1904 Social Notes
| Paper Date | Event |
| Thursday Jan. 21, 1904 | Webbwood: The Courier had the pleasure of a visit this week from Mr.James Cronan, the new elected manager of the above company at Webbwood. In conversation, the gentleman stated that things will be running at this place in the spring. A new boiler house and stamp mill will be erected immediately, and prospects are bright for a large output of gold of which indications have equaled all anticipations. Mr. Walter Creighton of Copper Cliff has secured the situation as master mechanic and Mr. Ed Brownlee as carpenter foreman. |
| Thursday Mar.17, 1904 | Webbwood: The Michigan and Ontario Mines Co. has been organized to do mining work here. The Officiers are President- Wm. Covne Sault Ste. Marie Ont.; Vice President- A.R.S. Spellman Webbwood Ont.; Secretary- John A. McPhail Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.; Treasurer- E.S.B. Sutton Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. |
| Thursday, May12, 1904 |
Hallam council met at Webbwood on Apr. 30. Thos. Coleman was given the job of cleaning the
streets before May 15 for $10. Constable Irving was ordered to enforce early closing, stop the
sale of cigarettes and stop merchants from blocking the roadway with goods. A road is to be
opened to the river between lots 5 and 6. R. Blaisdell was given permission to put a moveable
boathouse on the line between lots 5 and 6 on the riverbank. The following pathmasters wee appointed for the year 1904: Division No.1- John McKie for lots 2 and 3, con 5 and inclusive of the following owners and tenants: D.D. Pelletier, D. Hanrahan, Andrew Webb, John Hanrahan, Alex Robinson, Thomas Drainey, Louis Hoeffler Division No. 2- Geo. McKay as pathmaster, and including J.Noble, David Davidson, Geo. Bayes, Jos. Mullins, Wm.McKay Division No. 3- Jas. L. Kennedy as path master and including Hm. King, Mrs. Thoms, Alex Beck, Robt. Conroy Division No.4- Duncan McPhee as pathmaster and including J.C.McMillan, D.Ore, John Clark, Mrs. Boynton, Geo. Jackman Division No.5- T.A. Douglas as pathmaster and including Jas. Brownelle, Geo. Harris, Jas. Scott Division No.6- Matthew Waram as pathmaster and including John Waram, Geo. Waram Division No. 6(a)- Wm. McKay as pathmaster and including Archie McKay, Geo. Nadeau Division No.7- Peter Morgan as pathmaster including Wm.Hunt, Wm. Philips Division No.8- Henry Capes as pathmaster including M.M. Spencer, F.J. Lee, Wm. Molleson, W. Wilkinson Division No.9- John Chapman as pathmaster and including M. McMillan, J.W. Darling, Wm. Kerr, A.B. Spencer and W.B. McGill Division No. 10- M. Cloughly as path master and including Geo. Drake, Elmer Eddy Division No. 11- A.M. Campbell as pathmaster and including Thos. Toland, John Campbell, H. Stephenson and H. Capes Division No. 12- J.H. Toland as pathmaster and including Geo. Toland, John Reid, Louis Hoeffler, G.F. JonesM.D., H.Hunt, A. Flaherty, C. Sweet, Jos. H. Toland, M.J. Patterson, R.G. Wolseley, and A.B. Horning Division No.13- Thomas Oswald as pathmaster and including F.Waram Division No. 14- M. Major as pathmaster and including Edward Stinson, Norman Hicks, C. Dorrie Sr., C. Dorrie Jr., Alex Therrat, and S. Devin Division No.15- S. Sirard as pathmaster and including T. Coade, A.M. Stewart, D. D'Aust, A Greemore and Wnt. Seaworth |
| Thursday June 9, 1904 | The body of Mr. Currier has not been found. Mrs. Thomas Darby is a daughter of the deceased. |
| Thursday June 23, 1904 |
Born: Porter at Webbwood on June 8 to Mr.&Mrs. George E. Porter a son. Constable Irving's Death It seems that about nine o'clock on Friday morning Mrs. Irving, mother of the dead man, had requested him to take a parcel to her son-in-law Conductor Dreany, who had charge of the local train from the west which passes Webbwood about 9:20. Mr. Irving met his brother-in-law on the station platform and gave him the parcel. While at the station Mr. Doyle, a hotel keeper, told Mr. Irving that Chartrand, the man he was looking for was on the train. Mr. Doyle went into the car and pointed out Chartrand. The latter had risen to accompany Mr. Irving at the constable's request (after having denied his own identity), when he changed his mind. Mr. Irving then reached for him and a scuffle ensued. Chartrand having bent back over a seat with a revolver in his hand. Mr. Irving caught the Frenchman by the right arm, and when the latter fired the first of three shots, the discharge severely burned Chartrand's leg so severel that it now needs some attention. The second shot also missed its mark and struck on the floor of the car between the feet of Paul Ross, of the Sault's telephone force, who was sitting in the adjacent seat. The next shot wounded Mr. Irving and Chartrand ran out the car with the constable in pursuit. Mr. Irving shouted, "he has shot me, don't let him escape!" and fell into the arms of Mr. J.F. Boyd, of the Sault, who was on the station platform. Chartrand got away to the north of the track, and meeting a car repairman threatened to kill him if he interfered in any way. Mr. Douglas, the blacksmith, exchanged two shots with Chartrand before he got out of sight. Chartrand is 24 years old and has been back and forth in the Sault for five years. Last winter he worked in McFadden and Malloy's camp at Garden River, a short distance from the town. He said he knew Mr. Irving, and alleging that he had had a drink with him about a year ago. He gave in excuse for his crime that he was "full of whiskey" at the time, but there seems to be no foundation for the statement. He admitted the shooting and while sorry, says it can't be helped. At the jail, it is stated, a fellow prisoner told him there were two graves in the jail yard to which Chartrand replied that there would be another soon and he didn't care how soon. Chartrand spent three months in jail here for stealing some time ago. He is believed to be the author of the hotel robberies of late along the North Shore. Chartrand will receive trial at the fall assizes, which will be held next October or November. |
| Thursday July 21, 1904 |
To Buy Pulpwood from Webbwood
Company there has big Supply on Hand before Mill is Ready
Sault Will Take It Mr. Geo. R. Gray who looks after the affairs of the Spanish River Pulp and Paper Co.- and who is, incidentally the amateur champion shot putter of the world, - is in town today to see Gen. Man. Shields about the sale of 20 000 cords of pulpwood his company has on hand at Espanola near Webbwood. The reason the company wishes to dispose of the wood is because its pulp mill will not be ready to operate for some time yet, and there will be time to cut more for the company's own mill. The Sault mill is a trifle short of wood, so that the two predicaments will fit in well together. It is likely the wood will be brought here by boat, the railroad charge being too high. Massey Station: The body of the late James Currier who was drowned in the Spanish River on May 21, was recovered a few days ago near Nairn Centre, about 40 miles below where the accident happened. |
| Thursday July 18, 1904 |
Foley Mine to Put in Machinery
Shakespeare Mine has a New Manager
What Mining Men are Doing Mr. J.C. Foley of Detroit, has given Mr. B.M. Wylie as order to erect camps and buildings at his mine, Webbwood. A carload of lumber was shipped from the Sault on Tuesday. Mr. Foley is putting in an engine and air compressor for development work. This property adjoins the Shakespeare and is expected to develop very quickly. A stamp mill will also be put on. |
| Thursday August 4, 1904 | Six Men Dead at Webbwood. See Mining for story |
| Thursday August 11, 1904 | Jury Says Mine Owners to Blame |
| Thursday August 18, 1904 | Webbwood: Mr. Arthur F. Stone of Webbwood, has been appointed bailiff of the Fourth Division Court of Algoma in the place of William Irving deceased. |
| Thursday September 15, 1904 | The Spanish River Pulp and Paper Co. is putting in a dam at Webbwood Falls. |
| Thursday October 13, 1904 |
While this little burg professes to have lots of the yellow metal surrounding it there does not
seem to be enough excitement over it to enable the general public to know that such does exist
in our midst.
The Shakespeare Gold Mining Company Ltd. Have a gang of men at work, putting up the stamp mill
and before many weeks we will be able to see gold bricks made. Mr. Sealey is overseeing the
work at the mill while Cptn. McMcKenzie is rushing on the work in the shaft. The Foley Mine is
on the move also. Mr. Foley deserves credit for the way he has pushed the work along in such a
short time. We understand he has now some 100 feet into the tunnel, and is now able to pace the
same yellow stuff they have been getting in the Shakespeare Mine. Mr. Foley's machinery is
first class and the work done shows that it always pays to buy No.1 goods. Mrs. James Scott and daughter of Calgary, visited friends here last week. We were pleased to see them and will welcome them back again. The Tories of Webbwood are getting prepared for the fray, and expect to do good work for their friend Mr. Turner, who is to be M.P. for East Algoma. |
| Thursday October 20, 1904 |
Chartrand Dies on Monday, Dec.19
The Murderer of Wm. Irving is Given Two Months More to Live Joseph Chartrand, the 130 pound French Canadian, who shot Provincial Constable Wm. Irving on June 19 last at Webbwood while the latter was taking him into custody, will die on Monday. Dec. 19 in the yard back of the jail unless the authorities have the good sense to locate the execution in some obscurer, where hundreds of people will not be shocked by being compelled to witness the building of a scaffold and the sight of it for some days. The doomed man had nothing to say when Judge Osler asked him on Tuesday evening if he had a nything to say before judgement should be pronounced on him, Chartrand, dry lips parted, but no sound issued from them as he stood up with glazed eyes to hear his sentence. The crime was brought home to him. When Irving had gone into the car to ask him if he were Chartrand, wanted for robbery, he had denied his identity. Then Irving had asked him to come with him anyway. Proceeding up the aisle, and when near the door, Chartrand had he himself said in the box, drawn his revolver from his hip pocket and fixed a shot into the floor to frighten Irving, who had struck or caught the Frenchman'' revolver arm and this caused Chartrand claimed, a second accidental shot to pierce the constable's body. This was the only element of doubt, and a juror; it is stated was very anxious to give the accused the benefit of it. He was persuaded by the other jurymen, however, to acquiesce in a verdict of guilty. Mr. L.V. Brady of Toronto prosecuted and Mr. Fredrick Rogers defended Chartrand. The latter made a singularly touching plea for mercy to the jury. At one time he brought home the realization of his impending fate to the poor fellow in the box when he told the jury a verdict of guilty would mean "another horrible execution" in the yard outside. Chartrand was almost saucy when giving his evidence, but Mr. Roger's words struck him like a blow. He moistened his lips and his face was ashen. When the final blow fell he shook like a leaf. |
| Thursday October 27, 1904 |
Trying to Save Chartrand's Life
Petitions Being Signed Asking for Sentence to be Made Life Imprisonment Joseph Chartrand or Chalatran may not hang on Dec. 19 as he has several friends working to save him from the gallows. |
| Thursday November 3, 1904 |
Mrs. McPhee known better as "Grannie" had a narrow escape one day last week from being killed.
While her grandson was driving her home to Birch Lake, the rig upset in a bad mud hole and
threw the old lady upon some logs, from which she got her leg broken. The old lady is 95 years
of age and it is not expected she will ever get better. This road is only three miles from our
town, and while it would cost a trifle to fix it our council would not do so. But a day or so
after the accident they put a gang on, and they might as well left it alone as the ground is
too wet to do any good now. June, July or August is the time to do road work not October. It is
reported they will be asked to pay a bill of damage, and if they refuse other steps will be
taken. Mr. Robert Gordon is improving the appearance of his house by putting a coat of paint on it. The new fence around the school grounds is a credit to the trustees. Mr. R. Blaisdell, of our Public School, is leaving, owing to some trouble between him and the board. |
| Thursday November 10, 1904 |
Webbwood : The Orangemen of this place celebrated the fifth of November by marching in a body to
the Methodist church, where an address was delivered by Rev. Mr. Brett after which supper was
served in the hall, and a most enjoyable evening spent. We are pleased to welcome back Mr. Faught, Roadmaster C.P.R. and family who are occupying the Presbyterian Manse; also Mr. Jas. McCarthy and family. James is one of the early pioneers of this place. |
| June 25, 1903 |
A baseball match will be played on July first between Massey and Webbwood at the former place.
Massey will need a good team to play against our boys as they are up to their business.
The members of the Webbwood baseball club gave a grand ball in the I.O.O.F. hall on Wednesday
evening. Refreshments were served during the evening and a most enjoyable time was spent. Mrs. Irving, accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. Drainey and Misss Sybil, left last Wednesday on a visit to her daughter, Mrs. W.C. Bannerman, at Marquette Michigan. A very pretty wedding was solemnized at the residence of Mr. Thomas Cumming last Wednesday when his daughter, Elizabeth, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mr. James Sarochell, brakeman of the C.P.R. The bride, who looked charming in a costume of white tucked crepe de chine and carried a lovely bouquet of white bridal roses and maiden gair fern, was attended by her sister, Miss Marjory, who was attired in a very becoming gown of white organdie over pink silk, and who carried a bouquet of pink roses. Mr. James McCarthy acted as groomsman. Mr. and Mrs. Sarochell will take up their residence in town. The happy couple received many useful and handsome presents from their friends who wish them every happiness. Another very pretty June wedding took place at "The Grange", the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Archie McLeod, when his fourth daughter, Jennie, was united in marriage to Mr. Bert Clinton. The bride, who was given away by her father, was gowned very becomingly in white organdie over white silk and carried a bridal bouquet of white roses and maiden hair fern. Miss Ethyl Meyers, cousin, of the bride, acted as bridesmaid in a beautiful costume of white organdie trimmed with tucks and white silk applique and lace and carried a bouquet of white carnations and lily of the valley. Little Miss Lily McLeod, youngest sister of the bride, attired in a pretty frock of white muslin over pink, made a very pretty maid of honor. After a reception at the home of Mr. McLeod the young couple left for their future residence "Hillhurst" followed by the well wishes of their many friends. Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Brett arrived on Tuesday from Toronto where the former had been attending conference. A young son arrived at the home of Mr. S.J. Hawkins last Saturday. Mr. Wm. Smith, of Spanish Station, was in town for a couple of days this week. Our boys are practicing football with a vengeance and they can play too. They play every evening on the lawn of the Van Horn park. The recent rains have done a lot of good to the crops and gardens and they are coming on splendidly now. Hurrah for baseball in Massey on the first. |
| July 9, 1903 |
On July first the Webbwood baseball team went to Massey as arrange to play that burgh's team
for a money prize. Arriving there by boat and not being met by any of the representatives, they
found their way as fast they could to the village and provided themselves with meals, dressing
rooms, etc. After lining on the field to play and one hearing the names of the supposed Massey
team called, our boys found they were being pitted against Toronto professionals, who had been
imported for the occasion and the caption of our team very properly refused to play such a
combination and we think he did perfectly right in so concluding. Our village team are purely
amateurs at the game, and while also being gentlemen of the purest type, do not feel it
incumbent on themselves to traduce the reputation of baseball in thus departing from the
custom. They keenly regret the unsportsmanlike conduct the Massey team have shown in the
matter. Mr. W. McChestney, Mr. E.B. Wylie, Miss Eva Wylie, Mrs. T.A. Winglas, Messrs. George and John Waram were all at Soo Mich, helping Uncle Sam to celebrate the Fourth. Next Monday, July 13, will be a red letter day for Webbwood Orangemen as the district celebration will be held here, and the demonstration bids fair to be the largest ever held here. Huge preparations are being made and no expense will be spared to ensure success. |
| July 23, 1903 |
Celebration at Webbwood
The Orange celebration of the 12th and 13th of July was a grand success in every particular, so
much as to warrant the older residents in pronouncing it the grandest yet held in this part of
Algoma. Owing to failure of the committee in getting a special train from the east, it became
necessary for those brethren and their friends to come here on Sunday,the 12th and Copper Cliff
lodge responded to the call of duty most loyally by turning out as a lodge and bringing with
them the True Blue Lodge and their friends so that on the arrival of No. 7 train we were most
agreeably surprised in having so large a number already with as and although it was no small
undertaking for the committee to provide sleeping places for so many yet with the valued
assistance of Mr. M.E. Doyle and others, this matter was soon arranged and accomodations were
prepared for all. In the evening, headed by the Copper Cliff Brass Band a church parade to the Methodist church took place at 7 o'clock. The Rev. R.H. Brett delivered as his text the 17th verse of 2nd. chapter of 1st. Epsitle to Peter "Honor all men, love the brotherhood; fear God; honor the King" and in opening his discourse announced that his intention was to portray the required standing of an "ideal Orangeman" in which he was most successful and although space prevents a full text of his discourse, suffice it to say that his works of instruction and warning had their desired effect, for very many of the craft were heard to remark that evening and also the following day that they could never forget these solemn warnings. They will always keep them in mind and thus have a guide to their actions. On the morning of the 13th, after the arrival of the train from the west, bringing the Blind River and Walford contingents, a procession was formed in the following order: Union Jack; Copper Cliff Brass Band; Lady True Blue in carriages; Lodge 86, O.Y.B. Blind River; Fife and Drum; L.O.L. No. 317 Blind River; Fife and Drum; L.O.L. No. 921 Walford; Fife and Drum; L.O.L No. 1100 Webbwood; Fife and Drum; L.O.L. No. 1283 Copper Cliff. Each lodge displayed and carried their respective banners and in marching through the principal streets, decorated with arches, flags, etc., the procession presented a grand appearance and met with the applause of the spectators who lined the streets. The marshalls of the day were Brothers A. McKay and Bros. Jas. Lochore, being most efficient in the discharge of these duties. After the parade and dismissed for dinner, the lodges reformed and marched to Van Horne park where under the chairmanship of Wor. Bro. Rev. J.P. McInnes district master, very able speeches were delivered by Bros. Rev. McKay of Walford and Bro. Jos. Lochore of Blind River. |