Martin Walsh fonds

Martin “Bud” Walsh served in the Canadian Merchant Navy during the Second World War as a fireman stoking boilers. He continued to serve in the Navy after the war, until December 1948. In 1949, he joined the Crowland Police Department as a constable. He subsequently worked as a constable with the Welland Police Department and was promoted several times, eventually to deputy chief in 1969. In 1971, he became superintendent of the St. Catharines detachment of the regional force. He has been the recipient of several prestigious awards honouring his contributions to his country, including the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal (1977) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).

Program of a Commemorative session of Lincoln County Council, November 19, 1969.

The County of Lincoln dates back to 1798, when the first Lincoln County was formed. It was comprised of the townships of Clinton, Grimsby, Saltfleet, Barton, Ancaster, Glanford, Binbrook, Gainsborough, Caistor, Newark (Niagara), Grantham, Louth, Stamford, Thorold, Pelham, Bertie, Willoughby, Crowland, Humberstone and Wainfleet. The County boundaries were revised over the years, and the formation of Welland County in 1856 left only 7 townships in Lincoln County (Niagara, Grantham, Louth, Clinton, Gainsborough, Caistor and Grimsby). A County Council was also established at this time, which consisted of a Clerk, Warden, and a representative from each township. In 1862, the County Seat was moved from Niagara-on-the-Lake to St. Catharines. In 1970, Lincoln and Welland Counties were amalgamated to form the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

Province of Upper Canada Land Grant to Ann Cook, 1812

A grant of land to Ann Cook of the Township of Crowland. The land is situated in the township of Wainfleet, in the County of Lincoln, in the district of Niagara. Ann Cook is granted 200 acres in lot no. 32 in the 4th concession in Wainfleet. One of the signatures on the document is illegible but other signatures include: Prideaux Selby, auditor general on April 15, 1812. This is the date that the document was entered into the auditor’s office. Isaac Brock has signed in the upper left hand corner as “Isaac Brock President” which refers to the fact that he was President administering the Government of Upper Canada and Major General commanding the forces within the province. It is also signed on the left hand side by John Macdonell (who is buried at Brock’s Monument). At the time, he was the attorney general.

Thomas Millard Senior land grant, 1797

Thomas Millard Senior was born in Middlesex, Connecticut, in 1728. He served as a Private with Butler’s Rangers. In July 1784, Thomas and his wife Mary, along with their 4 children, were on a list “to settle and cultivate the lands opposite Niagara”. He took the oath of allegiance at Niagara around 1784-85.

Farm Account Book

The book contains account information and also lists some birth and death dates.

Farm Account Book (2)

Another account book with some pages missing and some damaged.

Indenture between Harmonius Vanalstine and Joseph Upper

Indenture between Harmonius Vanalstine of Thorold Township and Joseph Upper of Thorold Township regarding 98 acres in Lot no. 7 in the 1st Concession in the Township of Crowland - instrument no. 3469. This was listed in book A, folio 88, 89. September 11, 1851.

Indenture between William Binkley and Eleanor Binkley to Charles Pierson

Indenture of bargain and sale between William Binkley and Eleanor Binkley of the Township of Crowland to Charles Pierson of the Town of Clifton regarding Lot no. 10 in Block E on Clifton Avenue in the Town of Clifton - instrument no. 7687. July 11, 1859.

Indenture between George Boomer and Fanny Caroline Boomer to John Stannage

Indenture of bargain and sale between George Boomer and Fanny Caroline Boomer of Toronto to John Stannage of St. Catharines regarding 5 acres in Lot no. 13 in the 3rd Concession of Crowland. November 21, 1862.

Letter to Joseph A. Woodruff from John Stannage

Letter to Joseph A. Woodruff from John Stannage (3 pages) stating that the Sheriff of Lincoln County had no right to sell any of the glebes [land belonging or yielding revenue to a parish church] of Crowland for taxes in either 1852 or 1857, Nov. 25, 1862.

Letter to Joseph A. Woodruff from John Stannage

Letter to Joseph A. Woodruff from John Stannage (3 pages) Asking Mr. Woodruff not to proceed with the deed for the land in Crowland until he finds what Mr. Miller says, Nov. 19, 1862.

Indenture of transfer of parcels of land purchased at sales of land for taxes to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Clifton

Indenture of transfer of parcels of land purchased at sales of land for taxes to Joseph A. Woodruff of the Town of Clifton. Transferred by The Honourable Walter Hamilton Dickson of the Town of Niagara. These lands are located in Caistor, Wainfleet, Humberstone, Crowland, Grimsby, Gainsboro and Pelham, Nov. 1, 1861.

Ingulph's chronicle of the abbey of Croyland.

Translation of Historia seu descriptio abbatiae croylandensis.