Oldal 68 [68]
54
rods long, which was used for hauling saw-logs into
the mill back of Brockville. His wife blew the
bellows and struck for him, while the job was under
way.
Ín 1812, Seeley was making ploughs at the Tin
Cap, having young Lemon (Major Lemon) as an
apprentice. When the Militia was called out, they
both went to the front.
The poplar trees, so frequently seen along the
banks of the St. Lawrence, were originally planted
by the French. The object was to mark the stop¬
ping places selected by the first voyageurs, who at
one time measured distances by saying, it is so
many pipes—mieaning that a pipe could be smoked
out a certain number of times in journeying from
one point to another.
Many are the versions that have been published
concerning the unfortunate Jane McRae and her
We believe that the following will be found
correct, having been furnished by a descendant of
one of the parties most deeply interested :—
lover.
David Jones, a brother of Dr. Solomon Jones, one
of the first settlers on the St. Lawrence, was the
youth who fell in love with the beautiful daughter
of the rebel McRae. The young lady was entrusted
to a band of Indians, who were to conduct her to
Fort Edward, at that time occupied by the King’s
troops. On their way, a quarrel broke out among
them, which resulted in the death of the innocent
girl. She was scalped, and her silken tresses taken
to the fort, where they were immediately recognized
by a young “Tory” lieutenant as those of his
afhanced bride.
who afterwards removed to Canada, and, according
to the testimony of the late Dunham Jones, was
never seen to smile from that sad day. He did not
long survive, but died a comparatively young man.
His remains rest in the old burial ground on the
banks of the St. Lawrence. The curious visitor to
the historic ground around Fort Edward, N,Y., may
be sure that the officious guide will not allow him
to depart without first pointing out the old elm
tree, with the spring beneath, which tradition fixes
as the spot on which was perpetrated the murder of
poor Jane McRae.
The lieutenant was David Jones,
—=
CHAPTER AM
REBELLION Losses—EsTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICT
AND CounrtTiEs’ Councits—List or WARDENS—
First WARDEN’s ADDRESS.
Tue losses sustained by individuals during the
Rebellion led to demands being made upon’ the
Government for compensation.
cart’s administration, a commission was issued to
investigate the losses, and report upon the same.
The report was but partially acted upon at the
time, but so great was the pressure brought to bear
upon the government, that, in 1849, the matter
came before the Legislature for final settlement.
The measure passed both Houses, and was assented
to by Lord Elgin, in the Queen’s name. The step
led to demonstrations of violence in various parts
of the Province. His Excellency was burned in
efigy on Court House Square, Brockville, the black
flag was hoisted on the bank of the river, while the
defenders of the course pursued by the administra¬
tion, were in many instances assailed and maltreated.
The crowning act of violence was the burning of
Governor-General was pelted with stones by an
infuriated mob.
Until 1840, there was no municipal system in
Canada: The large towns and cities were incor¬
porated by special Acts, while to the Quarter
Sessions, or Boards of Commissioners, was en¬
trusted the management of local affairs, Parliament
reserving the care of the principal roads, bridges,
canals, and other important public works.
In 1840, an Act was passed by the United Legis¬
lature, establishing elective municipal councils in
townships, counties, towns, and cities in Ontario.
To the Councils were entrusted the management
of all local affairs, the care of the public highways,
regulations pertaining to taverns, markets, etc., with
power to assess and collect taxes. In 1855, the
municipal system was greatiy enlarged and im¬
proved, which with subsequent changes contributed
towards making it one of the most comprehensive
municipal systems in the world.
At first the Wardens were appointed by the
Crown, but afterwards a change was made, grant¬
ing power to the Council to choose one of its
number to act as presiding officer.
The following is the list of Wardens for the
Corporation of the District of Johnstown and the
Counties of Leeds and Grenville :—
Hon. William Morris, appointed in............ 1842
Hon. William Morris.......... ae eae Hada eb 1843
AUTO Eh, RAOWRER (5 dessin vőn ae «soa en 1844
Michard J, Ghee se és sive ska ség a Ieee, coe 1845
Opie KR. GOT 3... <s405 vane des nae Ete a 4 1846
Ogie RK. Gowan csv isnescbsie. cee 1847
Ogte R. GoW 5 5 sins sek eaten ee phases 1848
Ogle K. Gowan ic oi ezés zsák ots Fae 1849
Opie KR. SOWA snes dés 54 ch ae Sas os +1850
George Sherwood ...... cece véve se szeé s ré ISS]
Rovert PEGG i zas eln véste Oo VÉ Caley oak 1852
Robert Peden viss si eva dVenas Saute e send: 1853
ea, WME. eze dike de Wee Jd ihis so eews > 1854
E. sál PVE 5 jos Seas eb vals perevee es 1055