Two Black Gentlemen Photographed by John Cooper, London/St. Thomas, Ont. [n.d.]

An undated cabinet card of two Black men photographed by John Cooper, who operated as a photographer in London, Ont. and St. Thomas, Ont. from 1857 - 1890. The reverse of the photograph features the photographer's stamp in coloured ink. This photograph was in the possession of Iris Sloman Bell, of St. Catharines. The Sloman - Bell family have relatives who include former Black slaves from the United States. John Cooper is listed as a photographer and daguerrean artist in 1857 - 1890 in London, Ont. and in 1874 in St. Thomas, Ont. Source: Phillips, Glen C. The Ontario photographers list (1851-1900). Sarnia: Iron Gate Publishing Co., 1990. "Cabinet card photographs were first introduced in 1866. They were initially employed for landscapes rather than portraitures. Cabinet cards replaced Carte de visite photographs as the popular mode of photography. Cabinet cards became the standard for photographic portraits in 1870. Cabinet cards experienced their peak in popularity in the 1880's. Cabinet cards were still being produced in the United States until the early 1900's and continued to be produced in Europe even longer. The best way to describe a cabinet card is that it is a thin photograph that is mounted on a card that measures 4 1/4″ by 6 1/2″. Cabinet cards frequently have artistic logos and information on the bottom or the reverse of the card which advertised the photographer or the photography studio's services." Source: http://cabinetcardgallery.wordpress.com/category/cabinet-card-history/

Legal document involving John D M’Kay, Thomas Butler, and John Harris, February 5, 1828

Richard Leonard was a member of the 104th Regiment of the British Army. He fought during the War of 1812 at Sackett’s Harbour, Lundy’s Lane and Fort Erie. After the war he settled at Lundy’s Lane and was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 1st Lincoln Militia. He later became the Sheriff of Niagara. He died in 1833 and is buried in the Drummond Hill Cemetery.

Indenture Thomas L. Helliwell and his wife Mary to Samuel D. Woodruff

Indenture between Thomas L. Helliwell and his wife Mary to Samuel D. Woodruff for pew 15 in St. George’s Church, St. Catharines (2 copies), May 7, 1880.

Envelope sent to Mr. Welland D. Woodruff at Thomas Cooks and Sons, Columbo, Indiana

Envelope postmarked Indo-Ceylon, special flight X’mas 1936, Bombay, Jan. 1937 and Thomas Cook and Son, Jan. 2, 1937. The letter is addressed to Mr. Welland D. Woodruff at Thomas Cook and Son, Columbo, India. This is crossed out and sent on to Royal Trust Co. 3 St. James St., London, England. This is crossed out and finally sent to the Mayfair Hotel, London, England, 1936-1937.

The letter is addressed to Samuel D. Woodruff and is signed by Thomas Steers

Letter which is very stained, fragile and has holes in it. Text is partially illegible and faded. The letter is addressed to Samuel D. Woodruff and is signed by Thomas Steers. It is written in ink, but someone has added comments in pencil. It regards Richard and William Woodruff. There are questions on the document which include: “Has M. Clement died interstate?” [in pencil – “he has”]; “Has he an heir at law other than” [the rest is faded, someone has written in pencil “he has, Richard and William Woodruff”], March 23, 1847.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Thomas Steers and W. M. Kelly

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Thomas Steers and W. M. Kelly regarding the patent for Mrs. Clement. The writer says that he will write to Mr. Woodruff fully respecting the claim of the younger Clement, May 14, 1847.

Letter to Samuel D. Woodruff from Thomas Steers and W.M. Kelly

Letter to Samuel D. Woodruff from Thomas Steers and W.M. Kelly stating that they have been successful in getting the patent through for Mrs. Clement for Lot no.30, Concession 2 in Enniskillen. James Clement is not of age and he cannot transfer his right to his brother Joseph. There is no obstacle of the patent being issued in Richard���s name. There are some notes in pencil on this document. The document is torn, and stained, but text is not affected. The postmark on the outside is Montreal, June 26, 1847, June 25, 1847.

Letter to Thomas Steers of Montreal from Samuel D. Woodruff

Letter to Thomas Steers of Montreal from Samuel D. Woodruff asking for information on the progress of the patent which will expire on the 16th of March, Feb. 9, 1848.

Letter from Mr. Thomas Bell to Samuel D. Woodruff

Letter from Mr. Thomas Bell to Samuel D. Woodruff informing him that he has taken the claim of James D. Clement before the Heir and Devisee Committee and he requires more money (1 page, double sided), July 12, 1849.

Letter to Mr. Thomas Bell from S.D. Woodruff

Letter to Mr. Thomas Bell from S.D. Woodruff concerning the claim of Mr. James Clement. Mr. Woodruff trusts that Mr. Bell has the application made for the patent. He encloses $10 to cover the fees. He states that he has authorized Mr. Thomas Steers to prosecute the claim, July 16, 1849.

Letter from Thomas Bell to S.D. Woodruff

Letter in which Thomas Bell informs S.D. Woodruff that he has the patent for Lot 30, Concession 2 in Enniskillen and he will hand it over himself, Aug. 10, 1850.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Jarvis, Conklin and Morgan Farm Mortgages

Letter to S.D. Woodruff to acknowledge the sending of Crew and Mauk papers signed Jarvis, Conklin and Co., April 15, 1885.

Letter to S.D. Woodruff from Jarvis, Conklin and Morgan Farm Mortgages

Letter to S.D. Woodruff which accompanied Crick documents. It is signed Jarvis, Conklin and Morgan Farm Mortgages, April 18, 1885.