court house. It was a neat, well- 
 edited little paper. The last time the writer heard of it the paper had 
 changed proprietors several times and who printed its last edition from 
 the Free Press office in Detroit. 
 
 The Essex Times was the name of a well-printed and edited paper 
 published in a building opposite the present Evening Record office, 
 Sandwich street, Windsor, by Major John Lewis. It was run in the 
 Conservative interests from 1876 to 1878 whan it went into liquidation, 
 leaving many heavy creditors. 
 
 The next most important publication in the Conservative interests, 
 after the Times had ceased publication, was the Windsor Review estab- 
 lished by C. Cliff, now a resident of the Northwest. It was afterwards 
 purchased by the late T. M. White, who successfully conducted it until 
 failing health compelled him to retire. Mr. F. H. Macpherson took 
 the management and conducted the paper until he became a chartered 
 
 ' THE OLD STYLE WASHINGTON HAN]? PRESS. 
 
 In common use for printing newspapers in the early days. 
 
 accountant and retired from the newspaper business. After several 
 changes in proprietors it ceased publication. 
 
 The plant was secured by Joseph McKee and Charles L. Barker, 
 who moved it to another building and The Standard was started. A 
 few months after this publications business was formed into a joint 
 stock company, in which Oscar E. Fleming became the largest share- 
 holder. Mr. George M. Winn, of Toronto, succeeded Mr. Barker as 
 editor and manager, which position is now held by F. J. Hughes. 
 
 The French paper, Le Progress was first issued on June 1, 1881, and 
 has been published continuously ever since. Gaspard Pacaud, the pres- 
 ent License Inspector, was in the editorial chair from the commence- 
 ment till the time of his appointment by the Government to his posi- 
 
 210 
 
tion in 189"i. His brother, Aurele Pacaud has been the continuous 
 
 .publisher. 
 
 Newspapers in the town of Amherstburg have had their varied and 
 
 ►short-lived experiences the same as Sandwich and Windsor. As far 
 as can be ascertained the first paper published in that historical town 
 was the Amherstburg Courier and Western District Advertiser, pub- 
 lished every Saturday, by James A. Reeves, printer and pubHshed with 
 its office on Dalhousie street, opposite the British North American 
 Hotel. It was a six column, four page paper, neatly printed and well 
 edited. In its description and advertising notice it notifies its sub- 
 scribers that "All kinds of produce or cord wood would be taken in ex- 
 change for the paper, at the market price." James A. Reeves, the pub- 
 
 CAPT. JOHN A, McKAY. 
 
 Quartermaster of the 21st Regiment, Essex 
 Fusiliers. His business education was obtained 
 in the ofiice of the Woodstock Sentinel-Review. 
 In 1890 he purchased a half-interest in the 
 Evening Record, Windsor, and is at present 
 the proprietor and publisher of that paper. 
 
 
 F. H. MACPHERSON. 
 
 Formerly editor and publisher of the Wind- 
 sor Review. He is now an expert accountant 
 in the City of Detroit. 
 
 lisher, was afterwards identified with different newspapers in Sand- 
 wich, Windsor and Detroit and was the father of ex-AIderman Stephen 
 T. Reeves, of Windsor. Calixte Sequin, of Sandwich, has a well-pre- 
 served copy dated July 14, 1849. 
 
 The present paper published in that town, The Amherstburg Echo 
 was established on November 30, 1874, by the Hon. Wm. D. Balfour 
 and John A. Auld, ex-M. L. A., and has been the only paper, in the 
 many attempts, to make a successful living. It has always been and is 
 to-dav a model country weekly. 
 
 211 
 
The Town of Walkerville has had excellent success so far in the 
 newspaper world. The Walkerville Herald was established by b. 
 Stephenson, of Chatham, on April 19th, 1890, and is now being very 
 ably edited and published by ex-Mayor John E. Dobie. 
 
 The Windsor Record. 
 
 The Windsor Record was founded by P. G. Lowrie. A letter some 
 time ago to the compiler of these facts from Mr. Laurie who was living 
 at Battleford and who, by the way, is since deceased, tells his connec- 
 tion with this paper. He says : "In 1860 there were two papers — the 
 Maple Leaf, Sandwich, and the Herald, Windsor. The publication of 
 the former ceased and I bought the plant and moved it to Windsor, 
 where I established the Record. Shortly after Mr. Robenson moved 
 the Herald to Detroit — leaving the Record the only paper in the county. 
 It must have been four or five years after that John Richmond, of 
 Colchester, started a paper called The Dominion, which is all I can re- 
 member of that. James Woodbridge of Sandwich, next started the 
 Essex Journal in Windsor, and after running it for a short time sold 
 the plant to me, and I then changed the name of my paper to the 
 Record and Journal. I published that until 1869 when I moved to the 
 Northwest and shortly after the office was sold to Alexander Cameron 
 or Cameron and Stephen Lusted." 
 
 In the great fire of 1870 the office was burned. Then Mr. Lusted, 
 
 THEIR PRESENT NEWSPAPER PRESS. 
 
 Windsor's present City Clerk, re-established it and continued its pub- 
 lisher until 1882. In 1877 Mr. Lusted started a daily, which, after two 
 months experience, finding the undertaking unprofitable, he abondoned 
 and put his whole energies in the weekly, which was then the leading 
 paper in the county. 
 
 Mr. Robert Barr, Sr., of Windsor, purchased the business from Mr. 
 Lusted and it was run by his sons William, John and James, who after 
 a few years were succeeded by Mr. Wallace Graham. 
 
 Archibald McNee came down from Winnipeg in 1888 and purchased 
 the plant and business from Mr. Graham, and he established The Even- 
 
 212 
 
ing Record in April, 1890. In the fall of the same year he took into 
 partnership John A. McKay, formerly of the Woodstock Sentinel Re- 
 view. These two gentlemen successfully conducted the Evening Record 
 and the weekly until 1906 when Mr. McNee sold out his interests to 
 Mr. McKay and retired. 
 
 INTERESTING EXTRACTS FROM THE "WESTERN HERALD." 
 
 SANDWICH, 1837-8. 
 
 Mr. Francis Cleary has the first two volumes of this interesting pub- 
 lication neatly bound. It was issued January 3, 1838, by Henry C. 
 Grant, at Sandwich, and was a well printed weekly of eight oages 8x11 
 inches about one-quarter of which was devoted to agriculture. It was 
 just the beginning of the Rebellion and the other three-quarters for 
 the whole year were nearly all given over to the discussion of the 
 "Patriots" and their movements. 
 
 In the first number the editor notes "Well founded rumors being 
 afloat of an intended invasion of our peaceful shore by a party ot 
 refugees and American Volunteers, now in the City of Detroit with a 
 certain Dr. Theller at their head." It then says that next day a corps 
 of two or three hundred armed men was formed "to defend our prop- 
 erty from plunder and our families from violence." 
 
 In another article the editor says: "We have just learned that there 
 is close at hand a numerous and determined band of Potawatomas and 
 other Indians who left in disgust the American territory and sought an 
 asylum in our Province; and which Indians abhor the very name of 
 American, so much so that no one saying he was such, would for a 
 moment be safe among them. There is also a force consisting of 1,000 
 black people in the vicinity of Amherstburg equally hostile to the 
 American name. Both forces could instantly be brought into operation. > 
 But Heaven forbid they should be required. May the harmony exist- 
 ing between the two shores never be disturbed for the sake of a few 
 worthless beings, but who supply a space in the world that might be 
 better filled were they out of it." 
 
 The Fight at Bois Blanc, 
 
 These were certainly stirring times. Tuesday, January 33, 1838, was 
 the second issue of The Herald and editorially it said: "Since our last 
 issue we have been in a state of excitement never before equalled in 
 consequence of the thratening attitude assumed by the rebel blood 
 hounds and their associates the loafers of Detroit." 
 
 A further extract from the same issue says: "On the morning of 
 January 6th, between nine and ten o'clock the steamer Erie was seen 
 to leave the dock at Detroit, crowded with people, with the ostensible 
 intention of proceeding to Cleveland, but which we afterwatds ascer- 
 tained, only went to land a cargo of rebels and American Volunteers 
 at Gibralter on the American side, she was immediately followed by a 
 schooner rigged vessel called the Ann, filled with armed men and mount- 
 
 21 :^ 
 
ing three pieces of cannon and other munitions and appointments, with 
 the expressed intention of commencing an attack on our shores. We 
 obtained the information that the rebels had stolen "the cannon, powder 
 and balls from a United States arsenal, and 500 or 600 small arms 
 chey had feloneously extracted from the City Hall, when the mhabitants 
 were all 'asleep,' we presume." 
 
 That same night about twelve o'clock about 150 volunteers headed 
 by John Prince, left Sandwich in the United for Bois Blanc, where the 
 rebels it seems, proposed to establish a post. At three o'clock on the 
 afternoon of Monday the 8th, just as the militia had been dismissed 
 from their parade in the garrison, an alarm was given by the sentries 
 at Bois Blanc that the brigands and pirates, about 400 in number, were 
 leaving Sugar Island in schooner, scows and boats, with a view of in- 
 vading Bois Blanc instanter, and they would reach the shore in half 
 an hour. As soon as the alarm was given the militia hurried to the 
 boats at Amherstburg and expeditiously as possible the island was 
 invested with 300 well armed men. The brigand forces were arrayed 
 as follows: The schooner Geo. Strong with a sloop, hovered at the 
 lower end of the island a mile below the Hghthouse, sometimes lying 
 to and sometimes hugging the shore off Elliot's Point, as is inclined to 
 land her men there. Their main body was being towed in scows up 
 the river towards Grosse Isle, taking care not to come within musket 
 shot of Bois Blanc. They fired two cannon of grape and cannister at 
 US' which did no injury. This was the first hostile shot fired on this 
 frontier, and after that there was no mistake in their intentions. After 
 waiting for the pirates for about two hours and perceiving that so far 
 from attempting to attack us, they pulled in their scows far above Bois 
 Blanc and the schooner and her tender triade sail for Elliot's Point. The 
 officers held a consultation and it was deemed not improbable that 1he 
 brigands object was to effect a landing and to force Amherstburg, 
 which had not 100 effective men left to defend it. Orders were given 
 to return to Amherstburg. The men were all landed in an hour, leav- 
 ing the island undefended. Everything was removed from the house 
 of the lighthouse keeper, Capt. Hackett, except some trunks and clothes 
 of his and Mrs. Hackett's. An hour afterwards the pirate schooner 
 sailed up the channel between Bois Blanc and the town. Her consort 
 lay under Bois Blanc Island. The militia kept up a consent firing at 
 her with their rifles, but as the distance was not less than 400 yards, 
 it had but little eftect. It was, however, afterwards ascertained that 
 upon this occasion one man was killed and several slightly wounded ; she 
 fired and occasional cannon shot and she was fairly beaten off and 
 sailed as was supposed, for the scows and boats, which had disappeared 
 and were conjectured to have returned to Sugar Island." 
 
 "On the following morning the sloop was made to come to without 
 a shot being fired and she was made a prisoner. The schooner hovered 
 about the island and occasionally fired cannister and grape into the 
 town. They carried off the whole of Capt. Hackett's wearing apparel. 
 Our men followed her and as she neared Elliott's Point a rifle ball killed 
 the helmsman and the wind blowing very strong the schooner came 
 ashore. They were called on to surrender and take their colors down, 
 but they declined and several shots being exchanged, two of the pirates 
 
 214 
 
being killed after she had stranded. Our men then plunged into the 
 water and boarded her and a jolly little man of the name of Leighton 
 climbed vip the mast and hauled the colors down. 
 
 "The prisoners were brought to shore and treated with every kind- 
 ness, humanity and consideration. The capture consisted of a schooner. 
 The Ann, of Detroit, 21 prisoners, most of them Americans, three pieces 
 of cannon and upwards of 800 stands of arms and a large quantity of 
 ammunition, besides stores and provisions. The militia engaged in 
 this capture were all volunteers and behaved most galantly." 
 
 Thomas Sutherland was Brigadier General of the Patriot army at this 
 time. 
 
 BEDFORD STREET, LOOKING NORTH, 
 From in front of the Cowan Homestead. From a photo by Mr. Hamilton. 
 
 Presentation of Regimental Colors. 
 
 The Herald had some room for news, besides the war reports, and 
 the volume contains many interesting items. On January 23, 1838, a 
 splendid Regimenal color was presented to the 2d Regt. Essex Militia 
 by the ladies of Sandwich. The regiment on the occasion was attired 
 in "a neat and becoming uniform." Miss Mary Findlay presented the 
 colors. 
 
 Attacked by a Wolf. 
 
 "On Thursday last as a man was on his way to town he was beset 
 by a large wolf, who very unceremoniously and evidently with maHgn 
 intention, jumped into the man's sleigh and would undoubtedly have 
 
 ■2\f, 
 
destroyed him, had he not most fortunately been provided with an axe 
 with which he managed to overcome the ferocious monster." 
 
 Robbery of Military Supplies. 
 
 In the issue of February 17, 1838, it is noted that the commissarit 
 department at Amherstburg had been robbed of ninety barrels of flour. 
 Van Renselaer, the commander of a "thousand highwaymen scoundrels" 
 camping in Michigan, gets the credit for it. 
 
 Killed by a Sentinel. 
 
 "A son of James Askin was killed by a colored sentinel on duty at 
 Amherstburg." 
 
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 THE McGregor homestead. 
 
 North side of Mill street, Sandwich, Ont. Parts of this building is said to be much older 
 than the Baby Mansion, It was originally the McGregor Homstead, and for many years after the 
 home of Col. Wm. Elliott. Albert P. Salter, P. L. S., and family, occupied it in the '70's, and it is 
 now known as the Reid Homestead. Mr. George E. Smeaton resides there at the present time. 
 
 The Rebels Invade Fighting Island. 
 
 In the issue of February 38, 1838, the paper contains an account of 
 the attempt of the rebels to come over by way of Fighting Island. 
 Three hundred of- them spent the night on the island but were driven 
 off next day by the men of Essex and Kent and much of their stores 
 confiscated. This was the second attack on this frontier. 
 
 Sentenced to be Hanged. 
 
 The issue of March 28, 1838, reports that Chief Justice Robinson had 
 sentenced to death Samuel Lount and Peter Mathews for high treason. 
 
 216 
 
Burned in Effigy. 
 
 A report is published from Kingston of the burning in effigy of the 
 alleged traitors, McKenzie, Papineau, Molesworth, Grote, Lerder and 
 Uncle Sam. 
 
 The editor also expresses his indignation at the notorious Geijis. 
 Montgomery and Theller, who were sentenced to be hanged for high 
 treason being reprieved. 
 
 Postal Arrangements Bad. 
 
 Under date of June 19th, 1838, the Herald says: "Lord Durham 
 
 has made a demand on the British Government for 13,000 more troops." 
 
 It also appears at this time that there was no post route direct to 
 
 T. D. NIVEN 
 Editor of The Evening Record 
 
 CHARLES L. BARKER 
 News Editor of The Evening Record. 
 
 this Province from Michigan. A letter posted in Detroit for Sand- 
 wich had to go around by Lewiston, thence via Toronto, which took 
 two weeks, making a tour of 700 miles. 
 
 The Editor Had His Troubles. 
 
 The editor apparently had troubles of his own. In his issue of Oc- 
 tober 16, 1838, he made the following appeal: "We have toiled unceas- 
 ingly ever since we had the misfortune to cast our lot among a com- 
 munity of idlers, under the most trying and discouraging circumstances 
 in the hope that our assiduity, economy and perseverance would, at no 
 
 217 
 
distant period, meet with their accustomed reward, viz., patronage 
 and suitable remuneration, but, alas ! We have reckoned "without our 
 hosts." Tell it not in Gath — publish it not in the streets of Askalon 
 "that we have printed the Western Herald for 33 months for barely 
 150 subscribers. Can it be supposed that we can or will be fool enough 
 to waste our time, health, peace of mind and bodily labor for another 
 year in the manner we have done for so contemptible a number of sub- 
 scribers." 
 
 The writer then digs into the Treasurer of the Western District, 
 from whom he has warrants to the amount of £32 but for which he 
 can get no pay. He advertised these for sale at a discount of twelve 
 
 and grandfather, in Sandwich East, the pres- 
 ent residence having been erected by his 
 father in 1840. He is much known and re- 
 spected. 
 
 ALEXANDER H. ASKIN, 
 
 an old-time civil engineer, who was one of 
 the surveyors for the route of the Great West- 
 em Railroad, is a descendant of one of the 
 pioneer families of the County of Essex. He 
 was born at Sandwich, March 35, 1831. Mr. 
 Askin was an officer of the 13th Battalion, 
 Hamilton, and was present at the affair of 
 Ridgeway, June 2, 1866. He still resides at 
 the old home (called Strabane) of his father 
 
 ^^^^^Kssi'-i^^^ ' : ' .. 
 
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 ALEXANDER LUCIER. 
 
 Councillor for the Town of Sandwich in 1907 
 
 and the present year — 1909, 
 
 per cent. He says he needs the money for wood, paper and ink. "This 
 very day," he says, "the postmaster brought in a bill for postage of 
 £10. Where shall we find the means to pay it? Echo answers where." 
 
 The Battle of Windsor. 
 
 The battle of Windsor took place on December 4, 1838, and The 
 Herald contains a full account of it, the editor himself, being in the 
 thick of the fray. "Of the brigands and pirates," writes Col. Prince, 
 
 218 
 
the officers in command, "21 were killed and four taken prisoners, all 
 of whom 1 ordered to be shot upon the spot and which was done accord- 
 ingly." 
 
 Two Canadian volunteers were burned to death in a house the 
 "Patriots" set fire to, one volunteer was shot and Dr. Hume was foully- 
 murdered. This was our total loss. Subsequently 26 more prisoners 
 were taken in and jailed at Sandwich, most of whom, the report says, 
 were citizens of the United States. The "Patriot's" general, Col. Prince" 
 said, was a Yankee, and their second in command, a man named Pul- 
 man, from London. The invaders, 450 in number, crossed the river 
 opposite Belle Isle, and immediately upon landing burned the steam 
 barge Thames. 
 
 THE HISTORIC ASKIN HOMESTEAD. 
 
 In Sandwich East (above Walkerville), now the home of Alexander H. Askin, the grandson 
 of John Askin, who did heroic service during the Pontiac War in 1762. In 1796, when Detroit 
 was formally made a part of the Union, John Askin, thro^gh his steadfast loyalty to Great Britain, 
 lost his property in Detroit, now worth nearly six million dollars, and moved to the site o* the 
 present homestead. In 184S the original building was removed and the present home erected. 
 
 Gen. Theler's Fierce Declaration. 
 
 Gen. Theller of the Patriots is said to have declared at a meeting in 
 Detroit, his intention of raising 2,000 men and to lay waste to our towns 
 and villages along the frontier, that he hoped to have the satisfaction 
 of washing his hands in the blood of Col. John Prince. A premium of 
 
 219 
 
$2,000, the paper says, was subscribed by merchants of Detroit for the 
 party who would take Col. Prince alive to Detroit or $1,500 for his 
 dead body. 
 
 The Herald Stands by Col. Prince. 
 
 Col. Prince's action in having the four prisoners shot did not wholly 
 meet with the approval of all- the citizens of Sandwich The Herald 
 vigorously defended him, however, and for so doing lost nine of its 
 150 subscribers. These gentlemen were: Capt. Bell, Charles Askin, 
 James Dougall, Charles Baby, Col. Wm. Elliott, W. R. Wood, Francis 
 Baby, Robert Mercer and J. G. Watson. 
 
 duty while in charge of the Colchester Light- 
 ship, when it foundered at he anchorage in 
 Lake Erie during a terrific storm November 
 11, 1883. 
 
 CAPT. JAMES FORREST. 
 
 For many years a resident of Sandwich. 
 He lost his life while in discharge of his 
 
 JAMES H. KENNING, 
 Inspector of Inland Revenue, Windsor, Ont. 
 
 Fought a Duel. 
 
 The Western Herald of February 14, 1839, refers to the duel which 
 took place between Col. Prince and the Assistant District Treasurer, 
 W. R. Wood. "A hostile meeting took place at an early hour Monday 
 morning in a field about two miles back of the town, between Col. 
 Prince and W. R. Wood, Esq. Col. Prince was attended by H. Rud- 
 yard, Esq., and Mr. Wood by Lieut. Cameron of the Provincial Volun- 
 teer Militia. At the first shot Col. Prince's pistol missed fire, Mr. Wood 
 fired without effect; at the second Mr. Wood received the Colonel's 
 
 220 
 
ball in his right jaw, and we have been informed, discharged his pistol 
 in the air. The parties then left the ground, the wounded gentleman 
 being conveyed home in Col. Prince's sleigh." 
 
 SOMETHING ABOUT WINDSOR'S FIRST NEWSPAPER. 
 
 Mr. James P. McEwan has two years of the Windsor Herald, founded 
 and edited by his father, the late John McEwan, who was afterwards 
 sheriff of the county. The Herald was established in January, 1855, 
 and was a well printed and well edited seven column, four page paper. 
 The editor appeared to have a splendid grasp of the political situation 
 of the time and while he gave his support to the Reform party, there 
 was an independent vein to be seen in many of his articles. He was 
 an ardent friend and supporter of Col. Arthur Rankin, who was mem- 
 ber for the 'county in the Legislature which then met in Quebec. 
 
 The heading of the paper contained the words The Herald and a 
 cut of a dog in his kennel on the watch, together with an engraving 
 of a ship at sea and a cow and the words, "Ever Watchful Over Com- 
 merce and Agriculture." In his prospectus the editor said "that the 
 village after many years of inactivity and dullness had become a place 
 of considerable importance." 
 
 "The terminus of the Great Western Railway is permanently located 
 here ; at this place also telegraphic communication ends, etc., etc., there- 
 fore the establishing of a newspaper was an absolute necessity, par- 
 ticularly when the fact is taken into consideration that the entire country 
 is unrepresented by the press." 
 
 Six columns in the second edition are devoted to a speech by Wm. 
 Lyon McKenzie on the voting of a parting address to Lord Elgin, in 
 which, Mr. McKenzie severely critizises His Excellency. 
 
 Were Patriotic Then, Too. 
 
 In the second edition is also published a letter from Col. Arthur 
 Rankin, member of the county, to His Excellency, Lord Elgin, offering 
 to raise a regiment of Canadian Volunteers to proceed to the Crimea. 
 Mr. Rankin said he would be proud to devote his life and energy to 
 the noble cause, and it would be, he thought, "the best proof of the 
 fact that a strong feeling of attachment to the mother country still 
 exists in this portion of Her Majesty's Dominion." 
 
 The same offer, the paper notes, was previously made by Col. Prince, 
 the late member for the county. 
 
 A school board was in evidence at the time and was composed of 
 John O'Connor, Jr., Francis Caron, Joseph Strong, Mark Richards, 
 Dennis Ouellette and John McEwan. 
 
 The steamer Mohawk was plying between Windsor and Detroit. 
 
 A notice appeared announcing that the governor-general. Sir Edmund 
 Head, had issued a proclamation changing the "Port of Sandwich" to 
 the "Port of Windsor." 
 
 221 
 
John David Askin was appointed landing waiter and searcher in 
 Her Majesty's Customs. 
 
 A Congregational Church was opeijed. 
 
 Alexander Bartlet was Secretary of the Agricultural Society. 
 
 A Mechanics Institute was formed February 33d 
 
 The Canada Southern Railway was being projected and Engineer 
 Scott was advocating the tunnelling of .the Detroit and Niagara Rivers. 
 
 Laying of the Corner Stone of the Court House. 
 
 The issue of May 26, 18.55, contained an account of the laying of 
 the corner stone of the new jail and court house at Sandwich. Justice 
 
 E. W. B. ARNOLD. 
 
 Governor of the Sandwich Jail from 1858 
 to 1863. 
 
 GEORGE O'CALLIGAN LEECH. 
 
 Governor of the county jail from 1862 to 
 the time of his death which was March 16, 
 1884. 
 
 McLean laid the stone, and besides a history of the county, coins, etc. 
 the names of the persons holding offices were put in. These were : 
 Col. John Prince, ex-member ; Arthur Rankin, member ; Alexander 
 Chewett, Judge County Court ; Samuel S. Macdonell, Warden ; Wm. 
 D. Baby, Sheriff; Col. JameS Askin, Registrar; John A. Wilkinson, 
 Judge of the Surrogate Court; George Bullock, County Treasurer; 
 Charles Baby, Clerk of the Peace; P. H. Morin, Deputy Clerk of the 
 Crown ; Paul John Salter and Pierre H. Morin, Auditors ; James H. 
 Wilkinson, County Clerk. 
 
 222 
 
WHEN HULL SURRENDERED DETROIT TO GEN. BROCK. 
 
 (From The Montreal Standard. ) 
 
 "It was on one of the attacks on Amberstburg," writes Walter R. 
 Mursey in "The Story of Isaac Brock," that the first scalp in the war 
 of 1813 was taken — not by one of Brock's terrible Indians, but by a 
 captain of Hull's spies. This officer — one hates to describe him as a 
 white man — wrote his wife, he 'had the pleasure of tearing a scalp from 
 the head of a British redskin,' and related at length the brutal details 
 of the method." A few days later Tecumseh and his Indians cut off one 
 of Hull's provision trains and captured a batch of despatches. In that 
 fight Hull's captain of spies met the fate he had inflicted on "the British 
 redskin." 
 
 
 
 GEN. BROCK'S BATTERY. 
 At the head of Brock Street, Windsor, Ont., firing on Fort Shelby, Detroit, Mich. 
 
 Shortly after Brock's arrival at Amherstburg, Tecumseh was pre- 
 sented to him. "The contrast presented by the two men was striking," 
 writes Brock's biographer, Mursey. "The old world and the new, face 
 to face — a scene for the brush of an impressionist Brock, tall, fair, big- 
 limbed, a blue-eyed giant, imposing in scarlet coat and blue-white riding 
 trousers, tasselled Hessian boots and cocked-hat in hand. On his bene- 
 volent face was an irresistible smile. 
 
 •"The Indian, though of middle height, was of most perfect pro- 
 portions ; an athlete in bronze, lithe and supple as a panther." 
 
 The Chief promised that he and his braves would follow Brock and 
 "maintain an honorable warfare." Taking a roll of elm-bark, Tecumseh, 
 with the point of his scalping-knife, traced on its white inner surface 
 a map of the district. 
 
 223 
 
That night a council was held. Brock seems to have gone to it with 
 his course pretty well decided upon. He knew that "now or never*' 
 was the time to strike. Almost 400 United States mounted troops were 
 pressing close iipon his rear ; before him was a superior force and he 
 was in danger of being out-flanked or cut off from the interior of 
 Canada. And that would mean disaster to the entire Province whose 
 safety depended on the destruction or defeat of Hull's force. The 
 difficulties and dangers of an offensive movement were pointed out at 
 the council. Finally, Brock spoke. "Gentlemen," said he, "I have 
 definitely decided on crossing the river and attacking Fort Detroit. 
 Instead of further advice, I must beg of you to give me your hearty 
 support." 
 
 Hull had withdrawn from Sandwich, and Brock now moved up and 
 occupied the place, sending from there a written demand for the sur- 
 render of Detroit, to which Hull replied that he was "prepared to meet 
 any force brought againts him." Upon receipt of this reply Brock 
 ordered his batteries to fire upon the fort. "Through the irony of fate, 
 the first shot fired under Brock's personal orders killed a United States 
 officer, an intimate friend of the British artilleryman who had trained 
 the gun." 
 
 On the following morning, August 16, Brock's little force in bciteaux 
 and canops crossed over to the Michigan shore, the movement being 
 covered by the fire of the batteries and of the guns of two vessels 
 anchored above the little village that has- since grown into 'the town 
 of Windsor. Brock's entire force consisted of 330 regulars 400 militia, 
 and about 600 Indians, supported by six pieces of artillery. A number 
 of the militia wore discarded uniforms of the 41st Regiment in order 
 to make the regular force appear stronger than it really was. 
 
 The landing effected, Brock drew up his men in battle array, ready 
 to attack Hull's army of 3,000 men occuping the rising ground before 
 the fort, and across which ran a road commended by artillery, around 
 which gunners stood with burning fuses. But the fuses were not 
 applied to the guns, although Brock's column was now coming on in 
 battle array. The sight strutk fear into the heart of Hull, and ordering 
 his men right-about-face, he marched them back within the walls of 
 the fort. 
 
 Approaching, Brock ordered up his artillery, the battery at Sandwich 
 in the meantime throwing shells into the United States fortifications. 
 Brock had given the order to "prepare for assault" when an officer 
 bearing a fiag of truce amerged from the fort. The message he bore 
 asked for a cessation of hostilities for an hour in order that negotiations 
 might be entered into for the surrender of Detroit. Before the hour 
 had expired Brock was in possession of the place. Hull surrendered 
 2,500 men of all ranks, an equal number of muskets, 33 pieces of cannon, 
 a brig-of-war, a large quantity of stores and munitions valued at 239,000, 
 besides the fort, the town of Detroit, and 59,700 square miles of United 
 States territory. 
 
 The almost bloodless victory was complete, but in less than two 
 months the victor lay dead on Queenston Heights and Canada had 
 lost her best soldier. 
 
 224 
 
THE ISLANDS OF THE DETROIT RIVER. 
 
 Peach Island or (Isle aux Peches) used to be prominent in early- 
 days as the summer home of the great chief and conspirator, Pontiac. 
 It is a Canadian Island and until recently was owned by Mr. Hiram 
 Walker, whose fine residence added much to its beauty. It is now 
 owned by the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Company who 
 are making extensive improvements upon it. 
 
 Belle Isle has changed its name four times. First, it was called Isle 
 Ste. Claire; second, Rattlesnake Island from the number of snakes 
 which invested it ; third, Hog Island — Isle Aux Cochous — by the French 
 from the number of animals put there to destroy the snakes; fourthly, 
 on July 4, 1845, the name was changed to Belle Isle, after Miss Bella 
 Cass, daughter of General Cass, afterwards the wife of Baron Yon 
 Limburg. The island contains 704 acres. On the first day of August, 
 1768, it was purchased from the Indians of the Ottawa and Chippewa 
 nations in council (under direction of His Majesty's commander-in- 
 chief) and conveyed to St. George McDougall, Lieutenant of the Six- 
 tieth Regiment British troops for a sum amounting to £190 ten shill- 
 ings York money. A few years ago the City of Detroit, at an expense 
 of over $2,000,000, has converted it into a park and for splendar and 
 beauty is without a rival on the American continent at the present time. 
 It was surveyed by Mr. Boyd in 1771. 
 
 Grosse Isle was granted by Governor Simcoe to William Macomb 
 on July 5, 1793, who was one of the two first members elected to the 
 Upper Canada Parliament for this country. He had previously been 
 allowed by Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton to occupy it. 
 
 Mr. Macomb changed his allegiance and remained on his island home. 
 It is an American Island. Mr. Macomb's granddaughter was married 
 to the late Hon. W. D. Balfour, who represented South Essex in the 
 Ontario Legislature. 
 
 Bois Blanc Island, the seat of the Huron Mission in 1773 and for 
 some years thereafter, was ceded to the British. It contains 320 acres 
 and was patented to the late Col. Arthur Rankin in 1874. It is now 
 used as a park by the Detroit, Windsor and Belle Isle Ferry Company. 
 
 Wa-we-a-tu-nong — Indian name for Detroit River. 
 
 Erie in the Huron language signifies cat. 
 
 DETROIT RIVER NAVIGATION. 
 
 (By Robert Stuart Woods.) 
 
 Having had our chat about the islands of the river let us ask when 
 we first heard of the navigation of it. As to vessels, the Grifin must 
 be first named and for the following particulars I am indebted to 
 Farmer's valuable history of Detroit. Her tonnage is variously stated 
 at forty-five to sixty tons. She carried five cannon and was built by 
 LaSalle at the mouth of the Cayuga Creek near Niagara in the spring 
 of 1679. After several short trial trips on the 7th August with Cheva- 
 lier LaSalle, Father Louis Hennepin and some others, thirty-two in 
 
 225 
 
all, she started on her first real voyage, arriving at the mouth of the 
 Detroit on August 10, 1679. 
 
 Two days after, on the festival of Sainte Claire, she entered the little 
 lake which was christened Lake Ste. Clair, in honor of the founder of 
 the Franciscan nuns. Two centuries later a gathering at Grosse Pointe 
 rechristened the lake with various exercises, including poems by D. B. 
 Duffield and Judge Campbell, and an address by Belle Hubbard. On 
 her return trip the Griffin left Washington Island in Lake Michigan 
 on the 18th September, 1679. Two days after a storm arose and she 
 was lost. Prior to this in 1669, Joliet was the first Frenchman to 
 descend Lake Erie from Detroit. In 1731 Charlevoix, the great pioneer 
 came up Lake Erie on his way to the Mississippi. 
 
 After this no sailing vessels are known to have passed- Detroit for 
 nearly half a century. The first we hear of were those engaged in con- 
 veying troops, provisions and furs between Detroit and Niagara. 
 
 In 1763 and 1764 the schooners Beaver, Gladwin and Charlotte went 
 to and fro constantly, the trip varying from six to nine days. 
 
 The first vessel known to have been built at Detroit was the Enter- 
 prise. She was launched in 1769. 
 
 In 1778 the British brig of war, General Gage, arrived, making a 
 trip from Buffalo in four days. On accuont of the Revolutionary war, 
 none but government vessels were then allowed upon the lakes. 
 
 In 1780 the captains and crews of nine vessels were under pay at 
 Detroit and a large dock-yard was maintained. The names of the ves- 
 sels were the Gage, Dunmore, Faith, Angelica, Hope, Welcome, Felicity 
 and Wyandotte. 
 
 On August ;lst, 1782, the following named vessels all in good orde» 
 and all built in Detroit — were on duty in Lake Erie, Huron and Michi- 
 gan : Brig Gage, 27 men on board with 14 guns, built in 1772 ; Schooner 
 Hope, 11 men, built in 1772 ; Sloop Anglican, 7 men, built in 1771 ; Sloop 
 Felicity, 6 men, built in 1774 ; Schooner Faith, 48 men, 10 guns, built in 
 1774 ; Schooner Wyandotte, 7 men, built in 1779 ; Sloop Adventure, 8 
 men, built in 1776 ; Gun Boat, 11 men, 1 gun. 
 
 In the spring of 1793, four government vessels were lying in front 
 of the town. Of these the Chippewa and the Ottawa were new brigs 
 of about 300 tons each and carrying eight guns ; another was the Dun- 
 more, an old brig of the same size with six guns ; the fourth was the 
 sloop Felicity armed with two swivels. All of these were under com- 
 mand of Commodore Grant. There were also several sloops and 
 schooners owned by trading firms. 
 
 Three years later in 1796, twelve merchant vessels were owned in 
 Detroit; also several brigs, sloops and schoones from fifty to one hun- 
 dred tons each. After the surrender to the United States (July, 1796), 
 the schooner Swan, then owned by James May, was hired to convey 
 the first United States troops to Detroit, and was the first vessel on 
 the lakes to bear the United States flag. The second to convey tha 
 United States flag was probably the Detroit, she was purchased by the 
 Government of the Northwest Fur Company. 
 
 The first steamboat that sailed Lake Erie, the Walk-in-the-Water, 
 after the chief ef the Wyandotte Indians reached Detroit from Buf- 
 falo, August 17, 1818, leaving those on the 23d and taking in sailing 
 
 226 
 
about 44 hours and 10 minutes. In 1835 there was still but one steamer 
 on the lakes. The first steamer that we had on the lakes was built here 
 (Chatham) by Duncan McGregor called the "Western," a vessel of 
 some fifty tons and ^twenty-five horse power which McGregor had con- 
 verted out of the Rob Ray, on the river flats immediately below Judge 
 Bell's residence, about the year 1830-1, and which was put on the route 
 between Chatham and Amherstburg. The next year was built at the 
 same place the steamer Thamas of about 300 tons and fifty horse power, 
 and was run as a leading boat between Port Stanley and BuflEalo until 
 burned by the rebels and Patriots at Windsor, on the 4th December, 
 1838. At the same time was also built the "Cynthia McGregor," called 
 after the wife of the late Duncan McGregor, who with Henry Van Allen, 
 his brother-in-law, built her and she ran between Chatham and Detroit. 
 She was a 100-ton vessel and forty-horse power and ran on the Chat- 
 ham route till she was unfortunately burned; and then came the 
 Brothers by the Eberts' brothers, the first of their long line of steam 
 and sailing vessels. 
 
 THE DETROIT RIVER. 
 
 Volume 5 of The Anercana describes the Detroit River as "a river 
 or strait which connects Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie, and forms part 
 of the boundry between the United States and Canada. Detroit is the 
 French word for strait ; and the name was given by the French, the 
 first white men who settled here. Its course is nearly south, with slow 
 current, and sufficient depth of water for the navigation of large vessels. 
 It is 25 miles long and three-fourths of a mile wide opposite the city 
 of Detroit, where it forms an excellent harbor. The tonnage passing 
 through this river exceeds in volume that passing through any other 
 river in the world." 
 
 The Detroit News-Tribune of a recent date says: By an ingenious 
 mathematical formula it has been ascertained by the government engi- 
 neers that the volume of water discharged by the river is 300,374 gal- 
 lons every second. This means 12,016,440 gallons every minute, 730,- 
 986,400 gallons every hour, and the vast volume of 17,303,773,600 gal- 
 lons every 34 hours. 
 
 More tonage passes Detroit than any other city in the world; more 
 ships carrying greater cargoes pass through the Detroit river than ply 
 any other river on the globe. In 1907 the season opened on April 9 and 
 closed Dec. 9, a duration of 345 days. In this length of time 36,890 
 boats steamed or sailed through the waters of the river, which gives an 
 average of one vessel every 13 minutes. Suppose each of these vessels 
 was no more than 350 feet in length, which is a conservative average, 
 and the entire number, if placed end to end, would reach one-third of 
 the distance around the world, or would form an axis for the earth. 
 
 When deduction has been made for the pleasure craft, which carry 
 little freight, it has been determined by the Lake Carriers' association 
 that 75,000,000 tons of freight passed through the river last season. 
 This gives an average tonnage of 3,500 tons per vessel, and shows that 
 
 227 
 
an kveirige of 3l0 tons passed Detroit every minute in every one of 
 the 24 hours in every day of the season of navigation. When one stops 
 to consider the value of this freight, and how many hundreds of millions 
 of dollars it must amount to, he can gleam some idea of what the com- 
 merce of the great lakes means. 
 
 But, leaving behind the value of the river to commerce and to tha 
 city from a commercial standpoint, and considering it from a stand- 
 point of the pleasure that may be had on its surface, its value is at 
 least doubled. Think of the hundreds of tiny pleasure craft that con- 
 stantly dot its surface in summer; think of thousands of persons who 
 avail themselves of the delights of sailing, of launching, of rowing, of 
 canoeing that are afforded. Everything that any other river possesses 
 the Detroit river has. It lacks nothing. It is the finest stream in exist- 
 ence. 
 
 THE WRECK OF THE JULIE PLANTE. 
 
 Dr. W. H. Drummond, the noted writer of French-Canadian dialect 
 poems, who died in Cobalt April 6, 1907. One of his most popular poems 
 was "The Wreck of the Julie Plante." Believing that it will prove both 
 amusing and interesting to the reader we publish it in full : 
 
 'Twas one dark night on Lac St. Clair, 
 
 De wind was "blow," "blow," "blow," 
 When de crew on de wood skow "Julie Plante" 
 
 Got scare and run below. 
 
 For de wind she blow like hurricane, 
 
 Bineby she blow some more 
 When de skow buss up just off Grosee Pointe 
 
 Ten acres from the shore. 
 
 The captain she's walk on the front deck. 
 
 She's walk on the hind deck, too, 
 She's call the crew from up the hole. 
 
 She's call the cook also. 
 
 De cook his name was Rosa 
 
 He come from Montreal, 
 Was a chambermaid on a lumber barge 
 
 On dat big Lachine Canal. 
 
 De wind he's blow from nor' eass' wess' 
 
 De sou' wind he's blow too, 
 When Rosa say, "Oh, Captain, 
 
 Whatever shall I do." 
 
 De captain she's throw the hank, 
 
 But still that skow she drif. 
 And de crew he can't pass on dat shore 
 
 Because he loose dat skiff. 
 
 228 
 
t>e night was dark like one black cat, 
 
 De wave ran high and fass 
 When the Captain took poor Rosa 
 
 And lash her to the mass. 
 
 When the Captain put on de life preserve 
 
 And he jump into the lac, 
 And he say, "Grood-by, my Rosa dear, 
 
 I go down for your sak. 
 
 Next morning vary hearly, 
 About half-past two, three, four, 
 
 De Captain, cook and wood skow 
 Lay corpses on dat shore. 
 
 For the wind she blow like hurricane, 
 
 Bimeby she blow some more, 
 For dat skow buss up just hoff Grosee Pointe 
 
 Ten hacres from de shore. 
 
 Moral. 
 
 Now all good wood skow sailor mans, 
 
 Take lesson by that storm 
 And go and marry nice French gal 
 
 And live on Grosee Pointe farm. 
 
 Den the wind may blow like hurricane 
 And spose she's blow some more, 
 
 You can't get drowned on Lac St. Clair 
 So long you stop on shore. 
 
 ^m 
 
THE FIRST MEMBERS OF THE LAND BOARD FOR THE 
 DISTRICT OF HESSE. 
 
 Major Farnham Close, of the 65th Foot, was the Commandant of the 
 Garrison at Detroit, and held office by virture of his military position. 
 
 William Dummer Powell, was of Welsh descent, born at Boston in 
 1755. His grandfather came from England as Secretary to Lieutenant- 
 Governor Dummer. The future Chief Justice of Upper Canada was 
 
 MRS. ANTOINB BONDY 
 
 Knitting in the old-fashioned way, in an old-fasKtioned kitchen, sitting by an 
 old-fashioned stove. She is about 82 years old. 
 
 sent to England to be educatad and he returned to Boston in 1772. 
 After a brief residence in Lower Canada he settled in Detroit in 1789. 
 The journey occupied a long time, taking ten days from Montreal to 
 Kingstone, four, from Kingston to Niagara. Mr. Powell was the first 
 judge whp presided over the Court in the District of Hesse, and was a 
 member of the Land Board. Subsequently he settled in Toronto and 
 
 230 
 
retired from the bench in 1825. He had a high reputation as a judge, 
 and bore a conspicuous part in the civil life of his time. 
 
 It is generally accepted that M. Duperon Baby was the M. Babee who 
 in 1760 negotiated for Bellestre with Roger's representative, as to the 
 surrender of Detroit to the British. He was of an old French family, 
 "grandson of Jacques Baby de Rainville who came to Canada from 
 Guinne with the Carignau regiment." Duperon Baby was born in 
 1738, was made a justice of the Court of Common Pleas in 1788, and 
 died at Sandwich in 1796. (James). 
 
 Col. Alexander McKee was Indian Agent at Pittsburg before the 
 Revolutionary War, after the outbreak of which he was imprisoned 
 by the revolutionists at Pittsburg. He effected his escape and co- 
 operated with Sir John Johnson among the Indians, becoming Deputy 
 Superintendent-General. In 1778 he travelled through the Indian 
 territory to Detroit, and greatly assisted in maintaining friendly relations 
 between the tribes and the British Crown, He was a Justice of the 
 Court of Common Pleas at Detroit. His services were greatly appre- 
 ciated by Lord Dorchester, and in his death on the 14th January, 1799, 
 the service lost an able and devoted officer. 
 
 Alexander Grant was the fourth son of Grant of Glenmoriston, In- 
 vernessshire. He served in the Royal Navy as a midshipman. He was 
 present with Amherst in the Lake Champlain expedition and was after- 
 wards placed in command of the lake vessels from Niagara to Mackinaw 
 with headquarters at Detroit. Hence his title of commodore. He was 
 a member of the Land Board of Hesse, of Simcoe's Executive Council, 
 and Administrator of Upper Canada in 1805, during the interval" be- 
 tween Lt.-Governor Hunter and Lti-Governor Gore. He died in 1813. 
 The late Judge Woods, of Chatham, Ont., was a grandson. 
 
 William Robertson was one of the most active members of the Land 
 Board. He settled at Detroit in 1782, engaging in general business as a 
 merchant. He was appointed one of the Justices of the Court of Com- 
 mon Pleas in 1788. He appeared before the Council in Quebec in that 
 year on behalf of the inhabitants of Detroit who memorialized the 
 Governor-General on matters touching the administration of justice. 
 He was appointed a member of Simcoe's first Executive Council, but 
 had by that time settled in England and does not appear to have re- 
 turned to Canada again. 
 
 The name of Lieut. Adhemar St. Martin is among those of the 
 Justices of the Peace for Hesse on the list for 1788, and in the year 
 following he appears as a member of the Land Board of Hesse, hieing 
 then a resident at St. Vincent. He had been for many years prominent 
 in the affairs of the Western settlement, gave valuable service as 
 Commissary' and interpreter in the Pontiac affair, and suffered severe 
 loss of property. His name is associated with the famous Cass House 
 which came into his possession about 1750, and was the birthplace of 
 Major-General Macomb and at one time the home of the Anthons of 
 whom Charles was the distinguished classical author and Editor. 
 Changes began son to take place in the personell of the Board and one 
 of the most prominent of the new members was Col. John Askin. 
 
 231 
 
The Askin family attained influence in the Detroit district at an early 
 period. The name was originally the Scottish "Erskine" and was 
 changed to conceal identity after the Jacobite defeat in 1715. One of 
 the old family removed to Ireland and had a son, John Askin who 
 settled in America and at the time of .the Conquest of Canada was a 
 merchant at Albany. In the Pontiac outbreak he transported the supplies 
 from Albany by Lake Erie to Detroit and received, as a reward, grants 
 of land at Detroit. In 1764 he went as Commissary to Michilimackinac, 
 returning in 1780 to Detroit as a trader. He was successful in business 
 and amassed much property, which he abandoned to the States at the 
 close ' of the Revolutionary War. He then settled in Canada on the 
 east side of the Detroit river. He was appointed a Captain of Militia 
 in 1787 by Lord Dorchester and in 1796 was promoted to be Lieut- 
 Colonel and Colonel in 1801. 
 
 232 
 
INDEX. 
 
 PAGES 
 
 Askin Family 104 — 232 
 
 Askin, Alexander H 218 
 
 Assumption Parish 164 — 178 
 
 Athletic Sports , . . . . 11 5 — 1 1 8 
 
 Baby Mansion 48 — 52 
 
 Bartlet, Alexander 138 
 
 Battle of Windsor 218 — 220 
 
 Beeman House 137 
 
 Brock's Battery 56^57 
 
 Cameron, Donald 138 
 
 Casgrain Homestead 109 
 
 Clerks of Peace 100 
 
 County of Essex 85 — 97 
 
 Court House 86 — 222 
 
 Cowan Homestead 128 
 
 Detroit River 227 — 22S 
 
 Detroit in 1 820 i b 
 
 Detroit River Navigation 225 — 227 
 
 District and County Clerks 104 
 
 District and County Treasurers 106 — 107 
 
 District of Hesse 230 — 232 
 
 Dougall, James 13S 
 
 Essex Historical Society 196 — 198 
 
 Executions in Sandwich 11 1 — 1 1 5 
 
 Fellers, George 17 
 
 Fellers Homestead 131 
 
 Fenian Raids. . 72 — 80' 
 
 Ferry Boats 161 — 163 
 
 First Baptist Church 195 — 196 
 
 First Locomotive 134 
 
 Fish Hatchery 61 — 63 
 
 Fort Maiden 206 — 207 
 
 French Period 6 — 1 1 
 
INDEX— Continued. 
 
 Gignac, Mrs. Pierre .... lo 
 
 Girardot, Ernest i6o 
 
 Girardot, Theodule , . . . . 17 
 
 Grist Mill \'.f', i34 
 
 Guillot, Lt.-Col. J. C 157 
 
 Hands' Homestead 37 — 38 
 
 Harrison, Gen. W. H '. 5 ' 
 
 "Historial Landmarks 127 — 131 
 
 Houge of Refuge.. . 92 
 
 Indian History i — 5 
 
 Islands of Detroit River 225 
 
 Judges of Essex . 96 — 98 
 
 MacDonell, S. S 135 
 
 'McGregor Homestead 216 
 
 McKee Homestead 41 
 
 Marentette Family 125 — 127 
 
 Methodist Church 191 — 194 
 
 'Mission House 164 
 
 Mission Pear Trees ;'.' . 55 
 
 Moy House 8 
 
 Newspapers 207 — 2 18, 22 r 
 
 'Oldest Free Mason ■. . . . 44 — ^46 
 
 Parliamentary Representaties 109 — iii, 203 — 205 
 
 Past and Present 80 — 85 
 
 Prince, Col. John 66 — 69 
 
 Rankin, Col 69 — 70 
 
 Hebellion of 1837-8 64 — ^66 
 
 Registrars of County loi — 104 
 
 St. John's Church 179 — 191 
 
 St. Joseph's Church , i 
 
 Sandwich Township 12 
 
 Hotels 119 — 123 
 
 Infantry 73 
 
 Petroleum Oil Co 58 — 61 
 
 Postmasters 37 
 
 Stage Notables 124 — 125 
 
 Town 13 — 44 
 
IN D EX — Continued , 
 
 Sheriffs of the County 98 — 100 
 
 Sullivan, Capt. John D 163 
 
 Surrender of Detroit 233 — 234 
 
 Tecumseh 51 
 
 Trent Affair 70 — 72 
 
 Walker, Hiram 200 
 
 Walkerville 198 — 203 
 
 War of 1 8 1 2 46 — 47 
 
 Wardens of Essex 92 — 95 
 
 White, Chief Joseph 2 
 
 Wilkinson Homestead 127 
 
 Windsor 81, 135 — 160 
 
 Windsor Barracks 139 
 
 Windsor Castle 1 37 
 
 Woods, Judge 198