Fenian Raid Broadside collection, [1866]

The Fenians were a group intent on securing Irish independence from England. The movement had its origins in Ireland in1857, under the leadership of James Stephens, with the assistance of John O'Mahony, an American who had raised funds for the cause. The American branch of this movement was especially successful, having raised $500 000 and enlisting about 10 000 American Civil War veterans. The group split into two separate factions, one desiring an invasion of Canada and the other preferring an uprising in Ireland. It soon became apparent that an uprising in Ireland was not imminent, and a decision was made to invade Canada. In April, 1866, a raid was launched against New Brunswick. It proved unsuccessful, and another raid was attempted on June 1, 1866, this time in Ridgeway, near Fort Erie, Ontario. The Canadian militiamen were defeated, but the Fenians subsequently withdrew. A third incident occurred on June 7, this time at Missisquoi Bay in Quebec, when the Fenians crossed the border, remained there for 2 days, and withdrew. A failed uprising in Ireland in 1867 signaled the demise of the movement. The Fenian threat helped to promote a sense of union among Canadians and provided an incentive for Confederation.

Marriage Certificate - Joseph Clement and Margaret Duffet

A marriage certificate stating that Joseph Clement and Margaret Duffet were lawfully married according to the Church of England in Montreal, May 9, 1784. The name on the paper appears to be "Margaret Dusalle" and the date appears as "May 7th".

Last Will and Testament - Angus Shaw

Last Will and Testament of Angus Shaw of Montreal. He leaves his possessions to Marjory Shaw, his wife; children of his sister Marion (wife of Duncan McDougall) and his nieces who are daughters of his deceased sister Isabella, May 9, 1809.

Wrestling Card - The Masked Marvel

The wrestler's name is The Masked Marvel and the number stamped on the reverse is 742. His real name is Dick Phillips and he was born in Buffalo and raised in Quebec. When he enlisted in WWII, he was a known wrestler. He wrestled for the Canadian Army to entertain the troops. It was the Army that created the Masked Marvel character.

Indenture between Robert Sparrow Delatre, Thomas Sheppard Smyth, Thomas Hector, and Arthur Shaw

Indenture between Robert Sparrow Delatre of Stamford Township, Thomas Sheppard Smyth of Brussels, Belgium, formerly of Stamford Township and Thomas Hector of Quebec, trustees of the last will and testament of Philip Chesneau Delatre to the Bank of Upper Canada and Arthur Shaw of Niagara Township regarding Lot no. 3 in the 1st Concession and Lot no. 4 in the 1st Concession, part of Lot no. 3 in the 2nd Concession, 50 acres of Lot no. 4 in the 4th Concession, 200 acres in Lot no. 8 in the 11th Concession in Blandford in the County of Oxford and broken Lot no. 11 in the 18th Concession in the Township of Zorra - instrument no. 6083. This is listed in the Blandford folio 184 and 185 in folio 63 and 64. Joseph Woodruff has signed this as conveyancer, March 29, 1853.

Receipt to S.D. Woodruff from Gibb and Co.

Receipt to S.D. Woodruff from Gibb and Co. of Montreal, Merchants, Tailors and Gentlemen’s Haberdashers for a cloth sack coat, July 1876.

Business Card from Green Acre Kennels

Business card from Green Acre Kennels, Aylmer East, Quebec, n.d.

Letter to Messrs R. Woodruff from Mackenzie, Gates & Co.

Letter to Messrs. Woodruff and Woodruff of St. Catharines from Thomas Secord of St. Catharines who was applying for the job of a clerk. He states that he would like to make $15 a month plus board, July 31, 1849.

Letter - Clara Cudney to Samuel Woodruff

Letter and envelope addressed to Mr. Samuel Woodruff of St. Catharines. The postmarks are Montreal, Dec. 23, 1892 and St. Catharines, Dec. 29, 1892. Clara Cudney is acknowledging sending the mortgage on the land of her late husband Ezekiel. She says that Baker is still in the house but does not want to rent the barn. She asks if she should keep the rent or pass it on to Mr. Woodruff, Dec. 29, 1892.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from William Hamilton Merritt

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from William Hamilton Merritt at the Legislative Assembly in Quebec. Mr. Merritt asks who has investments in the town and he says “we will get the road through to Port Colborne in due time (3 pages, handwritten), Apr. 19, 1855.

Receipt from John Henderson and Co., Manufacturers of Hats, Caps and Furs and dealers in Indian Curiosities

Receipt from John Henderson and Co., Manufacturers of Hats, Caps and Furs and dealers in Indian Curiosities, Montreal for furs and buttons, Oct. 13, 1887.

Copy (photocopied) of newspaper clipping entitled “Canada’s First Social Club” about the Beaver Club at the North-West Fur Company, Montreal

Copy (photocopied) of newspaper clipping entitled “Canada’s First Social Club” about the Beaver Club at the North-West Fur Company, Montreal. This item has been taped together. Text is not affected, n.d.

List of goods shipped to Henry Nelles of Grimsby by Gerrard, Gillespie and Moffat Co.

List of goods shipped to Henry Nelles of Grimsby by Gerrard, Gillespie and Moffat Co. of Montreal (6 ½ page list, handwritten) for blankets, food, clothing and other items Sept. 14, 1821.

Letter to J. Bradley from B.C.A. Gogy

Letter to J. Bradley from B.C.A. Gogy in the Office of the Adjutant General of Militia, Montreal (1 page, printed) regarding Bradley’s desire to obtain commission as a captain in the Quebec Artillery, Aug. 25, 1845

Letter to J.P. Bradley from B.C.A. Gogy

Letter to J.P. Bradley from B.C.A. Gogy in the Office of the Adjutant General of Militia, Montreal regarding procedures for applying for a captain’s commission in the militia (2 ½ pages, handwritten), Dec. 23, 1845.