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f's;- ^ > % SEPTEMBER i6 1897 THE TOIISIIP OFABTElESIl THE FLESHERTON ADVANCE U..J LW-m^ A HISTOI^Y BV W. 8. CBBIflTOB In purHuing my writ logs on the town- «lii{) <if ArUiniisia, I turn lu its lirHt cuun- •il ineu'ini;. Under a bvlivw of the county council at Simciie, made on ihe 31st day ut August, 1860, at thti Cdurt buu«e, Barrie, councillors were elected by the township of Artemisia, and their iirtit ineetiii); was held uii the 20th of January, 1851. The meiDburs elected were Elias B. Gray, George ArniatroiiK, William Aikins, John Uray. Elias Gray was fleeted reeve, and Charles Dra|>er lowiiHliip clerk and trea>«iirer. After- wards the name of W Wright aupi'ars aa another eomicillor. The election took place at the housn of £ B. Gray. Of the first council, hut two survive, viz.: John Grty and William E:ikiiia, the latter a man of fair education, an elegant f eiismau, a conuenial, affable person, but too timid ; to I he impartial obaerver he btcked force nr push to succeed in public life. A part of his family continue to rexide in Artemisia, but at present he re- sides with others members of the family ill the United Siatun. , George Armstrong was postmaster at Inistnuc, and fatfier of tn« late J W. Armstrong, Esq , treasurer for so many years for Artemisia. Thin c«?uucill<ir was a tine Kpeciiiien of the Irish i;uiitle- Bian, dignified and qualiri^d, but was by the wily E. B Griy prevented from be- ing Artemisia's first reeve. A few of the older Hfttlers remember hiui with his blue noat and pheiioniunal bras.s battoiis, and gentlemanly bearing. John (iray was a brotherof E. B. Gniy and was married to a siHter of Mrs. •lohii Diiiw(><>dy of FleHlierlon. There Hiiit much room for improvetnentH iu his niornlK. He kept tavern for a sliTt time in the old log preiniKeN on the ISenthani farm, butwasrefuseda license toconlinue. He removed to thetowimhip of OupreyKud thence to the U. S. ISiiici his reMileiice there, hirt reformation has l>econie com- plete, aud hiniHelf and family, a large one, held a very resptctidile poHiiion. As Ui the first Reeve, E. B. Gray, he was a notable i-lmraclerâ€" a man of limit- ed edmatiiin, but aelf-possossed to a re- inai kable degree Motherwit.as it is call- ed, was seldom wanting;, and if yx>u add cunning and dogged perseviraiice co-ex istiiiit with doubtful mi>rality, you have hit makeup. He acted a.t peitifi>guur In the division courts, and his clients never lost a case for want of cheek on hit part III 1853 William Kingston Klesher be oaiiie reeve. He was the moMt iiii|>ortaiit personage in the municipal g<iverninciit of the township for several years A miui of coriip-mite ability ; in ineubaiiicK.in law, and not infrcijueiitly in meilicine.iu the almuuce of nrofesslonals, he became their expositor and adminatrator. He was post iiiaHier and nmulstriite. It miiy be averred that no man, f'oni that day to thin, po<u>ei>sed such a general iiitUliUce over the pt^oplc, iiiHomuch tliiit win'ii he offered hiniHelf as repruHontative for the H'uso of CoiiiiiioiiK, .\rteinisia's majority for him wssaimply ImiiieiiHc. Mr. Fluaher was not an educated man, nccoriliiig to the hcIuvpIs, but p<is«esHuil a very critical iiiind, nuiiiy think a liy|»r- oritical one, hence in the niiiiutia was Ifaiiifully prolix. His written doeuuiunis evidenced to common men an uninliUig- Udo jaigon; lliuy were fuipiently circiiin- locutiiry and rociipitulativ"; Bdlinitiiiii ; nevertlieleHH the pith of Ihuiii, when divestiid uf.its bar»> ainlpiTOiithesii.i.sho*- ed inoio than ordinary altility. Mr. F esber was a person ol undoubted bi/nu V donee, and straightforward iotergrity ; no worthy [toor iiiau applied to liiiii In viiiii. If the many works undertaken and iinlinished artr witiicKHea, it niUMt be said of liini that be lacked continuity â€" very good at snggnHMoiiH ai.d initi«tioii, but not so good nt liiiia!iiii:<.. He w.m a faRi'in<itini/'K|)OHker ; hisspeecbeH, always interleardeil with ra.;y anecdote, took well ; in (uldition an. I Hubtniction, even ill small things he was very exact nii;, no that in any Hettlenient a cent was u c> lit. This seemed to he a niitural law wiili liini in every H|)here. The posiollice rtulie.s bad to confiinii ri'.;idly to this law. Hut most men with an extra r.i-.il HniiiutinK^H get fooled. An aniuaing iii-.-ideiit oc- ciivred in the long ngo. A lady, who is siill living, and miw one of his linn friends, was porttiiig a nuws^aipur. She had used a clean aluii't of paper for wrapper. She bad aildressed the letter, t)Ut Ibought shj could do it belter, no shu turned it within and rciiddre.ssud it on the ouisido. When she presented the paper, the f )llowiiig conversation took phkcu between tlie lady and Mr. Fleslier : I'lesherâ€" "Are you aware, madnin, that newapapers should contain uu a(mi municalion?" Lady â€" "I am quite sware of that I" Klesherâ€" Unf'ddiMg the wrapper very delilieriitely, he discovered the written aildrcKH rtrferred to. Ladyâ€" Httlher indignautly aaid, "Act .â- U a gentleman, sir, slid ilon't deabi'oy that wiapper. Pleffierâ€" " What made you write the addiu«(on the inside of this wra|)pir >" Ladyâ€" Still indignant, aaid " 'i'hst is by business, sir, !" and you will I e care- ful to replace that wrapper as you found it. " Flesher -Rat Imr crest fallen and din- appointed, idieycd, the laily tn milling in her shoes all the while, for she bad pit a lengthy corres|)oiideoce within thj lolda of the paper. 1 he clean pitfce of paper deceived liim. This lady kept Uiuaeciut, hut didn't repeat the folly. He was reeve for 15 years, was Warden 7,j^ear», aiid.meiuhur of (larlianient fur m m^^ Al. Richardson & Co JOHN BOLAND, ESQ. The proKiU Jleeve of Arltmeiia, ^t^,ji^ ^ti, ,»«. ,M<^f^ ,&i^ ^e. Jit, ^1^ M', jff, Mf^ ^,, ^11, ^tg, ^i{. ,ji{, ^tt, ^ii, ^i, jk. several years. Members of his family sti 1 live in Kleshertoii ; they are exten- sively known and very highly respected. In tbisyear,185ti,tho tollowiiig lesolution occurs : "Moved by Alox. Thompson, ( second d by Mr.Hiiid(lale of thevdlage of i Flesherton/rhat ihesuin of one half penny in the pound currency be raised by tissess- ineiit on the rateable prop rty of the township, for the purixtse of procuring a library in accordance with the late cir- cular from the chief supernidendent of common schools." In April, 1854, an i'eui appears of £1 Ts. 8d, for the car- nage of the library uid other small items. A short mention of this library has already l>een given. In this year, 1854, Richard Campbell, Ks<|., was a|>pi>iiited clerk and treasurer ; ho was a scnool teacher, and very his(hly respected f<.r his integrity and moral standing, of which many who survive him will testify. The gilt of order.certain- ly wasdehcieiit, and consequently he was lead into financial dilHculiies with the uiunitipaliiy to be mentioned hereafter. In 1850 appears, for the hrst time, the election of tavern inspectors, one for each ward of the township. The price of t.ivern licenses was £4 aud fur beer license £lt. Nothing more than routine businesa o9Curred. SV. K. Fleshor, Kscp, still retaihtsd the reeveahip until 18U'J. sidelit land fund of tlietuM nsliip, irrespec- tive uf the into of di'tcount. Why THE FAHI.NB YEAR The settlers in this year, 1850, were for various causes in HXtruiuu cir- cuinslaiices of want. Ko seed, no food and starvation almost stalking the coii- ceasioiiH and side lines ; very many hiul to appeal for relief ; and to afford it Icbeiiiuies WKi'o i.ssuid m\ the iioii re- Hpec \Vhj borrowing on the credit of such laws, i'. should he called debentures, ia a pu/.zle, but it aeeins the county sutliorizid it iu 1855. On April 12, I85!>, a resolution was passed to puichuau 5O0 bushrls seed, and for the snino purpose 900 liushela of wheat and 500 Luhhols of potatoes ; and ut this samu meeting, a motion was passed urging the eounty council to coiiiiiience the gravelling of the county roada. • In this year a county t>y- law wiiH passed to raise fiUy thou- sand pouiuU to gravel the roads. In this month IN noticed, for the first time, tliu accounts rendered in dollars and cents. It would appe»r tltut many of the ratu- payera applied for Need wlieikt in excess of the aiqiply in Nlock, and fur uiuh bushel di'licieiit they received in lieu, 18 prouiida of peas, and one bushel of i>ats. The councillor of each ward was to be- come responsible for lunpls security U> the council for the seed that each i-ate- payer received. To show the necessit ous condition of the ratepayers in the year last inentionod, $IUU were appro- priated to each ward for road pnrposos, and adt'atices to the workers were made tolheexttiit of 60 JK-T cent, of their. contiauiK. The balance of any seed re- iiiiiiniiig was to be distiibutud to all appliianis who showed they were in ah^iiuhite need. In the same year, in June, tli'TB were purchased ;)6 barrel* of Corn nicikl and 2000 Ib.H. of rine. It vei4iifoicibiy rtynindN one of tha Indian faniinv'Orra sniallscalu In 18<1^ liceoHe was asked for Eugenia,, for iha liiHt tiiiie, to a Mr. Lan^. The chief reason nss giied was, that the mill had now gout) into operation In those daya hcenses wore granted by the coun oil. Iiisprctors were elected in the saniei mai'Uur as the cuuncillors, first a salary of five Hliillings for each (avei-n inaiwct- ed, afterwaids xevcn shillings and six pjiicu per day (^1.50) fur as many days as their duties required, paid only upon AlKdavit. In the July meeting of 1801 oollec'ora Wire iiiatnicted to collect seed loans by the 15lh day of October fidlow- ing, and if not paid, ton (>ercunt, was to be added to sui h unpiid loans. In 18U2 appears tlie first mention of arrears of taxes. The collector isauthor- for 18G0, and if unpaid UDlil July '62, ten per cent, more ; aud a copy of the said resolution was to be posted in a con- spicuous place lu ea.'h ward. Bylaw 08 HiiN passed at tins liiite to prevent fowls from ruiiiiiiigat large, ufterwardri repeal- ed. A ])<>int of interest in 1802 was a motion to menionaliw the government to cause the town plots of I'riceville and Eugenia to tsj put into the market and sold to actual settlers. Ill referring again to the schools, it is interesting tu notice the re<|uirementa then and now. At this period the total assesHiueut was, say $1000, for all the schiHils' assetisinent. Since then the sections have been Somewhat changed ; but section 5, raised in '96 almost that auui. The total fur school purposes in 18115 111 the township was, 1^5,875. In December, 1802, sealed tenders fur collection of taxes were solicited. Here are the conditions imposed: "The applicant was to be able to write a plain hand, to have a moderate knowledge of accounts aiul to be assessed ontlie roll for at least MOO real estate or t800 lease- hold." It would be well to iierpetuute such a sound policy. The seed hian, as it was called, and arrears for tJixes pro- per, caused endless resolutiuiis by the council. The people no doubl thought the whole tiling was a charity and that the council would nevcr^ force them, tu pay, hence it ia presumed, the delay aVul ejcuse, liiid the collectors seuni tu have iniliibed a «iinilar feeling. In December, 1802, the collector. Win Ferguson, was direcie<l to collect the arreara for 1800 and 1861, and also the seed loan, and re- port the balances p omptly the Monday following and to give the aiTeara for eacii aepfiraiely. It was likely ho re|iorled,but when collected we shall see. "Tliecouncil uf 18011 coiitHins ihu name of U. Trimlde and Doctor Muhaffy. two prominent c'tiz- en.M. The formi'rKnRllien.aiidstillremains of i a merchant, is well known, of fair business habits and ratlicr retiriog nature, pre- ferring others to till public ollieea to liiin- self ; IS rather a severe critic, however, when circumstances deii>H)id. Ineailier (lays ho ran a stage fr<uiiiFle»lierton to Oianv'e'ville, but the iiiirrow uaugu s:op- ped Biich a mode of tr.ivcl. The latter, Dr. Mahatfy, was soinowhat reckless in habit, very active, a notable horauman, HeMoni ii.xl any Kirth to bis saddle, but rode furiously ; hia field of practice was very largo and laborious, but he was usually e<,iml to the task, Mahafry's corners most every one knew. He left tins Idwnsbip over ."iW year.s ago, has be- cimie unfit for buaincss, ia quite old, but nuvertholess can maiiago a hi)i«o audi biigyy, as ho did fron* I'riceville to the adjoining township this June, 1897. There hrst motinn in the council was an expression ofsyuipalhy for Ireland, dur- ing tifn potato famine, but refusing a grant, leconinionding the matter to the tender mercies of the chutchea for a coUtction and to lie supplemented by a Fubiscirptioii list. The name of William Buchanan appeara at this time, ano for several years, as road coinniii<sioiier. Ho was one of Artemisia's best men, aud was, as hia family is to-day, very highly ivspocted. Ue died but a few years ago, in the bosom of bis family, between wheui strong attachmonts e;ci.^ted. TO IlKOONTINCai) Every day sees the arrival of a fresh consignfnent of N'eiv Goods, suitable for the coming fall .season. The excellent business of the past summer has reduced stocks to the vanishinj;; point and now every department in our building is rapidly fTllin;.^ up with NeiHT Goodss* Everyone has been busily employed in unpacking and marking new importations for some time past, and we can confidently announce that our 1897 fall display will be the most complete and comprehensive ever shown in the history of cur store. MILLINERY DEPARTMENT We are pleased to announce that we have again secured the services of IVIiss Kline in this depart- ment for the coming season, and expect her to arrive and take charge this week. All cur purchases of the latest No-velties in Fa,ll Bttillinery are to hand and will be on exhibition in a day or tw(3. Prepar- ations tor the millinery opening are in full swing, and the exact date will be advertised in The Advance next week. New MANTLES We have just r^eived an advance shipment of new- Mantles direct from Germany and hive them on exhibition. They comprise some of the latest novelties in leading styles and are eminently serviceable and handsome. When buying these goods we were offered some exceptionally good values and did not fail to take advantage of them. Full justice cannot be done in description. Come and see them and make your selections while the assortment of sizes and styles is full and complete. REHEMBER THE FAIR THIS WEEK "We cordially invite all visitors to the fair to come- and sec us at the same time. Our splendid display of Fa>ll Goocis will be worth seeing, and it makes no difference whether you purchase or notâ€" We sl^all be pleased to see you. HJl.RI>lAfAR£: i>£2P^rt]vic::nx ....BIG RUN.... Maikdale ia erecting a skating aud curling rinU 78 x 180 feet. Frank .lacklin, 12 years old, of Branf, caught his hand in a biniler. He got away minus three Hiij^ers aud uiie muti- lated. Probalily the larfjeat yield of wheat per acroyel otirouicled is ttat un the fartU' of Mr, George Topper^ near Kl^iihurg,. Yinighan TViwiishipj Front, a. ten-acre field Mt-. Topper hn» threshed CCO bushels of wheat. This beat* anythii g; izcvi tiiobar({ti tuii percent, on all arreartt I Jie has kiivwii of farming^ iu Uulario.. ' We have just got in a few of the nic&st and best cooking stoves made,, such as Good Cheer, Faniou.s Model, Rfegal Garland, Moffat's Fearl, atid Mc-- Claiy'a Presumption. Call and see thein if in need. glQ BARGAINS • ••••••• ^ <A X:^ NEW FALL SUITS SPECIAL VALUES THIS SEASON SUIT TO ORDER. Well made and trimmed. A ijood <S» O RO range of i»ttern» *lP VJ.C/Vy SUIT TO ORDER. Well made and trimmed. Selected dfe Q OO tweed patterns «r «'-*-''^ SUIT TO ORDER. Well maae and trimmed. Heafy <K10OO weight tweed, new and seasonable effects »jp X^-/.^i•\^_ PANTS TO ORDER. Si^ci&l yaluM, latest designs, well «C» R C\C\ made and triinmeil, 82. 75 to T «-'•'-'>-' XJn.dex''W'eciJC*. We have made special purchases of Fall Undervvear for Ladies' and Gent's and can offer unapproachable values. Ih Cfockery,.Chiiia ware and GlasHware, Dinner, T6a and Bedroom Setts fotr tit«> next month. A gocnl chance to save money. Ht^adquartcrs' for Thresherss Supplies^ Building Hardware and Tinwate. Bo sure and call when, ak tbet' fkit, We waut. to meet j^ou all..