City of the Falls clippings, 1833, n.d.

The clippings describe the City of the Falls and its attempts by its shareholders to sell lots to this newly developing city. The venture by shareholders W. Allan, James Buchanan, Thomas Clark, J.H. Dunn, Thomas Dixon, General Murray, James Robinson, Samuel Street and William Witla intended to favourably position their city as a destination for “affording an easy approach for the annual assemblage of the Fashionable, the Learned and the Great”. The venture failed due to the building of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls railway.

Custom House Niagara forms, 1833

In 1833 William Clarke, the collector of customs at Niagara, completed and signed four forms for the movement of goods between Niagara and York, and Niagara and Brantford. The forms were issued to the firm of Lewis & Gray, James Armstrong, J.A. Wilks, and William Blackely. The goods being transported included scythes, corn brooms, hide whips, sacks, snuff, shovels, spades and two apple trees.

Gainsborough [Presbyterian] Church records, 1833-1836, 1841-1846, 1855-1857, 1860-1864, 1866 [photocopy]

The Gainsborough Presbyterian Church was organized prior to 1833, but no records were kept until this date. In 1809, the church was lead by Rev. Daniel Ward Eastman. In 1833 the church became part of the Niagara Presbytery of the American Presbyterian Church. The records include transfer of membership, records of marriages, lists of subscribers and session minutes. Photocopies from originals were made in 1977 by E. Phelps, University of Western Ontario, prior to their deposit with the United Church of Canada Archives, Toronto, Ont.

Niagara-Welland Power Company Limited fonds, 1833, 1852, 1904-1906, 1909, n.d.

The Welland Power and Supply Canal Company Limited, established in 1893 and incorporated in 1894 with a capital stock of $500,000. The aim of the company was to harness the natural water supply of the Niagara and Welland Rivers. In 1898 the Canadian Electrical News published a report by Henry Symons, QC outlining the main project of the company. This project involves the construction of a canal from the Welland River to the brow of the mountain at Thorold, a distance of 8 miles; the construction at Thorold of a power house, and from Thorold to Lake Ontario, a raceway by which to carry water into the lake. The estimate for the machinery to generate 100,000 horse power is £125,000; for transmission line to Toronto at a voltage of 10,000….The total estimate therefore amounts to £2,452,162, or roughly speaking, $12,000,000. Source: Canadian Electrical News, August 1898, p. 172. In 1899 the company officers petitioned the federal government desiring a name change to the Niagara-Welland Power Company Limited. Officers of the company were Harry Symons, President; Charles A. Hesson, Vice-President; and M.R. O’Loughlin, James B. Sheehan, James S. Haydon, Frederick K. Foster, directors; John S. Campbell, secretary-treasurer. The company’s head offices were located in St. Catharines, with a New York (City) office on Broad Street. In 1905 and 1909 the company petitioned the federal government for additional time to construct its works, which was granted. The company had until May 16, 1915 to complete construction. John S. Campbell (1860-1950) was a graduate of the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall. During his university years John began his military career first in "K" Company, Queens Own rifles and then later as Commanding Officer of the 19th Lincoln Regiment, from 1906 to 1910. Upon his return to St. Catharines John Campbell served as secretary in the St. Catharines Garrison Club, a social club for military men begun in 1899. After being called to the Bar, he became a partner in the firm of Campbell and McCarron and was appointed to the bench in 1916, serving until retirement in 1934. Judge Campbell served as an alderman for several terms and was the mayor of St. Catharines in 1908 and 1909. He also served as the first chairman of the St. Catharines Public Utilities in 1914. John S. Campbell was married to Elizabeth Oille, daughter of Jerome B. and Charlotte (St. John) Oille. The family home "Cruachan" was located at 32 Church St.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands Samuel Wood Esquire, 1828

Survey map and description of Samuel Wood's land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. The same description of the land is also in a deed dated Septmeber 16, 1828 (see county registry 739). Noteable features include; the canal, the tow path, the tow path bridge. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map. The original deed for the land is dated May 16, 1828.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands Samuel Swayze, 1827

Survey map and description of Samuel Swayze's land created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; lot division. The land totals 65 acres and 12 perches. The deed from Hall Davis to the Welland Canal Company is dated December 1, 1827. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands Village Lot in Allanburgh, 1833

Survey map and description of a village lot in Allanburgh. Created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a written description of the land along with a drawing of the lot. Noteable features include; Holland road, grave land, Niagara street. The land totals 3/4 of an acre. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map.

Welland Canal Survey of Lands Village of Allanburgh, 1833

Survey map and description of the Village of Allanburgh, created by The Welland Canal Company. Included is a drawing of the land. Noteable features include; lot divisions, Welland Canal, Niagara street, Holland road, lock 36 and 37, foundry, Canal street, mill, Canby street, Dover street, Rose street, Helen street, Water street, Falls street, Centre street, Welland street, Hall street, Clifton street, James street, Mary street, Catherine street, J.G. Stockley's land, reservoir, graveyard. Surveyor notes are seen in pencil on the map.

Letter - Samuel J. Moyer to Ethelwyn Wetherald, 12 September 1900

Samuel J. Moyer letter to Ethelwyn Wetherald, 1900

Letter - A.N. Moyer to Samuel Moyer, 6 December 1896

The letter written by A.N. Moyer to his brother Samuel Moyer recounts his early years in Pelham.

Report of a select committee to whom were referred the petition of Samuel Thompson and John Dailey: January 14, 1817, read, and ordered to lie upon the table (1817)

Concerning the request of the petitioners, former residents of Newark (present-day Niagara-on-the-Lake) in Upper Canada, for relief for the loss of their property when they were compelled to flee Canada after having aided the United States Army in the War of 1812.

Letter written by Mahlon Taylor to Samuel Clarke commenting on US troops during Fort George occupation, July 26, 1813

Fort George, situated on the west side of the Niagara River in Niagara-on-the-Lake, served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812. On May 25, 1813, the Americans launched an artillery attack on the Fort, destroying most of the buildings. Two days later, the Americans invaded the Town of Niagara and occupied Fort George. They remained in the Fort for almost seven months, but suffered defeats at the Battle of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams. Only a small number of militia remained stationed at the Fort. Fearing an attack by the British, the Americans retreated back across the Niagara River in December, 1813. The Fort remained in British possession for the rest of the War.

Letter written by Mahlon Taylor to Samuel Clarke commenting on US troops during Fort George occupation - July 26, 1813

A letter written by Mahlon Taylor to his uncle, Samuel Clarke, dated at Marcellus [New York], July 26, 1813. Mahlon Taylor writes that he believes the mail he has sent out is not making it past Princeton, as he has not had a reply to any of his sent correspondence. He also writes that he has heard there are 3500 men at Fort George, 1000 are unfit for duty, and that there is skirmishing daily. He comments that the general opinion is that the troops will withdraw from Canada entirely. The letter is signed Mahlon C Taylor and is addressed to Mr. Samuel Clarke, no. 227 South Front Street, Philadelphia.

Summons to Samuel Street from Thomas Merritt, July 27, 1819

Samuel Street (1775-1844) was a prominent businessman in Niagara. Thomas Merritt (1759-1842) was an army and militia officer who settled with his family in the Niagara district, eventually becoming sheriff. He is the father of William Hamilton Merritt.

Summons to Samuel Street from Thomas Merritt, 27 July 1819

Samuel Street (1775-1844) was a prominent businessman in Niagara. Thomas Merritt (1759-1842) was an army and militia officer who settled with his family in the Niagara district, eventually becoming sheriff. He is the father of William Hamilton Merritt.