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The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1951-01-11, Page 8Page 3 THE T1MES-ADVOCATE, EXETER, ONTARIO, THURSDAY MORNING, JANUARY H, 1951 Exeter’s History Reveals Growth, Sport Champions, Humour Reminiscences Of Former Village Days Recall An Age Of Industrious Pioneers . BY R. N. CREECH On the occasion of Exeter be­ ing raised to the status of a town it might be well to look backward ovex’ the years the first settler came part of Ontario. It was in the winter when James Willis and cated on Lot 20 Survey, Usborne, erected a log house. That was the first white man’s habitation in a section of country extend­ ing over 20 miles in every direc­ tion from this centre. In the same year came Wil­ liam McConnell, from London Township. He was a contractor ■and “chopped out” a consider­ able portion of the London Road (now No. 4 highway ) which runs in a staiglit line for 28 miles between Clandeboye and Clinton. He bought a large quan­ tity of land on both sides of the Loudon Road and on both sides of the Aux Sauble River, where Exeter now stands, from the Canada Company, who owned all the land hereabout. McConnell built the first saw mill in 1833, and the first grist mill in 1834, both near the river. London at this time was a village of a half-dozen log shan­ ties. All the district around Exe­ ter was tree covered, and the early settlers had to cut down the trees and burn them before they could grow any crop. Mr. Willis walked all the way to London to buy a hoe. He only ■had one English shilling. The hoe was worth three times as much, so he came home without the hoe, and planted potatoes among the tree stumps with an axe. History records that he had a fine crop. Fish and game were plentiful. So also were bears and wolves, and they kept the wives of the -early settlers in fear for their husbands working in the forest. In fact one wolf was so bold as to steal a roast of venison over a kitchen fire while Mrs. Willis looked on. For the next dozen years there were very few additional ■settlers in the district. In 1847 Isaac carling arrived, erected a tannery, and started the first I store, and in 1852 an English­ man, named James Pickard ar- j rived. Mr, Carling and Mr. Pick-! ard were zea’lous settlers and i their enterprise soon attracted , many people from the Old Land, i largely from Devonshire . Hence ‘ the name Exeter is often nick- j named “Devon”. I to since this 1832of wife lo- London Road and that year Early Arrivals Among the early arrivals was William Sanders, who became the first postmaster and also a very popular Magistrate. He was followed many of ess. In brothers ing the were several Bissett and Sanders families. Other names were; jell, Drew, Southcott, Westcott. Verity, Acheson, Davis, Gill, Hoskins, Dyer, Welsh, Manning, Samwell, Seldon, Creech, Gidley, Balkwill, Fitton, Grigg, Howard, Dignan, McDonell, Hyndman, Se­ nior, Spackman, Treble, Wood, Freeman, Trick, Hodgson, Kil­ patrick, Hardy, Dr. J. W. Brown- b y o t h e r families whom went into busin- some instances several oi’ cousins arrived dur­ next few years. There Cash Paid for Dead Animals i Hogs and Small Calves Removed Free IMMEDIATE SERVICE H. Butler & Sons Lucan, Ontario Phone 130-J, 130-W Collect Also Buyers or Scrap Iron, Bags, Horsehair, Batteries i: I ----------—-- 1 ■■■•" 1 • i' Historical Series To Be Presented Starting this week, The Times-Advocate will present a number of historical items dealing with the origin, settle­ ment and development of Can­ ada’s newest town, Exeter, On these pages will be found a review ^f Exeter’s history accompanied by sidelights as remembered by Mr. R, N. Creech, who was associated with Mr. C. H. Sanders in The Exeter Mr. Mr, S. a list vied on business in the village Advocate. Grant Sanders, son of M. Sanders, contributes of merchants who car- RICHARD N. CREECH Former Editor of The Exeter Advocate (Who wrote the article on this page) <1873, as follows; Isaac Carling. I Reeve; James Pickard, W. Veri­ ty, John Trick, and Drew, Councillors; with! Eacrett, Clerk; Robert treasurer, and Joseph and George Kilpatrick, As a sidelight it might be in­ teresting to note that there are several descendants of the earlier settlers and first council still living in Exeter. Mrs. Edgar Willis is a grand­ daughter of the original settler. James Willis; Mrs. A. McAvoy, Mrs. Annie N. Creech of the first Carling is first reeve, Pickard, present clerk and trea­ surer, is a grandson of councillor W. H. Verity, Reg Beavers is a grandson of the first clerk, Miclieal Eacrett; and Charles and Amelia Acheson are grand­ children of the first a s s e s o r, Joseph Acheson. In this connec­ tion we might also mention that R. G. Seldon is a great-grandson of George McLeod, who was, during all those years, the da Company agent for this district. Other early reeves were ge Willis in 1874 and Wharton Hodgson in 1876 fol­ lowed by Lancelot Hardy for, I believe seven years. The Assessment of the village 1874 was $105,515: in 1877 was $482,355 and in 1950 over $2,000,000. Edward Michael Sanders, Acheson assessors. Mrs. A. Sanders and Mrs. R. are grand-daughters post-master, Miss Ida a daughter of the Isaac Carling; C.V. Can a- whole Geor- 1875, Railway Built In 1876 the London Huron and Bruce Railway was built through Exeter to which the vil- age gave a bonus of $10,000, and Isacc Carling gave the land for the station building and yards. The south Riding Agricultural Association was formed in 1862, with 10 acres of land. Latei’ it was named the Stephen and Us­ borne Agricultural society, and later the Exeter Agricultural so­ ciety. Annual Fall Fairs were held without fail. The ground is now named, Exeter Community Park. in 1878 and 1867. The sources of this material arc Brad­ street’s July 1878, Co. “The Reference 1067. On this number of pictures of people who in years past have been active in the affairs of Exeter. Our only regret is that we cannot print all that we have at this time and also that we have not pictures of many 'Who played a prominent part. material Commercial Reports, and R. G. Dun and Mercantile Agency Book”, January, page we reprint a ing, Dr. Y. C o w e n, Ross, Fan- son, Bagshaw, Johns, Dr. Lutz, May. Stanlake, Sweet, Bell, B. V. Elliott, Farmer, Clarke, Spic­ er, Fenwick, Mace, Weir, about above Exeter. Undoubtedly some names have been ommitted. Originally the portion of the community north of the river was known as Francestown, and it was quite a thriving place while the portion south of the river known as Exeter, was pass­ ing through its growing the status of a village, Wanless, Brown, Trott.. Handford, Rowe, Crocker. Decendants of one-third of the people mentioned still reside in pains to Incorporation Exeter villiage grew until .. tario Government the district be­ came with dants. In area it is one and one- half miles north and south and one and one-quarter miles east and west, taking in a small .por­ tion of the Township of Hay., (south-east 50 acres), 600 aci’ds of Usborne Township, and 550 acres of Stephen Township, 1200 acres in all. The date of incorporation was March 29, council was elected on April 11, MISS CLARA VOSPER Beloved school teacher who for many years taught the Entrance Class in the Exeter public school. She was singularly honoured at the Old Boys Re-union in 1.935. by Special Act of rapidly, the On- an incorporated villiage more than 1,000- inhabi- 1873, and the first Order Your Canadian Approved Chicks Now • FOUR PURE BREEDS • FOUR CROSSES All breeding stock banded and tested fox’ pullorum by Inspectors of the Ontario Department of Agri­ culture. The hatchery is visited, regularly by Inspectors of the Dominion Department of Agriculture. Zurich, Ontario Horse racing was a favourite sport of the old timers, and a fine half-mile track was built by the Driving Park Associa­ tion just south-east ..of town over seventy-five years ago. Periodically it ? ever since, and is annual attraction Community Park. years has flourished i to-day a great held at the THE WALPER HOTEL — Many of the oldtimers will member this large hotel building which .stood at the south­ west corner of Highways 4 and 8,3, formerly known as Francistown, The site is now occupied bv L. Gibson’s store and garage. It was known as the Walper Hotel with a store on the south side of the building. Churches And Schools The Old Days saw three churches established in Exeter; Christ Church, which was Eng­ lish or Episcopalian, and after­ wards. about 1S87, became the Trivitt Church, stood on ed b y residence, to the Agricultural Park used for many years as a Crys­tal Palace. - - - plied much was spent the Church He also presented the bells hang in its tower. The Wesley Methodists for years in various homes, finally built the M a i n Church, which was burned down about 55 years ago, and replac­ ed by the present edifice. The Bible Christian Church was built on James St., Later on it was enlarged and became the Methodist Church, and now is called Church. Several erected in hood of Exeter, and the early ministers travelled to the various charges on horseback. The old settlers took their religion seriously and many lay preachers occupied the pulpits when no ordained preacher was available. A noted lay preacher was the late James Bissett, grandfather of the writer who on one enthusiastic occasion said he “could smell the brimstone coming down through the roof”. Men and women, who have long since passed away told their children of the many outstanding preachers of the old days, no list of them seems to available. Memorial Anglican Their o 1 d building the ground now occupi- the- Thomas Laing It was later moved and Election Humour Contests for the Reeveship were not without their humor­ ous side. A prominent doctor, who was noted for his charity to his patients and others was customed at Christmas time have turkeys delivered at doors of those who could afford to buy one. The name of the donor was not given. On this occasion he and a prominent land owner were contestants for Someone, knowing of the doctor's Christmas charity spirit, had the landowners name ac- to the not Thomas Trivitt sup- of the money that on the erection of that bears his name, . the chair. that met but St. James Street United other Churches were the near neighhour- but be Fraterna! Groups Fraternal into -being population; sonic Lodge Loyal Orange Lodge was estab­ lished 85 years ago; and Exeter Oddfellows Lodge is now in its 80th year. The Independant Ord­ er of Foresters and the Cana­ dian Order of Foresters came lat­ er, and flourished for many years, while Temperance Lodges and societies were prominent, but short lived. Taverns and hotels were num- erouse Exeter ensed house, town; . . tion at Main St. The Temperance house at the C.N.R. Station; The Central where it now stands; The Commercial at the corner Main and Ann; The Mansion Huron; and the Royal W. C. Allison’s office. organizations came with the increasing Lebanon Forest -Ma­ is now 90 years old throughout the district, at one time had six lie­ hotels and a temperance The Walper in Frances The Metropolitan on Sta- of at of north took •and but List Of Early Merchants Includes Saddlers, Coopers This list of early merchants in Exeter was contributed 'by Mr. Grant Sanders, son of Mr. S. M. Sanders of Exeter, who dis­ covered the items while doing research in a New York library. Source: Bradstreet’s Commer­ cial Reports, Vol. 43, July 1878. 1878 Allen, Alfred, Carpenter; Atkinson, R., Royal Hotel; Atkinson and McPhillips, Liv­ ery; Black, John, Flour and Feed; Balkwill, William, Drover; Bawden, Joseph, Butcher; Bawden, William and John, Marble Works; Bell, John, Baker and Gro­ cery: 'Bissett Ropt. and Thomas, Livery and Tinsmith; Boyd, Andrew, Grocer, Etc.; Braund, Andrew, Blacksmith; Brawn, John, Tailor; Brawn, John Jr. Cabinet furniture; Browing, J. W., Physician Drugs; Buckingham, Samuel, Black- Smith; Carling, Isaac, General Store; Christie, Edward, Hotel; Clarke, Mrs. M., Milliner; Crunican, John, Gro. Boots and Shoes; Cumelley and Co., Dry Goods; Davis, R„ 'Wagon Maker and Blacksmith; Dignan James and John, Car­ riage Makers; Down, James, Wagon Maker; Drew, Edred, Fancy Goods and Musical Instruments; Drew, John, Furniture Mfr.; Dyer, Oke and Howard, Plan­ ing Mill; Eacrett, Maker; Eacrett, DR. J. A. ROLLINS Former Reeve and and Moore Robert, physician; Northmore, George, Baker; O’Byrne & co. Harware; O’Neil, R. H., Banker; Cke, James, Tavern; Oke, William, Grocery and Small Wares; Patten & Dorward, Flax Mfrs; Pickard, James, General Stor­ es. Grist and Saw Mills; Prior, Thomas, Butcher; Ran ton, John, General Store; Rosebrough, M. IvL, urugs and Stationery; Ross, Bros. & Davidson, Plan­ ing Mill; Rowe, Charles, Tailor; Samwell & Pickard, General Store; Sanders, George, Grocer; Senior, Charles, Photographer; Sinclair, Tait, Toys; Smith, Joseph, Wagon .Maker; Southcott, Charles, Tailor; Spackman. Edwin H. Tinware, Etc.; Spicer, R. & E., Grocers; Stanley & Jermyn, General Store; Sweet. W i 11 i a m, Surgeon; Swenerton, James, Thorne & Farmer, and Provisions; Tom, John Shoes; Treble, John, Harness Boots and Shoes; Trott, W. II., Shoes; Verity, W. H., Foundry; Walper, Abel, Hotel: Wanless & Blain, Woolen Mill; Webster, William, Blacksmith; White, John & sons. Printers; Willis, James, Lumber; Veterinary Produce; Groceries Charles, Harness/ George, Harness Mak- W i 11 i a m, Harness C-,Boots and and Boots and Sports English Cricket,Canadian field lacrosse (adopted from an Indian sport), and baseball were played enthusiastically by both middle aged and younger citi­ zens, About 65 years ago Exeter Lacrosse team were Canadian champions, winning the honor in Windsor, after defeating an In­ dian team in Brantford. Roller skating and Ice skating were also popular sports. A er rink was built by the Richard occupied Snell and residences, ago. An Vail, was champion was an arched building and fin­ ally collapsed through age. Sev­ eral ice through present in 1937. A red 'brick school stood on the ground occupied by the L. J. Penhale residence, and gave way about 70 years ago to the present public school, which in its turn Will vanish in a Month or so when the kiddies move to their new building, which with the new District High school places Exeter ift the list of pro­ minent educational centres. land •Mrs. N. < 70 skater, roll- first now Milo Creech years John Davis oil by t h e ‘ the R. about Exeter the Western Ontario for some years. It rinks were also built the years, prior to the arena which was built Serious Drinkers A few of the old timers their drinking seriously really made a job of it; was that surprising when whis­ key was 30 cents a gallon whole­ sale. Men were the only ones who went inside a barroom and women did At of old drank whiskey or water. To this question he replied that he would not say whether it was “aqua fortis” or “aqua pura”.Dr. John Hydman was captain of an Infantry Company at the time of the Fenian Raids in 1866, and they were called to Goderich to defend the country. One night while stationed along the cliff, a couple of cows at­ tempted to climb to the top, and caused a Wild scramble“to arms” After a few shots the cows cided to retreat, and on coming morning there were signs of the enemy. John Wamsley was one of early conductors of the London, Huron and Bruce. He had come to Chtxada on the same boat as an Exeter couple, Mr.-and Mrs. Samuel Buckingham, who resided where Mr. and Mrs. John Norry now live. For many years When the train was passing through, Mr. Wamsley and Mrs. Bucking­ ham waved handkerchiefs at each other, an instance of their1 Warm friendship the old timers had for one another. didn’t drink, but. they not wear the pants either, a certain trial on a charge selling liquor illegally one timer was asked whether he de- the no the attached to the gifts as they were being delivered. The scheme was of no avail, as the, ■doctor won the election, but the ®tcu story got around and it was con­ sidered a good “practical” joke. The practice of making a pre­ sentation to one who is leaving the town after a . considerable residence has always existed. Af­ ter a conventional evening and a presentation was made to a prominent fruit buyer, the don­ ors were surprised the next day to hear that after the many ex­ pression of regret at his leaving he had decided. to remain. He did leave two years later but he got no second present., A Comfortable Age The last half of the 19th cen­ tury had few of the'worries of the last 50 years. They were really comfortable years in which to live, No wars, no auto­ mobile or airplane deaths, no strikes, no income tax, no sing­ ing commercials, no communists, no “give me, give me”, few gov­ ernment returns, few robberies, but good music, fine hospitality, filled churches, ireal amateur sports, an honest days work, fewer needs, a happy people. Many other sidelights might be mentioned of the later years, but I leave that to others who may be Interested enough to write of these later years. Contributed by request by R. N. Creech. P.S.—Perhaps there is some­ thing that ought to be said for the last fifty.years, and probably it should be said right here. People of under fifty years of age are more interested in the things of their own years, and. What have we? So many improvements on the old days that it would be hard to enumerate them all. To men­ tion -a- few only, a much longer life expectancy, better and more comfortable homes, and high and public schools; automobiles air­ planes, diesel engines, bulldozers, oil furnaces, real bath rooms, air conditioning, liberty in the style of clothing for every occasion, public libraries, community parks paved roads and sidewalks, mor© hospitals, insulin, penicillin, sulfa and other wonder drugs, great­ er industries with more jobs for more people (men and women), bakers bread, cakes, canned .fruit axld vegetables coca -cole, ice cream codes, all the gadgets that go with electricity in the factories, homes and barns; and let us not forget the higher wag­ es and higher costs, higher tax­ es, and world wars add fears of wars. R- N. C. Fanson, Maker and Boots and Shoes; Fanwick, William, Grist Mill; Fishburn, John, Vet’y Sur­ geon : Fitton, Tomas, Jeweler; Garlick, Miss Jane, Millinery; Gidley, C & S. Furniture Mfrs; Greig, J., Books; Hagey, William, ?; Harwood, Mrs. George, Milliner; Hawkshaw, John, Hotel; Hodgson and McLaren, cers; Howard, Hydmaih Johns, ware; Jones, Kemp, Kline, Leggett, R, A., McIntyre & Co., Gro- James N. Builder: John, Physician; D., Stoves and Tin- S. E., Jeweler; George S., Tobacconist; John, General Sore; Produce; Dry Goods, McLachlen & McCallum, tan­ ners; -McLennan, David, Miller; McNab, James, Hub & Spoke factory; Mace, George, General Store; Molsons’ Bank; 1867 Source: R. G. Dun & Co.—“The Mercantile Agency Reference Book”—-January, 1867. Ayers, Josiah, Grocery; Baker, John, Blacksmith; Balkwill, John & James, Tav­ ern: Balkwill, William, Tavern; Boulton, Charles, Drugs; Brabagon, Robert, Foundry; Broderick, Store; Carling, Isaac, General Store; Davis, Richard, Blacksmith; Drew, Edred, Cabinetmaker; Drew, William, Liquors; Eacrett,, George, Saddler; Fanson, William, Saddler; Freeman, Ashael D., General Store; Gidley, Bros., Cabinetmakers; Gordon, James, Tavern; Gregg, William, Tailor; Johns, David, Tins; McConell, John, Tavern; McNab, James, Cabinetmaker; Pickard, James, General Store; Sherbrook, James, Carpenter; Sinale, Issac, Saddler; Tail, -Sinclair, Cooper; Treble, Johns Jr., Shoes; Trick, John, Blacksmith; Van, Stone Jr„ Watchmaker; Winans, H. B., Drugs and M. D. H.G., General ■ Exeter Radio & Electric • -Electric Wiring • House and Car Radio Repair • Large and Small Appliances • Lighting Fixtures PHONE 187-W DON JOLLY „»■■ »■ CLEARANCE Ladies Shearling-Lined Leather Winter Boots REG. $10.75 — TO CLEAR $7.98 4 Shearling-Lined Aviation Boots REG. $14.95 — TO CLEAR $11.50 Children Wool-Lined Over Boots SAVE $1.00 PER PAIR On All Styles —* 0