William Hamilton Merritt Welland Canal circular, July 12, 1823

William Hamilton Merritt (1793-1862) was a soldier, merchant, and politician who was instrumental in the promotion and development of the Welland Canal. After serving with the Lincoln militia during the War of 1812, Merritt became a merchant in St. Catharines, and purchased some land on Twelve Mile Creek on which he ran a sawmill and constructed a grist mill. He initially envisioned a canal between the Welland River and Twelve Mile Creek, which evolved into a plan to link Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. This would enable goods from western Canada to be conveniently shipped to Montreal and Great Britain through the St. Lawrence, while bypassing the Niagara portage. His plan met with opposition for financial and political reasons, as well as from those along the Niagara portage whose businesses would suffer if the canal were built. Despite this opposition, the Welland Canal Company was chartered by the Upper Canadian assembly in January, 1824. Construction on the canal began later that year, and was completed in 1829

Indenture between William Dickson [Jr.] and Robert M. Wilson, February 7, 1859.

William Dickson (1799-1877) was the son of the prominent Niagara businessman and politician William Dickson (1769-1846). William was educated in Edinburgh, Scotland, and settled in Galt, Ontario, upon his return to Canada. His father had business affairs in Dumfries and Galt, which he left in his sons charge when he retired to Niagara in 1837. William had an older brother, Robert, and younger brother, Walter, both of whom served in the Militia and became involved in politics.

Kimberly-Clark (Canada) records, 1960-1987

Kimberly, Clark & Company was founded in Wisconsin in 1872. The founding partners were John A. Kimberly, Havilah Babcock, Charles B. Clark, and Frank C. Stattuck. That same year, the company built the Globe Mill, which made newsprint from linen and cotton rags. The company soon established a reputation for developing new and innovative paper products and processes. In the 1920s, Kimberly-Clark opened a Canadian Pulp Mill and Power plant known as the Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company, in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Other branches of Kimberly-Clark were established in Ontario at Huntsville and Terrace Bay.

Photograph - William Woodruff (1783-1860) and Margaret Clement Woodruff (1794-1882)

Pair of photographs, 17 ½ cm x 12 cm of William Woodruff, son of Ezekiel and a 17 ½ cm x 12 cm photograph of Margaret Clement Woodruff in a folding silver frame. These photographs were described by R. Band in 1990 – description is included.

Photograph - Ann and William Sanderson

A framed copy of 2 photographed sketches. Each photograph is 18 cm x 13 cm. Ann and William Sanderson are displayed in this frame.

Composite Photographs - William Woodruff and his children

The composite includes photos of: Richard Woodruff (1822-1887) brother of Samuel Woodruff, son of William Woodruff. He married Cornelia McCrumb. His son-in- law was Samuel Zimmerman of the bank. Richard was a director of the Niagara Suspension Bridge. Joseph Woodruff (1820-1886) son of William Woodruff. He married Julia Claus. He was the Sherriff of Lincoln County and one of the incorporators of the Zimmerman Bank. Samuel DeVeaux Woodruff (1819-1904) who was the son of William Woodruff. He married Jane Caroline Sanderson (1827-1912) William Woodruff (1793-1860) who was the son of Ezekiel Woodruff who was born on July 29, 1763 and moved to the Niagara area from Litchfield Connecticut. He died in Niagara on Nov. 26, 1836. Henry Counter Woodruff (1833-1916) was the 7th child of William Woodruff. He married Emma Eloise Osgood (1835-1925) Dr. William Woodruff (1830-1908) of London, Ont. was the son of William Woodruff. Helena Woodruff (1828-1892) was the daughter of William Woodruff. She married Joseph Patterson Boomer. Julia Woodruff (1825-1870) was the sister of Samuel DeVeaux Woodruff and the daughter of William Woodruff.

Photograph - William H. Sanderson

Photograph of a sketch, 13 cm x 10 cm, of William H. Sanderson. The photographer was G.F. Maitland of St. Catharines.

Photograph - Dr. William Woodruff with description

Black and white photograph, 18 ½ x 13 cm, of Dr. William Woodruff as described on the back by R. Band in 1977.

Photograph - Dr. William Woodruff

Black and white photograph, 16 cm x 10 cm, of Dr. William Woodruff of London, Ontario.

Tintype - William Knapp Cleveland

Tintype, 9 cm x 6 ½ cm, of William Knapp Cleveland (Julia Woodruff’s brother) . He is quite young in these tintypes. He seems to be sitting in front of a backdrop with a reclining dog.

Tintype - William Knapp Cleveland dressed as cowboy

Tintype, 9 cm x 6 ½ cm, of William Knapp Cleveland (Julia Woodruff’s brother) described in a note at the bottom by R. Band. William is dressed in cowboy attire in front of a fence and brandishing a gun while holding a rifle. He is posing in front of a house.

Letter of Administration to William Woodruff

Letter of administration from Lewiston, New York to William Woodruff. William Woodruff is granted the right to dispose of the goods and chattels of John Woodruff (deceased).

Probate of Last Will and Testament - William Smith

Probate of Last Will and Testament of William Smith of the township of Lincoln. Mr. Smith was a farmer. His goods and chattels are left to his children and grandchildren. The document was registered May 9, 1865 - instrument no. 15383 and the original date of the document is January 20, 1856.

Probate (copy) of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Clark Street of Stamford Township

Probate (copy) of the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Clark Street of Stamford Township. This is a printed copy which is signed by Charles A. Mittleberger, student at law, Oct. 18, 1872.

Letter Regarding William Woodruff Estate

Letter regarding William Woodruff's estate. This consists of one typed page. It is not made out to anyone, nor is it signed by anyone. The intended recipients are: S.D. Woodruff, H.K. Woodruff, Messrs. A. Woodruff and H. Yale, William Woodruff M.D., Henry Woodruff and Mrs. Helena A. Boomer. The letter is slightly torn and fragile.