Articles: 1830's

1833

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
September 14, 1833
Population:
Wolfe Island 1832= 611, 1833= 656
Amherst Is. 1832= 512, 1833= 605

1835

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
January 3, 1835
To Contractors
Tenders will be received by the subscribers until the 12th day of January currant [sic], for the building of a WHARF, on the North side of Garden Island, to be finished by the first day of May next. Also, for the alteration of the Hull of a Scow, lying there: Specifications of which will be shown at their places of business in Store (?) Street. ROSE CAMERON, Kingston 2nd January 1835

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
Kingston, February 6, 1835
I do hereby certify that some time in the early part of June, 1833, I heard Thomas Wilson, of Kingston, merchant, read from either a Kingston or Montreal newspaper the execution of one Joseph Huffman, who was hung in the United States for murder; and that the said Huffman just before his execution confessed that he was the murderer on one Thomas Jackson, while living on Amherst Island, in the Midland District, and Province of Upper Canada. SARAH ELIZA WILSON

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
Adolphstown, February 10, 1835
I do hereby certify that some time in the early part of June, 1833, whilst in Kingston on a visit, I heard Thomas Wilson, merchant, of that place, read in the newspaper the execution of one Joseph Huffman, who was hung according to the statement therein, in the United States; and the paper stated that just before his execution he confessed that he was the murderer of one Thomas Jackson, living on an island in the Province of Upper Canada, and from being acquainted with the person murdered, I then requested the aforesaid Thomas Wilson to read it the second time, which he did. I then intended to preserve the paper, but in consequence of the illness of my daughter, forgot it. The above statement I am willing to attest to, according to the best of my recollection.
CYNTHIA CASEY

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
Wednesday, April 1, 1835
To the Editors of the Chronicle and Gazette
The undersigned having been unjustly suspected and accused of the murder of the late Thomas Jackson, of Amherst Island, in the Midland District, and the Province of Upper Canada, requests that you will publish the following Certificates of Cynthia Casey, wife of Samuel Casey, Esquire of Adolphstown, and Sarah Eliza Wilson, wife of Thomas Wilson, of Kingston, Merchant, in hopes that it will tend to clear him of any suspicion that may remain, and lead to the discovery of facts that will fully establish his innocence; and he therefore requests that Editors of the papers in the Canadas, or the United States, having any knowledge of the facts alluded to in the Certificates, will have the goodness to give information of the same to the Editors of the Chronicle and Gazette, at Kingston, and all reasonable charges will be paid by me. TIMOTHY MCGINESS
Amherst Isle, 26th March 1835

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
April 1, 1835
15,000 ACRES OF LAND
For Sale on Wolfe and Howe Islands; the former Island containing about 30,000 acres of land and the latter about 8000 acres.
These lands are situated in the River St. Lawrence in a central position between Kingston, Gananoque, French Creek and Capt Vincent. The soil for all kinds of Grain and Grass is not excelled by any in Upper Canada and well timbered. Both shores of each Island are accessible for Steam Boats and Schooners of the largest class sailing the Lakes, causing a ready sale for Cord Wood in quantity delivered on their Banks for Steam Boats and for the Kingston Market.
The large quantity of Staves and Timbers brought across Lake Ontario in Schooners and Rafts for the Quebec Market on the shores, and adjacent to the shores of these Islands, make a ready Market for all Rafting Materials such as Floats, Oars, Traverses, Binders, Withs, &c. &c. so that there is no description of Timber on those Lands but readily commands cash delivered on the Bank, making the standing Timber worth more on each acre than the price demanded for the Land, and the Gananoque Mills and Kingston are the best Grain Markets in Upper Canada – indeed the best markets for all kinds of produce.
No Lands ever offered for sale I n Upper Canada afford so great facilities for the purchaser to make his payments from the Lands, as those now described. On Howe Island each and every lot comes to the water, and there are on its shores Quarries of Building Stone; and on Wolfe Island there is about to be constructed a ship and Steam Boat Canal across the Island, by which will also be obtained a valuable Water Power for Hydraulic purposes, &c. &c. &c. where, as soon as completed, Grist Mills and Saw Mills will be erected.
For further particulars application may be made to Henry George Forsyth, Esq. Quebec, Messrs. C. & J. McDonald & Company, Gananoque, and the Hon. C.W. Grant, Kingston.

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
April 18, 1835
FARM TO LET
Of which immediate possession may be given for any terms of years that may be agreed on, that excellent FARM belonging to Mr. Smithers, on Ferguson’s Point, opposite, and within three miles of Kingston, bordering on the line of the intended Canal across Wolfe Island, well timbered, with a good harbour and landing place for any size of Durham Boat, well watered in front and rear; on which from 20 to 80 tons of good blue-joint hay may be cut yearly; the soil and pasturage are not excelled in the county. The lot consists of 225 acres of which 55 acres are cleared, 23 acres is meadow 3 years old, with a good Barn and a Log House. For further particulars apply to William Smithers at Messrs.Rose & Cameron’s, State Street. Kingston April 3, 1835

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
June 3, 1835
GARDEN ISLAND RETREAT
W.J. Ellsworth having rented these premises, begs leave to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Kingston, that he has appropriated part of the house for PUBLIC ACCOMODATION. The natural advantages of the situation for Parties out fishing, or merely enjoying the air, are proverbial; in addition to which there are now a Wharf and Harbour at which the largest vessel navigating Lake Ontario might moor safely.
Although the fare at this solitary situation cannot, as yet, be equal in variety to what is found in the city, the advertiser trusts that few who call there shall be disappointed, and that his improvements shall keep pace with the increase of patronage. Kingston, June 3, 1835

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
September 12, 1835
Sporting Intelligence – A novel chase on a very extensive scale, will take place on Tuesday morning, the 10th November next, to which all lovers of Sylvian sports are hereby invited. The meeting is for the purpose of extirpating the Wolfe from the neighboring Island which bears his name; and which has hitherto been the strong hold and scene of his rapacious depreplations. A similar attempt for made years ago by some of the residents of the Island, but from deficiency in numbers and the want of order in the pursuit, they were altogether unsuccessful. The consequence has been, that this four-footed robber has continued to reign lord paramount in the Island – “Baying the moon with hideous howl,” and collecting his tithes with an audacity exceeding that of the most vigilant proctor. The advantage arising to the Farmers on the Island by successful issue of this project, will, of course, be a sufficient inducement to them, to turn out to a man; and we understand that many gentlemen in and about Kingston will join in the sport. The Nine Mile Point Light House is the place appointed for the meeting and the time, early on the morning of the 10th Nov. We are authorized to state that the Hon. C.Grant, the principal proprietor of the Island will attend at the time and place appointed, where with the assistance of all present he intends forming a line extending from shore to shore, on the South West, which line will advance in regular order to the lower extremity of the Island, when the enemy will either have to fight or yield. The extent of ground to be scoured being twenty miles in length, and in some part seven in width, it is supposed that the chase will occupy two days and two nights, it will therefore be necessary that each sportsman shall come to the ground furnished with provisions for that space of time. The lines during the night, it is proposed, will be preserved by means of sentinels and fires placed at equal distances. In order to preserve the deer as much as possible, no deer-hounds will be allowed in the chase, and all game shot by the sportsmen in the course of the pursuit is expected will be preserved for a general regale at the end of the Hunt. Our neighbors in the vicinity of Cape Vincent and on the American side, will do well to join the party, for there can be no doubt, but that sport conducted on a scale of such magnitude will be productive of much amusement.
Any further particulars required, may be had by applying to Mr. Thomas, Clerk of the Market.

1836

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
January 23, 1836
STAVE FORWARDING COMPANY
For the information of the Shareholders of the Stave Forwarding Company we are requested to state that at a meeting of the committee of management on the 20th inst. The following amongst other regulations were passed.
1st. That it is the opinion of this meeting that Garden Island is the most suitable place in the vicinity of Kingston for carrying out the business of Transporting and Rafting Staves; and that the same be leased from Mr. A. CAMERON for said purpose.
2nd. That Mr. A. CAMERON be appointed agent and manager for said Company; and that he is now authorized to make contracts, and take such other measures as may be necessary for carrying on the business of requisite dispatch.
3rd. That the cash account be kept at the Commercial Bank, where all monies belonging to the Company are to be deposited; and when wanted, to be withdrawn by Checks signed by the Agent and Chairman of the Committee - and that proper Books of account be kept, which are at all times to be open for the inspection of any member of the Committee – the Books to be balanced by the first of January of every year.
4th. That Mr. John COUNTER and Mr. Abraham TRUAX be Chairmen of the Committee.
5th. That the Agent draw up a Constitution for the Company which is to be approved of and signed by the Shareholders.
6th. That the Store for the sale of merchandise, be kept on Garden Island upon any pretence.
The above Resolutions show that this company as far advanced in their arrangements for commencing operations in the spring and we have no doubt of the success of this undertaking, if the business is carried on with the same spirit as is now manifested at its commencement. We are glad to perceive by the sixth resolution that the Company have determined to do everything possible to make this enterprise subservient to the interests of the town of Kingston, by resolving that no store shall be kept on Garden Island by which any of the immense influx of business with the arrival of so many strangers, attendant on this trade, must necessarily create, shall be attracted from the town.
The many schooners employed in this traffic will also have to procure their requisite supplies from Kingston, consequently every description of Store Keepers will be thereby benefited, and property throughout the town in the same proportion will rise in value. This undertaking will also open a convenient market for landholders in the vicinity of Kingston, who, from the want of a mode of transporting lumber to a profitable market, have not given any attention to this valuable branch of the commerce of the country.
In short it is evident the establishment of this company will benefit all classes of the community, and might, therefore to receive the aid and sanction of all, more particularly of those, who, having a large stake in the prosperity of the country will be most benefited.

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
February 6, 1836
LUMBER WANTED
Tenders will be received at the Office of the Subscriber until 12 o’clock, noon, on the 8th day of February next, for any number of PINE FLOATS, from 50 to 3000, deliverable on the foot of Garden Island; 200 of which are required for the 20th of February next, the remainder in the months of May, June and July, - also for a large quantity of Grubs or Pine, Binders, Traverses, Oars, &c. &c. &c. fit materials for the making of Stave Cribs. For dimensions and further particulars apply to A. CAMERON, Agent. N.B. The subscriber is prepared to pay sixteen pounds per M. for Standard Staves, delivered as above mentioned. A.C. Kingston, Jan’y 21, 1836.

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
October 5, 1836
The WOLFE – This pretty little steamer, the property of Mr. Archibald Hitchcock, is now plying as a ferry boat between Kingston and Long (Wolfe) Island, and must prove a source of great convenience to travelers going by that route. The WOLFE will ply between this and Cape Vincent when the proposed Canal is opened across Long Island. The engine (high pressure) was made at the Foundry of our enterprising townsman George W. Yarker, Esq.

1837

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
February 15, 1837
The following persons, and no others, have obtained licenses to keep taverns for the current year in Midland and District.
Peter C. Davis Wolfe Island

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
Wednesday, April 19, 1837
Melancholy Accident - On Monday forenoon last, a man named Callaghan, with his wife and boy of about 14 years old, left Kingston in a skiff to cross to Long Island. By the time they reached mid channel the breeze with which they had left the whafr increased to a gale, and finding themselves in considerable danger Callaghan unfortunately determined to run for Point Henry. This imprudent movement decided their fate. The boat was pooped by the following sea, with a short distance of the point, and sunk. Callaghan and his wife were both drowned, but the boy escaped by swimming.

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
July 5, 1837
Yesterday evening, about 9 o’clock, a man in the employment of Mr. Hitchcock, of Long (Wolfe) Island, named McElrae, left Kingston in a skiff on his return homewards. It was observed at the time of his leaving, he was much intoxicated. This morning the skiff was discovered adrift, with the hat of the unfortunate man floating near it. It is supposed he must have fallen out of the skiff and was drowned.

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
September 13, 1837
A Subscription Race
To be run on Long (Wolfe)Island, on Saturday, 16th September 1837 on the turnpike leading from Mr. Hitchcock’s to Mr. Baker’s by horses that are owned on the Island; no more than 3 horses to start at a time: the first race to be run for the one half of the money that is made up, and the second race to be run for one third, and the third race for one fourth or the remainder. Horses to be entered by ten o’clock, and the first three to pay five shillings entering fee, and the next three to pay three and ninepence and the last three two and sixpence.
Horses to start at 12 o’clock noon.
Wm. RANTON
LANTY McINTYRE
REUBIN MOSIER
S.M. PARKER
Stewards
Long Island, Sept 12, 1837

1838

Submitted by Chris Morrell
From:British Whig;page 2, col 3.
Date: April 24, 1838
Melancholy Accident
On Monday last a coroner's inquest was held at Point Henry on the body of John CRAWFORD who came by his death under ....ing circumstances. It appears that CRAWFORD and an old man upward of 70 years of age of the name BENNETT, both reisidents of Long Island, came to Kingston on Saturday last. They left for home on Saturday evening in a small skiff, and the wind which was somewhat high, being against .......skiff upset crossing the .........Point ........when the two unfortunate men perished. The body of Bennett has not yet been found.

1839

Kingston Chronicle & Gazette
Wed., Nov. 27, 1839
Melancholy Accident - On Monday morning last (18th or 25th), as the ferry boat from Long (Wolfe) Island was coming across to this port, having eleven persons on board, the wind blowing agale from the South-west, the boat upset and two of the passengers, Nathaniel Shannon, of Long Island, and his wife, were unfortunately drowned. It would appear there were twenty-five bushels of wheat, in bags, on board, and upon the vessel being struck with a heavy sea the wheat was thrown with some force to one side, which, it is said, was a great cause of her capsizing. On the accident being observed from the harbour, the crews of some of the schooners manned their jolly boats & proceeded, with the most praiseworthy expedition, to the relief of the sufferers, when they succeeded in rescuing nine of them from a watery grave, who were taken to Her Majesty's Dock Yard, where every attention that humanity could suggest was paid to them. Some of them suffered severely, but we are happy to learn that they are now in a state of convalescence.
The body of Shannon had not yet been found - that of Mrs. Shannon, it is said, never sunk. An inquest was held upon in, on Monday, at the Dock Yard, and a Verdict accordingly.

Original article in Kingston Herald Nov 26, 1839
Following appeared in the death notices of the Canada Christian Advocate, Dec 4, 1839.
Yesterday morning, the ferry boat that plies between Kingston and Wolfe Island capsized in a sqall, and the passengers and crew, 10 in number, were thrown into the water. All were rescued except Mr. and Mrs. Shannon of the island who were drowned.

The Islands: Articles: 1830's