Archive Record
Metadata
Accession # |
A2015.37.1 |
Title |
Reverend John Smithurst, Western Canada; Elora and Minto Township, correspondence, 1843-1866. |
Date |
1843 - 1866. |
Description |
Reverend John Smithurst, Western Canada; Elora and Minto Township, correspondence, 1843-1866. The Reverend John Smithurst was born in 1807 at Lea, Derbyshire, England. In 1836 he accepted a position with the Church Missionary Society and in 1839 he was ordained and appointed chaplain at the Red River settlement. He served in Western Canada until 1851, but the last two years in Red River were unhappy and, suffering from acute rheumatism, he resigned and returned to England. Smithurst returned to Canada in late 1851 and served as the minister at St. John's Anglican Church, Elora until 1857 when he moved to Minto Township, taking up a bush farm which he named "Lea Hurst." At the end of his life he returned to Elora and died there, under the care of Reverend C.E. Thomson, in 1867. Some of the envelopes have pencil notations drawing attention to details of interest to those who collect stamps. Worth noting are the letters from William Buckley, who lived at Middleton by Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England. He and his brother-in-law were partners in a brick and tile making business. He was a faithful and informative correspondent and his letters are filled with news of the area, its churchmen, and the births, marriages, illnesses and deaths of friends to him and Smithurst. - file 1: [Undated]. Item 1: Sermon, 2 Sunday aft Trinity; I John III 17 - "But whoso hath this world's good and seeth his Brother have need …," undated (8 sheets). - file 2: 1843. Item 1: "Questions", addressed to Mr. Hy. Cook; appears to be a list of provisions required before leaving the settlement. Item 2: "Invoice of Supplies sent for on my private account, August 9th, 1843"; "Invoice of Supplies sent for on my Mother's Account, August 9th 1843." Item 3: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst, from John Vincent, Middle Church, [located now in present-day Winnipeg, Manitoba], ca.1843. Item 4: Note regarding the sum of three pounds sterling, signed Henry Budd, ca.1843. Item 5-12: 8 lists of items supplied to Reverend Smithurst, likely from his period in Western Canada 1839-1851. Named in a document headed "Ch Missy Society" [Church Missionary Society] are Mr. Cook, James Lewis, James Tetter, Jacob Truthwaite, Peter Erasmus, Mr. Smith, Mr. Roberts, James Anderson, ca.1843. - file 3: 1844. Item 1: To the Reverend John Smithurst, from The Bishop of Montreal, Quebec, who plans a trip, leaving from La Chine [Lachine] the 15th of May for the Red River," visiting Smithurst long enough for holding confirmations," dated 24 March 1844. - file 4: 1845. Item 1: Invoice to "The Church Missionary Society … for the following supplies to the Reverend [name missing] at Norway House;" list of supplies delivered 21 July 1845; 25 August [1845]; dated Fort Garry, 29 September 1845. - file 5: 1848. Item 1: Letter to Eliza Hale, Sherbrooke, from her sister Cassy Hale, St. Ursula St., Quebec, thanking her for a parcel of books for her children; 1-page is cross-written; dated 15 January 1848. [It is not clear how this letter is related to the others in this collection] Item 2: Receipt to Reverend John Smithurst from the Church Missionary Society, thanking him for a donation of Fifty Pounds, 14 October 1848. - file 6: 1849. Item 1: Listing of cloth, cotton, buttons, shirt, silk, Guernsey, moose skin, flannel, tooth brush, horn comb, and their cost, totalled, 10 February 1849. (partial page) - file 7: 1850. Item 1: Draft[?] of a letter to Reverend Bottom[?], Cobourg, from Reverend Smithurst[?], Elora regarding payments, 12 January 1850. Item 2: Invoice to the Church Missionary Society, bought of Arthur Stephen Hill, (Late White, Cautherley & Hill), Little Britain, London [England], account of John Smithurst / N.W. America, 13 April 1850. Item 3: Duplicate form [blank] for making a claim to the Treasurers of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts; in the Diocese of Toronto, ca.1850. - file 8: 1851: Item 1: Invoice to Reverend John Smithurst, from John Reedy, Hatter, Fleet Street near Temple Bar, London [England], 17 April 1851. Item 2: Invoice to the Church Missionary Society, from M. Attwood, Bookseller and Stationer, Regent St., London [England], re The Reverend John Smithurst, North West America Mission, 23 April 1851. Item 3: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, Wellington County, Canada West, North America from William Buckley, Middleton [Derbyshire, England], who reports on his visit to London, including the "great Exhibition of all nations" and his sadness at missing Smithurst who was also there, but looks forward to his next visit; the envelope bears a number of postmarks, dating its travel by steamer to North America, 10 September 1851. Item 4: Invoice / receipt, payment for meals and room at Hotel Bedford, Paris, 16-20 September [1851]. Item 5: Invoice / receipt, payment for breakfast, teas, ale and rooms, Samuel Severn, Rowsley Hotel, [Derbyshire, England], 27 September 1851. Item 6: Invoice / receipt, payment of 2 days board, 27 September - 9th October, breakfasts, teas and suppers, at Saxton's New-Bath Hotel, Matlock [England], settled [signed] G.W. Saxton, October 1851. - file 9: 1852. Item 1: Invoice to Reverend John Smithurst, Middleton, from John Walker, Wirksworth [Derbyshire, England] for clothing[?], 27 December [1851] / 5 January 1852. Item 2: Letter to The Reverend John Smithurst, from J.C. Wigram, The Deanery, Southampton, [England], inquiring of his health and probable return to England; the writer was in the West 1836-1837 "though I hardly remember you"; he is connected with Mr. Henry Arkwright's family, now at Willersley and "with a person who was very intimate with you," 16 February 1852. Item 3: Letter to Mr. Smithurst, from Edward Baldwin, who writes on behalf of his great friends, "an old couple of the name of Joyce," who live on the road between Fergus and Elora - perhaps he could look in on them, 26 November 1852. Item 4: Letter to James Geddes, from [Reverend] John W. Marsh [Elora], asking Mr. Geddes to visit, since Mr. Marsh's doctor Finlayson "has ordered me to keep to the house;" a consultation with Mr. Reynolds might be desirable. [undated] [The Reverend Marsh preceded Reverend Smithurst at St. Johns, Elora, serving 1849-1852] - file 10: 1853. Item 1: Letter to The Reverend John Smithurst signed "John Toronto" [from the Bishop of Toronto, John Strachan], who writes "Were I in a capacity to relieve you at once from your present position and permit your return to eight mile Creek, you would soon return things to order …" 16 April 1853. Item 2: Invoice to Reverend John Smithurst from M.W. Browne's City Wharf, James' Street Warehouse, Port Hamilton, re shipment on steamer Queen of West, of 19 cases books, 2 bales; includes charges for freight to Toronto, teaming at St. Catharines; a note on the reverse, signed J.S. inquires about a box sent from St. Catharines via Toronto, dated 10 May 1853. Item 3: Letter to unknown person from John Smithurst, Elora, regarding his salary: "When I agreed to take the Elora duties the distinct understanding between us was, that I was to receive all the emoluments of the Mission, and those emoluments you told me consisted at that time of 60 pounds from the people and 60 pounds from the reserve fund …," 1 August 1853. Item 4: Statement, Sold for the Reverend John Smithurst (W.G. Smith Esq., City) 200 pounds, from Lowndes & Surgey (Brokers), No.1 Royal Exchange Buildings [London, England], 2 November 1853. Item 5: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst from Reverend George A. Bull, Glanford, near Hamilton. He is "returning your valuable sermons" and reports on his plans for establishing a school "equally convenient to the chief parts of my two parishes. I have everything to favour me in this - land, money and scholars." He "was sorry to learn by your letter that you had been so unwell," 17 November 1853. Item 6: Envelope [only] addressed to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, from R. Newman; postmarked Elora, C.W., ?? 23 / 1853[?]. Item 7: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, N.W. Niagara, Wellington County, Canada West, America, "via Canadian Packet," from William Buckley, Middleton [Derbyshire, England]; he reports of church colleagues and their parishes. The envelope is postmarked Wirksworth, 8 December 1853 / Liverpool, 9 December 1853 / Elora, 11 January 1854. - file 11: 1854. Item 1: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from C. Donaldson, Grantham [near St. Catharines], who reports on the death of his son and would be "glad to see you here at our church on the 16th to meet the Bishop at confirmation," 10 May 1854. Item 2: Invoice to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, in account with C. Mickle / Mickle & Richardson, Puslinch, for flooring, siding, planks, lumber, supplied in February 1854; invoice dated 25 July 1854. Item 3: Letter to Reverend J. Smithurst, Elora, from Charles Mickle regarding the difficulty of procuring workmen during the harvest season, ca.1 Sept. 1854[?]. Item 4: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from [Reverend] Arthur Palmer, Guelph, stating he "cannot … take your service at Elora on the 8th October," 24 September 1854. Item 5: Letter and envelope to [Reverend John Smithurst] from [Reverend] Arthur Palmer, [Guelph] noting he was unable "to take your duty at Elora," adding details of his services at Erin, Eramosa and Rockwood, 30 October [1854]. Item 6: Letter to "Reverend Sir & Dear Friend" [Reverend John Smithurst] from William Buckley, Middleton [Derbyshire, England]. He reports on several deaths; a visit to him by Smithurst's brother; on church colleagues and on Mr. Rundle who has been a "missionary to the Rocky Mountains, North America in the Hudson Bay territories," 4 December 1854; includes[?] part-page detailing the will of George Nuttall of Matlock, ca.1854. - file 12: 1855. Item 1: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from B.M. McLean[?] who writes "whether the Bank be discounting or not, I can let you have the amount you require …"; envelope has imprint "Too Late" and Guelph postmark 13 January 1855. Item 2: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from George A. Bull, Glanford [Upper Canada], acknowledging receipt of a subscription to the "Church Journal, and reporting news of his mission - "have baptized in all, within 12 months, some 70 old and young," 21 February 1855. (2 sheets) Item 3: Letter to "My dear Mr. Smithurst" from [illegible], who reports "I send you by this mail a book just received for review," 1 June 1855. According to a notation in pencil, the envelope, [now missing], was embossed "Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto / Incorporated by Statute 1844." Item 4: Letter to "Reverend Sir" from Hugh McConnell, Peel [Township], who reports "It is the determination of the Orangemen of the near part of Peel to walk in Procession to Elora on the coming 12th of July. I am requested to solicit you, if convenient, to preach us a sermon in your church on that occasion …", 9 July 1855. Item 5: Letter to the Reverend Mr. Smithurst, Elora, from Thomas Anderson, Guelph, reporting that Smithurst's buggy cannot be fixed by Saturday, but that one could be made available to serve him in the meantime, 4 December 1855. Item 6: Letter and envelope addressed to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, Wellington County, Canada West, North America" from William Buckley, Middleton [Derbyshire, England], who observes "It seems you have been very fortunate in purchasing a fine large tract of land" and notes, later in the letter "Miss Nightingale's name will be immortalised, I see from this [day's] Mercury that there is already subscribed to the Night[ingale] Fund nearly £5,000." The envelope bears a number of postmarks, dating its travel to North America, 12 December 1855 - 14 January 1856. - file 13: 1856. Item 1: Letter [forwarded to Reverend John Smithurst], from George Smithurst, Chesterfield [Derbyshire, England], asking that his brother John "do a little bit for me as I am very badly off for I have been ill all winter and now I am lame so that I can scarcely walk …" 12 May 1856. Item 2: Letter and envelope addressed to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, Wellington County, Canada West, British America, from William Buckley, Middleton by Wirksworth [Derbyshire, England], who reports on friends and acquaintances they have in common, as well as "Rejoicings on account of the proclamation of Peace is now being celebrated in almost every town & village …"; he encloses a note from Smithurst's brother [1856, Item 1, listed immediately above], 24 May 1856. Item 3: Envelope [only] addressed to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, Wellington County, Canada West, North America, postmarked Chesterfield [Derbyshire, England], 13 December 1856. - file 14: 1857. Item 1: ½ Yearly Account, Mr. Robert Caldwell, bought of R.C. Newman, Elora, 2 January 1857. Item 2: ½ Yearly Account, Reverend John Smithurst, bought of R.C. Newman, Elora, 2 January 1857. Item 3: Receipt, signed John McGregor, for payment to the Board of Grammar School Trustees by the Township Council of Pilkington, and by the Wellington County Council, 17 January 1857. Item 4: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from Charles Walker, Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, who writes "I wish you in your new acquisition styled 'Lea Hurst' much happiness and prosperity, 19 March 1857. (2 sheets) Item 5: Letter to Mr. Smithurst, Elora, from Francis Tremayne, Milton, about Tremayne's father coming to Elora, to see "if there be any prospect of his getting the mission"; his current address was Charleston, County Leeds, Canada West. Includes draft of Smithurst's letter to Tremayne's father. 7 April 1857. Item 6: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, U.C. [Upper Canada], from James A. Preston, Arthur, who writes " I am going to Guelph as soon as the roads get better and I can [use] my buggy, and shall go round by Elora and can see you respecting the services," 11 April 1857. Item 7: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from David Gibson, Elora, regarding the terms of a mortgage, 17 April 1857. Item 8: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst from [Reverend] F. Tremayne, who expects "nothing unforeseen preventing [his] being in Elora on the 1 day of May and will, if you wish, preach both on the 3 and 10 of May" adding "Brother Clergymen can talk about many things connected with their work that they cannot with Laymen, however respectable and generous," 17 April 1857. Item 9: Letter to the Reverend John Smithurst from Thomas Smith Kennedy, Church [Missionary] Society Office, acknowledging receipt of monies, 23 April 1857. Item 10: Letter to [name], from John Smithurst, Minto, who reports on his church duties and on his new property, farm activities and neighbours in Minto, 8 May 1857. Item 11: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, P.O., Minto, C.W., from T.N. Best[?], regarding finances on the property in Minto, 9 May 1857. Item 12: Handwritten copy of a letter to The Right Reverend Dr. Strachan, Lord Bishop of Toronto, from William Reynolds and John S. Crossman, Churchwardens of St. John's Church, Elora who acknowledge the planned departure of Mr. Smithurst and "respectfully name the Reverend Mr. Tremayne as a person who we have no doubt would ably discharge the duties of incumbent," 9 May 1857. Item 13: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Clifford P.O., Minto, from Reverend Francis Tremayne, who writes "As you wish to know what I think of Elora? I think it looks a growing place of some note for business and our beloved Church will prosper in it through your instrumentality and others who may succeed you in the mission," concluding "I think the mission will suit me well," 9 May 1857. Item 14: Letter to [name], from Reverend F. Tremayne, Charleston [Leeds County, Canada West], who writes he was disappointed to learn from the Bishop that Mr. Smithurst "had not said a word to him of his intention of leaving Elora either in the spring or fall," 21 May 1857. Item 15: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Elora, from T.N. Best[?], Hamilton, agreeing to take the debentures and will hold them "on your account until such times as I can find a market for them," 23 May 1857. Item 16: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Minto, Clifford P.O., from John S. Crossman, Elora, reporting that the "Reverend Mr. Preston and Lady arrived here on Saturday evening & remained at the Parsonage … Mr. Preston christened Thomas Whiteley's children (twins) after the service. Your chimney caught on fire one day last week, it was soon extinguished without any damage done … Mr. F. Tremayne is expected here today ... Mr. James Geddes harmonium is expected today. It is so large that we will have to cut away the seats each side," 9 June 1857. Item 17: Envelope [only] addressed to John Smithurst, Esquire, Elora, C.W. Postmarked Hamilton, 24 July 1857; Guelph, 25 June 1857; Elora, 2? June [1857]. Item 18: Letter to "My Dear Friend" from Robert Caldwell, Leahurst[sic], who reports "We are getting on well here, the men cut on Saturday two hundred feet of lumber and also two hundred feet today … I am getting on fine with the dressing of the flooring." He reports further on the house construction, the farm and its workers, and the garden produce, 14 July 1857, 17 July [1857]. (2 sheets). Item 19: Letter to John Smithurst, from [Reverend] H.J. Grassett, Secretary, Toronto, announcing a commission, opened by the Bishop, to report upon the "alleged relinquishment of your charge at Elora …," 15 October 1857. Item 20: Draft of a letter to the Bishop of Toronto, from Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, commenting upon the report of the Commissioners upon his partial absence from Elora, 4 November 1857. Item 21: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, from William Buckley, Middleton by Wirksworth [Derbyshire, England], who writes "I was very glad to see from your last that you had been so fortunate in purchasing so good a farm in America … as you were always anxious to have a good farm." He reports at length on friends and neighbours in Derbyshire, 24 November 1857. The envelope contains numerous postmarks charting its travel "Per Steamer" including one for "Teviotdale" as well as handwritten attempts to find Smithurst at Harriston and Elora. (2 sheets) Item 22: Printed letter to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, Minto, C.W., from Charles Allan, Elora, announcing his candidacy as representative of the North Riding of Wellington in the upcoming general election, adding "I hope that you will do me the favour to put yourself in communication with my other friends in your locality ...," 28 November 1857. Item 23: Letter to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, Harriston, Minto, from James Webster, Guelph, who writes "I am out for North Wellington … Would you kindly give me a helping hand? 28 November 1857. Item 24: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, Minto, from Henry Wissler, Elora, beginning "You are of course aware that this riding is to be contested by Messrs. Allan and Webster …", 1 December 1857 (2 sheets). Smithurst has drafted his "Answer" on reverse, Lea Hurst, Minto, 9 December 1857 (2 sheets). Item 25: Letter to Rev. John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, from George Palmer, Guelph, who writes "It was my full intention to have contested the North Riding at the General Election, but Mr. Webster was so much stronger than Dr. Clarke that I gave up the idea. Palmer asks for a report on Lots in Con. 12, 13 and 17 - what they are like and whether there are squatters on them, 9 Dec. 1857. Item 26: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, Harriston P.O., from [Reverend] C.E. Thomson who reports on his living arrangements and asks "Could you preach for me on Christmas Day and administer the Holy Communion? I will be here to assist. Everything in the Parish is going on prosperously …," 15 Dec. 1857. - file 15: 1858. Item 1: Order to pay Robert Caldwell, charged to the account of Elora Grammar School, signed John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, Chairman B.G. S.T., 25 March 1858. Item 2: Order to pay Mr. J. Mays, charged to the account of Elora Grammar School, signed John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, Chairman B.G. S.T., 25 March 1858. Item 3: Letter to Col. Hewat, Guelph, from John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Harriston P.O., Minto, regarding payments to be made from the Elora Grammar School account, 25 March 1858. Item 4: Letter to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, from James Mays, Guelph, reporting Col. Hewat would not honour the order to pay, 1 April 1858. Item 5: Letter to Mr. Smithurst, from [Reverend] C.E. Thomson, Elora, who is planning a visit in Minto, 27 August, ca.1858. Item 6: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, from A. Dingwall Fordyce, Minto, re school visiting, ca.1858. Item 7: Envelope [only] addressed to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto), Clifford P.O., from Ed Martin, ca.1858. - file 16: 1859. Item 1: Letter and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, from William Lea[?], Harriston, who writes "Ross was here last evening and made a great display he is out canvassing the Concessions in person today," 16 February 1859. Item 2: Invoice and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Harriston, Minto, C.W., for running lines, between Lots 26 & 27; Lots 28 & 29, Con.18; Blind Line, 25 April 1858, by J. Copp, Elora; invoice dated 25 March 1859. Item 3: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, from D. Macdonald, Elora, regarding the payment of his account to the late Charles Allan, and Smithurst's offer to give up his Village and Park Lots in Minto Village, 28 March 1859. Item 4: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, Minto, from D. Macdonald, Elora, reminding him that the letter of 28 March should be settled by 20th April, and asking that Post Office money orders be made payable to James Ross, Managing Executor by 20th April; dated 5 April 1859. Item 5: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, C.W., from D. Macdonald, Elora, for Executors of the late Charles Allan, stating they cannot submit the agreement for Lots to arbitration or accept any other arrangement, 11 April 1859. Item 6: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst - Minto, Harriston P.O. from D. Macdonald, for the Executors of the late Charles Allan, acknowledging receipt of a payment, and enclosing a statement listing debits and credits 13 June 1856 to 30 April 1859. Item 7: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Harriston P.O., Minto, Wellington County, Canada West, America, from William Buckley, Middleton by Wirksworth [Derbyshire, England], who reports news of the village and its people. The envelope bears a number of postmarks, dating its travel by steamer to North America, 9 August 1859. (2 sheets) Item 8: Letter and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Harriston P.O., Township of Minto, C.W., from J. Copp, Glenallan, who reports "As I am now greatly in want of money, you will certainly much oblige me by forwarding the amount due me for running your lines [see 1859, Item 2 above], 11 Nov. 1859. Item 9: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Harriston P.O., Minto, C.W., from D. Macdonald, acknowledging his "losses in money and property" but he can take his grain to market as soon as sleighing will permit, 19 Nov. 1859. Item 10: Letter to Reverend J. Smithurst from the Crown Lands Commission[?], Quebec, regarding further time for installments, 26 Dec. 1859. - file 17: 1860: Item 1: Envelope [only] to Reverend J. Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Clifford P.O., Minto, with notation "Rowsel / Newspaper Receipts," postmarked Toronto, 10 Jan. 1860. Item 2: Printed and handwritten letter to John Smithurst, Minto, from Office of the Clerk of the Peace, Guelph, appointing him Justice of the Peace for the District of Wellington, 25 February 1860. Item 3: Letter and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Lehurst[sic], Minto, from A. Harrison, Harriston, regarding payment of fifty dollars, a receipt for which is signed by William Harrison for Archibald Harrison, on account of the Executors of the late Charles Allan, 6 March 1860. Item 4: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Minto, from Reverend Stewart Houston, asking him to take the Easter morning service at Mount Forest, dated 27 March 1860. Item 5: Printed letter addressed to the Reverend J. Smithurst, Clifford P.O., Minto, from the Lady Managers of the Protestant Orphans' Home, Toronto, reporting on their activities and asking for a "cheerful and liberal response," 5 May 1860. Item 6: Letter to Reverend and Dear Sir, from the T. Sandilands, Gore Bank Agency, Guelph, regarding a promissory note of Robert Caldwell, adding he was glad to hear "that your crops are very promising," 2 June 1860. Item 7: Statement and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst from the Executors of the late Charles Allan, listing amounts 13 June 1859 - 13 June 1860. Item 8: Receipt from Archibald Harrison, acknowledging payment by Messrs. Smithurst and Caldwell "on account of my claim against the Executors of the late Charles Allan, 21 July 1860. Item 9: Statement and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst from D. Macdonald, for the Executors of the estate of the late Charles Allan, noting "Your Deed will be ready for you at any time you forward the above amount," and listing amounts 6 February 1860 - 1 September 1860. Item 10: Letter to "My dear Mr. Smithurst" from [illegible], Toronto, who reports "I think I know a person would suit your requirements. She is a widow with a child aged about 13 a nice little girl and has lately filled a similar situation …," 29 October 1860. Item 11: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto from James Ross, Account Executor, Estate of the late Charles Allan, reporting Smithurst's Deed was executed and ready for delivery, and they would be obliged by Smithurst's settlement of his account for the Lots in Minto, 31 October 1860. Item 12: Letter to the Reverend John Smithurst from [Reverend] Arthur Palmer, Guelph, referring to the Commission of Enquiry [1857, Items 19 and 20 above], and amounts owing to Smithurst by the Elora congregation, adding "When you come to Guelph, come & eat your Christmas dinner with me," 10 December 1860. (2 sheets) Item 13: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, from Andrew Geddes, C.L.O. [Crown Lands Office], Elora, inviting him for Christmas dinner, reporting on his activities but adding "I am somewhat doubtful of my being able to take so long a trip to Mount Forest - thence to Lea Hurst … the journey is pretty long and I do not stand the fatigue of travel well," 16 December 1860. Item 14: Copy of a Resolution past[sic] at a Vestry Meeting in St. John's Church, Elora, 20 October 1857, regarding (re)payments to Mr. Smithurst, including a table showing debits and credits from 1 April 1854 - 19 December 1860. - file 18: 1861. Item 1: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst from [illegible], Toronto, asking if G.W. Allan could be returned to Synod as one of the delegates from Minto, 4 May 1861. Item 2: Letter to the Reverend J. Smithurst, Minto, from Arthur M. Jennings, Elora, asking for a Certificate of Character, as he is leaving for British Columbia, 10 June 1861. Item 3: Letter to the Reverend John Smithurst, Minto, from John Cadenhead, Secretary of the Conservative Association of North Wellington, Fergus, asking for his support of their candidate Dr. Clarke, and listing the other delegates from Minto, 12 June 1861. Item 4: Letter and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Lea Hurst (Minto), Clifford P.O., C.W., from A. Dingwall Fordyce, discussing problems with school and trustee meetings in Minto Township, December 1861. - file 19: 1862. Item 1: Letter and envelope to the Reverend John Smithurst, Clifford Post Office, Minto, from [illegible], Bank of Montreal, Guelph Branch, regarding a note of $350, 16 January 1862. Item 2: Letter to Reverend and Directors[?], from [illegible], Bank of Montreal, Guelph Branch, regarding staffing an agency in Mount Forest, and asking "a gentleman of your Great Knowledge and long experience with mankind" for judgment of the candidates, Dr. Ecroyd, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Wilkes, 30 June 1862. Item 3: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst, Minto, from Andrew Geddes, Crown Lands Office, Elora, thanking him for writing to Mr. Moore at the Bank in Guelph, 26 July 1862. Item 4: Letter to Reverend Sir / My Dear Friend, from William Buckley, Middleton by Wirksworth [Derbyshire, England], reporting on the people of the village, and an elaborate wedding, 25 September 1862. Item 5: Letter to the Reverend J. Smithurst, from [Reverend] Arthur Palmer, Guelph reporting on a letter from the Bishop who had found "documents connected with the arrangements made with you on going to Minto," 10 November 1862. - file 20: 1863. Item 1: Invoice to Reverend J. Smithurst, from the Derby Mercury, subscription to Christmas 1862; note - paid by Post Office order got from Guelph, 13 March 1863. Item 2: Letter addressed "My dear Sir" from James W. Williams, Lennoxville; he was later elected Bishop of Quebec; letter dated 14 March 1863. Item 3: Letter to Reverend Mr. Smithurst, from William Clarke, Guelph, referring to the Township rolls of 1861, 29 July ca.1863. Item 4: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smith[urst], Lea Hurst, Clifford Post Office, Minto, Wellington County, Canada West, America, from [his brother] George Smithurst, who writes "It is a very long time since I heard from [you] and should like to know whether you are living or dead …31 August 1863. Item 5: Letter to Reverend Dear Sir, from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London [England], who "rejoiced to hear that your church, after so many difficulties & delays was at length approaching its completion," 14 November 1863. - file 21: 1864. Item 1: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Clifford P.O., Minto, Wellington County, Canada West, America, "Paid Per Steamer," from William Buckley, Middleton by Wicksworth [Derbyshire, England], reporting much news of the area, 16 June 1864. (2 sheets) - file 22: 1865. Item 1: Letter to the Reverend J. Smithurst, Leahurst[sic], from [Reverend] C.E. Thomson, Elora, thanking him for agreeing to take his services in Fergus and Elora the following Sunday and in conclusion, observes "I hope from the vote taken at Synod that there is yet a possibility of our having an Englishman & a gentleman for Bishop," 26 June 1865. Item 2: Letter to R. Caldwell, Minto, from R. M. Moore, Guelph, "determined to dispose of my greenhouse" and listing prices for plants, tanks, fumigator, hanging baskets, pots, glass, concluding "Here is a chance of starting a greenhouse business…," 11 July 1865. Item 3: Letter and envelope to The Reverend John Smithurst, Clifford P.O., from R.M. Moore, Guelph, who writes "No word of any government money yet …," 2 September 1865. Item 4: Letter to John Smithurst, Treasurer of Minto, Clifford P.O., Minto, from McPherson Harris, Treasurer, Synod of Ontario, Kingston [on Bank of Montreal letterhead], acknowledging receipt of a payment, being interest on a Township of Minto debt, lent by the Synod of Ontario, 4 Sept. 1865. Item 5: Letter to The Reverend John Smithurst, from A.J. Fergusson Blair, Guelph, thanking him for an invitation (which reached him too late) to attend the Minto Show, 6 Oct. 1865. Item 6: Letter to the Reverend John Smithurst from A. Macdonald, Guelph, regarding Division Court and Superior Court matters, 7 November 1865. Item 7: Letter and envelope to The Reverend J. Smithurst, Clifford P.O., C.W., from [Reverend William] Brookman, agent, British and Foreign Bible Society, asking "whether a Branch could not be formed in your neighbourhood this winter & if so could you kindly aid in so doing?" Postmarked "Mohawk" 24 November 1865. Item 8: Letter to Reverend J. Smithurst, from Henry Cochrans[?], Headingley[?] Parsonage, reporting the death of his mother, his child and another misfortune - the loss of two horses. He asks "Will you, please, do something for me towards purchasing another?" 25 November 1865. - file 23: 1866. Item 1: Letter to "My Dear Sir," from [Reverend] Stewart Houston, Mount Forest, reporting that the Missionary meeting will be held on the "24th inst. And it would give me great pleasure to have you present if you can conveniently come," 12 January 1866. Item 2: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, from Dr. Parker, Guelph, regarding "selecting candidates for Commission of the Peace. I will recommend those named in your letter," 1 February 1866. (2 sheets) [Dr. Thomas Sutherland Parker (1829-1868) was a physician in Guelph, elected to Ottawa to represent the North Riding of Wellington County, 1863-1868] Item 3: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Clifford, C.W., from Dr. Parker, Guelph, concerning land in Minto and claims by Mrs. Cockerill and Messrs. Bender and Townsend, 22 February 1866. Item 4: Letter and envelope to Reverend J. Smithurst, Leahurst[sic], Minto, from Charles Clarke, regarding "articles furnished by you for the Elora Exhibition … " reporting "The stage offices know nothing about them"; note in another hand, in pencil at top of page: Mrs. Cosgraves grandfather"; 14 March 1866. Item 5: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Clifford P.O., from E.H. Newman, Elora, regarding claims against the Geddes Estate[?], 26 March 1866. Item 6: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, from George Pirie, Guelph, regarding a printing matter; he continues with an observation " that Confederation has got a sudden start in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; the Fenian bugaboo has done good in that direction as well as otherwise …[but] Messrs. O'Mahony and Sweeny have found the affair too profitable to abandon so long as Pat & Biddy can be duped into furnishing contributions," 12 April 1866. Item 7: Letter to John Smithurst, Treasurer of Minto, Clifford P.O., from [name] [County Treasurer], Guelph, asking for the return of taxes for 1865, 16 April 1866. Item 8: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst from [Reverend] C.E. Thomson, Elora, asking him to "come down and take my duty," 6 June 1866. Item 9: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst, from Dr. T.S. Parker, Legislative Assembly, Ottawa, regarding the last payment to Minto from the Improvement Fund, 29 June 1866. Item 10: Letter to Reverend John Smithurst from Dr. T.S. Parker, Legislative Assembly [Ottawa] regarding the Clergy Reserve Fund, and Lot 12, Con.4, Normanby Twp., adding "I very much regret to hear of your illness," 25 July 1866. (2 sheets) Item 11: Letter and envelope to Reverend John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto, from Andrew Chapman, London, C.W., asking if there are taxes due on South-half, Lot 15, Con.12, Minto Township, 16 August 1866. Item 12: Account sent to Andrew Chapman, London showing amounts 1863 - 1 May 1866, 21 August 1866. Item 13: Letter to The Reverend J. Smithurst, Leahurst[sic], Minto, from [Reverend] C.E. Thomson, Elora, writing he would like to come for a visit and that he will be attending Synod; he offers comments on the candidates for Bishop - one is too old, one is lacking in learning and "the pet of the Orangemen," 29 August 1866. Item 14: Letter to T.S. Parker, M.P.P., Guelph, from A. Russell, Department of Crown Lands, Ottawa, regarding Lot 35 and Lot 36, Con.11, Minto Township; claim of James Cowen, settled in favour of Paul Sugg, 4 October 1866. On reverse, letter to Reverend J. Smithurst from Dr. Parker, Guelph, regarding a claim of Mr. Cowan (about which he can add nothing); he had attended the Garafraxa Show "and as it was held the day following yours, the distance and a little remaining weakness, made it impossible to be present at Harriston, as I much desired," 8 October 1866. Item 15: Letter to [Reverend John Smithurst] from Dr. Parker, Guelph, regarding the appointment or removal of Mr. Smith as President, North Riding association, ca.1866. Item 16: Letter to "My dear Smithurst," from [Reverend] Salter Givens, Guelph, who expresses concerns he and the Bishop had about Smithurst's return home in bad weather, adding "P.S. The Bishop directs me caution you about your bath. He thinks it dangerous going there alone," ca.1866. Item 17: [Orphan item?] Newspaper report of farm sales, Ancaster, Millbrook, St. Vincent, Strathallan; dated, from an article on reverse, to 14 Dec. 1877. |
Creator \ Maker |
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Elora |
Creator \ Maker |
Smithurst, John (Rev.) |
Item Name |
Correspondence Envelope Invoice Letter List Receipt |
Person \ Organization |
Allan, Charles Allan, G. W. Anderson, James Anderson, Thomas Arkwright, Henry Attwood Baldwin, Edward Bank of Montreal Bender Best. T. N. Blair, Adam Johnston Fergusson Board of Grammar School Trustees Bottom, (Rev.) British and Foreign Bible Society Brookman, William (Rev.) Browne, M. W. Buckley, William Bull, George A. (Rev.) Cadenhead, John Caldwell, Robert Chapman, Andrew Church Missionary Society Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto Clarke, (Dr.) Clarke, Charles Clarke, William Clergy Reserves Cochrans, Henry Cockerill Conservative Association of North Wellington Cook, Henry Copp, J. Cosgrave, (Mrs.) Cowan, James Cowen, James Crossman, John S. Crown Land Office Crown Lands Commission Crown Lands Department Department of Crown Lands Derby Mercury Diocese of Toronto District of Wellington Donaldson, C. Ecroyd, (Dr.) Elora Exhibition Elora Grammar School Erasmus, Peter Fenian Raids Finlayson, John (Dr.) Fordyce, Alexander Dingwall Garafraxa Show Geddes, Andrew Geddes, James Gibson, David Givens, Salter (Rev.) Gore Bank Grassett, H. J. (Rev.) Hale, Cassy Hale, Eliza Harris, McPherson Harrison, Archibald Harrison, William Hewat, (Col.) Hill, Arthur Stephen Hotel Bedford Houston, Stewart (Rev.) Jennings, Arthur M. Joyce Kennedy Kennedy, Thomas Smith Lea, William Lewis, James Lowndes and Surgey M. W. Browne's City Wharf MacDonald, A. MacDonald, D. Mahoney Marsh, John W. (Rev.) Martin, Ed Mays, James McConnell, Hugh McGregor, John McLean, B. M. Mickle and Richardson Mickle, Charles Minto Show Moore, R. M. Newman, E. H. Newman, R. C. Nightingale, Florence North Riding Association O'Mahony Orange Order Orangemen Palmer, Arthur (Rev.) Palmer, George Parker, Thomas Sutherland (Dr.) Pirie, George Preston, James Abraham (Rev.) Protestant Orphans' Home Reynolds, William Roberts Ross, James Rowsley Hotel Rundle, (Rev.) Russell, A. Sandilands, Thomas Saxton's New-Bath Hotel Saxton, G. W. Severn, Samuel Smith Smith, W. G. Smithurst, George Smithurst, John (Rev.) Society For Promoting Christian Knowledge Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts St. John Anglican Church St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church Strachan, John (Rev.) Sugg, Paul Sweeney Sweeny Synod of Ontario Tetter, James Thomson, C. E. Thomson, Charles Edward (Rev.) Townsend Township of Pilkington Tremayne, Francis (Jr.) (Rev.) Truthwaite, Jacob Vincent, John Walker, Charles Walker, John Webster, James Wellington County Council White, Cautherley and Hill Whitelaw, Thomas Wigram, J. C. Wilkes Williams, James W. Wissler, Henry |
Place |
Ancaster Arthur British Columbia Canada West Charleston Clifford Cobourg Derbyshire District Of Wellington Elora England Fergus Fleet Street Fort Garry Glanford Twp. Grantham Twp. Guelph Hamilton Harriston Isle Of Wight James Street Kingston Lachine Lea Hurst Leeds County Lennoxville London Manitoba Matlock Millbrook Milton Minto Twp. Montreal Mount Forest Normanby Twp. Norway House Ottawa Peel Twp. Puslinch Twp. Quebec Red River Regent Street Sherbrooke St. Catharines St. Vincent Twp. Strathallan Teviotdale Toronto Upper Canada Winnipeg |
Subject |
Religion Family Life Medical Architecture Agriculture Farming |
Year Range from |
1843 |
Year Range to |
1866 |
Accession # |
A2015.37.1 |
Containers |
MU 1261 |