Copy of poster advertising “Grand Buffalo Hunt at Niagara Falls” with Bill Hickok, August, 1872

James Butler Hickok (1837-1876), also known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, was an American gun-fighter, scout and spy. He was involved in altercations with others while working for the famous express company Russell, Majors and Waddell (in 1861), and later while working as a wagon master, scout, and spy for the Union forces during the Civil War. These altercations resulted in the deaths of 4 people, but Hickok was acquitted in all cases. An embellished article written about him in Harper’s magazine helped contribute to his reputation as a western hero. He served as a deputy U.S. marshal and sheriff in Kansas in the late 1860’s, helping to bring law and order to a previously lawless area. He gambled considerably, and during a card game on August 2, 1876, was shot and killed. The cards he was holding (two aces, two eights, and a jack) became known as the "dead man's hand."

James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

James Monroe (1758-1831) was appointed Secretary of State by President James Madison in 1811. He remained in this position until March, 1817, with the exception of the period from October 1, 1814, to February 28, 1815, when he was ad interim Secretary of State. Monroe encouraged President James Madison and Congress to declare war on Great Britain, feeling it would be the most effective way to change offensive British policies. The United States declared war on June 17, 1812, after which he served as Secretary of War. Monroe later became President of the United States from 1817 until 1824.

James Monroe letter of marque, ca. 1812

A letter of marque addressed to Captain James Rogers, commander of the boat Retaliation, and signed by James Monroe, secretary of state. Letters of marquee provided legal authority for an armed vessel to capture enemy ships and commit acts which would otherwise constitute piracy. The letter has no date, but was likely created during the War of 1812, and authorizes the Captain to attack and capture enemy vessels.

Ann Eliza Hepburne Rooth fonds, 1837-1897

Ann Eliza Hepburne was born in Chippawa, Ontario, in 1821, to William Hepburne and Susan Shannon. In 1842, she married William Anthony Rooth in St. James Cathedral in Toronto. They continued to live in different parts of the Niagara region, including Drummondville, Welland and Port Colborne. William was the editor and proprietor of the Drummondville Reporter, as well as an accountant and insurance agent, and later worked for the Customs Service in Port Colborne. He died in 1878, and Eliza in 1899. Both are buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

James & Geroge Stodart Limited Announce Stodart's Canadian Agency

An announcement "inaugurating direct sales and Canadian shipments from our home distilleries James & George Stodart Established 1835, 80 West Nile St., Glasgow, Scotland, beg to announce appointment of Stodart's Canadian Agency Limited". Included in the brochure are prices, brands, guarantees and order information.

Sir Robert Burnett Labels

A collection of Sir Robert Burnett labels. The company was established in England in 1770, but these labels read "Distilled and Bottled according to the Original Formula of Sir Robert Burnett Co., Ltd. London W.I., England by The Sir Robert Burnett Co. A Division of Distillers Corporation Ltd. Montreal, Canada".

Last Will and Testament - James Senior

Last Will and Testament of James Senior of Niagara Township leaving all his goods and chattels and part of Lot 94 in Niagara Township to his friend, Richard Woodruff, August 6, 1832. There are three names listed as witnesses, William Woodruff, Moses Chase and a third name.

Notice of Will - James Middough

Notice regarding the late James Middough that anything concerning his will is granted to William Woodruff and Richard Woodruff (merchants) executors of the will, August 3, 1839.

Niagara Races Ribbon

Ribbon from Niagara Races. This race was held on October 8, 9, 10 and 12 of 1861. The stewards of the race are listed and they include the Mayor of St. Catharines James G. Currie. The ribbon is stained at the top. This does not affect the writing on the ribbon, 1861.

James Elliot Account Fragment

A fragment of account information for James Elliot dated 1853 and 1854.

Indenture - Land sold by Hart Smith of Lincoln County to James Fields of Newark in Oxford County

Indenture regarding land sold by Hart Smith of Lincoln County to James Fields of Newark in Oxford County, First Concession, Lot no. 3. October 11, 1797.

Indenture between James and Hannah Vine and James Butler

Indenture of bargain between James and Hannah Vine of the Town of Niagara and James Butler of Niagara Township for 1/2 an acre and 6/10 of an acre of Lot no. 113 in the Township of Niagara. The instrument no. is 6325. May 11, 1855.

Indenture (vellum) James Henderson and James Zimmerman to Thomas S. Helliwell

Indenture (vellum) of bargain and sale between James Henderson of the City of Toronto and James Zimmerman of the Town of Clifton to Thomas S. Helliwell of St. Catharines for the east half of Lot no. 18 in the Township of Warwick. This was recorded on June 13, 1857 in Liber B for Warwick, folio 283 memorial no. 714, June 4, 1857.

Indenture between Henry Hope Graham and Robert Hill to Joseph Walker

Indenture of deed of land situate between Henry Hope Graham and Robert Hill, both of London, England called England Esquire Executors and Trustees under the Last Will and Testament of Lieutenant General Percy Hill of London, England to Joseph Walker of Queenston, Ontario. This is in regard to parts of Lots no. 113, 114 and 115 in the Township of Niagara. This was registered on Nov. 10, 1885 – instrument no. 2075, Oct. 31, 1885.

Certificate for 600 Common Shares in James A. Forrest and Company Distillers Limited

Certificate for 600 common shares in James A. Forrest and Company Distillers Limited – 600 common shares to the estate of Hamilton K Woodruff, Jan. 31, 1936.