Articles: 1890's

1891

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig Standard
March 19, 1891 -
(I will shorten some paragraphs re storms and barns blowing over etc) Deaths and Incidents
Wolfe Island March 17 - Last week while a little girl by the name of Lizzie O'Brien, was reaching from one the docks for a pail of water, she lost her balance and fell into the river, which was open for some feet. She was in great danger of getting under the ice, when the screams of a companion brought Eddie Keys and Herbie Sluman to the rescue who quickly recovered her from her perilous position. The presence of mind and heroism displayed by the youths is highly commended and they are likely to have a draw for their prize.
Another accident of a more serious nature happened on Saturday to Amos Ellis, while he and Hugh Horne were out hunting hares. On coming to a piece which they wished to cross to brat? undertook to test its solidity with the butt end of the gun, but the jar caused the weapon to explode, the charge of shot striking him in the back of the head tearing away part of the scalp, some shots lodging in his head. The physicians who dressed the wound say that had the charge struck a little lower down death would have been instantaneous. Will this be a warning to others. The bridge of ice across...accidents occurred Mr Spoor lost a horse, Mr Wells horses dropped through and were with difficulty rescued. John Whitemarsh and Mr Berry assisted a Garden Islander to pull his brute out of the cold river... Mr Jerry Murphy, while venturing ... almost subject to a cold plunge... Messers Hatfield and Card kept up communication and traffic with the capital by ice punting...
Many farmers who left too much hay drawing for the last are now hauling it over bare roads to the ice, and sliding it across to market... The wind storm of last Friday did considerable damage... stable belonging to James Horne was overthrown and John Horne narrowly escaped being killed by the accident. A roof of a barn owned by John Mosier was lifted and thrown upon another building...
A cow, the property of Mrs Furlong got its head fast in a ladder lately and choked to death before being found...
Weir McCrae, father of Andrew McCrae, of our village, is lying at the point of death at his home down the island. He received a serious fall some time ago from which he never recovered. On the 9th inst, Mrs Fred Whitmarsh of the village, who had been lingering at deaths door for some time, passed peacefully away. The funeral service took place the following Wednesday in the English church the Rev Mr Christiath? assisted by the son in law the Rev Mr Carson. A large crowd ...
Scarcely had we recovered form the above shock when it was announced that the fell destroyer had had claimed another victim in the person of James McDonald an old and respected resident of the island, who died on Monday morning after a brief illness, followed by a stroke which caused his demise. For some time past he had been quite feeble,but it was not anticipated that his end was so near. He was seventy three years of age, and in his young days was a strong, hardy man. He took part in the rebellion of 1837-38, for which he was never compensated. His funeral occurs tomorrow.

From AM Benson
Kingston WHig Standard
April 18, 1891
Incidents of the day
A cheese factory was erected on Pryer's farm, Howe Island. The telephone system on Howe Island has been damaged. A great portion of the wire is lying on the ground.

From AM Benson
Kingston WHig Standard
April 18, 1891
City and Vicinity column
Last seen in Chicago
Mrs Bush has moved from Howe Island to Barriefield. Her husband disappeared some years ago and has not been heard of since. He was, previous to his departure, captain of the tug Active. A gentleman stated last evening that he heard that Bush was last seen in Chicago.

From AM Benson
Kingston WHig Standard
April 23, 1891
Wolfe Island Events
Wolfe Island April 22 - Mr Chambers will preach his farewell services here next Sabbath. His people, among whom he has laboured so zealously for the past two years,part with him amid regret. He was presented with a purse of of money by his congregation at the foot of the Island last Sabbath. The intelligence of the death of his daughter, Lillie who lived with him during his former pastorals here, was received with sorrow by all who had known her. School mates and friends alike praised her abilities and splendid qualities. At the time she was attached by illness, which resulted so fatally, she was attending college in Los Angeles, and would have graduated this spring. Her body was embalmed and placed in the vault to await the arrival of Mr Chambers and daughter Minnie, who start for Los Angeles next Wednesday, after the latter's laureation at Queens. Rev Mr Lang of Renfrew, who was appointed Mr Chambers successor, paid a visit last week. He rented James Metiers house, and it is being up as a manse. Miss Runion, Kingston, Mr Lang's sister in law, accompanied him. Mrs. Christie has been spending some weeks with her daughter in Ottawa.
...Edward Eccles, employed in the undertaking establishment in Toronto, left for Queen city this morning... Willie Vanness actually took his departure this morning for British Columbia.... Mssers, Brown and Davis have been repairing their fishing outfit for the season's operations in the Rideau. Messrs C Davis and S McLaren captured fifty pike in one day at Reid's Bay lately...

1893

Submitted by George Halladay
The Perth Courier Friday, April 14, 1893
MAYBERLY, ONTARIO
Social Column (Wolfe Island) Mr. A. E. Armstrong left on Mar. 29th for Michigan U. S. We wish him prosperity. Mr. Stewart Armstrong, a brother settled on Wolfe Island, and who had been visiting friends in this section, returned to the Island on Apr. 5th .

Submitted by George Halladay
The Perth Courier Friday, October 6, 1893
MAYBERLY, ONTARIO
Social Column (Wolfe Island) Mr. Richard Armstrong and his wife, from Wolfe Island, came to Mayberly on the 11th inst. to spend a few days visiting old friends. We were glad to see them looking well and happy.

Submitted by George Halladay
The Perth Courier Friday, October 6, 1893
FURGUSON'S FALLS, ONTARIO
Social Column (Wolfe Island) Miss Ida Price is visiting her uncle on Wolfe Island at present. While there she will attend the Kingston Exhibition.

1894

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
June 14, 1894 – Are Sorely Distressed
Ex-Reeve Cox, of Howe Island, is forcibly reminded that trouble never comes singly. A short time ago his wife died. A few days later a son passed away in Chicago from the effects of small-pox. On Friday Mr Cox received a telegram stating that another son, Lawrence is dangerously ill in Hammond Ind. During his brother’s illness Laurance waited upon him and it is supposed caught small-pox. The many friends of Mr Cox and family sympathize with them in their trouble.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
June 14, 1894 – The annexation Scheme
Capt. Filson, Amherst Island, was in the city Saturday, Speaking of the annexation of the island to Frontenac. Mr Filson explains that the Lennox council has yet failed to take action. The Frontenac council appointed a committee to wait on a committee of the Lennox council. That committee was never appointed and thus the matter stands.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
November 15, 1894
– COUNTRY HAPPENINGS Will Have A Factory
An Address to Wolfe Islanders by Donald Fraser, of Kingston.
Wolfe Island, Nov 18th – About one month ago R J Spoor, reeve of Wolfe Island, canvassed the locality in which he lives with a view to opening a cheese factory. Receiving good encouragement a meeting was called in the schoolhouse for that purpose last Friday evening. Donald Fraser Kingston, accepted an invitation and attended the meeting. Among those present were: Messrs William Taggart, Thos Dee, John Spoor, William Staley, Archibald Staley, Asa Hough, John McCarthy, John Greenwood, Edward Greenwood, Nicholas Mosier, James McCarthy, Thomas Greenwood, Edward Lyons, Thomas O’Reilly and Robert Grimshaw.
RJ Spoor acted as chairman, and after explaining the manner in which the business would be conducted, introduced Mr Fraser who spoke at length on the importance of the cheese industry in Ontario; of the most profitable grade of cattle and how to manage them, of the necessity of farmers being accurate in their business. The lecture was the best that has been delivered in the interest of the farmers on Wolfe Island for many years past.
Archibald Staley followed in a very able manner, also dwelling on the advantages obtained by the cheese business, and of the great men of the world. He urged the farmers to maintain their independence. Thomas O’Reilly spoke in favor of the enterprise and interested those present by giving an account of the shrinkage of a live hog and one when dressed for market.
On the whole the meeting was very interesting and one long to be remembered. The factory will be opened in May next and operated on scientific principles. After those present subscribed their names to the number of 150 cows the meeting tendered Donald Fraser a vote of thanks for his instructive lecture and adjourned to meet at the same place Dec 15th next for the election of officers.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Dec 6, 1894 Wolfe Island
–Samuel Mozier, a very old man, is very ill, his friends have not much hope of his recovery. William Furlong has written from Rochester asking his mother and sisters to go there and reside.
-Kingston Business College Notes – Two new students entered on Monday, G H Horne, from Wolfe Island and J W England from this city.
- Wolfe Island Wafts – Venerable lady at rest, The Island Marriages Death has again visited our island and claimed another victim in the person of Mrs Shaver, mother of Mrs W Horne, who passed away on Monday about mid day. Owing to her great strength and careful living the deceased had long reached the allotted age, being in her eighty-fourth year. In her early life she was a very active and intelligent women and being a great roader was possessed of a well-stored mind. During her latter hears she devoted nearly all her time to the perusal of good books and magazines and her sight was clear almost to the last. In religion she was a Presbyterian. Her funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning by Rev Mr Land.
The two marriages we predicted a short time ago have taken place and two more besides. In the latter cases the contracting parties, being young and bashful, rather than go through the usual public parade, had the nuptials performed on the quiet. Cupid is still busy; the contagion is still raging, and we expect some more results before the holidays… The Cold Springs factory, owned by James Kyle will be operated next year by Arthur Henderson…
As the present teacher of our village public school is retiring, the trustees have been fortunate in securing the services of Miss Gordon, of Glenvale, for 1895. Miss Gordon has taught on the island for the past year and has become quite popular notwithstanding a certain “News” correspondent’s mean insinuation to the contrary, concerning the island’s pedagogues. We are not, nor do we assume to be “leading literary lights” or “poets” but, nevertheless, we think we are just as popular as those that question our popularity…
- THE DISTRICT DASHES – spice of the articles in the vicinity newspapers –
John Baker, Wolfe Island, over eighty years of age is very ill. Mr O’Connell, of Wolfe Island, has a white leghorn chicken with four legs. E Briceland will be a candidate for the position of deputy reeve of Wolfe Island. He has been a member of the township council for six years. On Monday Hannah Shaver died on Wolfe Island, aged eighty-three years. Death was caused by general debility. She has been resident of the island for half a century. Her husband died twenty years ago.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
December 27, 1894 -WOLFE ISLAND WAFTS – REV GS WHITE SPEAKES
-Dec 24th – Death has again entered the home of George Ranous and claimed his little six year old daughter. Thomas Nixon, Minneapolis, is the guest of Rev GS White, where Mrs Nixon has been spending the summer. On Saturday she presented her husband with a baby boy. Mr Vanluven has finished his term as teacher in SS # 4. He made the children glad by erecting a Christmas tree and adorning it with presents for the children. The pupils have become very much endeared to him during his long term among them. The home of Thomas Keys was the scene of a pleasant event on Friday evening, where the members of the Methodist church together with their pastor, Rev G S White, assembled to present his daughter, Minnie, with a watch and an address. In a few well chosen remarks, Miss Minnie thanked her friends for the gift she appreciated very much. It was, she said a great surprise to her, but nevertheless there was a great lesson to be learned by looking on the face of a watch first that time hurries on waiting for no one and secondly that she hoped that all might improve their house in doing work for the Master. The address was read by Master Nobel Armstrong and the presentation made by Miss Florence Keys. After a few choice selections on the piano the company was invited to the dining room where a beautiful oyster supper, prepared by the hostess, was enjoyed. Singing was then engaged in, after which all dispersed to their several homes, feeling that a profitable evening was spent. …
John Horne, eldest son of James Horne, will, this week, be united to Miss Wood, a young lady from Sydenham who formerly taught school here. …At the close of her school Miss Maude Koen, the popular teacher of SS # 7 Wolfe Island, was presented with a beautiful plush album by her pupils, one of whom read an elaborate address, testifying their sincere sorrow at her departure. FW Aylesworth of Kingston has been engaged as teacher of Marysville school.

From Toronto State “Pages of the Past”
Monday, November 26, 1894, page 1
THE YOTT CASE
Proves there is Only One Reliable Remedy For Kidney Disease
Wolfe Island – Nov. 26 – There are many remedies in the world as well as many doctors which give sufferers temporary relief, yet the one remedy which produces a permanent cure is, according to the testimony of L. YOTT of this place, and scores of others which have tried it, Dodd’s Kidney Pills. Mr. YOTT is positive in his assertion and challenges comparisons of results of Dodd’s Kidney Pills in his case with the records of all other remedies and physicians. He furnishes indisputable evidence that Dodd’s Kidney Pills produce more lasting benefit than any remedy known. Scores of testimonials could be obtained here from young and old, who were cured of kidney troubles by these pills, and today are well and strong.

From George Halladay
The British Whig
Kingston Ontario,CDA
December 1894
Social Column (Garden Island)
DIX, JOHNSON
Mrs Dix of Garden Island visiting her brother H. Johnson at Bath.

From George Halladay
The British Whig
Kingston Ontario,CDA
December 1894
Social Column (Amherst Island)
FLEMING, HUNTER
Mrs J. Fleming of Kingston visiting her daughter Mrs Hunter at Stella.

From George Halladay
The British Whig
Kingston Ontario,CDA
December 1894
Social Column (Amherst Island)
CHOWN, LOCKHART
Mrs Chown of Stella visiting her parents at Sydenham and brother Dr. Lockhart at Harrowsmith.

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
Gananoque Reporter
Feb 24, 1894 Howe Island
Howe Island divided into three school section about 60 families on the Island all but 8 or 9 families not Catholics.

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
Sept 29, 1894 Howe Island Page 2, Col 3 Gananoque Reporter
Last Wednesday, John Alyesworth, inspector of roads and bridges, for the Ontario government, arrived in the city, and in the company with J. L. Haycock, MPP; James Norris and W. Craig, visited the approaches that are being made on the main shore for the benefit of the residents of Howe Island. When an agitation was raised for the building of a bridge between the main shore and Howe Island, application was made to the Ontario Government for a grant towards the work. The matter was carefully considered and it was agreed by the ministers that as the waters of the St. Lawrence were under the jurisdiction of the Dominion Government, the Ontario Government was not the party to build the bridge. It would however make a grant towards the work to build approaches, which has been done. The Dominion Government was asked to take some action in the matter and the minister of public works sent an engineer to take soundings and estimate what would be the cost of a bridge. He sent in a report on file in the Minister’s office. No action was taken on the report. The bridge was estimated to cost more than it ought to cost., and Mr. Alyesworth says, it can be built with a great deal less money, than the Dominion Government authorities figure on. If the Dominion Government will build the bridge, the Ontario Government will likely give a grant towards it.

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
Sept 29, 1894 Howe Island, Gananoque Reporter Page 2 Col 3
Last Wednesday, John Alyesworth, inspector of roads and bridges, for the Ontario Government

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
Gananoque Reporter
Oct 20, 1894 Page 2 Col 2
The public school trustees, have been notified that after Mar 1st, 1895, all the schools on Howe Island, four in number, will be placed under the Separate School system. Steps are being taken to keep at least one of the four a public school and no doubt a law suit will be the outcome. Mr. Robert Gillespie, who lives at the foot of the Island, and runs the ferry, has instructed John McIntyre, Q. C., Kingston, to commence an action at law, to prevent the separate school trustees from appropriating the premises now used for public school. Hon. G. W. Ross, in reply to an inquiry, said that the population on Howe Island is almost entirely Roman Catholic and they have simply taken advantage of the law as it stands and declared themselves as Separate School supporters. In one of the school sections there is but one public school supporter, in another two, and in another three or four.

1895

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
January 3, 1895 Ontario Cheese Factory – It has been established at the Head of Wolfe Island
On Wednesday, 19th inst, the patrons of the new cheese factory, head of Wolfe Island, held their second meeting in the school house for the purpose of completing arrangements and electing officers for 1895. Donald Fraser, being invited, was present, and from the valuable lecture he gave at the last meeting, a great number came to hear him. R J spoor was appointed chairman and explained the officer’s duties and the various points in connection with the business.
Mr Fraser took for his lecture the following points: The quality of cheese; the British market: the cow, feed, milk; land and the farmer… William Staley spoke of how to feed cattle and the preparation of soil for summer rotation of green fodder. He gave his experience in connection with the vast corn fields of Michigan; also how to raise mangols and other roots for profit.
George Greenwood followed and said an Irishman was allowed to speak twice and a Frenchman until he was understood. His speech was humorous and to the point. He was not in favor of a creamery system of butter-making, maintaining that the old system was the best. He stated that the best time to sow onion, carrot and lettuce seed was in the fall just before the ground freezes up.
A Staley spoke of the different grades of cattle and of the necessity of sending pure milk to the factory. He summed up the speeches in a neat manner and paid a tribute to Mr Fraser for the valuable assistance and information he gave. After all the speeches were heard the following officers were elected; John Spoor secretary; James McCarthy, treasurer, Archibald Staley, salesman, William Grimshaw Jr, William Staley and Nicholas Mosier, trustees. The factory was named by Mr Fraser the Ontario Cheese Factory, commemorative of the Ontario cheese industry at the world’s fair, Chicago, also being situated at the foot of Lake Ontario. A letter of regret was read from Mr Ruddick , of the dairy school, Kingston, stating that his duties prevented him from fulfilling his promise to attend the meeting. The meeting was very successful and would do credit to a farmers institute. A vote of tanks was tendered D Fraser for the deep interest he has taken in the establishing of this business. R J Spoor was tendered the best wishes of those present for the success of his new enterprise and the meting adjourned.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
June 27, 1895 IN MEMORIAM Late James W Kyle, Wolfe Island
Flags flying half-mast high on Tuesday morning last, 18th inst, told in their silent way of the death of a good man. At an early hour that morning James W Kyle passed peacefully away after a distressing illness of about two weeks. Mr Kyle was in every sense of the term a good man, and the sorrow over his death at the early age of thirty four years is genuine and wide spread. He was the only son of a widowed mother, his father having died in March last, and he also leaves a widow and five children. Mr Kyle was always an industrious and thrifty man and by his attention to his business left his family well provided for. He was a member of the A O U W, under whose auspices his funeral was conducted. He was also a member and at the time of his death secretary of the local Orange lodge, and for many years a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He was held in highest respect by all his acquaintances and his funeral on Thursday was the longest and most largely attended on this island for many years.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Aug 22, 1895 Another big fish caught – Howe Island Aug 20
– Crops are good considering the light fall of rain. Several of our farmers have bought binders. Mr Cox has purchased a pea harvester. He thinks it saves a great lot of hand labor with scythe. Our teachers, Misses Cox, Welsh and Mr O’Reilly, have commenced their arduous duties. Mrs W J Collins, Kingston, daughter of J Cox, Howe Island, while trolling in front of her father’s residence, caught and landed a pike, weighing fifteen pounds. (I saw that fish myself) Miss Lalonde has returned to her home in the city. Miss Norris who is suffering from a sore hand, is under the doctor’s care in Kingston. We are glad to hear of Mrs Ryan’s complete recovery from a severe illness. Miss Foley left Monday to take charge of Allen school. Mr and Mrs Hendrick have returned to Watertown. Miss Sauve is with her sister, Mrs Beaubiah. T Driscoll and J Cox wheeled last week to Seeley’s Bay. Some attraction we suppose. James Mozier, Toledo, Ohio, is visiting his cousin G Ledford.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Sept 5, 1895 –
Thomas Dignem has purchased a fine piano and Miss Mary is taking lessons from our music teacher, Miss Irvine. A Joslin has been under training for the fat man’s race to be held to-day at the Union picnic on the island fair ground. We wish him success. Perley Burnham has purchased a new wheel… Mr Worthington and Miss Barney, visiting at Wm McFadden’s, have returned to their home in Kingston. Miss Minnie Berry, on the sick list, is recovering. W Bandford is erecting a new barn…
James O’Brien, blacksmith is busily engaged repairing threshing machines. J Wilkinson, captian of the St Lawrence Athletics, expects in the near future to meet his Howe Island brothers upon the diamond. W C Smith is visiting his daughter, Mrs Allan, Kingston. George Horne, absent for some time, and E Bates spending the summer in Uncle Sam’s domains, have returned home. There is joy in the house of J W O’Brien: it’s a girl.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Sept 5, 1895 – The Ferry contract
There has been objection on Wolfe Island lately because of the ferry service not being up to the agreement. As a result this resolution was passed at the last meeting of the township council.
“Owing to the utter disregard of the covenants contained in ferry lease on the part of the lessees of the St Lawrence river steamboat company it is moved by P Vaness, seconded by W H Woodman, and resolved, that this council cannot passively tolerate it longer and that we protest against the landing of the str. Princess Louise for ferry purposes within chartered limits, and we further protest against the ferry running at hours not specified in ferry lease; also the lack of a time table and tariff of charges posted in a conspicuous place on ferry boat as specified and agreed to on the part of said lessees.”
A copy of the resolution was forwarded the steamboat company.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Oct 3, 1895 Howe Island – Mr O’Rielly has resigned as teacher in favor of A Staley, Wolfe Island… The matrimonial wave has swept away three of our fairest daughters.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 5, 1895
From a Wolfe Island Point
St Lawrence, Sept 10 - Those who attended the union picnic of Foresters and C.M.B.A. at Marysville report an enjoyable time. So busily engaged threshing not many attended the Midland Central fair. We are sorry to lose one of our estimable young ladies in the person of Miss L Horne, who left on the 7th inst. for a far off point in the states. Wm Rattray has beautified the appearances of his residence by erecting a web wire fence around his yard. Owing to the after grass the milk delivered at the cheese factory is increasing daily. Messrs. Briceland and Collisen Seeley's Bay, are improving our farms by removing large stones. The attendance at the school is increasing and the pupils are much pleased with their teacher Miss Foley. Mrs W. C. Smith is attending the Industrial Fair at Toronto. Geo Rattray's steam thresher is doing quick and also good work. Duck hunting is the amusement for our sportsmen. It is Sarah, not Dora Gillespie, as reported in our last issue, who is visiting friends in Colborne. Mrs Wm Black and children of Cleveland, visiting at Wm McFadden's intend returning home on the 11th inst. D Buck, Harrowsmith, visiting at A. C. Barrie's returned home. Mrs Crimmins and children, of Watertown NY are visiting friends here.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 6, 1895
Howe Island, Sept 4- Most of our farmers are through harvesting and are ready for threshing. Our schools have reopened, and the progress of children is entirely satisfactory. Mr Conville intends introducing a steam thresher on the Island this fall. Some of our islanders enjoyed a very pleasant evening, not long ago at J Lachance's. We are waiting in expectation for the harvest assembly to take place soon in the new school. J Pickett, while returning from the north side received a severe shaking up owing to obstructions on the road. Mr E Martin is visiting friends in the city. T Kane who spent his holidays at R Simpson's has returned to the city to attend the model school. R Foley spent Sunday at A Lachance's. Miss M Gibson is spending a few weeks with her aunt, Mrs Wilson.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 11, 1895
Allen Alltrements
Allen, Sept 10 - Farmers are busily engaged at threshing, and they report a very good yield. A number of folks from this vicinity attended the union picnic held at Marysville. Dr Curtis, Kingston, was called to this vicinity last week in the case of James Berry's family, dangerously ill with diphtheria, but are now recovering. Mrs M White, visiting her parents for the past month left on Sunday for her home in Rochester. She was accompanied by her sister, Miss Marion Moran. Rev Fr. Spratt visited our school last week and was well pleased with its progress. Allan McDonald, absent for the past three months is home for a visit. Master Duncan McDonald left Monday to attend school at Kingston. A number from this vicinity attended the Kingston fair. J Thompson has been engaged as cheesemaker in the Gilt Edge Factory for the remainder of the season. Visitors Mr and Mrs Crimmins and family at Jas O'Brine's; Joseph Alaris, Jackson's Mills, at John Hogan's; F J K Leatherland, insurance agent, visited in the vicinity last week.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 19, 1895
Wolfe Island Notes
Marysville, Sept 4 - Weather extra find lately. Many of the islanders are taking advantage of the fine weather to attend the Kingston fair. Mrs Judge Doran, of North Bay is visiting in this vicinity. Hay pressing has begun again in the village. Several boat loads were shipped to Kingston, per ferry, this week. The weigh scales in the village are being repaired. Marshall Armstrong is spending a few days in our midst. The union picnic of the Workmen and C. M. B.A. held here on Monday, passed off pleasantly. The dance in the C.M.B.A. hall in the evening was a great success. Mr Furlong, of Kingston is visiting friends her. Miss Charles of Kingston after several days spent with relatives near her, returned to the city this evening. John Bullis and Mrs Jones, of Toledo, are visiting relatives in this place. The village schools celebrated labor day on Monday. Mrs Joseph Kyle of the Cold Springs, is very ill, also Mr Grant of the village. Miss A Reid paid friends a flying visit here lately. Miss McDermott, of Kingston is the guest of Miss Baker. The six o'clock boat, from Kingston to the ferry and return, is very convenient, and is being taken advantage of by many. Too bad it cannot last.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 19, 1895
From a Wolfe Island Point
St Lawrence Sept 4 - Farmers have finished harvesting and the merry whistle of the steam thresher is heard once more. Thomas Dignem has purchased a find piano and Miss Mary is taking lessons from our music teacher, Miss Irvine. A Joslin has been under training for the fat man's race to be held to-day at the Union Picnic on the island fair ground. We wish him success. Perley Burnham has purchased a new wheel. George Raneous met with an accident which might have proved fatal by his horses taking fright and running away. He escaped with slight injuries. Mr Worthington and Miss Barney, visiting at Wm McFadden's have returned to their home in Kinston. Miss Minnie Berry, on the sick list, is recovering. W Bandford is erecting a new barn. F Letherland, Elginburg, paid us a visit last week.
M O'Brien reports good work done by the pea harvesters he used this season. James O'Brien, Blacksmith is busily engaged repairing threshing machines. J Wilkinson, captain of the St Lawrence Athletics, expects in the near future to meet his Howe Island brothers upon the diamond. Rev Mr Cornell made his pastoral calls last week. W. C.Smith is visiting his daughter, Mrs Allan, Kingston. George Horne, absent for some time, and E Bates spending the summer in Uncle Sam's domains, have returned home. Miss Dora Gillespie is visiting friends in Colborne. There is joy at the house of JW O'Brien; its a girl.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 19, 1895
Wolfe Island notes
Marysville, Sept 18, - The cyclone that passed over this village on Wednesday evening last did much damage. The English church lost its tower and bell; both were blown down. The church sheds both were twisted and the boardwalk was torn up. About 2,000 feet of lumber was taken from Rathbun's wharf and scattered along the shore. Several of Mrs Dawson's ornamental and apple trees were destroyed. Joseph Baker had a barn unroofed. Andrew McRae lost a brick chimney and a few trees. The woodshed and outbuildings at the school house were blown away and fence torn down. Several large trees were blown across the school yard. Mr George had a house unroofed and shed carried away. Mr McDermott had his barn completely carried away, leaving grain exposed.
O G Grant's boat was carried from the shore some distances and landed in D Dawson's buggy. A family from the foot of the island got caught out in the storm , and had difficulty in getting to a house. The road between the village and the Cold Springs was completely blocked with trees,so that travellers had to take the fields. Mr Bullis had a shed unroofed and woodshed torn away. Nearly every family reports the loss of some farm property. Mr Cleary, on the point, seems to have fared worse than most of us, as his barns were completely destroyed, together with buggies, wagons and farm implements. His loss is estimated at over $1,000.
Maggie Derry, of Kingston was visiting at Mr Keyes on Wednesday. Miss May Wier, of Sydenham, is spending several days at Mr Dawson's. Mr Simpson and Mrs Stokes, of Kingston, paid friends a visit here one day last week. Mr George of the city, is over here looking after his property destroyed by the cyclone. Mrs Mee is visiting at John Cleary's; Mr Wigham and wife, visiting at D Baker's left for New York lately. The boats Pilot and Madcap are at the wharves loading grain. Miss McAvoy, of Chicago, visiting here, left for home this week. Miss Baker has returned form a visit to Belleville. All the summer boarders have left.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 26, 1895
Wolfe Island Notes
Marysville, Sept 25 - Very heavy wind again this week, not enough though to do damage. The buildings in the village are being repaired. The sheds at Trinity church have been repaired, and it is the intention of the congregation to replace the bell and tower. Mrs Laughlin died on Friday evening. The funeral was held at the house on Sunday. O G Grant is mending slowly, but is unable to be about yet. It is rumoured that two new doctors will open offices in the village. Another bicycle has made its appearances in our midst. The more the merrier. Miss Phippen, of Kingston, spent a few days with friends here lately. Miss Minnie Payne, of Portsmouth, visited friends here on Sunday last. Miss Minnie Keyes is recovering from a slight illness. The dock at Armstrong's will be much larger when it is finished. The township show will take place here on Tuesday next. A great time is expected. Bicycle races, baseball games and all sorts of amusements are anticipated. It will be a great day for Marysville. The inspector of the separate schools is on the island. His visit to the village school proved favorable to all concerned. Dr Davis, of Kingston is visiting on the Island. Several from here attended the fair at the Cape today and had a pleasant day of it. Everybody is complaining because of the absence of rain. Farmers have to drive their cattle for miles to get water. Threshing time has come and in nearly all cases good yields of grain are reported. Mr Cunningham, an artist has been making a circuit of the island taking photos of the different schools.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Sept 26, 1895
From a Wolfe Island Point
St Lawrence Sept 23 - Farmers are harvesting their corn, which is an excellent yield. Stalks measure from eleven to twelve feet.The different schools in this vicinity were photographed to-day. Our several threshing machines will return home this week. Their work for this year is near completion. Mr and Mrs Crimmons and family, Watertown, N.Y., visiting friends in this locality,have returned home. Mrs J McEwan and children, Allan, Ont, spent Sunday with her parents Mr and Mrs Rattray. Mrs W. C. Smith, attending the industrial fair at Toronto, has returned home and speaks high in its favor. E Woodman is attending the Ottawa fair. Mr Tryan, Kingston is stopping at J Wilkinson's . The Maggie L, of Kingston did not succeed in gaining a large cargo of grain at this harbor. The boat calling at six o'clock makes it convenient for market otherwise we prefer the usual hour of eight. A C Barrie is on the sick list.
Preparations are being made for the Marysville fair. The summer boarders have all gone. Fishing is in progress.

From AM Benson
Kingston Whig
Oct 2, 1895
Wolfe Island Show
A ball game and bicycle races -The ladies display fine
Marysville, Oct 2 - The township show was held here yesterday. It was as good as usual. The stock shown was very good, but there was not as much of it. The fancy work was very good - it comprised most of the show. The main features were the ball match and bicycle races. The village club played against a club from the foot of the island for a prize of $15, and lost. The score was twenty-three to twenty-two in favor of the lower enders. There were four entries in the bicycle races, namely, J Cleary, R Card, E Keyes and F Aylesworth, E Keyes broke his wheel on the first round and dropped out of the race. J Cleary won two straight heats. The race ended with Cleary first; Aylesworth, second and Card Third. Miss Ready, of Harrowsmith, is visiting her sister at the head of the island. J Gibson, of Amherst Island, is visiting friends in the village. The Pierrepont was stuck here on Saturday evening for some time. Mrs Leslie, of Kingston, is visiting in the village. Mrs Charles and Mrs D Pyke have gone on a visit to friends in Elgin.
Very heavy winds here this week. The Pierrepont did not reach here Sunday at all. Several telephone poles were torn up by the wind Sunday. Mrs James Kyle had a sale on Monday afternoon. Between three and four hundred dollars worth of stock and farm implements were disposed of at very low prices. A large crowd was in attendance, but few went to buy anything.

From The Toronto Star “Pages of the Past”
Monday, January 18, 1895
Article: New of a Day
Included: R. MOSIER of Wolfe Island, has begun a search for kegs of silver, said to have been dropped in the river 100 years ago while being transferred to England from Canada

From The Toronto Star “Pages of the Past”
Thursday, February 14, 1895
Article: Political Broth
CALVIN, M.P., Frontenac, will not be a candidate again, and Mr. Thomas HOGAN of Wolfe Island will probably receive the nomination.

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
Gananoque Reporter
Apr 20, 1895 Old Catholic Church
The old Catholic church on King Street is being torn down. It is one of the old landmarks and for many years the most imposing building along the street. Built in 1846 or 1847 when all the land in that vicinity from King to Sydenham and west to Gananoque River, was in the woods. The rear of the lot had to be cleared of timber to make room for the church; and directly in the rear of it where there are now lanes and streets and residences was a dense pine grove. The bell was purchased in 1856 during Father Rossiter’s time, and some improvements were then made to the church and tower. Several years afterwards it was again overhauled and enlarged, and new windows put in. The residence along side of the church was also built during Father Rossiter’s administration in 1853 or 54; and the corner stone was laid with considerable ceremony, a lot of coins, papers, etc, being deposited under the stone. Part of the stone being taken from the old church has been sold to Dr. Rogers, who has purchased the lot off the west side of the churchyard and will erect a residence there.

1896

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Jan 2, 1896
Municipal Nominations – The candidates seeking suffrages of elections-
Township of Wolfe Island
Reeve- D McRae, Richard Spoor and Hiram Davis
Deputy reeve- Romain Mosier and John Kingsley
Councilors – Robert Boyd, Thomas Flynn, Phillip Vaness, W H Woodman, F Baker.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
January 23, 1896 Howe Island Happenings
Howe Island Jan 21 – Pleasure loving people are having all they can attend to at present. Parties are all the rage. D LaChance treated the young folks to a party on Tuesday evening. Mr Foley followed after and gave the dance of the season. The dance was for the “boys” who elected him reeve, but as we looked around we saw a few of his opponents and strangers from Wolfe and Garden Islands, Cushendall, Chicago, Los Angeles, Gananoque, Kingston, Rockport and Landsdowne. It is needless to say everybody enjoyed themselves as Mr Foley is a perfect host. J LaChance gave a party on Saturday evening, M Cox is visiting his sister in the city. A Goodfriend wears a satisfied grin; it’s a fourteen pound boy. Council met on Monday and all were sworn in. Mr Wilson is the youngest councilman being only twenty one. J Walsh had a bee Monday at school section No 1. Our schools have started again. Misses Knapp, Redmond and Cox manipulate the rule in sections 1, 2 and 4 while Mr Staley keeps the boys quiet in No 3. Miss Redmond is put to the inconvenience of not getting a close place to board so Mr McDonald has engaged a little fellow to drive her backward and forward. Joseph O’Brien and J Patterson, popular King-tonians, are visiting Mr Cassidy. Messrs. P Davis and W Cassidy have returned after a week’s visit to A La Chance’s – Mr Staley spent Sunday with his parents on Wolfe Island. Joe Ellery and his sister have returned home. J Cox and T Driscoll have returned form Kingston. Mr and Mrs V Hunt have returned to Rockport. Mr Donaghue has started to build a cheese factory here.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
Jan 23, 1896 –
R McFadden, an ice boating sport, while crossing to Clayton, NY broke through the ice with his boat. With unusual presence of mind, Mr McFadden worked his way out. An interesting debate was held at school No 8. Resolved, which is most conducive to happiness, country or city life? Some of the young ladies made capable speeches. Mrs Joy died at Gananoque, Tuesday, Jan 14th. She was eighty-nine years of age, and a resident of this place for sixty years. Her remains were placed in the vault to await burial. J Michea and Miss Sarah Barrie, on the sick list, are recovering.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
April 30, 1896 St Lawrence, April 24
– The remains of the late Mrs Joy were laid to rest in the M E cemetery on the 21st inst. R Michea, who has been very ill, is able to be around again. G Horn has left for Ogdensburg, NY, and intends ploughing the stormy deep. E Bates, carpenter, has returned from the United States. ..
Capt Bamford has left for the upper lakes, and has charge of a large boat. As a seaman he is unexcelled. We miss the smiling face of G H Niles, who is also among the boys wearing jackets blue. Mr Weaver has placed the engine in his new yacht, which will ply between Cape Vincent and Breakey’s Bay. G A Rattray has completed his new house. Mr and Mrs Kenney, cheesemakers, will soon be here again. They will be heartily welcomed. A sugar party under the auspices of the patrons of industry, will be held at W Dixon’s on the 27th inst. An enjoyable evening was spent at the home of A Joslin. Forty guests were present… Our schools are progressing favorably under the able management of Miss Foley and Miss Abbott.

From AM Benson
Weekly British Whig
July 21, 1896 Married in Chicago
Wolfe Island loses another popular young lady, Miss Annie McDonald, who was united in marriage to James Halpin, of Chicago, on June 30th, by Rev Father Griffin. The bride wore a costume of light cream cashmere and was assisted by Miss Miller, while the groom was assisted by Mr Hind. They have taken up residence in Chicago, where Mr Halpin has made for his bride a comfortable home. Their many friends unit in wishing them long life and happiness.

Submitted by AM Benson
Transcribed by Dean Snider
Kingston Whig Standard
June 29 1896
Wolfe Island Whispers
Wolfe Island, June 29.---Farmers here are beginning to cut their hay, which is very light. It will be the lightest crop we have had in a number of years. The Wolfe Island cheese factory is booming. It receives 70,000 pounds of milk daily. L. Murphy visited the factory a few days ago. He says the cheese made there is of the finest quality. A Large number of summer guests are arriving every day from New York and Philadelphia. The best fishing ground on the St. Lawrence is said to be around Wolfe Island. Overseer McGlynn is busily engaged issuing permits for foreign anglers for the district west of Kingston. Between Kingston and Brockville is free for all after close season, which expired on June 13th. Two deaths on the island this week; Mrs. Keys and Mrs. Marlow.

From The Toronto Star “Pages of the Past”
Saturday, September 12, 1896
Told by the Wires: Rev. Father SPRATT, of Wolfe Island, Ont., was badly bitten while chastising a dog.

1898

From the Toronto star "Pages of the Past"
Monday, April 25, 1898
Article: A Day in Paragraph
At Wolfe Island on Saturday, Leon FISHER, son of the late Joseph FISHER, was struck in the abdomen by a bullet from a revolver handled by a small comrade. He is now in General Hospital in Kingston, in dangerous condition. Another argument for the restriction of the indiscriminate sale of firearms.

1899

Thanks to Eillen Truesdell
August 5, 1899 Page 2 Col 2 Gananoque Reporter
Howe Island News
Joseph Cadieu. danced an Irish jig quite well for a
Frenchman at the Howe Island picnic.

Submitted by AM Benson
Kingston Whig Standard
Aug 15, 1899 - Wolfe Island incidents - Miss Wellbanks, Picton, is engaged to teach the junior department of Marysville public school. A large addition has been made to the buildings on the fair ground to accommodate the increasing patronage. The summer visitors at this popular resort are like auctioneers goods, too numerous to mention, but all are welcome.

The Islands: Articles: 1890's