Stranica 68 [68]
OCR
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 stopping 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 administration, 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 incorporated by special Acts, while to the Quarter Sessions, or Boards of Commissioners, was entrusted 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 Legislature, 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 improved, 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, granting 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... 1854 E. sál PVE 5 jos Seas eb vals perevee es 1055
