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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1947-12-18, Page 9Percolators Irons Lamps Baby Mis­ Geo. Percolators Roasters Sleighs Toboggans Skits Skates Hockey Gloves Wagons Tricycles Toasters Vacuum Sweepers Heating Pads Radios ALUMINUM Tea Kettles Frying Pans THE TIMES-ADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER ISth, 1947 in F. Lewis business. little Johns tells us that by the land along what is 4 highway had been set- not a single lot had been concessions six and seven. The cou- on itheir trip to Sid­ man the Act of Un- Elgin was the The Rebellion had incited the Dull- of St« Thomas, visited H. Mills on Sunady. Hicks and Stan, of Fail*" and Mrs- Wm, Essery Margaret, of Eden, were continuing on through the underbrush of the back- These little clusters of the starting points of civi- now Oh, doctor, killing myself. CUTLERY PYREX WARE CARVING SETS CARPET SWEEPERS SILVERWARE CHESTS Elimville Once Hub of the w/ iii ei n-World to early rioneers jshanty on Lot 8, Concession 7,by A. Bilyea in the London Free Press Elimville is not as big as it used to be, and it never was very big. But back when the second half of the last century was just beginning this unostentatious little hamlet in Usborne Township, in the south of Huron county, was one of the nerve centres pf a growing nation. Like Other places^ once small settlements in the wilderness, now matured cit­ ies like Hamilton, st. Thomas and London, Elimville at one time was the hub of the world to the pion­ eers who settled there, And, like mahy other villages, having nurtur­ ed the spirit of a great Canada, has shrunken into the countryside — 24 homes in i860, now 17. Joshua Johns, 84, of Exeter, whose forefathers were the first to strike an axe in Elimville, has poin­ ted out the significance of these lit­ tle stopping off points, these punc­ tuation marks in the history of Ca­ nada. He has recalled much of his youth at Elimville, and has compil­ ed a good deal of information con­ cerning the history of the little vil­ lage. Across the wide province of On­ tario there are hundreds of little villages which were once fording places for cattle; often they served only as a place. for clergymen and government agents to change horses before dense woods, homes, lization in Western Ontario, have slipped into the oblivion of age and complacency. But they have served well. Their contribu­ tion to the nation was made out of the hearts of the men and women of Upper Canada. The story of Elimville does not differ greatly from that of other pioneers villages. It has the same integrity, prestige and pride. It has had its joy and its pathos. Like brooks that flow into great rivers, Elimville is content with its destiny and with the knowledge that stem­ ming from it are the roads to the great cities of Canada. Joshua 1849 all how No. tied, but taken on Two bachelor brothers, John and Ryag Brimacombe, were the first to occupy the land later to become E- limville. They put up a rough S3---- ----- ---- -- GIFT s Suggestions from the HESS JEWELLERY ZURICH China and Porcelain Dinner and Tea Sets Royal Dolton Figurines Community and Rogers’ Silver Plate Fine Cut and Crystal Glassware ■88 FORD & MONARCH PARTS & SERVICE Christmas Suggestions For the Car Owner —Tow Ropes —Seat Covers —Fog and Driving Lights —Backing Lights —-rentier Guides —Mirrors — Radios *—Defrosters -—Spot Lights —Ornaments —Heaters —Bumper Guards —Horns —Windshield Washers —Chains Has Your Car Frozen Up Yet? Let Us Test the Anti-Freeze Phone £4 th© fall of 1849.' The yeai* 1849 was one filled With much anxiety for the people of Upper and Lower Canada who had been united by ' ion in 1840. Lord governor general. Losses Act of 1849 burning of the parliament dings ip Montreal, But things were improving, too. Educational facili­ ties were better, some attention was being given to the building of roads, and the Church, which bad displayed indefatiguable energy in the development of the nation, was growing to proportion which included 340,000 adherents in 1851. The Brimacombes started a buil­ ding spree, In the early part of 1850, Richard Johns, a shoemaker from Devon, settled on Lot 12, Con. 7, and George Sleanion settled in the near vicinity. The next year Lots 13 on both sides of the con­ cession were settled, and a few more families came with John Vail to occupy the site where the village now stands. In a short time settlers had occupied all the vacant lots. Wm. and Henry Wood with their mother and sister, settled on Lot 10, Con. 7, and founded the village in 1851. Elimville people, like Lord Sy­ denham who proposed the Cana­ dian capital at London, were con­ vinced that their lands were the centre of the nation. They hoped for an extension of the Grand Trunk railway through St. Marys and on to Sarnia, so that there would be a produce market nearer’ than London. The road from Exeter to St. Marys would also go through Elimville they thought, so a young speculator named William Taylor built a log hotel which was made the centre of activity by itiner­ ants passing through the village. John Vail built the first bam on Lot 10, Con. 6. Nails, then as now were hard to get so much of the joining was done with wooden pegs. At about 1870 those who were to settle in Elimville had already done so. Henry Taylor built a gen­ eral store and several houses were erected, An attempt to sell shares to build a flour mill, however, fail­ ed, and a soap factory also moved to more lucrative surroundings. In 1861 the Township hall was built, with bell and belfry. There were two hotels in the ’70’s, an ashery on the east bank of the creek with several kettles making potash, gen­ erally sold in Stratford. There was a cooperage, a blacksmith, a wag­ onmaker, a tailor, a Bible deposi­ tory, three churches, a shoemaker, a doctor and a drug store. There was plenty of co-operation in the work of building shops, houses and barns. Every Monday, relates Mr. Johns, during the buil­ ding season, two groups of masons went out from the village to Us­ borne and Biddulpli. A brickyard had been started on Lot 1|1, Con. 7, in 1850, but the discovery of better white brick clay along the river in Stephen Township, caused the Elimville works to disappear, It was necessary for the car­ penters of those early days to dress all the lumber by hand, and during the winter most of the men, whether they were carpenters or not spent their time fashioning and planing window frames and doors. Drainage presented a problem, and in 1900- the Aux Sauble river, which drains the North-western por­ tion of Elimville, was deepened in the Township of Biddulpli. The men who did this work, and made it their life vocation, worked 60 hours a week for six dollars. Once the settlers had taken their places on the land they set about making provisions for the educa­ tion. of their children. The school section in the Usborne district was mapped out in 1850. Most of the council meetings were in Francis- town, now Exeter North, but often they were held in private houses. In I860' the centre of the township was found to be near Elimville, so the following year the hall was built there, and since then it has been the scene of many political meetings of a temper which seems to have passed with John A. Mac­ donald and his times. In 1876 Tho­ mas McKay was reeve, and James Halls and Johnathan 'Shier were councillors. They held their offices for 20 years, In keeping with the 18th cen­ tury passion for nicknames, Elim­ ville was originally known as “Rathole,” after an .ephithet flung in anger by a traveller who had rapped unsuccessfully on the door of the hotel at an early hour in the morning. In 1854 a schoolhouse was built at Winohelsea, and George Andrew opened a Sunday School. He was the oldest man in the community and was known as “Grandfather Andrew.” He assumed the leader­ ship of his flock, partly because he was more educated than the others but mostly because he was the only one who had a doctor book, a pos­ session which made him indespen- sible in the community. He also served as lawyer and judge, al­ though his Only qualifications were his sense of equity and .the trust in which he was held by the people. After several incidents in Win- Chelsea which showed disrespect for the piety of the church, Grand­ father Andrew took the people to a lot purchased from John Vail for one dollar, They built a log church and made provision for a cemetery and called it “Elim.” Grandfather Andrew was the first to bo buried in tlm cemetery. C^mpbelMsdeeldns Rev. Garth Cowper-Smith offici­ ated at the ceremony in First-St, Andrew's United Church on Satur­ day, uniting in marriage Avis Vio­ let, daughter of Mr, and Mrs. Leonard Meekins, of London, Eng* land, to Millar McGinnis Campbell, son of Mr. and Mrs, Andrew Camp­ bell, of Exeter, Given in marriage by George Davey, of Toronto, the bride chose a three-piece ensemble of king’s blue wool with grey squirrel trim and grey and blue accessories for her wedding. Her corsage was of roses and carna­ tions. The bridesmaid was Miss Eliza­ beth Cunningham, Toronto, who wore a rose crepe suit with gold accessories and a corsage of white ’mums and pink roses. Gordon Pfaff, Milverton, was best man. After the ceremony, the guests were received at Wong’s Cafe by Mrs. Campbell, wearing a black crepe frock with gold sequin trim and matching accessories, pie will live in London return from a wedding Buffalo. Elimville Farm Forum O The Elimville north farm forum met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Weber with thirty-two pres­ ent. The subject for discussion was “Organizing for Community Action”. There was a good discussion on dif­ ferent projects, after which there were games and the group had their picture taken. Lunch was served. The next meeting will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Johns. It will be Review Night. cooed, persuasive Polly, makes a hit with father friends help him a garden,” rejoined stubborn can tell your old “Dear,” “it always if my boy bit on his “Well,” ney, “you that I’m not a hoe-beau.” CENTRA LJA Give Flowers for Christmas. Bailey’s Florist, Exeter. Phone 276. Mr, and Mrs. Wm. Skelton and Donald, of Lucan, were Sunday vis­ itors with Mr, and Mrs. A. Proctor. Mr. Earl Haist attended the fun­ carl of the late Freeman Haist at Fonthill off Sunday, Mrs. W. Spencer, Mrs. Hitch and daughter, with Mrs, Mrs. L, field, Mr, and Mary Sunday visitors with Mrs, Essery and Mrs. Duffield. There will be special Christmas services in the church on Sunday. The choir will provide special mus­ ic and a Christmas Pageant will be presented at” the evening service, Services are at 10,30 a,m, and 7 p.m, The Christmas entertainment of the Sunday School will be held In the schoolroom of the church on Monday evening, Dec. 22. Keep the date in mind and plan to attend, Sunday, Dec. 21 will be Birthday Sunday in the Sunday School when everyone is invited to bring their birthday offering for the box. W.M.S. Meets On Tuesday afternoon of week the Women’s Missionary ciety met in the schoolroom of church for their and election of officers. Gates led the meeting Christmas Candle Lighting service was followed as printed in the monthly with several members tak­ ing part. Following the program lunch was served by Mrs. " . and Mrs. F. Bowden. The president was The for Mrs. burn; 2nd vice-pres., 3rd vice-pres., pianist, Mrs. F. Penwarden; sec., Mrs. W. Mrs. F. Lewis; Powe, treas., Miss Agnes Anderson, assistant, Mrs. Geo. Hicks; Mission Band Supt., Mrs. F. Bowden; assis­ tant, Mrs. Geo. McFalls; Band Supt. Mrs. A. McFalls; sionary Monthly sec., Mrs. Baynham; Christian ‘Stewardship sec., Mrs. C. Skinner; Supply sec., Mrs. M. Elliott, Community Friend­ ship sec's., Mrs. N. Mitchell, Mrs. L. Hicks, Mrs, Elliott; Associate Helpers sec., Mrs. L. C. Hicks; Temperance sec., Mrs. Bowden. Toys Games Fishing Tackle Rods, $5.00 up. Reels, $7,50 up. Nylon Line, $2.75 spool Plugs, $1.00. Minnow Pails, $3.75, Spinners last So- the regular meeting Mrs. R. and the in the chair for the following officers were elected the coming year: Hon. pres., J. Essery; pres., Mrs. Hep- 1st vice-pres., Mrs. L. Hicks, Mrs. L. Hodgson; Mrs. J. McAllister; Rec. Skinner; assistant, cor. sec., Mrs. H. Richard 7, was Edmund a rock, the for another residents of says Mr. The church played an important part in the founding and growth of Elimville, as it did in most com­ munities. The conversion of Ish­ mael Hull motivated a revival in 1862. Out of respect for him they built a church and.called it ‘Eden.’ The people of every denomination united to build first Elimville church, but Bible Christian minis­ ters from Exeter had served the church from the beginning. A fiat was later advanced that all churches served by Bible Chris­ tian ministers must be Bible Chris­ tian churches. When Rev. .John Edwards, the circuit minister who, like the immortal William Carey, died while at prayer, was replaced a schism was seen. Just outside the village .the W'esleyans erected a church which was served from Exeter and Centralia, -and after the Methodist union in 11$ 84 there was a Sunday School attendance of 135. The church is now served by a minister from Thames Road. Mr. Johns has left no stone un­ turned in his history of Elimville. He recalls from his own boyhood that men, in spite of their hardi­ ness and strength, possessed most of the moral weaknesses of man­ kind. At a barn-raising in the late sixties, he relates, there was a fight between “a Protestant and a Catholic,” after which Brimacombe, Lot 2, Con. ambushed and murdered. Small, who had witnessed the mur­ der, was accidentally killed before he could identify the assailant. In 1862 a man named Drought killed a man named Quinton with a handspike over a line fence dis­ pute, and at the first plowing match, which was held some time in the sixties, there was another fracas. But this time the victim was too tough to die. After being run through with a knife and beat­ en on the head with man recovered to live forty years. Some of the original Elimville are still living, Johns. Robert Coates, who attend­ ed the Usborne 'School, S.S. No. 6, which is now 90 years old, lives in London. So does Mrs. Peter Gar­ diner, St. G.eorge street, who .is a granddaughter of James Hall, who once owned Elimville. The first ed .a family folk, whose ity. Mr. Johns says that the life of one of the sons was shortened by a kick from a horse. ,He died at 85. A daughter of that original family is well and active at 86, and a son at 83. Coming from the first Johns family are-several successful men. Among them are Rev. Alfred E. Johns, Ph.D., for 15 years a mis­ sionary in China, now head of the Department of ,Mathematics at Mc­ Master University, Hamilton; Mar­ tin W. Johns, Ph.D., formerly professor of physics at Brandon College, Manitoba, and recently ap­ pointed by the National Research Council to the research staff of the i atomic energy plant at Chalk Riv­ er, Ontario; ' Harold E. Johns, Ph.D., professor of physics at the University of Saskatchewan, and consultant physicist for the Cancer Commission of the Saskatchewan Government, and Walter H. Johns, formerly professor of classics at the University of Alberta, now as­ sistant president. , So the story of an inconspicuous hamlet in Western Ontario ends. The 17 families now living in Elimville talce their pride from the fact .that while a great nation was being conceived they, like the clusters of families here and there across the province, were produc­ ing and providing for the builders of Canada. all the land known, as married pioneers rais- of 11 children. Plain only boast was longev- ELECTRICAL Tea Kettles Beavers Hardware PHONE 86 The Merchants Have a Fine Selection of Gifts -Read Their Advertisement: Trying patient: often feel like What shall I do? Doctor, Leave it to me. siraMUUME any way you look at it it s more for the money. A PRODUCt OF GENERAL MOTORS Look at the outside — the long, rangy lines ,. »the streamlined fenders ♦.. the distinctive radiator grille , .. the low, massive appearance . . . the beauty and the bigness ! 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